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
35 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 1h 23min
Samantha Sweetwater: "Life at the Center”
Samantha Sweetwater shares insights on mysticism, relationality, and balancing spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects. The discussion explores movements for healing, communication styles, regenerative creativity, circular economies, differences between biology and machines, and awakening awe in everything.
11 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 28min
7 Key Interventions for the Future | Frankly #55
The podcast discusses global interventions for a resource-constrained future, prioritizing health and wellness, aligning human culture with the biosphere, the importance of 'Goldilocks Tech', and building resilient communities to address climate change and resource depletion.
Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 26min
Sandra Faber: "The Universe and Our Place in It”
Astrophysicist Sandra Faber discusses the universe's development, Earth's history, cosmic mysteries like the Fermi Paradox, and humanity's role in ensuring long-term survival. The conversation delves into system stability, ethical considerations, and the need for cultural and moral shifts towards planetary stewardship. Exploring exponential growth, educational reform, and youth perspectives on existence, the podcast advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, regenerative practices, and aligning societal values for a sustainable future.
85 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 52min
John Robb: "Networked Tribalism, AI, and Asteroids"
John Robb discusses the impact of technology on warfare, politics, and psychology, exploring tribal dynamics and asteroid mining. The conversation covers AI simulation of famous individuals, societal impacts of advancing technologies, and the rise of network fascism. Additionally, it delves into empowering localism and open-source AI for a sustainable future, highlighting opportunities for young people and the importance of navigating a complex world.
Feb 16, 2024 • 13min
Reflections From India | Frankly #54
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.
76 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ashley Hodgson: "The New Enlightenment and Behavioral Economics”
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.
130 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 33min
Steve Keen: "On the Origins of Energy Blindness”
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.
61 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 24min
Mario Giampietro: "Models with Meaning - Changing Social Practices”
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.
45 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 44min
Alexa Firmenich: "Biodiversity, Beauty, and Being”
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.
5 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 15min
The Haves & The Have-Nots | Frankly #53
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.
