The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
Nate Hagens
The Great Simplification is a podcast that explores the systems science underpinning the human predicament. Through conversations with experts and leaders hosted by Dr. Nate Hagens, we explore topics spanning ecology, economics, energy, geopolitics, human behavior, and monetary/financial systems. Our goal is to provide a simple educational resource for the complex energetic, physical, and social constraints ahead, and to inspire people to play a role in our collective future. Ultimately, we aim to normalize these conversations and, in doing so, change the initial conditions of future events.
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 27min
The Three Most Important Words We’re Taught Not to Say
The discussion delves into the cultural bias against admitting uncertainty, highlighting how society often values false confidence. Nate explores how stress from not knowing leads to quick, misguided answers, fueling significant disasters in history. The role of AI in amplifying overconfidence is examined, revealing its tendency to produce misleading information. He advocates for embracing 'I don’t know' as a pathway to curiosity and cooperative problem-solving, suggesting that fostering humility can lead to smarter, more resilient systems.
58 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 28min
Challenging Monopoly Power: Why Local Business is Better for People, the Planet, and Your Wallet with Stacy Mitchell
Stacy Mitchell, co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, advocates for local economies and dismantling monopolies. She discusses the hidden costs of big corporations like Amazon and their impact on community ties and social capital. Unpacking how policy choices have led to economic consolidation, Stacy highlights the benefits of small businesses on community resilience and local engagement. She emphasizes that change requires collective action and policy reform, offering insights into how individuals can strengthen local powers.
20 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 18min
What Sloths Teach Us About the Superorganism
A striking photograph of a sloth climbing a barbed wire fence sparks a deep reflection on how both animals and humans respond to artificial environments. The discussion explores the idea of modern societal vices, like certainty and anthropocentrism, as contemporary interpretations of the deadly sin of sloth. Nate Hagens questions how we can reclaim agency in the face of a global superorganism threatening local ecosystems and suggests concrete steps for fostering resilience and compassion in our communities.
18 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 30min
Will Coral Reefs Be Gone by 2050? How Bleaching, Acidification, and Ocean Heating are Killing Coral Reefs with Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a marine biologist and climate scientist at the University of Queensland, discusses the alarming decline of coral reefs and their critical role in marine ecosystems. He highlights the impact of rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and frequent bleaching events, warning that reefs could vanish by 2050. Ove explains the deep human dependence on reefs, the emotional toll on scientists witnessing their loss, and advocates for urgent action to protect these vital ecosystems. His call to action emphasizes hope, education, and coordinated efforts to combat climate change.
70 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
Is the U.S. Electric Grid Stable? Policy, Renewables, and Who Is Responsible If The Grid Fails with Meredith Angwin
Meredith Angwin, an energy analyst and author studying grid oversight, dives deep into the complexities of the U.S. electric grid. She discusses the blurred lines of accountability when grid failures occur, using Texas 2021 as a cautionary tale. Angwin highlights how the shift to renewables impacts market dynamics and resource adequacy, creating vulnerabilities. She also emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to energy governance, advocating for a mix of nuclear power and flexible natural gas, all while stressing the importance of consumer involvement in local grid decisions.
152 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 22min
Peak Oil, Ponzi Pyramids, and Planetary Boundaries
Fresh from NYC Climate Week, reflections bring to light the clash between economic narratives and ecological realities. With record highs in gold and silver, it underscores the declining health of our planet. Dive into Peak Oil insights, revealing that supply constraints are imminent. As energy systems wobble, Nate critiques cultural blindness towards ecological limits and highlights global oil supply dynamics. Urgency builds as seven out of nine planetary boundaries are breached, hinting at interconnected crises. A call for resilience and adaptive responses emerges amidst the chaos.
141 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 16min
Moral Ambition: Redefining Success for the Global Good with Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author renowned for his works like Humankind, joins the discussion. He argues for redefining success to prioritize collective well-being over personal gain. Bregman introduces the concept of moral ambition, blending activism with entrepreneurship, and outlines seven principles to foster altruism. He critiques GDP as a measure of success and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in social movements. By urging a shift in cultural norms, he envisions a future where moral actions take precedence, inspiring a new generation to tackle global challenges.
122 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 22min
The Influence of Psychopaths: Why Humanity Is Better Than We Think
Dive into the complexities of human behavior shaped by both cooperation and competition. Discover how psychopathy influences societal norms and the shift towards anti-social values. Learn about the historical impact of agriculture on social hierarchies and the emergence of predatory behaviors. Explore fascinating chicken experiments that illustrate the balance of aggression and cooperation. Finally, uncover strategies to steer humanity back toward prosocial values and the importance of empathy in driving positive change.
347 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 2h 16min
The Past and Future of Societal Collapse: Why Civilizations Fall and What We Can Learn From It with Luke Kemp
In this enlightening discussion, Luke Kemp, an existential risk researcher and author, delves into why civilizations, which he calls 'Goliaths,' rise and fall. He explores dominance hierarchies, resource control, and how factors like inequality can lead to societal collapse. Luke also addresses modern challenges like nuclear threats and AI surveillance. Through historical insights, he suggests that understanding our past may help avert future crises and advocates for reforms to redistribute power, emphasizing the importance of collective values over conspicuous consumption.
207 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 24min
Dark Triad Personality Traits: How Psychopathy, Narcissism, and Machiavellianism Impact Our Cultures & Social Systems | RR 19
Dr. Reid Meloy, a forensic psychologist, and Dr. Nancy McWilliams, a distinguished psychoanalyst, delve into the Dark Triad personality traits—psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. They discuss how these traits influence leadership and societal structures, revealing their surprising prevalence in positions of power. The conversation highlights the dangers of these traits in governance and therapy, emphasizing the need for community engagement and truth-seeking to counterbalance their dark influence. They also explore the personal narratives that shape these complex behaviors.
