Inside Community podcast takes an inside look at the beautiful and messy realities of creating and sustaining an intentional community.
There are as many ways to structure a community as there are communities, but perhaps one of the most controversial models are those with central leadership. Is that even real community? Today’s guest and self-proclaimed “evil dictator”, Paul Wheaton, comes on to explain the benefits of top-down power structures and the great responsibility that comes with taking on the role.
In episode 020:
Introduction and welcome. (0:03)
The importance of community in permaculture. (5:15)
The controversy of the controversial central leadership structure. (12:41)
Leadership structure in an intentional community. (19:16)
The third tribe of community. (25:21)
What do you do when you're not being cool? (34:27)
The importance of trust. (44:22)
Ownership of the bootcamp. (49:29)
Rent for life vs. Rent for life. (54:56)
How much does it cost to live in the camp? (1:00:44)
What has been your greatest lesson from this journey of community? (1:08:14)
Thank you Paul. (1:14:46)
About the Podcast
The Inside Community Podcast brings folks along for an inside look at all of the beautiful and messy realities of creating and sustaining a community. We provide useful and inspiring content to support people on their quest for resilience,
sustainability, and connection.
Through essays and interviews with experts, we examine a variety of topics related to communal living — from governance and decision making to ownership models, from navigating coparenting to navigating finances, from how to find your people to how to actually live with them. Whether you are wondering what it would be like to live with friends, share resources, and explore a more interconnected way of being, or live in community, and are looking for tips and tricks to overcome your community’s latest hurdle, the Inside Community Podcast will meet you where you are on your journey with topical episodes and fearless investigations.
About your host
Inside Community Podcast host Rebecca Mesritz is a community builder living in Williams, Oregon. In 2011, Rebecca co-founded the Emerald Village (EVO) in North County San Diego, California. During her ten years with EVO, she supported and
led numerous programs and initiatives including implementation and training of the community in Sociocracy, establishment of the Animal Husbandry program, leadership of the
Land Circle, hosting numerous internal and external community events, and participation in the Human Relations Circle which holds the relational, spiritual and emotional container for their work.
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