The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Jason Bradford, Andrew Millison, Vandana Shiva, and Daniel Zetah discuss the feasibility of a fossil-free food system, the importance of regenerative agriculture, inspiring young people through land restoration, creating a sustainable future, and reframing cultural desires to align with sustainable goals.

Risk expert Chuck Watson and Nate Hagens discuss the overlooked nuclear developments between Russia and the United States, highlighting the imminent risks to life on Earth. They explore the history and framework of trust in nuclear weapons, the dangers of the current situation, and the urgency for minimizing this existential risk. Topics include US nuclear policy, development of high-yield nuclear weapons, the purpose of nuclear weapon testing, escalating aggression in the nuclear arms race, and the implications of tactical nuclear weapons.

The podcast discusses the various 'taxes' that will impact our modern lifestyles, including higher taxes to tackle government debt and rising interest rates. It also delves into the depletion of source rock and the increasing energy costs, as well as the taxes imposed by energy, relocalization, complexity, and machines. The podcast explores the changing landscape of wealth distribution and the implications of AI, global heating, and health. Lastly, it highlights the taxes beyond finances, including health, time, and sanity taxes, and the need to adapt to a smaller net balance sheet.

David Holmgren, ‘permaculture’ author and educator, joins Nate Hagens to discuss scaling up permaculture design, re-localization, regenerative systems, and the potential of small and slow solutions in adapting to a lower throughput future.

The podcast discusses unfolding events in Israel and the financial crisis, as well as the challenge of changing consciousness. They also explore important topics for the future such as governance, social inequality, and the relationship between debt and energy.

Climate scientist and policy ambassador Sir David King joins Nate Hagens to discuss the current state of Earth's climate system and our response to global heating. They explore the basic science behind the atmosphere, potential geoengineering solutions, and the implications of global heating. They also touch on the power of the fossil fuel lobby, the need for a sustainable economic model, and the role of science advisors in the UK government.

Chuck Watson, risk expert and geopolitical analysis, discusses the unfolding situation in Israel and the potential risks it poses to energy, economic systems, and our social fabric. They explore the challenges faced by the world, the erosion of Israeli security, the dynamics of the US government, and the implications of the Middle East situation on global strategic nuclear war. They also discuss the importance of understanding complexity and governance in conflicts, and the potential impact of AI on geopolitics and governance.

Joris van der Schot, energy industry professional, discusses the basics of oil refineries, their limitations, and cultural narratives about energy. They explore the scale of our energy consumption, the flexibility of oil refineries, and the potential risks of shifting to shale oil. They also discuss utilizing nature to reduce carbon levels and the potential of low energy fusion.

Philosopher and writer Dougald Hine, social scientist and farmer Chris Smaje, and ecologist and farmer Pella Thiel join Nate to discuss the future of food and community. They explore the importance of local food production, the relationship between community and food in a lower consumption future, and the challenges and possibilities of creating change in a flawed system. They also discuss the importance of regrowing a living culture and share resources for listeners to learn more about these issues.

Nate discusses recent events in the Middle East and their potential impact on The Great Simplification. He explores staying informed about global conflicts while remaining grounded in daily life. The podcast touches on geopolitical complexities, market opinions, living in the present amidst global issues, and finding a balance between staying aware and focusing on the present.