Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The global system is breaking — and it’s not the first time.
In this gripping new episode of Big Picture Mind, Robb Smith unpacks what he calls a "Terminal Crisis"—a rare moment in history when the prevailing financial hegemon (today, the United States) loses its grip on a system that is demanding reconfiguration. It’s the fourth such rupture in 700 years, following the Genoese-Iberian empire (1627), the Dutch United Provinces (1781), and the British Empire (1931). And now, in 2025, it’s America’s turn.
What happens next? We enter a period of global economic anarchy—a high-stakes reordering of capital, power, and institutions. Robb traces how the system always adapts, pushing forward into a new "cycle of accumulation" that includes:
- wider geographic integration,
- more complex economic coordination,
- expanded populations and markets, and
- institutional upgrades that solve for the contradictions of the previous cycle.
In this urgent and far-reaching conversation, you'll learn:
- Why the U.S.–China rivalry is about far more than trade;
- How trade wars are also class wars;
- Why the global trust in American soft power has collapsed;
- What Keynes' abandoned proposal—the Bancor—has to do with Bitcoin and the next reserve currency;
- What it will take to build a new integrative pluralism out of the ashes of today's disorder.
Whether we descend into fractured blocs or step toward a new world order, one thing is clear: the system never loses — only hegemons do.
The global system is breaking — and it’s not the first time.
In this gripping new episode of Big Picture Mind, Robb Smith unpacks what he calls a "Terminal Crisis"—a rare moment in history when the prevailing financial hegemon (today, the United States) loses its grip on a system that is demanding reconfiguration. It’s the fourth such rupture in 700 years, following the Genoese-Iberian empire (1627), the Dutch United Provinces (1781), and the British Empire (1931). And now, in 2025, it’s America’s turn.
What happens next? We enter a period of global economic anarchy—a high-stakes reordering of capital, power, and institutions. Robb traces how the system always adapts, pushing forward into a new "cycle of accumulation" that includes:
- wider geographic integration,
- more complex economic coordination,
- expanded populations and markets, and
- institutional upgrades that solve for the contradictions of the previous cycle.
In this urgent and far-reaching conversation, you'll learn:
- Why the U.S.–China rivalry is about far more than trade;
- How trade wars are also class wars;
- Why the global trust in American soft power has collapsed;
- What Keynes' abandoned proposal—the Bancor—has to do with Bitcoin and the next reserve currency;
- What it will take to build a new integrative pluralism out of the ashes of today's disorder.
Whether we descend into fractured blocs or step toward a new world order, one thing is clear: the system never loses — only hegemons do.
![Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eOEM60sCKr8/mqdefault.jpg "Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]
Dr. Keith Witt and Corey deVos dive into the intricate world of integrally informed sex therapy—a comprehensive approach designed to address the unique complexities of modern relationships. Dr. Witt presents integrally informed sex therapy as a meta-sex therapy, a method that integrates romantic, scientific, and spiritual approaches, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of each individual or couple. This innovative therapy moves beyond the limitations of traditional sex therapy by recognizing the multifaceted dynamics within every relationship and crafting a personalized therapeutic journey.
The discussion kicks off with an exploration of how sexual interactions occupy only a small fraction of our waking hours, yet the love affair between partners is a continuous process. Dr. Witt emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining emotional intimacy and connection outside of physical encounters, as these elements are vital for sustaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
Corey deVos deepens the conversation by applying his 8 Horizons model of relationships to explore the various types of complexity that couples face. This model provides a framework for understanding how different aspects of a relationship—ranging from individual psychological states to shared cultural narratives—interact and influence the overall dynamic. Corey highlights that each relationship is a unique organism, composed of different stages, capacities, traumas, and attachment styles, and that navigating these layers is essential for a successful partnership.
Dr. Witt also reflects on the evolution of sex therapy, noting its relatively recent development as a field and its growth into a discipline that now includes a variety of approaches. Integrally informed sex therapy synthesizes these methods, offering a comprehensive and adaptive framework that evolves with the changing dynamics of each relationship.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Witt and Corey discuss practical strategies for enhancing sexual and emotional intimacy, such as the importance of emotional attunement, the impact of cultural narratives on sexual identity, and the role of mindfulness in improving sexual experiences. They emphasize that a thriving relationship is one where both partners are committed to mutual growth and development, constantly attuning to each other’s needs and evolving together.
This episode offers valuable insights for therapists, couples, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of sexual intimacy and relationship dynamics. By integrating various therapeutic approaches and utilizing models like Corey’s 8 Horizons, integrally informed sex therapy provides a powerful tool for creating and sustaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.")
