Topic: Evolution

[ Episode #44 // Evolving Innovation ]

Our understanding of innovation has been shaped by decades of growth in the rate by which we can extract environmental resources. Now that conventional oil reserves are no longer flowing as readily, what does this do to how our modern civilization thinks about innovation? Do the innovations of the future involve faster processors and further advances is silicon materials or will it encompass something entirely different? Can we achieve sustainability through innovating?

In Extraenvironmentalist #44 we discuss the archeology of innovation with Sander van der Leeuw to learn how our complex societies have shifted short-term risks to long-term risks through the application of technologies. Sander explains how our complex societies developed and describes why our previous models of innovation may not address issues of sustainability. We ask if the genius factor can have a role in developing the breakthroughs necessary to preserve our species or if we'll need to look for other models of development. Then, we travel to Salt Spring Island, BC to meet Amy and Larry who innovated in low-energy models of living by living off the grid for fourteen years in California.


// Music (in order of appearance)
C2C - Mack the Knife (Tribute to Louis Armstrong)  via Soundcloud
The Mynabirds - Body of Work via Stereogum
Santigold - The Keepers via Pretty Much Amazing
Hacienda - Don't Turn Out the Lights via The Eargazm
I Am Oak - On Trees and Birds and Fire via Soundcloud
Clams Casino - Swervin (Remix) via Stereogum
Phaeleh - Orchid via Soundcloud
Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Damian Taylor Remix) via Soundcloud
C2C - Down the Road via Soundcloud

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
[Break]
Sander van der Leeuw

[End]
Nipun Metha - Designing for Generosity

// Production Credits
Production Assistance  | Kevin at the Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel
Cover art via creative commons license

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[ Episode #35 // Ecology + Alcohol ]

You can easily enjoy a beer without knowing about the thousands of years alcohol has modified the senses of our species. We'll go out to a bar to participate in a ritual to help us deal with the tasks of a work day, yet what if a tree does the same? Should alcohol be recognized for its ability change our consciousness in a sacred way? Are other species using the same substances we do in modifying their ability to perceive signals?

In Extraenvironmentalist #35 we speak with Stephen Harrod Buhner about his thoughts on the role of alcohol on humans and nature based around his book, Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers. We ask Stephen about the ecological role of humanity in the environment. Are Homo Sapiens like bees that serve a role much bigger than we'll ever understand? Our conversation covers the ways ancient people experienced the world and alternative approaches to brewing beer. Once your hear Stephen explain the chemistry of plants, you'll never think about that tree outside your window in the same way again.


 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Labyrinth Ear - Walk on the Moon (Arthur Russel Rework) via The Fader
Mansions on the Moon - Athens via Iceland Music Maffia
Kishi Bashi - Bright Whites viaConsequence of Sound
Polica - Lay Your Cards Out via Life+Times
Parov Stelar - Catgroove via IndieShuffle

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
Alan Watts - Roots of the Ecological Crisis
Bill Rees - The Dangerous Disconnection Between Economics and Ecology
The History of Alcohol
Terence McKenna: On Alcohol, Caffeine, Culture and Extraenvironmentalism

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[ Episode #10 // Brilliant ]

How has access to artificial light allowed us to transform our human lives? Did it give us access to new reaches of the day or has it disconnected us from nature? The development of inexpensive and accessible light has brought about social change with its many forms: from animal fat candles to whale blubber, oil to electrified carbon filaments. Each varying source brings with it not only light but the dark side of fuel consumption.

In Extraenvironmentalist #10 we speak with Jane Brox, author of many books including most recently Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light which Time magazine rated as one of the best non-fiction books of last year, Seth and I concur. Brilliant speaks not only to the technology behind artificial light but also to the class structures which filtered the technology down to the masses along with the consequences and the advantages of having a more luminous world.

Justin accidentally leaves his microphone on in the background so you get to hear an exclusive behind the scenes exploration into what exactly occurs as an interview takes place. Fortunately it is not too distracting as he behaved himself quite well and Seth did a great job dampening the impact. However the problem caused by the behavior of the mute button in Skype is solved and it won't happen again, we are only ten episodes in after all.

Even though it has been a while since you've last seen The Extraenvironmentalist, in this episode we return to kick off a stellar year of examining humanity in 2011 with interviews and more. Thanks for listening!

 

// Music (in order of appearance)
Star Slinger - Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins Reworkvia The Music Ninja
Palpitation - In Five Years (Niva Remix) via Klubb Ace
Braids - Lemonade (Green Go Remix) via The DaDaDa
Diamond Messages - Liquid Summer via The Music Ninja
Marina and the Diamonds - Me and the Moon (Clock Opera Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Paddling Song via WFMU's Beware of the Blog

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