The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Nate reflects on his experiences in India, discussing the country's history, culture, and emerging reliance on fossil fuels. He explores India's potential challenges and opportunities within the human predicament, and the need for alternative projects like permaculture. The speaker also shares their personal experiences in India and the importance of India's social capital and resilience.

Nate Haganz interviews Ashley Hodgson, a professor in behavioral economics, discussing 'The New Enlightenment' and how to align systems with sustainable goals. They explore the integration of psychology into economic models, the benefits of cooperation and consuming less, the concept of systems depreciation, intergenerational dynamics, redirecting resources towards positive institutions, and the importance of exploring and testing different ideas for new systems.

Economist Steve Keen explores the origins of energy blindness in modern economic theory, discussing how the massive carbon surplus has been overlooked in describing wealth and productivity. The podcast also delves into the history of economics and the role of physiocrats, the flaws in neoclassical economics, and the neglect of energy in production. The speakers analyze the relationship between energy, technology, and human creativity, and criticize economists' approach to energy and climate change.

Biophysical analyst Mario Giampietro joins Nate Hagens to discuss the challenges facing the human system. They explore the limitations of current metrics, reductionist academic fields, and the need for multi-dimensional responses to future obstacles. They delve into topics like energy and system collapse, multi-scale integrated analysis, biosemiotics, universities' role in addressing peak carbon emissions, and the disappearance of farmers.

Nate Hagens and Alexa Firmenich discuss the importance of biodiversity, its connection to the economy and climate, and the need to create financial mechanisms for nature preservation. They explore shifting consciousness, the role of art in the biodiversity movement, and personal advice for challenging times. They also contemplate changing the default trajectory of humans and the potential for connecting and collaborating for a common purpose.

In this podcast, Nate explores the different types of wealth in our society beyond the material. He discusses the increase of poverty in relationships, skills, health, and behavior deficits. The podcast examines how our assumptions about being rich align with reality and how reflecting on our own position as 'Haves' or 'Have-Nots' can increase compassion towards others. The impact of resource depletion and climate change is also discussed, as well as the dynamics of power and societal goals.

Climate researcher Leon Simons joins Nate to discuss the connection between aerosol masking and global heating. They explore the impact of sulfur emissions on climate change, the significance of reducing aerosols, and the potential need for solar radiation management. They also touch on using technology to improve the climate and offer career and lifestyle advice for young people. Overall, the conversation focuses on understanding the complexities of our climate system and taking action for a better future.

Toxicology scientist Jane Muncke joins Nate to discuss the effects of ultra processed foods and their packaging on our health. Topics include plastic pollution, the history and impact of food packaging, risks of migration in plastic food packaging, endocrine disrupting chemicals and obesity, coalitions and partnerships in food packaging, interdisciplinary collaboration in eco-toxicology, efforts to cast doubt on the impact of plastics, and the importance of relationships and safe food packaging.

The podcast explores the concept of awareness versus focus and how it can guide more thoughtful behaviors. It discusses the impact of an overstimulating, dopamine-driven modern environment on our brains. The podcast also delves into the effects of trauma on individuals and the pursuit of pleasure. It suggests that prioritizing 'we' over 'me' could transform our culture. Additionally, it explores training the limbic system for social change and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in consciousness.

Science journalist Peter Brannen and Nate Hagens delve into Earth's geologic history, discussing mass extinctions, the carbon cycle, and the impact of CO2 emissions. They explore past extinctions, the evolution of life, and the challenges of detecting and responding to these events. The podcast also touches on the complexity of the human ecosystem and the possibility of life on other planets.