The Story of Deep Tropics: Building the Greenest EDM Festival in North America with Joel Atchison

What happens when two brothers decide to reimagine what partying could look like?

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Joel Atchison, experimental producer, community builder, and co-founder of Deep Tropics, Nashville’s premier music, art, and style festival. Recognized by the New York Times and Forbes as the greenest festival in North America, Deep Tropics is setting a new standard for what’s possible when music meets mission.

From soil science and sustainability to bass drops and biohacking, Joel shares how a dream turned into a movement. What started as a local event has evolved into a global example of how festivals can uplift people, planet, and purpose… all while still going off.

We get into:
✨ The full origin story of Deep Tropics and why sustainability was always part of the plan
✨ How Deep Culture became the festival’s beating heart
✨ What regenerative partying actually looks and feels like
✨ Tools for integration so the magic doesn’t end when the music stops
✨ The rise of sober-friendly spaces and year-round community building
✨ Behind the scenes of AmandaFest x Deep Tropics and why the pregaming ritual matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build something meaningful that still moves people, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction to the AmandaFest Podcast

00:12 Meet Joel: Sustainability Pioneer and Festival Co-Founder

01:21 Guided Meditation: Arriving in the Present Moment

04:52 Joel's Personal Practices and Breathwork

06:16 The Deep Tropics Festival Experience

08:21 Joel's Journey into Sustainability and Festival Creation

10:00 The Birth of Deep Culture and Its Mission

12:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Building a Festival

20:03 Deep Tropics: A Gateway to Transformational Experiences

22:18 The Magic of Integration

23:04 Building a Year-Round Community

23:37 Sustainable Partying and Intentional Use

26:30 The Importance of Sobriety and Self-Awareness

30:55 Manifesting Intentions and Festival Magic

36:08 Deep Tropics: A Model for Regenerative Celebration

41:16 Future Visions and Exciting Collaborations

44:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Connect w/ me on IG @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

Connect w/ Joel & Deep Tropics + Deep Culture on IG @re.gen.er.ate @deep.tropics @deep.culture

Deep Tropics Ticket Discount Code: AmandaFest