On this episode, Nate is joined by ER doctor, nuclear power advocate, and podcast host Chris Keefer for a broad ranging conversation including the basics of nuclear energy, how he engages with opposing opinions, and hypotheticals for a future medical system. Coming from a broad background, Chris understands what it means to have a human to human conversation and put together the pieces of our systemic puzzle in a clear and compelling way. What role could nuclear play for our future energy needs - and how are different countries making use of it today? How can we prioritize the health and safety of people under energetic and resource constraints? Most of all, how do we listen to others that we don’t agree with - regardless of the issue - to foster the diverse perspectives necessary to navigate the coming challenges of the human predicament?

About Chris Keefer:

Chris Keefer MD, CCFP-EM is a Staff Emergency Physician at St Joseph's Health Centre and a Lecturer for the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. He is also an avid advocate for expanding nuclear power as the President of Canadians for Nuclear Energy and Director of Doctors for Nuclear Energy. Additionally, he is the host of the Decouple Podcast exploring the most pressing questions in energy, climate, environment, politics, and philosophy.

Show Notes

00:00 - Chris Keefer works + info, Decouple Podcast, Canadians for Nuclear Energy

04:45 - Egalitarian hunter gatherer society, infant mortality

05:12 - Bow drill fire

07:10 - Yukon

07:30 - Humans and livestock outweigh wild mammals 50:1, not in the Yukon

08:10 - Dr. Paul Farmer

08:45 - Most humans use to work in agriculture, ~15% now involved in healthcare

10:56 - Ontario nuclear power, one of lowest electric grid in the world

12:01 - Justin Trudeau

12:24 - Simcoe Clinic, Canadian Center for Victims of Torture

14:01 - World population over time

Writing To Heal Mental Health