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The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens shines a light on the foundations of the human predicament, revealing how energy, the environment, economics, human behavior, and systems science intertwine.

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Rod SchoonoverThe National Security Risks We’re Not Prepared ForWith Rod SchoonoverThe Great SimplificationEp 183 | Rod Schoonover

National security concerns have been the invisible hand guiding governance throughout recorded history. In the 20th century, it was defined by a country versus country dynamic: whichever nation was the strongest and most strategic was also the safest. But today, our biggest national security threats don’t come from opposing nations – they are “actorless threats” that emerge from the breakdown of the complex systems we all depend on – from the stability of our planetary systems to our intricately complex and fragile global supply chains. In this unprecedented landscape, what is required of us in order to keep our citizens safe?

Watch nowJun 18, 2025
Movie Re-ReleaseThe Systems Science Behind Our Global CrisesWith Nate HagensThe Great SimplificationEp 182 | Nate Hagens

Three years ago, my team and I created a 30-minute movie that provides a comprehensive systems analysis of the human predicament—spanning energy, economics, ecology, and behavioral psychology. This beautifully animated film aims to help viewers understand the interconnected crises defining our era.

Watch nowJun 13, 2025
Globalization End GameHelena Norberg-Hodge HeadshotGlobalization End GameWith Helena Norberg-HodgeThe Great SimplificationEp 181 | Helena Norberg-Hodge

Over the last few decades, humanity has globalized everything – from food production and supply chains to communication and information systems – making countries, businesses, and individuals more connected and reliant on each other than ever before. Yet, with this increased interconnectedness comes more complexity and fragility. What have we lost through the globalization process, and how might we fortify our communities by investing in local economies?

Watch nowJun 11, 2025
AI’s Unseen RisksZak SteinAI’s Unseen RisksWith Zak SteinThe Great SimplificationEp 180 | Zak Stein

With the use of AI becoming more ubiquitous by the day, can our education systems adequately protect children from the potential harms?

Watch nowJun 4, 2025
The Fish are FleeingMalin PinskyThe Fish are FleeingWith Malin PinskyThe Great SimplificationEp 179 | Malin Pinsky

For all of human history, the oceans and the life within them have remained a stable and fundamental part of Earth as we know it.

Watch nowMay 28, 2025
Restoring Global EcologyAndrew MillisonRestoring Global EcologyWith Andrew MillisonThe Great SimplificationEp 178 | Andrew Millison

It’s no secret that massive change is needed to restore our planet’s vital ecosystems.

Watch nowMay 21, 2025
No Economies Without BiodiversityThomas CrowtherNo Economies Without BiodiversityWith Thomas CrowtherThe Great SimplificationEp 177 | Thomas Crowther

There is only one known planet in the universe capable of meeting humanity’s needs – Earth.

Watch nowMay 13, 2025
Fragile Electric GridsPedro PrietoFragile Electric GridsWith Pedro PrietoThe Great SimplificationEp 176 | Pedro Prieto

Last week, Europe experienced its worst blackout in living memory, which plunged tens of millions of people across Spain and Portugal into darkness for up to 18 hours.

Watch nowMay 7, 2025
Sobriété vs PovertyJean Marc JancoviciSobriété vs PovertyWith Jean-Marc JancoviciThe Great SimplificationEp 175 | Jean-Marc Jancovici

As economic, political, and environmental pressures continue to reshape our daily choices, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the era of hyper-consumption that defined the past century is no longer sustainable.

Watch nowApr 30, 2025
The Neuroscience of Good JournalismMaren UrnerThe Neuroscience of Good JournalismWith Maren UrnerThe Great SimplificationEp 174 | Maren Urner

The psychological effects of media consumption and keeping up with the 24-hour news cycle are vast.

Watch nowApr 23, 2025
Planetary InsightsWill MarshallPlanetary InsightsWith Will MarshallThe Great SimplificationEp 173 | Will Marshall

When we are able to see the full scope of a problem, rather than a fragment, it changes how we respond.

Watch nowApr 16, 2025
Living the ChangeHow TGS Viewers are Transforming Their Lives and CommunitiesWith Living the ChangeThe Great SimplificationEp 172 | Living the Change

A few months ago, we invited viewers to share the projects, initiatives, and lifestyle changes they've embraced after becoming aware of the global challenges facing humanity.

Watch nowApr 11, 2025

That’s very understandable because with left hemisphere thinking, one of the problems is that you see everything as a series of problems that must have solutions. Iain McGilchrist Neuroscientist and Philosopher

What we’re seeing is probably the largest mass movement of marine life, at least in the last 10,000 years, towards the poles. Malin Pinsky Associate Professor

The worst thing you can do to people is make them feel that whatever they do, it doesn’t matter. What we call in psychology “helplessness” — or even stronger, learned helplessness. Maren Urner Professor, Sustainable Transformation

We can’t have hundreds and hundreds of real relationships that are healthy because that requires time and effort and full attention and awareness of being in real relationship and conversation with the other human. Nate Hagens Executive Director ISEOF

30 min overview

The Great Simplification Animated Series is a 32-minute animation – in four acts – describing the backdrop for an economic and cultural transition beginning in the not-too-distant future. Energy Blind reveals how fossil fuels shaped our world, while The Human Superorganism shows their impact on economies and ecosystems. The Human Being examines the psychology behind our short-term thinking, and The Great Simplification encourages a systems-thinking approach to future challenges. With detailed notes and transcripts, this series offers a thought-provoking look at our past, present, and future. You can also enjoy all four parts together in our Animated Movie.

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The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future (ISEOF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, founded in 2008, that conducts research and educates the public about energy issues and their impact on society.

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