The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Daniel Christian Wahl, a catalyst of the reGeneration movement and author of ‘Designing Regenerative Cultures,’ joins Samantha Power, a regenerative economist and co-founder of the BioFi Project, along with Isabel Carlisle, founder of the Bioregional Learning Center. They explore the importance of bioregionalism in reconnecting with local environments and addressing ecological challenges. The discussion highlights how decentralized governance can foster resilience, the significance of indigenous wisdom, and the role of local stewardship in creating sustainable economies. Practical steps for adopting a bioregional lifestyle are also emphasized.

Sunita Narain, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment, sheds light on India's pressing environmental challenges. She discusses the urgent need for inclusive solutions to sanitation, pollution, and urban mobility. Narain emphasizes the connection between India's rich cultural history and sustainable development, advocating for innovative water management and empowering marginalized communities. She highlights how India's approach can position it as a global leader in the fight against climate change, calling for actionable resilience amid escalating crises.

(Conversation recorded on November 25th, 2024)   The crises that our world is facing seem to be constantly growing, leading to enormous and devastating systemic effects across the globe. Yet, the ripples of the human predicament are also reaching our personal lives in unexpected ways – through chronic loneliness, loss of coherence to reality, and a widespread feeling of insignificance.  How do we begin to navigate the crisis of meaning that seems to accompany modernity, exacerbated by feeling out of control in the broader world we live in?  In today’s conversation, Nate is joined by professor of psychology and cognitive scientist John Vervaeke to discuss the state of ‘the meaning crisis’, including the social and cultural contexts that have fostered such pervasive loss of connection and purpose. Vervaeke also unpacks the key practices that he and others have found most effective in regaining wisdom and direction while living in the modern era.  What can cognitive science tell us about the role of spirituality and religion in living a life that is rich in relationships and clarity? How do flow states, rituals, and lifelong learning contribute to strengthening mental health and fostering adaptability? And perhaps most importantly, how might reconnecting with a sense of humility, wisdom, and shared humanity help guide us toward a more meaningful, collective existence?   About John Vervaeke:  John Vervaeke, Ph.D. is an award-winning professor at the University of Toronto in the departments of psychology, cognitive science, and Buddhist psychology. He currently teaches courses in the Psychology department on thinking and reasoning, cognitive development, and higher cognitive processes. John is also the director of the Cognitive Science program where he teaches additional courses on Cognitive Science and consciousness, wherein he emphasizes 4E (embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended) models of cognition and consciousness. Additionally, John is the director of the Consciousness and Wisdom Studies Laboratory. He is also the co-author of the book Zombies in Western Culture: A 21st Century Crisis, which integrates Psychology and Cognitive Science to address the meaning crisis in Western society.  He is the author and presenter of the YouTube series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.   Show Notes and More Watch this video episode on YouTube   ---   Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future Join our Substack newsletter Join our Discord channel and connect with other listeners  

What if you had a magic wand to shape a better future? This discussion delves into innovative solutions tackling wildlife extinction and corruption. Guests propose transformative ideas, from promoting sustainable diets to emphasizing community engagement and education. They explore the importance of meditation and human connections, all aimed at enhancing planetary health. With imaginative thinking at the forefront, the conversation inspires listeners to consider their own roles in creating positive change.

Explore a captivating idea where time travel meets ecological awareness. Imagine a scientist journeying back to inspire change in a morally conflicted investment banker. The discussion delves into how this narrative could highlight sustainable decision-making. What lessons from our ecological and economic trajectory could reshape the past? The potential impact of Hollywood in educating the masses about these complex dynamics is also examined. Can intervening in the past create a path towards a more sustainable future?

Christian Sawyer, a local organizer and sustainable home builder from rural southeast Arizona, shares insights on building resilience through community action. He discusses the transformative power of local collaboration, highlighting grassroots efforts that foster trust and friendship. Christian emphasizes alternative building techniques like geodesic domes, and the importance of mutual aid in solving local challenges. He also stresses the need for personal initiative and the enriching role of art and emotional connection in navigating modern complexities.

A venture capitalist shares how his life was transformed after grappling with the uncomfortable truths presented in an insightful talk. This encounter reveals the tension between techno-optimism and the limits of growth on a finite planet. The discussion highlights the ripple effect of ideas on personal beliefs and community engagement, emphasizing the need for active participation in sustainable futures. With reflections on collective growth and intense self-exploration, listeners are encouraged to confront realities and become changemakers in their societies.

Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of GMO and environmental advocate, dives into alarming trends in fertility rates and their broader implications. He discusses how endocrine disruptors are impacting human reproduction and economic stability. Grantham emphasizes the urgent need to address toxicity in our environments and the potential economic fallout from population decline, especially in aging societies. He calls for a shift to non-toxic materials and renewable energy to safeguard human health and future generations.

In this insightful conversation, Jane Muncke, Managing Director of the Food Packaging Forum Foundation and expert in environmental toxicology, discusses the urgent need for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution. She analyzes the recent UN negotiations in Busan, emphasizing the complexities of intergovernmental discussions and the health impacts of plastic chemicals. Muncke raises vital questions about prioritizing public health over economic interests and explores the potential for innovative policies, like polymer taxes, to reduce plastic production at the source.

Explore the uncomfortable truths about our reality and the implications of the Superorganism. Discover why narrow solutions won't suffice for global challenges. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for proactive and creative strategies. Unpack the limitations of free markets and technology, and how these influence decision-making. As we face energy, community, and sustainability issues, a holistic approach becomes critical for a resilient future. Embracing these realities is essential for meaningful change.