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Dean Spears

Author and economics professor. His book 'After the Spike' discusses global depopulation and its potential consequences.

Top 10 podcasts with Dean Spears

Ranked by the Snipd community
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70 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 18min

1180: Dean Spears | The Quiet Apocalypse of Global Depopulation

Dean Spears, an author and economics professor, dives into the urgent topic of global depopulation and its consequences. He argues that plummeting birth rates pose a more significant threat than overpopulation. Spears emphasizes that fewer people could stifle innovation and technological progress. He critiques failed government birth rate policies and advocates for dialogue on stabilizing populations rather than resigning to decline. Additionally, he explains how efficient resource usage and societal shifts can better address environmental issues without relying solely on demographic changes.
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64 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 8min

How much does global population decline matter? (with Dean Spears)

Dean Spears, an economic demographer from the University of Texas at Austin and co-founder of a nonprofit for children's health, dives into the intricacies of global population decline. He discusses the critical replacement rate, the fallacy of overpopulation fears, and the socio-cultural factors affecting birth rates. Spears highlights how economic growth ties to population size and explores the potential impacts of financial incentives on family planning. The conversation also touches on the intersection of birth rates, culture wars, and technology's limited role in reversing demographic trends.
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44 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 41min

#44 - Dean Spears - Population Decline Is Worse Than You Think

In this engaging discussion, demographer and economist Dean Spears, author of "After The Spike," tackles the pressing issue of declining birth rates. He uncovers the surprising factors influencing family planning, including social trends and economic pressures. With insights on how fewer people might not ease environmental burdens, he proposes innovative solutions to balance parenthood and career aspirations. Spears also delves into the implications of a heavily elderly population and the necessity for societal shifts to support growing families.
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36 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 20min

Shrinking states: are we on a path to depopulation?

In this discussion, Dean Spears, an economic demographer from the University of Texas at Austin, delves into the global fertility decline trends. He uncovers how two-thirds of the world’s population lives in areas with below-replacement fertility rates. The conversation challenges Elon Musk's claim that this is an existential threat, suggesting a more nuanced approach. Spears explores governmental struggles with fertility policies, rising costs of family planning, and cultural pressures impacting birth rates, sparking a vital conversation about our demographic future.
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15 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 31min

Should You Be Having More Babies?

Dean Spears, an economist at UT Austin and co-author of 'After the Spike', dives into the complex conversation surrounding global depopulation. He breaks down how the decision to have children intertwines with political beliefs and societal pressures. Spears highlights the implications of declining birth rates in wealthier countries, advocating for a stable population to ensure future progress. He also discusses the need for equitable gender roles in parenting and explores the emotional landscape new parents navigate amidst these societal changes.
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8 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 10min

Is climate change a reason not to have kids?

Dean Spears, an economist and demographer at the University of Texas – Austin, tackles the tough questions around parenthood and climate change. He argues that fears about environmental impact shouldn't deter people from having children. Instead, he highlights that declining birth rates could lead to new societal problems. Spears emphasizes that addressing climate change requires broader solutions beyond reducing population and explores the implications of these choices on innovation and childcare responsibilities.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 5min

DEAN SPEARS: the depopulation of humanity

Dean Spears, an economic demographer and co-author of 'After the Spike,' delves into the future of global population trends. He discusses the likelihood of depopulation, challenging fears of overpopulation. Spears highlights the ethical implications of reducing population and advocates for technology as a solution to environmental issues. He also examines the dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, immigration's role in population changes, and the philosophical 'repugnant conclusion' regarding quality versus quantity of life, making a compelling case for reevaluating societal choices.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 3min

LGM Podcast: After the Spike

Dean Spears, an economist and author known for his research on demographic change, joins the discussion on global depopulation. He explains the significance of declining fertility rates and dispels myths surrounding population growth fears. Spears analyzes the relationship between cultural narratives, climate policy, and immigration's role in innovation. He emphasizes the ethical challenges of coercive population policies and the value of creating good lives over merely increasing population size. This insightful conversation reshapes our understanding of the future.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 51min

Who really got things done at the Legislature?

Dean Spears, an economic demographer and co-author of 'After the Spike,' discusses alarming trends in population decline and its implications for Texas's future. Alexandra Hart, a Texas Newsroom reporter, examines who the most effective lawmakers are heading into a special session. Meanwhile, filmmaker Ari Aster shares insights about his new Western set against a backdrop of pandemic and protest, exploring authenticity and local culture. They all tackle pressing issues like flood management and the evolving legislative landscape, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
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Jul 5, 2025 • 58min

Dean Spears & Michael Geruso on Why We Need More People

Dean Spears, an economist and demographer specializing in population dynamics, and Michael Geruso, an economist focused on population and innovation, share their insights on the paradox of population growth. They discuss how a larger populace can drive innovation and enhance living standards, debunking the myth that fewer people equates to better environmental health. The conversation also highlights the challenges posed by an aging population and the need for collaborative solutions to avoid the pitfalls of depopulation.

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