The Retreat: a Divine Madness Update (Interview Episode)
Special Guest: Deru Youmans
Deru came across a listing for The Retreat in New Mexico on the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) website at the age of 25. Deru had previously spent time with intentional communities and organic farms, and was ready for a new experience. The photos of the “Scenic, secluded farm in the Gila National Forest” were stunning. Deru headed to the remote community in November 2022.
EPISODE DETAILS
March 13th, 2024
1 hr 34 mins 24 secs
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In the last episode of season 5, we looked into a Boulder, Colorado community then known as Divine Madness and led by Marc Tizer, usually referred to as 'Yo'. Its members were recognised for some amazing results in ultramarathons. At the time of researching that episode, updates about the current status of the group were hard to come by.
Deru Youmans came across a listing for 'The Retreat' in the Gila National Forest on the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) website, and it sounded amazing. Their recent experience in this remote community had them very concerned for others who might come across a similar listing in the future.
EPISODE LINKS
Teachings of Value — website for The Retreat and other current activities of Marc Tizer's group once known as Divine Madness
Scenic, secluded farm in the Gila National Forest — WWOOF listing for The Retreat
Inner Journeys Wilderness Camps — Summer overnight camps for teenage girls at The Retreat
Highland Intentional Community — Foundation for Intentional Community listing for the group's Boulder, Colorado farm
A Running Club Is 100 Miles Outside of the Mainstream — by Jere Longman, The New York Times, 28 July 1997