Fight Like An Animal

David Lauterwasser, an anarcho-primitivist and founder of the FernFu Permaculture Project, shares his unique views on living outside civilization. He discusses sustainable horticulture practices inspired by indigenous communities, revealing the complexities of domestication and the joy of communal harvests. The conversation delves into the harmonious relationship with wildlife, notably elephants, in permaculture systems. David emphasizes the importance of ecological identity and innovative farming techniques to foster resilience and reconnect humans with nature's rhythms.

Looking back from 2050, this episode examines a core communications strategy revolutionary movements began to employ in the late 2020s: the production of really good movies. With 2028's Patrolling the Wasteland as a case study, we examine the storytelling method of kosmentoria. Kosmentoria translates directly to “world in story,” but specifically means using dark or tragic contexts to convey beautiful or hopeful truths. We examine how the hierarchies we inhabited made kosmentoria films to validate themselves, focusing on the theme of the “lone renegade cop obsessed with justice.” Our own films undermined the idea that any small group of people should exercise a monopoly on violence, but they were far from utopian visions. Instead, they positively leaned into some of the more appalling aspects of life, while conveying a core truth: no matter how terrible everything gets, it's never a good idea to stop defending yourself. This “fictional” episode bridges two episodes from the “real,” 2020s version, of Fight Like An Animal: “How to Tell If Someone Is Hitting You,” on the nature of dominance hierarchies, and the forthcoming “Revolutionary Mythology.” To hear the episode in its entirety, please visit Patreon.

Explore the fascinating world of dominance hierarchies and how they shape our social interactions. The discussion navigates the psychological barriers preventing us from recognizing coercion in everyday life. Dive into the ritualized aggression found in nature and its parallels in human society. Discover how authority figures influence perceptions of safety and the potential for egalitarian relationships. The conversation challenges long-held beliefs about social structure, advocating for cooperation over enforced hierarchies.

Dr. Shane Simonsen returns to share insights from his compelling new book, envisioning humanity as a universal symbiont. He explores fascinating concepts like micro-organisms converting cellulose into food and the symbiotic relationships we can form with other species, from elephants to cockroaches. Sustainability through low-tech agriculture takes center stage, emphasizing community-driven innovations. Simonsen also highlights how storytelling can bridge scientific knowledge and cultural wisdom, while advocating for a future rich in ecological collaboration and adaptation.

Exploring temperamental variations, political engagement, and evolutionary traits in humans and animals. Delving into stress coping styles, societal subordination, and the instinctual drive for liberation. Introducing the 'heart refuses to die' concept and analyzing dopamine-mediated traits in shaping political tendencies. Emphasizing the importance of emotional endurance in navigating societal challenges and individual differences.

Thorstein Grunwald's quest for extreme consciousness states intertwines with groundbreaking climate science. Explore how visionary experiences led to scientific breakthroughs, including the fascinating origins of the EEG. Delve into the urgent politics of ecological survival as Grunwald's legacy is honored. The collaboration with the World Tree Center opens pathways to a redefined scientific perspective, showcasing the essential role of the observer in addressing climate change. A compelling narrative of friendship, tragedy, and scientific evolution unfolds.

Dive into the fascinating evolution of selfhood and its implications for environmental politics. Explore how societal complexity might not be intrinsically negative and whether nature exists outside human influence. Discover insights on consciousness, the critique of Silicon Valley's hype, and the interconnectedness of life. The discussion emphasizes our active role in ecological health and proposes a hopeful outlook, advocating for collective agency in addressing modern challenges.

This podcast explores the evolution of Jesus of Nazareth from revolutionary to apolitical figure, examining the political implications of his crucifixion. It delves into the different types of Messianic figures in Jewish religion and the concept of collective redemption in political movements. The podcast also discusses the depoliticization of Christianity, the evolution of Christian beliefs, and the biology of defeat in both arthropods and vertebrates.

Explore the potential of synthetic biology and the evolution of human ecology. Discuss the concept of life-based material production, customizable biological technology, and integration of technology into living spaces. Delve into the role of developmental bioelectricity and the potential of DNA as a storage medium. Consider the ethical implications of genetic modification and rapidly developing human capacities.

Dr. Shane Simonsen, an expert in social and ecological complexity, discusses the decline of reactive aggression, low-cost methods of transgenic experimentation in agriculture, the power of short stories, and the potential of local food systems and algae production in this fascinating podcast.