Frankly by Nate Hagens
In Spite Of…
Recorded October 4th, 2022
Description
We are a product of evolutionary processes - certain categories of behaviors made our ancestors more ‘fit’ depending on the environmental/social circumstances in the past. One of these behaviors - ‘spite’ - is when an animal (or human) actively does something against their self-interest as long as it hurts their competitor more. In a post growth world I expect - and fear - that this dynamic will become more prevalent at micro scales in our daily lives but also - and of more immediate concern - at the macro scale of nation states. I thought it worth a short video to explain spite, to understand it, as a small thread of awareness in hopes of avoiding it. We are going to need as much pro-social (as opposed to anti-social) behavior in coming decades as possible. A short reflection, on the concept of ‘spite’.
The 7 Stages of Climate Awareness
Recorded September 26, 2022
Climate change is often described as one of the single most important and existential issues of our time - that there is no greater threat to humanity. While the effects of climate on our ecosystems and wildlife is one of my greatest concerns, it does not tell the whole story.
On this weeks Frankly, I highlight (what was in my case) Seven Stages of Climate Awareness – from recognizing ‘there is an environment’ to understanding that the systems dynamics of the human economy implies a much different choreography of societal response than is currently being advertised and pursued. Global warming is becoming more obvious to more people, but the interventions look quite different at Stage 7 than Stage 4. It is unlikely we’ll find ‘solutions’ without first understanding the dynamics at its core.
Creatures United
Recorded September 21, 2022
This week’s Frankly is a reflection in response to (and support of) Gerardo Ceballos’ new project Creatures United, launching this week at Stanford University..
The Earth is in the middle of a massive biodiversity and population loss - on the verge of a 6th Mass Extinction. Though most conversations and actions will revolve around the economy, poverty, finance, and geopolitics, the other creatures we share the planet with do not have a voice.
This short video reflection is a reminder that the natural world is a passenger on the human roller coaster ride. It is my hope that (some, many?) humans can unite on behalf of our fellow creatures to preserve and support the amazing variety of life inhabiting the planet. From the great Blue Whale to the humble bumble bee, each animal is a part of our family - and what makes this planet home.
The 6th Pool…?
Recorded September 14, 2022
On this segment of Frankly, Nate responds to the predicament of increased use of forests, especially in Europe, for heating fuel in the face of declining availability of Natural Gas and other fossil fuels. Will this be a ‘Terminal Deforestation Event’? What does this mean for the future of climate and accuracy of models? The importance of trees cannot be underestimated as we approach the end of cheap energy.
Growth Until Not...
Recorded September 8, 2022
Earlier this week there was a livestream debate highlighting the key points of the Green Growth and DeGrowth perspectives - this week's Frankly adds a third perspective to the 'growth critical' conversation - that modern society has a metabolism and momentum and will grow - in non-green ways - until we can't. IMO this is a critical third category that should be included in these discussions, despite its 'tougher sell'.
The End of Abundance
Recorded August 25, 2022
On this segment of Frankly, Nate opines on the significance of French President Macron’s statement we are nearing the “end of an era of abundance’.
Nate shares what this watershed moment in the global political narrative means for Europe, the U.S. and the world - as we rapidly become less “energy-blind”.
FAQs on Episodes 1-25
Recorded July 1, 2022
On this segment of Frankly, Nate’s former student Lizzy curates and asks some of the most frequently asked questions sent in by listeners during The Great Simplification episodes 1-25. How should we be educating people on energy? What types of fossil alternatives are really feasible? Is a climate disaster the most pertinent and existential risk that we face? Nate gives his answers to these questions, and more. (A trial format for an AMA or live broadcast in future?)
Link to Show Notes PDF
Meeting the Future Halfway
Recorded on June 21, 2022
In this Frankly, Nate unpacks the choice of the podcast title “The Great Simplification”, and how he thinks about responses - rather than solutions - to the challenges we face in the decade ahead of us. He lays out the framework for the scale and degrees for how we can elevate the chances for a positive future.
Energy Blindness
Recorded on June 19, 2022
Nate offers a short monologue on why our culture is “energy blind” and the implications.
Link to Show Notes PDF
Are Americans Willing to Risk Nuclear War?
Recorded on March 16, 2022
An important dialogue with Chuck Watson on: 1) Why the U.S. public is naïve about what nuclear war means 2) The mechanics on how nuclear war with Russia could actually happen 3) How bad would nuclear war short and long term effects be?
What War in Ukraine means for Energy & Money
Recorded on March 12, 2022
Nate riffs on longer term implications of Ukraine/Russia especially with energy and global systems.