Topic: Grassroots

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[ Episode #9 // Economics of Happiness ]

Jan 3 2011

Converging crises of the environment, energy and our personal psychology threaten to destabilize the economic systems we depend on for subsistence. Globalization has provided tremendous financial benefits and convenience for specific groups but has degraded communities while spreading the emotional and spiritual depravity of materialism. By developing a local resilient economy can we counteract the shadow of globalization while addressing the predicaments of energy depletion, resource scarcity and desolate communities?

In Extraenvironmentalist #9 we speak with Helena Norberg-Hodge, director of The Economics of Happiness, a documentary film about the worldwide movement for local economic development. Our discussion covers Helena's experiences in the Ladakh region of India which inspired her to recognize the problems with the standard model for economic development, inspiring her book and film Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh. We also spoke with Helena about the numerous benefits of decentralized local economies in addressing our converging crises and the specifics of the psychological impacts of advertising and media on society in its push for expanded economic activity.

We're also thinking of starting an Extraenvironmentalist book club. Are you interested in perhaps doing a monthly group call to discuss a book on Extraenvironmentalist topics? If so, let us know through voicemail or email and we'll choose a book, set a timeline and record a discussion.

//Supplemental Links
Website | Economics of Happiness
Facebook | Facebook Page for Economics of Happiness
// Music (in order of appearance)
Pepper Rabbit - Older Brother via The Music Ninja
The Kopecky Family Band - Our Remedy via The Music Slut
Mr. Little Jeans - Rescue Song (RAC Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Sunday Girl - Time to Pretend (MGMT Cover) via AudioPorn Central

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[ Episode #8 // Back to the Garden ]

Dec 13 2010

Mini Episode

As a response to the dire situation facing modern industrial civilization it can be tempting to seek a simpler life away from the complexity and out in nature. Quite a few from the previous generation have already made such a choice and recognizing this we can learn from their trials and successes.

In Extraenvironmentalist #8 we speak with Kevin Tomlinson, director of Back to the Garden about his film's story as he follows a group of people through their decision to live off the land and outside the mainstream from 1988 into today. All while Seth and I ask about the skills these new pioneers needed along with the value of road-trips.

//Supplemental Links
Website | Back to the Garden
Facebook | Facebook Page for Back to the Garden
News | Tom Foreman - You Say You Want a Revolution

// Music (in order of appearance)
Strange Talk - Eskimo Boy via IndieShuffle
Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons - Born Again via IndieShuffle
El Ten Eleven - Cease and Persist via Soundcloud
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - This Land is Your Land via Panic Manual
Matt and Kim - Going For Great via The Music Ninja

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[ Episode #5 // Phantom Wealth ]

Nov 1 2010

Mini Episode

Now is the season of spirits. Together we face the most horrifying of all poltergeists: the ghost of phantom wealth.

Numbers representing the money in our bank account are very different from real wealth. While the focus is on gaining and creating money, this very process sublimates a methodology of destruction and wealth extraction from communities, nature and humanity. Society has confused money for wealth and in doing so transmutes the use of potentially valuable financial instruments into implements of degradation.

In Extraenvironmentalist #5 we share a talk on the economy and money Justin recorded at University of British Columbia by David Korten based on his recent book, Agenda for a New Economy. The story of money is mystified by design and so on rare occasions like this we can explore the relationship between our physical world and the financial world with clear elucidation. David uses his background as a Stanford Business School professor and an international economist to develop philosophies for a new economy serving humans instead of accountants.

// Media Links
News | Mitsubishi plans to profit from Bluefin Tuna
Poem | Keeping Things Whole by Mark Strand via Arthur Magazine
Youtube | Economic Hitmen ft. John Perkins

// Music (in order of appearance)
Fools Gold - Nadine via IndieShuffle
Zero 7 - Futures (ft. Jose Gonzalez) via IndieShuffle
Syl Johnson - I'm Talkin' About Freedom via Earmilk
Bedouin Soundclash - Brutal Hearts (ft. Coeur de Pirate) via The Music Ninja

// Corrections and Blunders

- Please do call or email us with corrections if you find something we've said to be factually inaccurate -

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