Daniel Schmachtenberger: Bend not Break: Maximum Power & Hyper Agents | The Great Simplification #20 Nate Hagens 2026-09-23 | Daniel Schmachtenberger: Bend not Break: Maximum Power & Hyper Agents | The Great Simplification #20
At the end of last year I was interviewed for the podcast, The Regeneration Will Be Funded. Nate Hagens 2025-01-02 | ...
What Would You Do With a Magic Wand? | TGS 157 Nate Hagens 2024-12-22 | This year on The Great Simplification, we heard from 54 guests, 18 Reality Roundtable panelists, and Nate shared his thoughts across 31 Frankly episodes. But even after releasing 300+ hours of conversations and reflections since this show began, we are only just beginning to connect all the moving parts that make up The Human Predicament.As 2025 approaches, we invite you to reflect on this compilation of answers to a question that Nate asks every guest: “If you could wave a magic wand – and there was no personal recourse to your decision, what is one thing you would do to improve human and planetary futures?” While some of these answers would truly take magic to achieve, and others involve actions that we have the power to enact on the individual level and within the communities around us right now, we hope you feel motivated and inspired by the magical thinking of these experts to wave a wand wherever you find yourself in the unfolding story of The Great Simplification.Thank you so much for your continuing support, and for caring so deeply about the topics of this show.So, what would you do with a magic wand?Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/157-best-of-tgs---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf
Time Travel & The Superorganism: A Movie Idea | Frankly 81 Nate Hagens 2024-12-20 | (Recorded December 16, 2024)As we wrap up another year of thought-provoking discussions on The Great Simplification, Nate takes us on an imaginative journey in this week’s Frankly - exploring a potential movie script idea that blends systems, science and fiction. What if someone who deeply understood the challenges of today's global economic Superorganism could travel back in time? Armed with the knowledge of our current ecological and economic trajectory, what would they change? What could they change?Hollywood media could serve as a powerful tool to educate and inspire a wider audience on the systems science of our current predicament. Unpacking his movie idea, Nate shows us how the interventions highlighted - even if sci-fi - could educate audiences about the complex dynamics which have shaped the issues we now face. Through key character developments, we explore the constraints imposed by the path dependency of the Superorganism, realities about aggregate human behavior, and where degrees of freedom might exist to shift the trajectory of the future - in service of life.If you could travel back through time to the 1970s (or to any date), how would YOU intervene to shape the future? Could education, regenerative ecology, or “Superorganism-free zones” alter the trajectory of civilization? And more broadly, how might Hollywood still play a role in translating the systems science towards providing agency to the general public?Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/81-time-travel-and-the-superorganism---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction01:01 - Audiences of TGS04:59 - Movie Idea10:26 - Bonus Themes16:48 - What Would You Do?
Local organizer and activist Christian Sawyer on finding your autonomy in this big, unfolding story. Nate Hagens 2024-12-19 | ...
NEW RELEASE - The Great Simplification in Action: Building Resilience Through Local Communities Nate Hagens 2024-12-18 | ...
Building Resilience Through Local Communities with Christian Sawyer | TGS 156 Nate Hagens 2024-12-18 | (Conversation recorded on November 7th, 2024) Long-time listeners of The Great Simplification may have a good grasp of the many impending crises that humanity faces. But once we understand the scope of this predicament, what changes could we make to prepare in our own communities right now? Today, Nate is joined by local organizer and activist Christian Sawyer, to discuss how he’s built a pro-social community in rural Arizona. Christian emphasizes the power of local collaboration and demonstrates how the cultivation of social capital builds resilience in the face of challenges, as well as creates better lives for those who live in the community. Together, Nate and Christian explore the dynamics of community work parties, the skills learned through cooperation, and the significance of trust and friendship in building a supportive network. What do aspects of The Great Simplification look like in action? What are the most common challenges faced in group settings, and what lessons can it teach about the values of love, wisdom, and art in fostering meaningful connections? How can anyone, anywhere start creating local initiatives and engaging with ecological awareness? When fostering community, why should we emphasize empowering individuals in order to solve local problems and advocate towards the protection of our most important resources? About Christian Sawyer:Christian Sawyer is a local organizer, community lobbyist, sustainable home builder, musician, researcher, and groundwater activist in rural southeast Arizona. He is a journalist for the Arizona Agenda, as well as for Ground Party Papers, a local newsletter for alternative, off-grid, sustainable lifestyles.Link to Christian's Slack Group: join.slack.com/t/localsensemaking/shared_invite/zt-2wqsnqzgx-PXgBZEyzhGVO1PaskF9nsAShow Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/156-christian-sawyer---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction06:00 - Christian’s Work Community11:50 - Bioregioning15:05 - Metacrisis Awareness19:28 - Rules and Organization24:44 - Local Resilience26:53 - Barriers to Organization31:52 - Biggest Struggles36:06 - Local Newsletter39:28 - How to Get Started45:45 - Personal Practices50:56 - Key Takeaways55:05 - Closing Questions
Plummeting fertility is no longer just a premise for a science fiction movie. Nate Hagens 2024-12-17 | ...
The petrochemical industry is increasing plastic production due to decreasing fuel demand. Nate Hagens 2024-12-16 | ...
According to 20th Century British economist John Hicks, we havent made any money in decades. Nate Hagens 2024-12-13 | ...
“Thank You for Ruining My Life” | Frankly 80 Nate Hagens 2024-12-13 | (Recorded December 5, 2024)It’s not everyday that a stranger thanks you for ‘ruining their life’. In this heartfelt Frankly, Nate reflects on a powerful encounter with a venture capitalist whose life was upended - and ultimately enriched - after immersing himself in the full content of The Great Simplification podcast. This man’s journey from techno-optimism to a deeper understanding of the limits of infinite growth on a finite planet shines a light on the purpose of this channel: to inspire and equip curious, prosocial individuals to channel their skills and creativity toward building a future that’s better than the default.Nate shares an email from this listener, detailing the emotional and intellectual wrestling match of confronting uncomfortable truths. From sleepless nights to moments of clarity, this journey underscores the transformative power of knowledge - not just to inform, but to empower action, shifting us from passive consumers of content to active creators of responses.What does it feel like to be confronted with the uncomfortable realities of the systems synthesis? Is it worth it? And are you ready to join a growing community of changemakers leaning into this challenge?---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf
Will we ever be able to place chemical safety and public health above economic motivations? Nate Hagens 2024-12-12 | ...
Shifting global birth trends, medically-assisted pregnancy, changing age demographics, and more. Nate Hagens 2024-12-11 | ...
How The Toxicity Crisis Could Cause the Next Economic Crash with Jeremy Grantham | TGS 155 Nate Hagens 2024-12-11 | (Conversation recorded on November 5th, 2024) It is no secret that population dynamics significantly impact global stability. But what’s really behind today’s shifting global birth trends, the increased need for medically-assisted pregnancy, and the changing age demographics of industrialized nations? Furthermore, what are the implications of these shifts for future economic security? Today, Nate is joined by investment strategist Jeremy Grantham to discuss the critical but underreported issues surrounding toxicity and public health – particularly endocrine disruptors and their impact on human fertility, longevity, and societal structures. In this important conversation, Jeremy highlights the ubiquitousness of toxicity in our modern environments, the cultural and economic factors contributing to declining fertility rates, and the urgent need to transition to non-toxic materials and energy sources. In what ways could population decline pose serious economic challenges, particularly in aging societies? How might the alarming drop in sperm count affect future policies on immigration? Finally, how can we detoxify both our environments – and capitalism – before it’s too late?About Jeremy Grantham:Jeremy Grantham co-founded GMO in 1977 and is a member of GMO’s Asset Allocation team, serving as the firm’s long-term investment strategist. He is a member of the GMO Board of Directors, a partner of the firm, and has also served on the investment boards of several non-profit organizations. Additionally in 1989, Jeremy co-founded the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. Prior to GMO’s founding, Mr. Grantham was co-founder of Batterymarch Financial Management in 1969 where he recommended commercial indexing in 1971, one of several claims to being first. He began his investment career as an economist with Royal Dutch Shell. Mr. Grantham earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Sheffield (U.K.) and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, holds a CBE from the UK and is a recipient of the Carnegie Medal for Philanthropy.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/155-jeremy-grantham---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction03:50 - Recent Findings08:49 - Loss of Labor12:26 - Culture or Plastic?15:05 - Population Implosion18:13 - Global North vs Global South20:56 - Upcoming Paper27:35 - Brain Drain29:37 - GDP Impacts33:18 - Impact on Fertility43:08 - One World, One Health46:29 - Plasticizers, PFAS, and Agricultural Chemicals51:28 - Toxicity and Capitalism01:00:07 - Nonpartisan Wake Up Call01:05:18 - Household Actions01:07:55 - Technological Inventions01:09:46 - Cognitive/Emotional Impacts01:13:02 - What Would You Do?01:15:00 - Top Down or Bottom Up?01:18:24 - Degrowth01:22:44 - Baby Depletion01:24:55 - Umbrella Pitch to the Privileged01:31:10 - Public vs Corporate Interests01:33:45 - U.S. Lag01:36:40 - The Future of Capitalism01:41:58 - Closing Thoughts
Existential risk expert explains one of the many challenges that would come with aerosol injection. Nate Hagens 2024-12-10 | ...
Existential risk expert on whether 3°C of global warming is an existential threat to humanity. Nate Hagens 2024-12-09 | ...
A Global Treaty To Regulate Petrochemical Pollution? | Jane Muncke | TGS 154 Nate Hagens 2024-12-08 | (Conversation recorded on December 2nd, 2024) One of the central ecological challenges of our time is addressing the plastic and petrochemical pollution that has exploded over the past several decades. This global issue will require the cooperation of all nations. But based on the disintegration of UN negotiations for a treaty on plastic pollution last Sunday, this is easier said than done. In this special episode, Nate is joined by toxicologist Jane Muncke, who provides an in-depth analysis following the final day of discussions in Busan, South Korea. Together, they explore the complex intergovernmental negotiations that have defined the treaty process, as well as the environmental and health policies that have shaped these conversations in recent years.Will we ever be able to place chemical safety and public health above economic motivations at the global level? Could increased public awareness of the way these seemingly convenient products affect our health and well-being finally shut off the plastic tap? Finally, is it possible for the treaty to go beyond waste management and recycling, to instead move towards reducing the production and consumption of plastics at the source? About Jane Muncke: Jane Muncke holds a doctorate degree in environmental toxicology and a MSc in environmental science from the ETH Zurich. Since 2012 she has been working as Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer at the charitable Food Packaging Forum Foundation (FPF) in Zurich, Switzerland. FPF is a research and science communication organization focusing on chemicals in all types of food contact materials. Jane Muncke is a full scientific member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT), the Society for Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (SETAC), the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Endocrine Society. Since 2019, she has been an elected expert member of the Swiss Organic Farming Association Bio Suisse’s committee on trade and processing where she contributes to further developing the standards for processing and packaging of organic food. She is a director of the FAN initiative, a collective of experts warning about resource overshoot, the polycrisis, and related societal collapse.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/154-jane-munckeSupport The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction02:36 - Conference Overview09:15 - Primary Polymers15:48 - Stopping Demand19:52 - Chemical Testing21:28 - Reactions of Participants27:48 - Do They Understand the Science?34:16 - Potential Outcomes37:47 - Education and Awareness40:45 - Plastic Strike42:08 - Intoxicants44:04 - Closing Thoughts
The power structure that decides what is important to our society #thegreatsimplification Nate Hagens 2024-12-06 | ...
The Biggest Takeaways from the Logic of the Superorganism | Frankly 79 Nate Hagens 2024-12-06 | (Recorded November 26, 2024)As we piece together the different facets of our reality, the systems synthesis which emerges confronts us with some uncomfortable truths. These are the advanced inferences rooted in the logic of The Great Simplification. They have important implications for our expectations about the future and how we should respond in the present.In this Frankly, Nate revisits some key messages from this channel and delves into some of the more challenging takeaways. The logic of the Superorganism reveals why narrow focus on solutions while extrapolating current trends will be insufficient for addressing the most important issues of our time and why these will increasingly have to be championed proactively, creatively and indirectly instead. As the biophysical and social limits to growth become harder to ignore, The Great Simplification synthesis points us to a more realistic portrait of the future: one of less for the 'median' human. Facing these realities is neither easy nor pleasant, but as more people arrive at a species-level conversation, it is necessary. Only by doing so can we look and plan several steps ahead to change the initial conditions of the future, in service of life.In what ways are free markets and technology ‘false gods’? How does the metabolic hierarchy of the Superorganism dictate what gets prioritised in global decision making? And what speed bumps lie ahead on the road to The Great Simplification?Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/79-the-biggest-takeaways-from-the-logic-of-the-superorganism---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction01:20 - Core TGS Principles03:41 - Energy04:44 - Free Markets and Technology06:18 - AI, Debt, and Shale Oil07:04 - Overshoot and Carrying Capacity07:44 - Metabolic Hierarchy09:17 - Climate Change10:30 - Multipolar World11:46 - Law of Aggregate Probability13:44 - A World of Less15:04 - Social Limits to Growth16:53 - Facts vs Feelings17:40 - Species-Level Conversation
Existential Risks: The Biggest Threats to Life as We Know It with Luke Kemp | TGS 153 Nate Hagens 2024-12-04 | ...
The Biggest Threats to Life as We Know It with Luke Kemp | TGS 153 Nate Hagens 2024-12-04 | (Conversation recorded on October 22nd, 2024) The human system as we know it today – which powers our economies, global supply chains, and social contracts – is a fragile network based on innumerable complex components. Yet we rarely stop to recognize its many vulnerabilities, instead taking for granted that it will continue to securely operate indefinitely. But if we take a more careful look, how can we assess the risks of major catastrophic events that could destroy life as we know it? Today, Nate is joined by Luke Kemp, a researcher whose work is focused on existential risks (or X-risks), which encompass threats of human extinction, societal collapse, and dystopian futures. How can we begin to understand the likelihood and gravity of these ruinous events, and what kinds of responses from people and governments could further undermine social cohesion and resilience?What roles do human biases, hierarchical power structures, and the development of technologies, like artificial intelligence and geoengineering, play in X-risks? How can we collaborate across industries to protect our modern systems through effective risk management strategies? And in what ways do our institutions need to become more inclusive to better democratize decision-making processes, leading to safer futures for humanity?About Luke Kemp: Luke is a Research Affiliate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) and Darwin College at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on understanding the history and future of extreme global risk. Luke has advised the WHO and multiple international institutions, and his work has been covered by media outlets such as the BBC, New York Times, and the New Yorker. He holds both a Doctorate in International Relations and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with first class honours from the Australian National University (ANU). His first book on the deep history and future of societal collapse (titled Goliath’s Curse) will be published with Penguin in June 2025.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/153-luke-kemp---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction02:05 - Luke’s Background03:29 - Existential Risks11:13 - Techno-optimism14:00 - State of the Field of Study18:44 - Human Biases and Root Causes26:40 - Morality vs The System29:58 - Natural Selection32:24 - Storable Surplus36:00 - X-Risk Interactions41:35 - X-Risk Anxiety43:23 - Financial Overshoot45:22 - Is Information Enough/Too Much?52:09 - Risk Exposure and Distribution57:19 - Mainstream Climate Research01:03:26 - Doomerism vs Risk Realism01:05:54 - Insurance and Information Hazards01:13:32 - Surveillance and Forecasting01:19:05 - What Do We Do?01:27:45 - Future Research01:30:10 - Closing Questions
The story of the 20th century as told by oil, and where the story is now. Nate Hagens 2024-12-03 | ...
A Brief Clarification on Human Behavior | Frankly 78 Nate Hagens 2024-11-29 | (Recorded November 21, 2024)Two weeks ago, in a Frankly called The Battles of Our Time, Nate commented on human behavior and said that, in today's world, only three to four percent of humans are going to do the right thing and appeal to the ‘better angels’ of their nature. Today’s Frankly is a follow-up and clarification of what he meant. It’s true that humans are deeply influenced by our evolutionary past. It is also true that our current economic structures, cultural norms, and the inner workings of the Superorganism shape our actions. But the majority of our history as a species paints a more optimistic picture than our current behavior might suggest. If we take a deeper time lens, it becomes obvious that, in order to navigate the challenges of the future, perhaps we need not look to technological innovation – but instead must return to the intrinsic values and pro-social nature of our past. Ultimately, we as individuals, and as a species, are plastic. The biggest predictor of our behavior is conforming to what others do, and what others do is going to change in the future… because it must. Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/78-a-brief-clarification-on-human-behavior----Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction03:32 - Three Behavioral Timelines07:44 - Free Will
Energy Crises & Global Power Shifts: The Struggle for Stability in Israel, Iran, and Beyond Nate Hagens 2024-11-27 | ...
The Struggle for Stability in Israel, Iran, and Beyond with Helen Thompson | TGS 152 Nate Hagens 2024-11-27 | (Conversation recorded on November 11th, 2024, prior to a ceasefire declared between Israel and Lebanon on November 27th, 2024)If you’ve followed TGS for some time, you’ve heard Nate speak about The 5 Horsemen – the biggest risks for humans and civilization in the coming decade. Today’s episode delves into one of the most rapidly escalating: geopolitics. Today, Nate is joined by Political Economy Professor Helen Thompson to explore the evolving understanding of energy's role in international relations, particularly in the context of recent conflicts in the Middle East. They discuss the challenge of anticipating the volatile changes in energy supplies, the complexities of navigating information in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, and the role of global powers like BRICS and OPEC.How will resource conflicts continue to shape the long-standing tensions in the Middle East? What would a transition from a unipolar world to a multipolar world mean for the global geopolitical landscape and its energy implications? Given how connected these issues are to the delicate balance of our world, how can we increase awareness and preparation for future crises?About Helen Thompson: Helen Thompson has been Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge since 1994. Her current research concentrates on the political economy of energy and the long history of the democratic, economic, and geopolitical disruptions of the twenty-first century. She is a regular panelist on Talking Politics and a columnist for the New Statesman. She is a co-presenter of UnHerd's podcast, These Times, and recently published Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century.Show Notes and More: thegreatsimplification.com/episode/152-helen-thompson---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction03:00 - The Public Perception of Energy06:09 - Update on the Middle East09:45 - Israel vs Iran13:18 - Israel’s New Defense Minister17:28 - Conscription20:31 - The Quickening Pace23:19 - Finding Valid Information27:06 - U.S. Reputation30:25 - Ethnic Cleansing32:27 - Consequences of a Trump Presidency35:59 - The Strait of Hormuz40:20 - How Do We Avoid Conflict?45:45 - Shia-Sunni Divide48:30 - Humanitarian Influence52:27 - A Peaceful Multipolar World55:35 - AI and Nuclear Power57:53 - Advice to the U.S. and U.K.01:01:54 - Houthi Influence01:03:27 - The Path to Maturity01:08:31 - Closing Thoughts
Reality Roundtable 13 - Future Council: How Children are Responding to our Planetary Crises Nate Hagens 2024-11-24 | ...
How Children are Responding to our Planetary Crises with Damon Gameau and The Future Council | RR 13 Nate Hagens 2024-11-24 | (Conversation recorded on September 24th, 2024) It is frequently true that those who will inherit the greatest consequences of our climate crisis – today’s youth – have the least voice in shaping what happens next. But if given a seat at the table, what would these children have to say about creating a more sustainable path forward? In this Reality Roundtable, Nate sits down with documentarian Damon Gameau and three young activists featured in his documentary film The Future Council, to discuss their experiences grappling with the complex challenges of transforming a system that is actively harming our planet and what they think should be done to save humanity from itself. What do kids think about the actions of the most powerful and wealthy individuals and corporations in our global societies? How would they act differently if they had children sitting in their boardrooms? Finally, what would the world look like if we incorporated the hopes and fears of the youngest amongst us into our decision-making for the future? About Damon Gameau:Damon Gameau is an Australian film director, speaker and author. In 2015, he turned to activism with his debut feature documentary ‘That Sugar Film’, which sold to 25 territories and received numerous awards. Damon then directed the climate solutions feature documentary ‘2040’ and authored an accompanying book ‘2040: a Handbook for the Regeneration’. Both films sit in the top 10 highest grossing Australian documentaries at the domestic box office. Damon then co-founded Regen Studios with Anna Kaplan where together they work with philanthropists and partners to build comprehensive impact campaigns for their films, raising money for ecological solutions and awareness in classrooms, boardrooms, and Parliaments around the world. About Skye Neville:Skye lives near Fairbourne in North Wales. This village has been described as the doomed village and its residents are destined to become the first climate refugees of the Western world. For the past few years Skye campaigns against the plastic rubbish on kids’ comics and magazines. Skye is a massive fan of sailing but has a genuine dislike for plastic wrap magazines.About Clemence “CC” Currie:She is the founder and current CEO of CCs Plastic Pick-up Crew, where they clean up local beaches in Scotland. She has a particular passion for the ocean, plastics and the climate crisis. CC loves hiking with her Dad but has no time for chocolate cake.About Joaquin Minana:Joaquin is our straight shooter! Joaquin is from The Netherlands and has worn hearing aids since he was an infant. He speaks multiple languages and wants to use these skills to speak about the injustices of the world, as a writer or lawyer. He hates math but loves the first sound he ever heard.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/reality-roundtable-13---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction2:38 - Documentary Background4:13 - What Damon Learned8:30 - Documentary Trailer9:30 - Thinking About the Future10:58 - What Are You Most Worried About?12:25 - Climate Anxiety14:38 - Talking with Family16:18 - Having Support18:16 - Transforming Groth24:01 - Speaking with Businesses26:07 - A Low Consumption Future29:08 - Would Energy Alternatives Help?33:40 - What Do You Like to Do?36:10 - What Changes Have You Made?38:37 - Energy as Magic41:45 - What Are You Working On?44:17 - Closing Questions
7 Philosophies on the Future | Frankly 77 Nate Hagens 2024-11-22 | (Recorded November 12, 2024)In last week’s Frankly, Nate shared his thoughts on some of the polarities we’ll need to harmonize as we journey towards a more uncertain world. As the holidays approach for many, we will face these “polarities” head-on in relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. How could imagining the different perspectives of others allow us to have more meaningful and empathic conversations about the future? In today’s Frankly, Nate highlights seven views of the future and how broadening our awareness to include others’ starting points might allow for greater discourse and understanding. How we view the future stems from what we care about and our expectations for humanity – from needing to stay focused solely on daily struggles to believing we’re on an endless path towards living outside our own solar system. Perhaps an even bigger factor is whether we believe we can change the trajectory of the future or if our species is simply stuck on a predetermined outcome. How do common beliefs and fears for the future - such as colonizing Mars, degrowth, societal collapse, or climate catastrophes - shape our philosophies for the future? And while many of us may think that we have a strong synthesis of our economic, ecological, and geopolitical realities, why should we think that any one of us can predict the future with 100% certainty? Finally, how could we use these lenses when listening to others - and take a first step in a likely “bend not break” future? Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/77-7-philosophies-on-the-future---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction02:05 - Focusing on the Present02:34 - Extrapolation of the Past03:06 - Growth as Natural Law04:09 - Degrowth05:23 - Collapse06:02 - Growth as Necessary07:30 - Growth No Longer Possible09:13 - Closing Thoughts
Amazon Rainforest expert André Guimarães makes the case for cultural diversity. Nate Hagens 2024-11-21 | ...
André Guimarães - Fires in the Rainforest: The Impossible Economics of a Disappearing Amazon Nate Hagens 2024-11-20 | ...
Amazon Deforestation, Animal Agriculture, & the Devastating Global Costs | André Guimarães | TGS 151 Nate Hagens 2024-11-19 | (Conversation recorded on October 2nd, 2024) For millions of years, the Amazon Rainforest has been home to a stunning array of plant and animal species, has shaped our world’s climate, provided for millions of humans, and, as today’s guest likes to put it, served as “the heart of the planet.” But what economic and political factors are putting this vital ecosystem at risk, and what can be done to keep the “world’s heart” beating for future generations of all species?In this conversation, Nate is joined by agronomist & economist André Guimarães to explore the historical context – and modern expansion – of deforestation in Brazil; the difficult relationship between local economies, animal agriculture, and the health of the Amazon at large; and the role of policy in shaping environmental and developmental outcomes. André emphasizes the importance of indigenous peoples in conservation efforts, as well as the responsibility to ‘act locally while thinking globally’ to ensure that the Amazon can continue to provide not only for its inhabitants, but for the world at large.Why is the Amazon Rainforest so important for global food production, and can it continue its massive output while sustaining the health of the forest? Why is the Amazon Rainforest burning? What is the Brazilian government's current approach to regulating deforestation, and how do local Brazilians, their families, and their economic realities fit into the conversation? Finally, how can we fulfill our global responsibility, no matter where we live, to protect it before it’s too late? About André Guimarães:André Guimarães is the Executive Director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, a Brazilian think tank focused on the Amazonian challenges for reaching zero deforestation and sustainable development. He is also the facilitator of the Coalition on Climate Forests and Agriculture, a network of 200+ entities from the rural sector, academia and civil society, focused on the development of a long-term vision for land use in Brazil.Mr. Guimarães is currently the Chairman of the Board at the Amazon Institute for Mankind and the Environment. He also founded and served as the CEO of Brazil Forests, a company dedicated to forest management, conservation and restoration of natural resources.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/151-andre-guimaraes---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction
Be honest, did you even think the Amazon turning into a savanna was a possibility? Nate Hagens 2024-11-18 | ...
The Battles of Our Time | Frankly 76 Nate Hagens 2024-11-15 | In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, battles and tensions seem to exist everywhere we look. Power shifts and compounding crises are opening up new landscapes for change. As we inhabit and define an unpredictable world order, we will increasingly face “battles” at the individual and community level, too. Now comes the real work for pro-social, pro-future, systems-aware humans.In today’s Frankly, Nate describes some of the battles - or polarities - of our time: the tensions and dichotomies we face from the global macro level all the way down to the level of individual metacognition. Nate reflects on how each of these polarities contribute in their own unique way to the overarching battle of power versus life. By harmonizing and better navigating these polarities we can move away from the extremes embedded in the Superorganism dynamic and instead sow the seeds for cultures in service of life which can flourish in the wake of the existing world order. What are the key polarities that define this wider struggle between power and life? And how might we navigate these tensions in the trade off between who we have become and who we might yet be, as individuals and as humanity as a whole?Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/76-the-battles-of-our-time---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction01:52 - Unipolar vs Multipolar03:30 - Elites vs Common Man05:08 - Masculine vs Femenine07:20 - Individual vs Collective08:15 - Humans vs Non-Humans09:46 - Present vs Future10:57 - Extraction vs Regeneration12:15 - Things vs Connections14:39 - Activism vs Effectivism16:25 - Brain Stem vs Neocortex18:36 - Fantasy vs Reality21:33 - Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic23:15 - Behaviors vs Values24:20 - Power vs Life
Carbon Sink to Carbon Source? How the Amazon Rainforest Could Become a Self-Drying Savanna Nate Hagens 2024-11-13 | ...
How the World’s Biggest Rainforest Could Become a Self-Drying Savanna with Carlos Nobre | TGS 150 Nate Hagens 2024-11-13 | (Conversation recorded on September 25th, 2024) The Amazon Rainforest is one of the Earth's most vital systems, playing a key role in maintaining the balance and stability of our climate. Yet this extraordinary ecosystem, which influences global rainfall patterns and regulates temperatures, is increasingly threatened by human activity. What is the current status of the ancient Amazon Rainforest, and how could its trajectory shape the entire planet for thousands of years to come? In today’s episode, Nate speaks with Earth scientist Carlos Nobre to explore the critical challenges facing the Amazon. They delve into the rainforest’s unique ecological dynamics, the devastating impact of deforestation and wildfires on its ability to function, and how the health of the Amazon directly influences the climate of the entire world.In what ways does the astounding biodiversity of the Amazon play critical roles in its resilience, and how is that biodiversity being put at risk? How could a system that has sustained its own water cycles for millions of years suddenly tip into a self-drying savanna? Finally, what actions should countries – beyond the Amazonia region itself – take to support the conservation and restoration of the world’s largest rainforest and the people that call it home? About Carlos Nobre:Carlos A. Nobre is an Earth Scientist from Brazil, currently associated with the University ofSão Paulo. He is also the co-chair of the Science Panel for the Amazon-SPA. He obtained his PhD in Meteorology at MIT. Nobre's work mostly focuses on the Amazon and its impact on the Earth System. He chaired the Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA). He is a foreign member of the US National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, and member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the World Academy of Sciences. He was awarded several prizes including the Volvo Environmental Prize, the AAAS Science Diplomacy Award and AAAS Fellow Award. He also developed the Amazonia 4.0 initiative, an innovative project to demonstrate the feasibility of a new socio-bioeconomy of standing forests and flowing rivers in the Amazon.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/150-carlos-nobre---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---Photo credits:Green Moths licensed through Shutterstock from PRBaiaoAmazon Milk Frog licensed through Shutterstock from Kurit afshenJaguar licensed through Shutterstock from Mark GreenMacaws licensed through Shutterstock from Miguel SchmitterButterfly Peacock Bass licensed through Shutterstock from Vladimir WrangelAmazon River Basin Map from NOAAAmazon Rainforest Wildfire licensed through Shutterstock from PARALAXISAmazon Marañón River licensed through Shutterstock from NowaczykSatellite smoke over the Amazon acquired on September 3, 2024, by the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera imager on the DSCOVR satellite located about 1 million miles from Earth.Amazon Aerial licensed through Shutterstock from Photo SpiritDrought in the Amazon River licensed through Shutterstock from Gino TuestaAerial of Amazon River licensed through Shutterstock from Jhampier Giron MAmazon River and Trees licensed through Shutterstock from MatteoFar8Cattle in Amazon licensed through Shutterstock from PARALAXIS---00:00 - Introduction02:36 - Carlos’ Background05:55 - Evolution of the Amazon11:30 - The Amazon and Global Climate17:40 - Drought in the Amazon24:44 - Tipping Points29:10 - Local and Global Responsibility39:07 - Impacts of Losing the Amazon46:16 - Timeline of Recovery50:28 - What Can People Do?56:59 - Personal Advice1:07:45 - Closing Questions
Let us know in the comments what changes you think are necessary to make this shift happen. Nate Hagens 2024-11-13 | ...
What teachers or resources have you found helpful in furthering your education about reality? Nate Hagens 2024-11-08 | ...
Unconventional economist explains how a simple policy could reduce financial speculation. Nate Hagens 2024-11-07 | ...
NEW RELEASE - Regenerative Economics: New Economic Paradigms, Living Systems, & Holistic Thinking Nate Hagens 2024-11-06 | ...
New Economic Paradigms, Living Systems, & Holistic Thinking with John Fullerton | TGS 149 Nate Hagens 2024-11-06 | (Conversation recorded on October 10th, 2024)Our modern economic system is designed to maximize financial capital, viewing money as though it were wealth itself. But what would happen if we viewed wealth more holistically, taking into account our natural, social, cultural, and human capital, too? In this conversation, Nate is joined by unconventional economist John Fullerton to discuss the principles of regenerative economics and the need for shifts in our economic paradigms from reductionist thinking to holistic thinking. Fullerton emphasizes the importance of understanding economies as living systems, advocating for financial and monetary systems that align with the patterns of life. If regenerative economics represents a societal shift towards sustainability, how does our modern financial system act as a barrier to that shift? If the ‘myth of separation’ contributes to our current economic problems, what types of radical change are needed to reconcile our values dissonance as our crises deepen and accelerate? Finally, how can we teach ourselves to differentiate between the real economy and the financial economy – and to value the things that genuinely add to human and planetary well-being?About John Fullerton: John Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, writer, and some have said philosopher. Building on and integrating the work of many in the field of ecological economics, he is the architect of Regenerative Economics, first conceived in his 2015 booklet, “Regenerative Capitalism: How Universal Patterns and Principles Will Shape the New Economy.”After a successful 20-year career on Wall Street where he was a Managing Director of what he calls “the old JPMorgan,” John listened to a persistent inner voice and walked away in 2001 with no plan but many questions. He went on to create The Capital Institute in 2010, which is dedicated to the bold reimagination of economics and finance in service to life. John is also the Chairman of New Day Enterprises, PBC, the co-founder of Grasslands, LLC, and a board member of both the Savory Institute and Stone Acres Farm.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/149-john-fullerton---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf
Former House Majority Leader looks to the past to offer some hope for the uncertain future. Nate Hagens 2024-11-05 | ...
Former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt speaks to the kind of voting reform the U.S. needs. Nate Hagens 2024-11-01 | ...
Somebodys Gonna Win | Frankly 75 Nate Hagens 2024-11-01 | (Recorded October 27, 2024)Somebody is going to win the upcoming US election. In a society deeply divided along partisan lines, individual identities and hopes/fears for the future may seem bound to a single choice: Republican or Democrat. Who wins is important, but if we take a step back and look beyond the short-term fervor of election politics, it becomes clear that what ultimately matters isn’t which person wins but how we - as individuals and as communities - respond. In the long run, most things that will change the future are political. But our current government will continue to contribute to a future that is far from sustainable - regardless of who heads the next administration. The ‘bend not break’ moments of the future will require informed policies that go beyond what can be addressed in today’s political environment.In today’s Frankly, Nate reminds us that the realities of our accelerating predicament go way beyond election results. Rather than filtering people solely by their political preferences, we should lean into the more profound and deeper ways of understanding and connecting with one another. And when it comes to the long-term stability and viability of our civilization, money and politics are secondary to the health of the biosphere and the non-renewable materials and energy which underpin it. Building on these insights, Nate provides a list of practical steps listeners can take before and after the election, regardless of the outcome.In what ways are both political parties subservient to the dynamics of the Superorganism? How does election rhetoric keep us from confronting the issues that really matter? And what can we be doing, individually and collectively, to create a future of social and ecological resilience, no matter who holds office?Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/frankly-original/75-somebodys-gonna-win---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction03:55 - The Dominant Superorganism06:37 - Our Cultural Pyramid10:46 - Recommendations for Americans16:48 - Closing Thoughts
NEW RELEASE - Preserving Democracy: A Call for Civility with Richard Gephardt Nate Hagens 2024-10-30 | ...
A Call for Civility with Richard Gephardt | TGS 148 Nate Hagens 2024-10-30 | (Conversation recorded on October 17th, 2024) As the trust in the U.S. presidential election process continues to be in question, alongside growing polarization and dwindling good-faith conversations, the precarity of our democratic systems is becoming increasingly worrisome. Amongst the rising tensions, calls for civility are sorely needed – regardless of who wins.In this conversation, Nate is joined by former Congressman Richard Gephardt to discuss the importance of democracy as a system of self-governance, as well as the need for respecting differing views in order to keep that system intact. Richard highlights the unique historical context of U.S. democracy, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of citizen participation required for its survival.How can we encourage bipartisan collaboration and compromise toward effective policy action beyond the current election cycle? In what ways do our rapidly evolving information systems, including social media and artificial intelligence, deepen our political divides? Despite the domestic and global challenges facing us, is there hope for the future of the American "democratic experiment"?About Richard Gephardt:Richard Gephardt is an attorney, author, lobbyist, and politician who served 28 years in the United States House of Representatives. He is the President and CEO of the Gephardt Group, where he works to inspire a new understanding of citizenship based on activism to bring about economic, social, and political change. Gephardt previously served as the United States House Majority Leader (1989-1995) and House Minority Leader (1995-2003). He is the author of three books, including An Even Better Place and The American Immigrant: The Outsiders.Show Notes and More:thegreatsimplification.com/episode/148-richard-gephardt---Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:thegreatsimplification.com/supportJoin our Substack newsletter:natehagens.substack.comJoin our Discord channel and connect with other listeners:discord.gg/ZFfQqtqMJf---00:00 - Introduction02:48 - Defining Democracy06:29 - Democratic Privilege09:06 - Need for Civility14:01 - Electoral Integrity18:29 - Polarization22:04 - The Shrinking Middle30:31 - Changing Ourselves34:35 - Putting Country Before Party37:45 - Governmental Reform41:42 - Dick's New Book44:28 - Potential of Civil War47:00 - International Conflicts49:53 - An Optimistic Future52:18 - National Debt53:45 - Personal Advice
Global financial expert doesnt sugarcoat things when it comes to the state of the world economy. Nate Hagens 2024-10-29 | ...
As Indy Johar explains, when you take a systems view, things start to look a little different. Nate Hagens 2024-10-29 | ...
