What does it take to turn your love for festivals into a movement that changes lives? In this episode, we sit down with Desa Desautels, a driving force in the EDM scene who’s redefining what it means to be part of festival culture. From her first rave experiences to stepping behind the decks as a DJ, Desa opens up about her journey of passion, community, and purpose.
She shares the story of Festi Bestiez, the harm reduction initiative she founded that’s become a trusted source of safety, drug testing, and support at festivals across the scene. We get into why logistics and care matter, the impact of creating a supportive environment for festival-goers, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Desa also reflects on the energy of performing as a DJ, the realities of life inside rave culture, and her vision for the future. This is an inspiring conversation about music, impact, and what it takes to leave a lasting mark on the community you love.
00:00 Getting Involved in the Community
01:10 Early Festival Experiences & Harm Reduction
02:30 Starting Out as a DJ
04:15 Discovering EDM and Festival Culture
07:00 Building Connections and Breaking In
09:00 Becoming a Go-Getter
11:00 Life as a DJ: Memorable Moments
12:00 Inside the Rave and EDM Scene
13:30 The Story Behind Festi Bestiez
15:50 Launching Harm Reduction Services
17:00 How Drug Testing Works at Festivals
19:25 Festi Bestiez' Fast Growth
20:55 Ambitions for the Future
22:00 Festival Logistics & Safety
23:10 Looking Ahead & Final Advice
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