Topic: Economy

[ Episode #95 // Economy of Things ]

Though we often think the modern culture of consumerism is an export from United States and a product of capitalism, people long before today’s era were enjoying the benefit of soft shoes, beautiful cloth and exceptional goods. Acquisition has been an important part of community and identity, essential to societies even though only recently so many people have been part of a middle class, capable of affording the mass consumption of today's world. What insights can we glean from the history of consumption and economic thought for what it means to be human?

In Extraenvironmentalist #95 we first speak with Professor Frank Trentmann about his new book Empire of Things: How We Became a World of Consumers, from the Fifteenth Century to the Twenty-First. We hear from Frank about how we've come to live with so much stuff. Then, we talk to Professor Laurence Malone about his work and teaching on Adam Smith and in editing the Essential Adam Smith. Dr. Malone helps us understand the real meaning of the invisible hand.

 

//Books

Empire of Things: How We Became a World of Consumers, from the Fifteenth Century to the Twenty-First by Frank Trentmann
The Essential Adam Smith edited by Robert Heilbroner and Laurence Malone.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Jose Gonzalez - This is How We Walk on the Moon (Thomas Jack Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Mozambo & Basic Tape – Bright Side (ft. Julia Church)[RYI Remix] via Et Musique Pour Tous
Card on Spokes - Faded Pictures via RTFKT
Peter Doran - Every Little Thing via Soundcloud

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #95 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Scott in Ontario
Brian in Oregon

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[ Episode #94 // Rocking the Google Bus ]

Companies like Twitter can make billions of dollars in revenue while providing a widely used service and still be considered a financial failure. Though today's digital technologies provide new innovations that reorganize daily life, can the digital economy expand forever? Will our most promising tech ever reach its potential in an economy pushing for growth at all costs?

In Extraenvironmentalist #94 we first speak with Douglas Rushkoff about his new book, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: How Growth Became the Enemy of Prosperity. Douglas discusses drivers of recent tech businesses and how relentless financial incentives are undermining their possible value to society. Then we speak with Jennifer Hinton about the possibility of a not-for-profit model for business and technology described in her forthcoming book How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-For-Profit World by 2050.

 

//Books

Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus by Douglas Rushkoff
How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-For-Profit World by 2050 by Jennifer Hinton and Donnie Maclurcan

//Clips (in order of appearance)

How private tech industry buses became a symbol of the economic divide in San Francisco
Exponential Technology

// Music (in order of appearance)

Overjoy - Another via Soundcloud
Rufus Du Sol - Innerbloom (Lane 8 Remix) via We Got This Covered

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #94 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Ian in Australia
Kyle in Colorado
Ben in Colorado

(more…)

[ Episode #93 // Climate Agreements ]

After years of mediocre negotiations on an international agreement to limit future climate change, it is easy to be cynical about the viability of a global strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. What do these large conferences really mean for the future of the planet? Our correspondent reports back from the December 2015 COP21 meeting in Paris to discuss the context and the content of large-scale climate negotiations.

In Extraenvironmentalist #93 we speak with Mark Dixon to discuss his take on the COP21 Paris climate conference. We hear interviews Mark recorded at the meeting, including one with climate scientist Kevin Anderson on the problem with ambitious projections of carbon capture technology. We also discuss Mark's conversations with the attendees who voiced their perspectives on the future of the planet's climate.

 

//Additional Links

Carbon Capture in Pathways to 1.5˚?

//Clips (in order of appearance)

What is COP21?
President Obama Addresses Climate Change at COP21
Climate deal in Paris: everything you need to know

// Music (in order of appearance)

St. Paul and the Broken Bones - Midnight on the Earth via IndieShuffle
Saint Motel - Move via Paste
Coast Modern - The Way it Was via Pigeons and Planes

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Cover photo via Mark Dixon's Flickr

Episode #93 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Stacey in Utah
Jason in British Columbia
Christian in Massachusetts
Lorenzo in California

(more…)

[ Episode #92 // Decrypting Cryptocurrency ]

Digital communication technologies hold the possibility of re-orienting the way we exchange value and think about money. Do digital currencies like Bitcoin have the ability to change the global economic order? Can machine learning, automation, and cryptocurrencies unleash exponential innovations that unseat the financial institutions at the top of the monetary pyramid?

In Extraenvironmentalist #92 we first speak with Paul Vigna about his new book The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and the Blockchain Are Challenging the Global Economic Order to discuss how the Bitcoin currency and the blockchain distributed ledger system are laying the groundwork for alternatives to today's monetary system. Then, we talk about the potential influence of exponential technologies on education, learning and other areas of the economy with Jim Jubelirer.

// Books

The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and the Blockchain Are Challenging the Global Economic Order by Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey

//Clips (in order of appearance)

Full Story: on Bitcoin
Bitcoin vs. Banks
This Money's so Safe, You'll Never Touch It

// Music (in order of appearance)

Postiljonen - Supreme (Niva Remix) via Soundcloud
Future Elevators - Modern World via The Planet of Sound
Rodriguez - Hate Street Dialogue (GingerAle Remix) via IndieShuffle

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #92 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Kathryn in Washington
Erin in Vermont
Robert in Kansas
Lee in Arizona

(more…)

[ Episode #91 // Age of Stagnation? ]

The common political conversation about our shared economic future focuses on achieving an escape velocity where the post-war growth boom can return as usual. While years of lackluster economic performance mount, a rapidly growing global economy is still discussed like it is readily just over the horizon. Can the factors creating a slower growth world find open discussion in time to avoid severe social strife? Is the drive for passive income in an age of stagnation placing the global economy in permanent peril and creating a context for social strife?

In Extraenvironmentalist #91 we first speak with Satyajit Das about his new book The Age of Stagnation: Why Perpetual Growth is Unattainable and the Global Economy is in Peril which questions the assumption that never ending economic growth is possible, or desirable. Das questions the ability of political leaders to enact the tough structural changes needed to avoid social chaos in a low growth world. Then, in the second half of our show we speak with Michael Hudson about his book Killing the Host: How Financial Parasites and Debt Bondage Destroy the Global Economy. Hudson describes how debt deflation is imposing austerity on the U.S. and European economies, siphoning wealth and income upward to the financial sector while impoverishing the middle class.

Note: Partial transcripts of our interviews in this episode are forthcoming in the next few weeks

 

// Books

The Age of Stagnation: Why Perpetual Growth is Unattainable and the Global Economy is in Peril by Satyajit Das

Killing the Host: How Financial Parasites and Debt Bondage Destroy the Global Economy by Michael Hudson

//Clips (in order of appearance)

Fourth Industrial Revolution tsunami warning in Davos - economy
Highlights: The Dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Looking to 2060: A Global Vision of Long-term Growth
The Future of Economic Growth
Post-World War II Economy Booms with Soldiers Return to U.S.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Nifty Earth - Intertwine (Ft. Akhila Eechampati) via Indieshuffle
Rebeka - Davos - erfect Man via Earmilk
Vaults - Midnight River via Beautiful Buzz

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #91 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Paul in California
Eric in Washington, DC
David in Colorado
Luke in British Columbia

(more…)

[ Episode #89 // How on Earth ]

Today's textbook notions of business were developed during an unprecedented global economic expansion - a cultural condition that faces diminishing returns in today’s world. Can we build enterprises for a post-growth future that thrive among challenges of the next century? By reversing the process that privatizes profits, would unsustainable trends and drivers of inequality be subverted? Can a modern media and journalism industry flourish within a not-for-profit framework?

In Extraenvironmentalist #89 we first speak with Donnie Maclurcan of the Post Growth Institute about their organization's upcoming book, How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-for-Profit World by 2050. Donnie explains ways that organizing business activities under the framework of not-for-profit enterprises can make meaningful change in the face of a seemingly intractable situation wrought by immense private wealth accumulation and slowing global growth.

In the second half of the show, we talk to Chris Nelder, host of the Energy Transition Show - the first regular podcast on the forthcoming XE Audio Network! We ask Chris about the ongoing contraction in US shale oil production during 2015 and the deteriorating financial condition of the industry in the face of a global deflationary undertow. The conversation is Episode #0 of the Energy Transition Show, which launches with Episode #1 beginning September 23.

 

Bonus Segment

// Links and News Items

The Energy Transition Show - launching September 23rd

As We Lay Dying -
Stephen Jenkinson On How We Deny Our Mortality

// Books

How On Earth: Flourishing in a Not-for-Profit World by 2050 by Donnie Maclurcan and Jennifer Hilton

// Music (in order of appearance)

Lazy Knuckles - Polyglot via Soundcloud
Eric Clapton - Change the World (Mac DeMarco Cover) via IndieShuffle
Freddie Frank - This Old Rig (1961)
Cavaliers of Fun - Wiki via Tracasseur
Tube & Berger - Disarray Feat. J.U.D.G.E

// Production Credits and Notes

Our editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #89 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Stephanie in North Carolina
Wally in North Carolina
Stephen from Australia

(more…)

[ Episode #83 // Degrowth 2014 // Part B ]

The degrowth movement seeks to decolonize a cultural imaginary that is currently directed to expand the scale and scope of a materially extractive economy. Through adopting strategies like voluntary simplicity and convivial activities, degrowth advocates aim to create an economic system that is compatible with the biosphere. Are the ideas and concepts of degrowth ready for a wider debate?

In Extraenvironmentalist #83 we publish a much belated podcast to wrap-up our two part series on the 2014 International Degrowth Conference where The Extraenvironmentalist team was livestreaming and recording sessions. We first hear from post-growth researcher André Reichel about whether solutions for climate change are cheap and easy. Then, we speak with three of the Degrowth 2014 organizers, Christopher Laumanns, Jonas Streicher and Malo Vidal about the state of the conversation on growth in Germany. Next, we hear a recap from our chief blog editor and EU correspondent Louisa Clarence-Smith as she interviews Federico Demaria about how he balances academic work on degrowth with living those concepts on an organic olive oil cooperative. To close out 2015 for the XE podcast, Seth and Justin discuss views on whether the Global North should degrow so the Global South can grow, as highlighted by the viewpoints of Sunita Narain and Giorgos Kallis.

 

// Links and News Items

Paul Krugman: Could fighting global warming be cheap and free
Paul Krugman on whether energy is a limit to growth
New Climate Economy Report

// Books

Degrowth: A Vocabulary for a New Era by by Giacomo D'Alisa, Federico Demaria & Giorgios Kallis

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Breaks]

Conversations with degrowth conference attendees as recorded by Louisa Clarence-Smith

[End]

Nate Hagens on Degrowth vs. Limits to Growth?

// Music (in order of appearance)

Caribou - Back Home (umami edit)
The Avener - Fade Out Lines (Synapson Remix)
Indiana - Only The Lonely (Fred Falke Remix)
Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kalev Remix)
Son Little - The River (DGTO Remix)

// Production Credits and Notes

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #83 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Ian in Australia
Dave in British Columbia
Joseph in Missouri
Linda from Canada

(more…)

[ Episode #82 // Degrowth 2014 // Part A ]

The degrowth movement seeks to redefine a cultural imagination focused on expanding the scale and scope of a materially extractive economy. Through adopting strategies like voluntary simplicity and convivial activities, degrowth advocates aim to create an economic system that is compatible with the biosphere. Are the ideas and concepts of degrowth ready for a wider debate?

In Extraenvironmentalist #82 we look at Part A of a two part series on the 2014 International Degrowth Conference where The Extraenvironmentalist team was livestreaming and recording sessions. We first hear from Hartmut Rosa on ideas for subverting the motivations in our own lives which replicate the logic of unsustainable growth. Then, we talk to Geoff Garver, one of the lead organizers of the 2012 Montreal Degrowth conference, about the ideas of degrowth and the general assemblies that worked on moving the developing the concept further.

// Links and News Items

Grist.org article on Degrowth
Transcript of interview with Gail Tverberg by Nathan
Paul Krugman on climate change and degrowth

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 31m

What is Degrowth? for Grist.org edited by Sam Bliss

[End]

Naomi Klein @ the Degrowth 2014 Opening Session

// Music (in order of appearance)

Cloud Castle Lake - Sync
Pablo Paolo Kilian
Susie Suh x Robot Koch - Here With (Bearson Remix) via IndieShuffle
Carole King - I Feel The Earth Move (Senior Citizens Remix)

// Production Credits and Notes

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Thomas Victor for the photograph used as the cover image on this episode

Sam Bliss
for the edited break made from our videos at the 2014 Degrowth Conference

Episode #82 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Gordon in British Columbia
Jay in Maryland
Dana from the noosphere
Carla in Quebec
David in Michigan

(more…)

[ Episode #79 // Money System Mayhem? ]

Over the last hundred years, the international money system has unraveled every few decades with surprising regularity. With the current US-based system reaching the end of its useful life for newly rising economic powers, will campaigns of financial warfare push countries to abandon the dollar denominated financial regime? How does human nature and behavioral psychology drive reactions to episodes of financial euphoria and fear?

In Extraenvironmentalist #79 we first speak with Jim Rickards about his new book, The Death of Money: The Coming Collapse of the International Monetary System. We ask Jim about how a potential failure of the US dollar based international financial system would play out. Jim describes how previous money system failures may shape expectations and reactions to the next crisis. Then, we discuss the neuroscience of bubbles with behavioral economist Colin Camerer. Colin tells us about his recent research that maps the human brain as financial bubbles form and crash.

// Books

The Death of Money: The Coming Collapse of the International Monetary System by Jim Rickards

// Links and News Items

Firefly 2014 video on timber frame construction
Video from CommonBound 2014 hosted by the New Economy Coalition

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 26m

Christine Lagarde on money & the pending global reset
US dollar losing hold as world's reserve currency
Paul Krugman: We need $8 trillion to $10 trillion of QE
World Bank whistleblower: Dollar valueless, about to crash
Inside financial warfare
Jim Rogers on US dollar collapse
Paul Krugman: Fiat money is backed by men with guns

[End]

Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola on Debt

// Music (in order of appearance)

Lowell - I Love You Money via Pigeons & Planes
Snakehips - Days With You ft. Sinead Harnett via Gorilla vs. Bear
Dick Boyell and Orchestra w/ Don Shelton - Oh Sweet Bubbles, You Make Me Feel So Good via WFMU Beware of the Blog
The Lightning Seeds - Blowing Bubbles via Editor Kevin
Mungo's Hi Fi - Serious Time ft. YT
Seun Kuti - IMF

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #79 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Glen and Barbara in New Zealand
Randall in the noosphere
Steve in BC
Ninh in Idaho
Scott in Alberta
Patrick in North Carolina
Nancy in Colorado

(more…)

[ Episode #76 // Energy Slaves ]

Our command of energy resources has created amazing technologies and social systems at a grand scale, but at what cost? Where past societies shackled human muscle with force and subjugation to create an energy surplus, beginning in the late 19th century we have used coal, oil & gas to create an unprecedented energy abundance. As the era of surplus energy comes to an end, how will our systems reliant on energy slaves for mechanical and cognitive work adapt? How is the energy transition moving forward?

In Extraenvironmentalist #76 we discuss our global energy systems with Andrew Nikiforuk as we discuss his new book, The Energy of Slaves: Oil and the New Servitude. Andrew discusses ways of understanding our use and abuse of cheap energy. Then, Chris Nelder joins us to talk about the ongoing energy transition and how it is reaching a tipping point through the recognition of a financial carbon bubble, the German Energiewende and the decline of the traditional oil majors.

As Terence McKenna once said, "Reason, and science, and the practice of unbridled capitalism, have not delivered us into an angelic realm. Quite the contrary: they’ve delivered 3% of us into an angelic realm, completely overshadowed by guilt about what’s happening to the other 97% of us who are eating it!"

// Books

The Energy of Slaves: Oil and the New Servitudeby Andrew Nikiforuk

// Links and News Items

News Item #1. NPR: US Commuters Ditch Cars For Public Transit In Record Numbers

News Item #2. Fukushima’s “crisis of manpower”: Unskilled and destitute workers have taken over the cleanup process

Stephen Kopits Presentation on Energy Supply Forecasting

[jwplayer mediaid="3532"]

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[First Break] - 35m

Shell energy scenarios to 2050
RT: Running on Empty
"Peak Oil Debunked"
Canadian Tar Sands Ad

[Second Break] - 85m

Earth 2050 - How Much Energy Will We Need
Stephen Kopits on Energy Forecasting

[End]

From the XE Youtube Channel: Richard Heinberg on Snake Oil: How Fracking's False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Henry Green - Electric Feel (Kygo Remix)
Camera2 - Appetite via KCRW Today's Top Tune
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (Rare Monk Cover)
Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman (Paddy McAloon Cover)
No Nukes - Power
Porter Robinson - Sea of Voices (RAC Remix)
Great Good Fine Ok - Not Going Home

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Mr. Nelder for music suggestions

Episode #76 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Derek in CA
Jay in WA
Linus in Sweden
Simon in Norway
Kim in Quebec City

// Send us a BTC tip for #76

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #75 // Positive Money ]

Critics of quantitative easing highlight the absurdity of creating money from nothing to paper over terrible investment decisions. Yet, what about all of the money created by banks before 2008? Incorrect narratives of money have misdirected and befuddled our thinking on finance and currency, limiting our responses to the global financial crisis. Can we learn about the internal dynamics of financial and monetary regimes in enough time to develop a positive response to the next financial crisis?

In Extraenvironmentalist #75 we discuss our global systems of money and finance with Ben Dyson of Positive Money UK and the themes in his new book Modernizing Money: Why Our Monetary System is Broken and How it Can be Fixed. Ben tells us why journalists, academics, economists and citizens have so much difficulty talking in an intelligent way about our money system. Then, Brett Scott joins us to describe the ways he was able to apply an anthropologist's approach to work as a derivatives trader. Brett discusses his book, The  Heretic's Guide to Global Finance: Hacking the Future of Money as he describes leverage points where activists can disrupt global financial flows to support ecological and social initiatives.

// Books

Modernizing Money: Why Our Monetary System is Broken and How it Can be Fixed by Andrew Jackson & Ben Dyson
Where Does Money Come From by Positive Money UK
The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance: Hacking the Future of Money by Brett Scott

// Links and News Items

News Item #1. "Global riot epidemic due to demise of cheap fossil fuels" http://bit.ly/NgG4qD  /via @NafeezAhmed

News Item #2. India's economic growth set to reach near decade-low

News Item #3: Chinese cities outstripping whole countries in infrastructure debt

#4. Richard Heinberg video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIAFRzaHnb4&list=UUTcsCH5wXNwGKTM_tLG8zrQ&feature=share

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 23m

George Magnus - The Next Financial Crisis Has Already Begun
Argentina Inflation
China's Suntech Default
China's LDK Solar Default
Debt and Overcapacity in China
Jim Rogers on RT
Venezuelans Struggle with Inflation

[End]

Documentary:How China Fooled the World

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Why don't you do right - Cab Canavaral feat. Nina K Lucas (Skeewiff Remix)
DEFKLINE & RED POLO VS DANCEFLOOR - Spinning Wheels
JUNGLE. - Busy Earnin' via Stereogum
Colvin Quarmby - Men in the Grey Flanneled Suit via Russell Hill's Country Music Show
Sam Smith - Money on My Mind (Chris Montana Edit)
Bugseed - Puzzlement (en tokyo - four)

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #75 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Deric in WA
Freddie in MA
Natalie in BC
Nancy in CO

// Send us a BTC tip for #75

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #73A // Regarding Revolutions ]

Extraenvironmentalist #73 is a two part episode. This is the post for SIDE A - featuring our interview on a contractionary revolution with Frank Rotering. The link for SIDE B on Egypt's revolution and education with David Blacker is here.

The mainstream environmental movement has been unable to stop the ongoing ecological crisis. Are environmentalists willing to acknowledge the deep contradictions between the logic of capitalism and environmental health? Will revolutions like those in Egypt lead to a true alternative or merely perpetuate the failed dynamics of the past?

In Extraenvironmentalist #73 we talk about the prospect for a series of revolutions that establish a post-capitalist world with Frank Rotering. We discuss Frank's newest book Contractionary Revolution and cover the reformist solutions put forward by an environmental movement unwilling to face practical notions of society's power relationships which block effective attempts at a sustainable civilization. Then, we hear from David Blacker on his recent experience in post-revolutionary Egypt and the ideas in his new book The Falling Rate of Learning.

// Books

Contractionary Revolution by Frank Rotering
The Falling Rate of Learning by David Blacker

// Links and News Items

#1 - Do What You Love - Bad For Work? via our listener Jason on the XE Facebook page

#2 - Why the Rich Are Freaking Out

#3 - Financial World Deaths

Link to event video for Richard Heinberg event on February 25th

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Part A Break] - 44m

Paxman Interviews Brand on Revolution
Max Keiser on Revolution
American Revolution Has Begun

[Part B Break] - 34m

Clinton on Education
Bush on Education
Obama on Education
Clips from Waiting for Superman

[End]
Terence McKenna on Revolution

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Tracy Chapman - Talkin Bout a Revolution (Kiddcat Edit)
Cut Copy - Blink and You'll Miss the Revolution (remakereverb electro remix)
Beatles - Revolution (Cover)
Bangles - Walk Like an Egyptian (Seeley Sketch Remix)
Lovelife - Dying to Start Again via Lower Frequencies
Bombay Bicycle Club - Home By Now via Consequence of Sound
Tobtok - Savannah via Tracasseur

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #73 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Clive in Georgia
Jeff in Colorado
Matt in British Columbia

// Send us a BTC tip for #73

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #72 // Green Wizardry ]

The members of the middle class in the United States are finding increasing difficulty achieving and maintaining their expectations for jobs, housing and other basic aspects of life. With the limits to growth putting basic lifestyle assumptions under increasing assault, can people use intermediate technologies to reduce their ecological and financial footprint? If we start imagining new ways of procuring energy, food and shelter can we also reconfigure our culture in the process?

In Extraenvironmentalist #72 we discuss appropriate technology with John Michael Greer as he describes the ideas in his new book Green Wizardry: Conservation, Solar Power, Organic Gardening, and Other Hands-On Skills From the Appropriate Tech Toolkit. JMG describes how a downwardly mobile middle class can begin mastering the skills necessary to change their lives and their culture. Then, we talk to Jessica Kellner of Mother Earth Living about her book Housing Reclaimed: Sustainable Homes for Next to Nothing and the people across the United States who are building their homes out of salvaged materials for hardly any money.

Note: In the RSS feed version of this episode we have a 15 minute version of our interview with Jessica Kellner, on our Soundcloud page you'll find the full 36 minute interview.

// Books

The Integral Urban House
Green Wizardry by John Michael Greer
Housing Reclaimed by Jessica Kellner

// Links and News Items

#1 - http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.ca/2014/01/seven-sustainable-technologies.html via our listener Robin

#2 - http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/10/29/241664654/community-supported-canning-gets-locavores-through-winter?ft=1&f=1001

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[First Break] - 34m

Jacob Brownowski - The Ascent of Man
Thomas Friedman - Why Green is the new Red, White and Blue
Obama - The True Engine of Economic Growth
Ray Kurzweil - The Coming Singularity
Carlin: When the Electric Grid Goes Down
James Burke - Connections - The Trigger Effect
EF Shumacher on Appropriate Technology

[End]
Small Is Beautiful: Impressions of Fritz Schumacher

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Afrobeta - Love is Magic
Emilijo A.C. - That's All I Do
Stefan Biniak - The Read All About It Bootleg via Soundcloud
Rhianna - Stay (Call Me Señor Cover) via IndieShuffle
Androme - Gunjule

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Episode #72 was supported by donations from the following generous listeners:

Vincenzo in PA
Patrick in OR
Dean in CO
Kevin in CT
Paul in CA

// Send us a BTC tip for #72

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #71 // Supply Shock ]

When the profession of economics began to think that land and capital were equivalent and interchangeable, the roots of real estate speculation and environmental crisis were established. Because the origins of neoclassical economics became deeply influenced by the interests of early 20th century land barons, a new economic paradigm will have to challenge the assumptions of powerful landowners.  Will a world in search of economic growth embrace a steady state that properly analyzes the role of land in economic life? Can the rampant real estate speculation across the planet be tamed with an overhaul of our tax system?

In Extraenvironmentalist #71 we discuss implications of the steady-state economy with Brian Czech along with his new book Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution. Brian explains how the economics profession was corrupted in the early 20th century by the interests of land barons and how this distorts analysis of ecological issues. Then, Karl Fitzgerald of the Renegade Economists joins us to talk about Henry George, land bubbles and real estate speculation. We ask Karl about rental backed securities and the outrageous housing prices of Australia. At the end of the show, we recap 2013 with a short clip collage and thank our listeners for an incredible year.

// Books

Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution by Brian Czech
The Corruption of Economics by Mason Gaffney and Fred Harrison

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[First Break] - 25m

Jeffrey Sachs on Economic Growth
Has the US Economy Entered a Permanent Slump?
Krugman's Idea to Spur Economic Growth
Bernanke: Hoping Economic Growth Will Continue
Obama Weekly Address: Working With Both Parties to Keep the Economy Moving Forward
Founder of Adbusters on CNN

[Second Break] - 1h40m

Real Estate 4 Ransom
Jimmy Macmillan on The Extraenvironmentalist

[End]

Charles Eisenstein - A Pattern to the Maze

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Kaligraph E - Milkyears
Bart & Baker Feat Philou - Baby Dont You Cry (Skeewiff Remix)
Ayer - Circle Down (Keljet Remix) via Indieshuffle
Lincoln Jesser - Tops via The Burning Ear
Snowmine - Columbus via Lower Frequencies

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Anders in Sweden
Wayne in Washington
Christian in Germany
Bill in NY
Bruce
Dana

// Send us a BTC tip for #71

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #70 // Downloading Responsibility ]

An ongoing economic crash that feels like the onset of a deep freeze is far more exhausting than a rapid implosion. As bubbles are reflated and debts accumulate yet again, the system lurches towards its next financial accident. While the global operating system fails, can the exchange of critical goods and services detach from failing currencies? Does the international financial system retain any value if people no longer need it?

In Extraenvironmentalist #70 we catch up with Nicole Foss and Laurence Boomert on their tour across North America as they speak with communities about preparing for hard times. Nicole and Laurence highlight community initiatives that can help people meet basic needs, even as monetary institutions pursue desperation measures. Then, John Michael Greer joins us [88m] to answer a few listener questions and to highlight the lack of whole systems thinking in internet visionaries after Seth and Justin discuss the money illusion.

// Books

Local Dollars, Local Sense by Michael Shuman
Inquiries Into the Nature of Slow Money by Woody Tasch
The Money Illusion by Irving Fisher

// News and Other Items Discussed

Freicoin - the demurrage based cryptocurrency

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 35m

Consum-oholic zombies fed big debt transfusion
Living Debt: Rising costs in UK force millions to borrow
Bartering to survive in Spain
I'm broke, let's barter - Greece's new alternative economy

[End]

Alan Watts

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Dorothy Morrison - Rain (Bobby Busnach Make it Rain Remix)

Skeewiff - Man of Constant Sorrow
Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kygo Remix) via Earmilk
ZZ Ward - 365 Days (Jerry Folk Remix) via Jaqui
Fredico Aubele - Somewhere Else

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

Kevin in CA for the Filter Bubble Wrap at the end

Episode art: Wall Street in 1929, one week before the Black Friday crash. People gather due to high volume of trading.

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Danny in New Orleans
Patrick in Oregon
Eric in DC

// Send us a BTC tip for #70

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

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[ Episode #69 // Carbon Democracy ]

The ideas we have about our government systems have been dramatically shaped by the energy sources that power them. If the physical characteristics of coal and oil have developed the expectations of our 20th century politics, how they also invent 'the economy'? Will it be possible to sabotage a system that has an entirely different energy profile than the one that gave birth to organized labor?

In Extraenvironmentalist #69 we speak with Timothy Mitchell about our political systems and his book Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil. We discuss the ways coal and oil have transformed collective labor demands, revolutionized our money systems and contributed to our global conflicts. Then, Richard Heinberg updates us on the shale oil bubble and the implications of peak oil as we discuss Snake Oil: How Fracking's False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future. Richard reflects on the timing of peak oil predictions and what they may indicate for the upcoming decade.

// Books

Carbon Democracy by Timothy Mitchell
Snake Oil by Richard Heinberg

// News and Other Items Discussed

Krugman Goes Splat sent in by Josh
US Median Wage Stagnation
CNN Money: What I Saw at the Doomsday Prepper Convention
USA Today: Could the Fracking Boom Peter Out Sooner than the DOE Expects?

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 29m

Robert Newman - A Short History of Oil
Who Killed the Electric Streetcar

[End]

Democracy Now - Scientists: We Have to Consume Less sent in by James

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Hobo Jack Adkins - Thirty Inch Coal
Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Louis La Roche Remix) via Earmilk
Phantogram - Celebrating Nothing via The Music Ninja
Smokey Joe & The Kid - Put the Blame on Pete via Speakeasy Electroswing
Will Lamb - This Old Rig
Smallpools - Mason Jar (Monsieur Adi Remix) via Dancing Astronaut
Classix - All You're Waiting For via Gorilla vs Bear

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Aaron in Queensland
Martine in Maryland
Kevin in California
Zach in Illinois
Nancy in Colorado

// Send us a BTC tip for #69

Even .0001 BTC goes a long way!

Donate Bitcoins

(more…)

[ Episode #67 // Bubble and Beyond ]

A massive pile of accumulated debts and a global credit bubble are tearing apart our politics and societies. As illusory wealth continues to evaporate, a battle ensues between creditors that lent too much and a rapidly growing class of debt serfs. With the ability for reform appearing increasingly futile, a systemic crisis has created paralysis on the edge of an abyss. What do the examples of previous indebted empires tell us? Can we create an alternative to a neoliberal philosophy that ends in neofeudalism?

In Extraenvironmentalist #67 we discuss the implications of the bursting global credit bubble with economist and historian Michael Hudson. Our conversation covers many of the themes in Hudson's new book, The Bubble and Beyond which covers the process of quantitative easing, neofeudalism and more. Then we speak with Nate Hagens, the former lead editor of the Oil Drum and an expert on global resource depletion. Nate describes why the relationship between energy and debt will increasingly lead to defaults as slowing growth means debts won't be serviced.

// Books

The Bubble and Beyond by Michael Hudson

// News and Other Items Discussed

Michael Hudson's website
Collapse and the Changing Face of Suicide submitted by Robin
Iceland running out of cash to pay foreign debts
IMF's Hilarious forecasts for a return to growth

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 30m

Countrywide commercial
Bernanke was wrong
Alan Greenspan on Irrational Exhuberance
Alan Greenspan - "There is no chance of default."
Days away from collapse - US default could bring global chaos
Greg Palast on Max Keiser about Obama
Countdown to US Government Default
Obama - "US Pays Its Bills."

[End]

Clarke and Dawe - Same Special Subject as Everyone Else

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Jump the Curb - Forever Blowing Bubbles via Jump the Curb
Shania Twain - Ka Ching! (The Simon and Diamond Bhangra Mix)
Monster Rally - Palm Village via Bandcamp
Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems (Woody's Produce Remix) via Youtube
Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World (RAC Mix) via Oh So Fresh
Bee Gees - Tragedy (Forever Kid Remix) via This Song is Sick

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Ronald in Texas
Sally in Australia (Happy birthday to Maxence!)
Mr. Smith in Massachusetts
Carla in the Quebec

(more…)

[ Episode #65 // Restoring Function ]

A fundamental flaw in our economy drives the consumption of our ecosystems until they enter terminal dysfunction. This logical error has eroded numerous civilizations and landscapes. Can our species cooperate to restore large-scale degraded ecosystems across the planet before terminal collapse?

In Extraenvironmentalist #65 we speak with John D. Liu about his experience documenting the restoration of China's Loess Plateau from desert into functional ecosystem.  John describes how the project could be applied to desertifying land across the planet to sequester carbon while providing meaningful livelihoods for billions. Then, we share our thoughts on three years of Extraenvironmentalist podcasts before taking on RadioLab.

// News and Other Items Discussed

Green Gold on John D Liu.
Images of the Loess Plateau

Declaration of Interdependence

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 35m

Green Gold with John D Liu

[End]

Louis CK on Environmentalists

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Active Child - She Cut Me via Earmilk
The M Machine - A King Alone (Robotaki Remix) via Daily Beat
The Royal Concept – On Our Way (Oliver Nelson Remix) via Starting to Feel It
MS MR - Think of You (RAC Remix) via Pigeons and Planes

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Production Assistance via Simon JM

RadioJab - Voice Acting: Olga K, KMO, Glen G. and Jane R

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Linda in Canada
Simon in Norway
David in Boulder, Colorado
Robin in Vancouver, British Columbia
Josh in Raleigh, North Carolina
Bill and Cindy on Gabriola Island, British Columbia
Brandon in the Noosphere

(more…)

[ Episode #63 // Next US Revolution ]

With a media ecosystem focused almost entirely the corporate system, burgeoning elements of a new economy revolution escape the mainstream eye. As our political systems stagnate in the face of ecological, energy and social crises, can an alternative to capitalism develop over the next few decades? Do ongoing experiments in money, society and energy have the ability to coalesce into a broader cultural shift?

In Extraenvironmentalist #63 we talk about the growing network of institutions and businesses that are forming the new economic revolution in the United States with historian and political economist Gar Alperovitz. Gar describes the ideas in his new book, What Then Must We Do: Straight Talk About the Next American Revolution. Then we hear from two of Italy's leading economists Stefano and Vera Zamagni about the civil society model of a market economy.

// Books

Gar Alperovitz // What Then Must We Do: Straight Talk About the Next American Revolution

// News and Other Items Discussed

Greek Salaries Cut Another 10%
Mafia launders dirty money in clean energy

New Economics Institute ReRoute Summit - July 19th-21st

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 31m

New Era Windows Cooperative is Now Open for Business
Cooperatives Cash in on Austerity
Spanish Cooperative Mondragon Weathers the Financial Storm
Make a Job - Don't Take a Job

[End]

Terence McKenna speaking about the historic crisis

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Ta-ku - Higher (Flume Remix)via Salacious Sound
Foals - Late Night (Solomun Remix)  via The Beat Mill
Ernie Hines - Our Generation (Straightened Out Mix) via Soundcloud
Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker - Fire and Fortune (Pete Flood Remix) via Folk Radio UK
CSS - Hangover (RAC Remix) via Pigeons and Planes
iET - Control It (Kratos Himself Remix) via Kratos Himself

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #61 // Cure for Capitalism? ]

Can we link the decline in our democratic institutions to the nature of the workplaces that occupy so much of our time? Is there reason to believe that we can transition to an alternative economic system while our current economy crashes? Can we learn from the collapse of feudalism and the formation of capitalism to prepare for the next economic system?

In Extraenvironmentalist #61 we talk about historical economic transitions with professor, economist and author Rick Wolff and his recent book Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism. Professor Wolff describes how our future economic system will likely build from alternative arrangements of workplaces through worker self-directed enterprises and cooperative businesses. We ask why changing the way our workplaces operate would change our economic system and how policy ideas from other countries could serve as a framework.

// Books

Rick Wolff // Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism

// News and Other Items Discussed

Two sold bikes for every car sold in Europe
Japanese Banishment Rooms
Greece Considers Debtors Prisons for Poor Taxpayers

Firefly Skills Convergence 2013 - Asheville, NC - June 20th-23rd
Urban Permaculture Workshop with Toby Hemenway - Vancouver, BC - July 27th-28th

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 47m

Zizek - Don't Act, Think
Geoffrey Bloom - Why the Whole Banking System is a Scam
David Stockman on Crony Capitalism
Max Keiser: That's not capitalism, that's fraud
Bill Clinton on why we should help the world

[End]

A skit written and performed by Kevin in Los Angeles

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Victor Déme - Djon Maya (Synapson Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Thabo and The Real Deal - Revolution
Bob Marley - Waiting in Vain (Jim James Remix)via Earmilk
Phaleah - Here Comes the Sun feat. Soundmouse

// Production Credits

Our correspondent and editor Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

This show was supported by donations from our generous listeners:

Kevin in Sweden
Nathan in Ontario
Sandra in New York
Michael in Ontario
Isaac in West Virginia
Dana in The Noosphere

(more…)

[ Episode #60 // Days of Destruction ]

While the cultural foundations of the United States are unraveling the unconscious programs of American society lay outside of public dialogue. Where there was once an American Dream, a spiritual void remains.  As the framework of consumer society breaks down, will an economic system of inverted totalitarianism reverse become explicit? Why do our elites seem incapable of formulating a rational response to this crisis of civilization?

In Extraenvironmentalist #60 we discuss the current condition of American culture with Chris Hedges and Morris Berman. Chris describes the process of breakdown he's witnessed in other countries as elites withdraw when they feel their system of control crumbling. Morris reflects the current crisis of capitalism against the breakdown of the feudal system hundreds of years ago to describe a broader historical process. Then, we speak with Dmitry Orlov about his new book: The Five Stages of Collapse. Dmitry talks about the psychological damage created by access to large amounts of money and explains how to think practically about a failing global economic system.

// Books

Chris Hedges // Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt
Morris Berman // Why America Failed // also see XE #34
Dmitry Orlov // The Five Stages of Collapse // also see XE #49

// News Items Discussed

Poll: 29% of Americans think 'armed revolution' coming soon
via Chris H.
27% of Spaniards are out of work. Yet in one town everyone has a job
via Jim

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 24m

President Bush Addresses Nation on Economic Crisis
AP Monitoring Raises Fears of Government Overreach
Web Press Grills Obama on Drones
Bush: We Can Overcome Economic Crisis
Bill Clinton on why we should help the world

[End]

Chris Hedges speaking with Rick Wolff on Economic Update

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
dcup - I'm Corrupt via IndieShuffle
Free n Losh - Where do They Go? via Earmilk
YACHT - Second Summer (RAC Remix) via Soundcloud
Moby - Natural Blues (TYR Remix) via The Music Ninja

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #59 // Financialized Education ]

The amount of college debt is skyrocketing in the United States while job opportunities sought by graduates are dwindling. Costly undergrad and graduate degrees used to be the passport to a middle class lifestyle but are now leading to a growing number of indebted youth who are bitter about their time in higher ed. Have modern ideas of higher education been so deeply shaped by the logic of the financial sector that we won't find an alternative? What methods of self-learning can we use to gain skills while avoiding the debt burden of a university education?

In Extraenvironmentalist #59 we speak with critical theorist Max Haiven about the financialization of higher education and how it has limited our imagination. Max discusses the Edufactory Collective and how we can't separate the university from the transformations underway in global capitalism. Then, we talk to Kio Stark about her recent book Don't Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything to discuss how successful self-learners were able to master skills without going through institutions of higher education.

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 32m20s

Michael M'Gonigle - Montreal Degrowth Conference
Generation Jobless: Spain's Disenchanted Youth
Charles Eisenstein on Higher Ed as interviewed in Vancouver

[End]

Bill Hicks on the University of Houston

// Music (in Order of Appearance)
Beat Connection - Saola (ODESZA Remix) via Soundcloud
MSMR - Fantasy (NICITA Remix) via The Orange Press
Steel Train - You Are Dangerous (RAC Remix) via Caveman Sound
Jeff Spec ft. NaRai - Stop via Bandcamp
Airbird & Napolian - In the Zone via Gorilla vs. Bear
Travelling Day - Smoking Dog via Soundcloud

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #57 // Permaculture Convergence ]

Despite the massive destruction our species has wrought on the earth, we've also learned a tremendous amount about ecological systems in the process. As our old narrative of domination crumbles, an understanding of how to work with nature is emerging. Can we apply the ideas of permaculture to society when facing energy depletion, climate change and social breakdown? Will our future society be able to regenerate the planet?

In Extraenvironmentalist #57 we hear from the many speakers at the 2012 Northwest Permaculture Convergence as recorded by our editor Kevin.  We hear segments from the dozens of conference session sessions themed around permaculture approaches to global challenges, the social aspects of permaculture and ideas on the built environment. Kevin explains some of what he learned about permaculture from attending the conference and we briefly discuss a few signs that our economic reality is quickly changing. 

Note: On our next episode we'll be bringing you a bit more coverage from the Pacific NW Permaculture Convergence.

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 1h10m

Max Keiser - Soviet era of empty shelves dawns
Michael Hudson via Renegade Economists on 3cr
Bailout terms shock Cypriots

[End]

John Liu - Green Gold

// Music (in order of Appearance)

Bibio - A tout a l'heure via Tell All Your Friends
Formidable Vegetable - Yield via Soundcloud
Formidable Vegtable - No Such Thing as Waste via Soundcloud
Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Free n Losh Remix) via Salacious Sound

Learn more about the speakers along with full time-coded show notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_8WqD40M5Z0kbMWeIS8dlLsoRLSP__Jkdd-S88X3168/edit?usp=sharing

// Speakers in Order of Appearance

Learn more about the speakers along with full time-coded show notes here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_8WqD40M5Z0kbMWeIS8dlLsoRLSP__Jkdd-S88X3168/edit?usp=sharing

[Permaculture Approach to Challenges] - 3m46s

Mark Robinowitz
Mike Maki
Jan Spencer
Andrew Millison
Sharon Ferguson
Marisha Auerbach
Jenny Pell
Maurice Robinette
Rick Valley
Michael Pilarski
Pat Rasmussen
Forest Shomer

[Social Aspects of Permaculture] - 45m55s

Willie-the-Wind
Judith Alexander
Maurice Robinette
Sharon Ferguson
Jenny Pell
Mighk Simpson
Mark Lakeman
Forest Shomer
Mike Maki
Afia Menke
Marisha Auerbach
Melanie Rios
Jan Spencer
Mark Robinowitz

[Permaculture Approaches to the Built Environment] - 1h20m05s

Afia Menke (reading from an unsourced book)
Mark Lakeman
Andrew Millison
Joel Lee
Marisha Auerbach
Jan Spencer
Rick Valley
Mark Robinowitz
Sharon Ferguson

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #56 // So Much Magic ]

// Duncan's Photos From His Canalers Adventures
[nggallery id=2 width=400]

Maintaining the complexity of our civilization requires a consistent input of net energy and a stable climate. We've already experienced the first few years of a long emergency through economic stagnation and contraction, financial fraud and a lack of meaningful political momentum. Can we expect advances in technology to make a useful contribution to solving modern challenges or are we headed for a technological time out? Are we approaching a magic moment when those oppressed by debt refuse to pay?

In Extraenvironmentalist #56 we speak with James Howard Kunstler about his recent book, Too Much Magic: Wishful Thinking, Technology and the Fate of the Nation. Jim talks about how the magnitude of corruption in our financial system revealed since 2008 has been even greater than he could have imagined. We ask Jim about his views on the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and how to think about its future. Then, Duncan Crary tells us about his years of podcasting on the Kunstlercast and his new podcast A Small American City. Duncan tells us about life on the inland waterways of New York and about pioneering a new American way of life in the small towns abandoned over the second half of the 20th century.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Aretha Franklin - One Step Ahead (DiscoTech Edit) via The Burning Ear
Django Django - Default (Mr Mitsuhirato Edit) via Soundisstyle
Harry Belafonte - Jump In The Line (John Bourke's Bmore Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
The Killers - Runaway (RAC Mix) via Soundcloud
Spin Doctors - Two Princes (G Templeton & Branded James Remix) via Youtube

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 40m
Paul Krugman: We Are on The Brink of a Technology Revolution That Will Transform Our Economy
The Superbowl Blackout
US Hides Real Debt, In Worse Shape than Greece

[Additional Resources]

A Small American City Podcast

Canalers
New Economy Summit at The University of British Columbia, April 5th and 6th

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #52 // Market Monsters ]

The monstrosity of capitalism gains new strength as political leaders fight for a return to growth by dissecting society. Though many nations are rising up against the monetary elite, most North Americans are still zombified. Could some of our monster stories describe the feeling of living in a capitalist system? Will the failure of capitalism lead to a zombie apocalypse or a zombie uprising?

In Extraenvironmentalist #52 David McNally joins us for our 2012 Halloween Special to talk about his recent book, Monsters of the Market. David describes how Frankenstein's Monster, vampires and zombies might be metaphors for the monstrosity of the system that has become more apparent since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis started. Is capital itself a vampire? Then, KMO joins us to further detail the zombie narrative and to recommend some films for this Halloween season. Last of all, we make a big announcement.

You can find our previous interview with David McNally in XE #30 and KMO in XE #3.

Also, You can find David's recent article on the zombie apocalypse in Jacobin.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Michael Jackson - Thriller (DJ Ottobot Remix) via Soundcloud
Dead Man's Bones - My Body's a Zombie for You via Soundcloud
Kay Starr - Headless Horseman via Covering the Mouse
Kirby Krackle - Zombie Apocalypse via Youtube
Andrew Gold - Thank You For Being a Friend (Teenager Cover) via Soundcloud
The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil (Allure Remix) via Earmilk

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 36m
Clips from Frankenstein (1931)
Cops petrol bombed as Greeks fume at new €10 bln cuts call
'Germany enforces same austerity that paved way to Third Reich'
EU Facing Complete Collapse
Taming the Vampire Squid

(more…)

[ Episode #49 // Developing Breakdown ]

Central banks are undertaking unprecedented actions to keep the monetary system from unraveling. Despite unlimited Quantitative Easing and wealth transfers between Europe's economies, growth has yet to return and debt is demanding to be serviced. This process is stretching the banking system to its limit. What happens when the pretense is dropped and money loses its full faith and credit? As the global economy continues its slowdown, are there people preparing for life after the global credit system falls apart?

In Extraenvironmentalist #49 we speak with Dmitry Orlov about the developing systemic breakdown threatening to destroy the global credit system. Dmitry describes his view of the mortal blow to globalized trading and discusses ideas of how society would transform after it evaporates.  We ask Dmitry about those who may be best prepared for the financial system to go broke. To find out more about people prepared for a world without money, we speak with photographer Lucas Foglia [1h 19m] who tells us what it was like to capture the lives of those dropping out of society for his book A Natural Order. After we hear from the people in Lucas' work, we play a discussion from CNBC with Marc Faber [1h 52m] where he echoes the sentiments of Dmitry and those living off the grid.

// Music (in order of appearance)
The Kooks - Runaway (Lonsdale Boys Club Remix) via Golden Scissors
Richard House and the Five Fellows - You Can Do a Lot of Living on a Credit Card via WFMU
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive via The Music Ninja
POP ETC - Everything is Gone via Et Musique Pour Tous
Corb Lund - Down on the Mountain via Corb Lund
Muse - Unsustainable via Soundcloud

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 25m
Andy Zaltzmann on the Global Economy

[End]
Frank as recorded by Lucas Foglia

// Production Credits

Josh Balik // Production Assistance
Chris Hehn // Graphics Work

 

(more…)