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
96 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 2h 9min
Nate Hagens: "Episode 100 - The Great Simplification” (Interviewed by Kate Raworth)
Nate Hagens is interviewed by Kate Raworth, reflecting on the past two years of podcasting and exploring fundamental concepts to better understand trends and challenges. Topics include energy blindness, the metacrisis, future challenges, the great simplification, resistance to combat climate change, bending the finance system, modern monetary theory, changes in education, and embracing change.
71 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 2h 21min
Jeremy Grantham: "Pollution, Population & Purpose”
Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of GMO Financial Holdings, discusses the interaction between finance, population, ecology, and pollution. Topics include super bubbles in the stock market, debt's impact, exploring green energy sources, limitations of technological solutions, AI's role in climate change, inequality crisis in America, philanthropy, decline of sperm count and insect populations, investing in environmental causes, and valuing the natural world.
14 snips
Nov 17, 2023 • 17min
Artificial Intelligence vs Real Ecology | Frankly #49
The podcast explores the misconception that AI can solve all our energy and ecological problems. It discusses the risks and blind spots of AI in relation to the environment and emphasizes the impact of human activities on species extinction and the environment. The role of AI in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability is explored, with an emphasis on the need for responsible use and new governance structures.
6 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 2h 1min
Helen Thompson: "The Complex History of Energy & Geopolitics”
Political economist Helen Thompson and Nate Hagens discuss the complex history of energy and geopolitics, exploring topics such as the geopolitical implications of energy resources, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, shifting relationships with Saudi Arabia, and the potential consequences of Israel's eviction of Palestinian populations. They also touch on the role of energy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the transition to green energy aspirations.
16 snips
Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 31min
Fossil Free Food Systems: Jason Bradford, Andrew Millison, Vandana Shiva, Daniel Zetah | Reality Roundtable #06
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.
6 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 57min
Chuck Watson: "The Nuclear Wild West"
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.
Nov 3, 2023 • 17min
The Biophysical Taxman Cometh | Frankly #48
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.
12 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 40min
David Holmgren: "Small and Slow Solutions - Permaculture Design”
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.
Oct 27, 2023 • 17min
Frankly Re: Franklys | Frankly #47
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.
5 snips
Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 50min
Sir David King: "Global Heating: The Science and the Response”
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.
