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.
379 episodes transcribedRecorded March 19 2024 Description In this Frankly, Nate reflects on ten dichotomies that he sees prevalent in our current culture of information...
On this episode, Nate is joined by impact investor Patrick Knodel to discuss how philanthropy and non-profit work might make positive change beyond th...
On this special episode, risk analyst Chuck Watson returns to discuss the current state of the conflict in Ukraine and the potential for escalation. W...
On this episode, Nate is joined by investment strategist Lyn Alden to discuss how energy and technology have shaped our monetary system and current fi...
Recorded March 5 2024 Description In this Frankly, Nate shares his perspective on the new all-time high in oil production in the context of AI's gr...
On this episode, thought leader and ceremonial guide Samantha Sweetwater joins Nate to share her journey through mysticism and guiding others through...
Recorded February 26 2024 Description In this Frankly, Nate shares insights on his personal/organizational priorities as a lead up to outlining 7...
On this episode, astrophysicist Sandra Faber joins Nate for a wideview cosmological conversation on the development of the known-universe and the mora...
On this episode, Nate is joined by author and technology analyst John Robb to discuss how geopolitics, information warfare, and technology are shaping...
Recorded February 13 2024 Description Returning from his first visit to India for a six-week limbic reset, Nate shares insights on both his person...
On this episode, Nate is joined by Ashley Hodgson, a professor in behavioral economics, where she offers a perspective on the superorganism and what s...
On this episode, economist Steve Keen offers a deep forensic history of why modern economic theory has neglected the role of energy in productivity -...
On this episode, Nate is joined by biophysical analyst Mario Giampietro to unpack his decades of research on a wide-lens view of the challenges facing...
On this episode, Nate is joined by Alexa Firmenich, whose work spans biodiversity advocacy, ESG investing, wilderness excursion facilitating, and podc...
Recorded December 18 2023 Description In this Frankly, Nate follows up the recent Reality Roundtable on poverty with a wider perspective on the di...
On this episode, Nate is joined by climate researcher Leon Simons to unpack recent trends in global heating during 2023 and potential explanations and...
On this episode, toxicology scientist Dr. Jane Muncke joins Nate to discuss the current state of food production and the effects of ultra processed fo...
Recorded December 18 2023 Description In this Frankly, Nate offers a personal reflection on his learnings about 'awareness' vs 'focus' and how thi...
On this episode, Nate is joined by Peter Brannen, science journalist and author specializing in Earth's prior mass extinctions, to unpack our planet's...
On this episode, environmental activist and author Bill McKibben joins Nate for a reflection on the last few decades of climate education and movement...
