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
46 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 15min
The Ghost of Dopamine Past | Frankly 103
A morning bike ride sparks a deep dive into how dopamine influences modern life. The discussion highlights the neuroscience behind our addiction to technology and distractions. Listeners learn about the 'ghost of dopamine past' and how it impacts our decisions and ecological behaviors. Strategies like dopamine fasting and socialization are proposed as ways to restore balance in a hyperstimulating culture. The exploration offers profound insights into navigating our potent cravings and understanding their broader societal ramifications.
310 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 40min
Nothing Can Stop This Train: Our Financial Predicament From a Systems Perspective with Lyn Alden
Lyn Alden, an independent analyst and founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, dives into the complex relationship between money, debt, and energy in today’s financial landscape. She discusses the failures of traditional economic theories like Keynesianism in addressing current realities. Lyn explores how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Stablecoins are reshaping finance, offering alternatives amid rising debt levels. The conversation also highlights potential job market disruptions caused by AI and the importance of understanding global energy dynamics for future economic stability.
67 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 42min
Towards Individual Wisdom & Restraint
This presentation outlines nine pathways to build resilience during uncertain times. It challenges the hustle culture that prioritizes consumption over sustainability. The discussion weaves through the interconnectedness of environmental and social crises. Adopting a systems approach encourages humility and acceptance of complexity in addressing challenges. Nutrition, exercise, and mental health are highlighted as key to personal well-being. Ultimately, it advocates for community engagement and simpler living to foster a sustainable future.
47 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Packaging Revolution: Industry's Responsibility & the Innovations That Could Mitigate the Waste Crisis with Wes Carter
Wes Carter, president of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project, passionately discusses the urgent need for sustainable packaging. He highlights how packaging accounts for nearly half of plastic waste and shares his personal journey toward environmental stewardship. The conversation delves into the complexities of recycling, the potential of biodegradable materials, and the importance of integrating health into business practices. Carter also emphasizes enlightened leadership and personal transformation as vital for driving real change in an environmentally challenged world.
16 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 15min
This Week's Learnings: Corn Sweat, Coral Bleaching, and the Climate Credit Crunch | Frankly 102
This week, fascinating insights connect corn sweat to rising wet bulb temperatures, highlighting environmental challenges. The timeline of coral bleaching events serves as a stark reminder of urgent climate threats. There's a thought-provoking discussion on the concept of a climate-induced credit crunch affecting the financial sector. Plus, recent copper tariffs spark intrigue about their broader implications. Interestingly, mental health concerns are explored, revealing a notable increase among liberal-minded individuals, especially women.
184 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
The Myths Shaping Our Economies: The Disconnect between Economic Theory and Reality with Josh Farley
Josh Farley, an ecological economist and professor at the University of Vermont, explores how mainstream economic theories often create a disconnect with reality. He challenges the notion that humans are solely self-interested and critiques GDP as a flawed measure of well-being. Farley emphasizes the need for a new economic framework prioritizing social cooperation and ecological health. The conversation navigates myths about money, market values, and the role of cultural evolution, calling for a shift toward values that nurture community and sustainability.
67 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 13min
What I Want to Want for the Future | Frankly 101
Nate reflects on the essential human experiences he would value from a future perspective. He examines the tension between societal influences and personal desires, urging listeners to consider what truly matters in life. From love and purpose to community and connection with nature, he highlights the importance of meaningful aspirations over superficial goals. The conversation prompts deeper reflection on what we really want out of life, challenging us to prioritize enduring values as we navigate an ever-changing world.
57 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 18min
Moving from Apathy to Action: How Facing Grief Can Help Us Navigate a World in Crisis | Reality Roundtable #17
John Seed, a longtime activist and co-author of "Thinking Like a Mountain," joins Skye Cielita Flor, a teacher and herbalist, to explore the transformative power of grief. They discuss how facing grief can deepen our connection to nature and propel environmental activism. Rituals, like the 'Council of All Beings,' help people reclaim their ecological identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in healing and processing emotions, offering practices that nurture empathy and gratitude in our relationship with the more-than-human world.
35 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 35min
Ask Nate Anything 2025 | Frankly 100
Nate dives into viewer questions, discussing the dynamics between Iran, Israel, and the USA while exploring humanity as a 'superorganism.' He examines wealth inequality and energy disparities, drawing parallels with a baboon tribe. The impact of AI on energy access and societal structures is highlighted as well. Vulnerabilities in modern systems are uncovered, alongside the importance of nature in decision-making. This engaging conversation connects pressing global issues to individual actions for a sustainable future.
153 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 38min
Algorithmic Cancer: Why AI Development Is Not What You Think with Connor Leahy
Connor Leahy, Founder and CEO of Conjecture and co-founder of EleutherAI, dives into the complexities of AI development and its potential threats. He discusses 'algorithmic cancer,' where AI-generated content overshadows human creativity. The conversation explores the urgent need for policies that can mitigate risks associated with AI acceleration, including job disruption and wealth concentration in tech. They question whether AI can become a supportive tool rather than a replacer, emphasizing the importance of ethical alignment and societal engagement.
