Topic: Politics

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[ Episode #73B // Regarding Revolutions ]

Feb 11 2014

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

(more…)

[ Episode #73A // Regarding Revolutions ]

Feb 11 2014

Mini Episode

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.

// 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)

// 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

(more…)

[ Episode #70 // Downloading Responsibility ]

Dec 10 2013

Mini Episode

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

(more…)

[ Episode #53 // Without Growth ]

Nov 22 2012

Mini Episode

The global economy is searching for growth and choosing austerity when it can't be found. Is it possible to manage an economy, obtain full employment, and provide social equity without economic growth? Can we develop a dialogue about our economy that recognizes the human enterprise as a subset of biophysical processes?

In Extraenvironmentalist #53 we speak with Peter Victor about his book Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, Not Disaster which describes why our obsession with GDP isn't necessary. Peter describes the field of Ecological Economics and how it differs from other disciplines of economic thought. We ask if there are some first steps we could take to start building a society that doesn't need GDP expansion. Then, we speak with Dave Gardner [85m] about how he's built a dialogue on the diminishing returns of economic growth with his film Growthbusters. Dave tells us about his run for city council in Colorado Springs, CO.

// Music (in order of appearance)

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (Louis La Roche Remix) via Soundcloud
Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Psychemagic Remix) via Youtube
Broke for Free - The Gold Lining via The Music Ninja
Isley Brothers - Prize Posession (Follow Me Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Chaundon - El Mariachi (Instrumental) via Mixcloud

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 35m

Gar Alperovitz - Green Party Keynote via Democracy Now

[Second Break] - 107m

Glenn Beck, yes, we actually used a clip from Glenn Beck, I know, I'm shocked too.

[End]

Uruguay's President

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel

(more…)

[ Episode #40 // Corporate Influence ]

Apr 30 2012

Mini Episode

The logic of neoliberalism behind our economic model is fading as its fundamental conclusions about human nature are reaching an extreme. As global economies continue to reveal numbers indicating a spiraling trend of contraction in manufacturing and economic growth, corporations maintain enough power over our societies to stay afloat. Though we are influenced by the corporate mindset from the moment we enter the school system as children, can we find alternatives to corporate control of our education, media and health?

In Extraenvironmentalist #40 we speak with Joel Bakan about how the dystopian possibilities imagined by his film The Corporation have become a reality. Joel describes the reasons why neoliberalism can be appealing to us even though it is based on a limited understanding of human potential. We ask Joel about his recent book Childhood Under Siege, where he describes corporate influence on children through education and the modern medical system. Next, we talk with Laurette Lynn of Unplugged Mom Radio [a the 67' mark] about how the best option for educating our children may be for parents to take their kids out of the school system entirely to learn critical thinking skills. Then, we talk to The PPL [at the 102' mark] about how they are taking media out of the hand of major corporations for the 2012 Democratic National Convention so that citizen journalists who understand the magnitude of today's challenges can ask tough questions. Last of all, Seth and I discuss our upcoming coverage of the Montreal Degrowth Conference.

If you are interested in hearing more about our thoughts on education and society give our interview a listen on the Unplugged Mom show with Laurette Lynn.

// Music (in order of appearance)
Bibio - Lovers' Carvings (Bruno Be & Eddie M Remix) via The Music Ninja
Bonobo - All In Forms (Letherette Remix) via This is Real Music
Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice (St Etienne Cover) via Soundcloud
Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Ane Brun Cover) via It's a Trap
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody (RAC Remix) via Soundcloud
Foxes - Youth (Adventure Club Remix) via Skeetbeatz

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)
[First Break] - 15'
A Selection of Clips from The Corporation Film
Pink Slime + BP Corexit
[Second Break] - 45'
Montreal Student Protests
Global Youth Unemployment
Italy Youth Unemployment Reaches Over 30%
Clip from upcoming XE interview with University of Victoria professor Michael M'Gonigle
[End]
J. Krishnamurti Speaks on Education

(more…)

[ Episode #20 // Debt Unmasked ]

Aug 9 2011

Mini Episode

Rapidly rising and falling global markets are throwing the world into turmoil. The instability our societies were supposed to control has risen to the forefront. Will the incredible debt piles sitting underneath the flags of Western economies rip social fabrics into fits of unrest like the current riots in London? Before the first major financial shock of the Great Contraction in 2007, the US Government ran an annual budget deficit of only $200 billion per year. During the economic stagnation of years since that deficit is now at $1.4 trillion and quickly rising with more economic decline on the way. What happens when interest payments on this debt overtake federal income in the next few years? Are we all satisfied with sacrificing for an economic system that merely reinforces the status quo of power and greed?

In Extraenvironmentalist #20 we speak with economist Manfred Max-Neef about his career in economics during which he created development models based on fundamental human needs as opposed to power and greed. Manfred recently published Economics Unmasked: From Power and Greed to Compassion and the Common Good which leads us to discuss how universities are failing in their ability distribute a model of the world that can provide for human needs during and after the failure of capitalism. We discuss Manfred's concern that the US is sitting on a ticking time bomb of civil unrest as economic circumstances become rapidly more dire for its inhabitants. How can the American public recognize the possibilities of a debt collapse the rest of the world is actively discussing if our media is steering the collective conversation towards trivia? After we decide to put off a bank run for now, machines end up declaring their intention for the American Presidency in 2012, though with a terrible record of job creation.

// Music (in order of appearance)
Gauntlet Hair - Top Bunk via The Music Ninja
Yin Yang Twins - Shake (Celebration Mash Up) via Youtube
M83 - Midnight City (Christian Strobe Remix) via Too Many Sebastians
Vacationer - Trip via Everybody Taste
Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar (Cee-Roo Mix) via SoundCloud
Star Wars - Imperial March (TA Dubstep Mix) via Youtube

// Extended Clips
Who Killed Economic Growth? via @postcarbon

(more…)

[ Episode #18 // The Wealth of Nature ]

Jul 27 2011

Mini Episode

Our economic systems are beginning to expose the first intimations of how drastically they've been failing us. Is this breakdown happening because our economics are reflecting the state of our ecosystems? Generations of economists have adhered with religious fervor to tenets of growth and free market dynamics that have detached from reality so drastically these beliefs have become superstitions that now drive our currencies to the brink of collapse. How can a naturally centered mindset re-focus our economic ideals?

In Extraenvironmentalist #18 we speak with John Michael Greer about his latest book, The Wealth of Nature: Economics as if Survival Mattered. John blogs prolifically at The Archdruid Report and has written several additional spectacular books on the precarious predicaments of industrial society like, The Long Descent and The Ecotechnic Future. As Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America John's naturally focused mind shines an illuminating viewpoint on the fallacies of modern economics and how our physical reality can create a sustainable economic system. We discuss why people typically embrace denial when first encountering his ideas, the role his druid practice has had in revealing many fallacies of commonly held viewpoints about industrial society, the role of politics in the collapse of industrial civilization and what a day in the life of a druid looks like.

// Music (in order of appearance)
Balam Acab - Oh Why via The Music Ninja
Channel Cairo - Elephant Room via Earplugs Not Included
Graffiti 6 - Free via Youtube
John Denver - Country Roads (Pretty Lights Remix) via Sunset in the Rear View

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[ Episode #7 // When Two Worlds Collide ]

Nov 26 2010

Mini Episode

Living in a western media bubble we receive every story through a prism of corporate and political control which bends a complex and multifaceted light into a monochromatic blur. When oil and multinational energy interests collide with the mode of sustainable living practiced by Amazonian tribes for generations, a cascading series of events has encapsulated this complex set of interactions as a microcosm of the global struggle we all face.

In Extraenvironmentalist #7 we uncover the tale of Heidi Brandenburg and Taira Akbar of Yachaywasi Films about their upcoming documentary, When Two Worlds Collide. Heidi and Taira are in Lima with their colleague Mathew Orzel covering the transfer of Amazonian Rainforest into the hands of energy and mining companies that act on behalf of our lifestyle. A massive commodifcation of Amazonian ancestral lands into a global market. Today's story has it all: oil, international trade relations, corporate subjugation of the indigenous, amazonian shamanism and most of all the will of one man, Alberto Pizango as he stands against the Peruvian Government and the many competing interests to deliver the will of his people. Alberto's struggle is one to preserve the sustenance that will ensure our species' survival throughout the future.

Please ensure that this story is told around the world! Support Heidi, Taira and the rest of the Yachaywasi team by visiting their IndieGoGo page and making a contribution. Additionally, Seth and I think you should strongly consider sharing this episode with your family and friends.

You can follow more on this story through the regular media outlets as Alberto Pizango was recently interviewed by the BBC and stories of his 2011 run for the Peruvian Presidency are hitting the news wires.

//Supplemental Links
IndieGoGo | Support When Two Worlds Collide
--
Facebook | When Two Worlds Collide
Website | Yachaywasi Films

// Music (in order of appearance)
CFCF - Before and After Light via The Music Ninja
Ingrid Michaelson - Creep (Radiohead Cover) via IndieShuffle
Atmosphere - The Best Day via The Music Ninja
Boy and Bear - Mexican Mavis via IndieShuffle
Gypsy and the Cat - Time to Wander via IndieShuffle

When Two Worlds Collide (1-minute trailer) from Yachaywasi Films on Vimeo.

(more…)

[ Episode #2 // Powerful Plastic ]

Aug 31 2010

Mini Episode

We are surrounded by a media maelstrom on a daily basis and every so often that tornado of music and language coalesces into something that inflicts a bewildering inspiration.

This podcast is about enlightened entertainment and that's what The Extraenvironmentalist #2 delivers. Sure, it might be a little all over the place, but isn't everyone?

As the plastic bag journeys to it's natural habitat, we discuss America's class system and read from Ti m-Wallace Murphy's book on the history of the western esoteric tradition on ways in which alternative viewpoints on Christianity were extinguished in the Dark Ages.

So while in the future we'll focus in on particular topics a little more, this week's theme is: stuff we found interesting.

// Media Links
Youtube | The Majestic Plastic Bag
Podcast | CBC Ideas - The Charming Mr. Luttwak
Blog | Understanding America's Class System by Joe Bageant
TV | BBC Unreported World - Third World America | here's a good review of it
Podcast | School Sucks #4 - Politics is Force
Podcast | Gnostic Media #88 - Silver and Gold ft. Stephen Zarlenga
Book | Hidden Wisdom by Tim-Wallace Murphy
Youtube | Sarah Silverman - Sell the Vatican Save the World
Podcast | C-Realm Podcast #220 - Red State Blues ft. Daniel Krotz
Podcast | Common Sense with Dan Carlin #164 - The People's Snitch
Podcast | Diet Soap #71 - Dolls Eyes In the Supercenter ft. Jason Rizos

// Music (in order of appearance)
Blue Hawaii - Blue Gowns via Et Musique Pour Tous
Florence and the Machines - Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix) via Et Musique Pour Tous
Ting Tings - Hands (Retro/Grade Remix) via Audioporn Central
Freelance Whales - Generator Second Floor via HearYa
The Temper Trap - Fader (The Knocks Remix ft. Samuel) via Wongie's Music World
OMD - If Yout Want It Villa Nah Remix via Audioporn Central

// Corrections (let us know if you find the Easter eggs in every episode!)

(we haven't discovered any yet)

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