Know More Know Less

The energy transition isn't coming—it's already here. But how fast is it actually moving? And what's slowing it down? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Driskell Tate, a historian and energy analyst who serves as Associate Director at Global Energy Monitor. We dig into the numbers: 40% of global electricity now comes from renewables and nuclear. Solar has grown from less than 1% in 2000 to nearly 9% today. Investment in clean energy is now double what's going into fossil fuels. But it's not all good news. 740 million people still lack electricity access. AI and data centers are creating massive new demand. And legacy industries—coal, oil, gas—aren't disappearing overnight. **Topics covered:** - Current state of the global energy transition - Why solar is scaling faster than any energy source in history - The role of batteries and storage in making renewables "24-hour fuel" - Nuclear energy: small modular reactors, public perception, and geopolitical ties - AI and data centers: friend or foe to the clean energy transition? - The real bottlenecks: financing, permitting, and supply chains - Pakistan's DIY solar boom and what it means for emerging markets - Why the status quo is now the most expensive option - The importance of open data in energy planning   **Key stats mentioned:**   - Renewables and nuclear now generate ~40% of global electricity (2024 record) - 740 million people still lack electricity access, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa - Double the investment is now going into renewables vs. fossil fuels - 15 years ago: 150 proposed coal plants in the US → today: fewer than 5 in all of OECD - Solar went from  less than 1% (2000) to ~9% of global electricity today - 70 GW of nuclear under construction—highest in 30 years   **Resources:** - Global Energy Monitor: https://globalenergymonitor.org - IEA (International Energy Agency): https://www.iea.org - Ember (global electricity data): https://ember-climate.org - RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute): https://rmi.org   🎧 Know More Know Less — Listen on: Listen & Subscribe: 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Daniel Cox — Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and host of the Psychotherapy and Applied Psychology podcast — about the real mechanics behind helpful conversations. What actually makes talking helpful? And how can we build better conversations in everyday life, not just therapy? We talk about: •what good therapy actually does (and doesn't do) •why the relationship is more important than the treatment method •how to tell when you've outgrown your therapist •how to listen without solving •why interrupting isn't always a bad thing •how to help a friend who says "I'm fine" but clearly isn't •what most suicide risk assessments get wrong•how conversation reveals clarity — not just catharsis Whether you're someone who's been in therapy, thinking about starting, or just trying to be a better friend or partner — this conversation will shift how you think about the way we talk to each other. ⸻ 🔗 Resources from Daniel Cox: •YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychotherapyAppliedPsychology •Podcast: https://psychotherapyandappliedpsychology.buzzsprout.com ⸻ 🎧 Know More Know Less — Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 •Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 •YouTube (Full episodes + clips): https://youtu.be/ntWpH97LXog

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tony Iezzi, clinical psychologist, professor, and co-author of Re-Enactments.  We discuss how to break free of the invisible patterns that shape our lives.  With over 35 years of trauma treatment experience, Dr. Iezzi helps us understand how seemingly small triggers (like being ignored or corrected) can activate deep-rooted emotional reactions tied to our earliest relationships.   We get into: •what reenactments are, and how to spot them in real time •why our reactions often have more to do with history than the moment •how trauma can linger as themes like "incompetence," "worthlessness," or "lack of control" •why talk therapy alone often isn't enough •how to reparent yourself and reshape your inner voice •how couples can start talking differently to break old cycles   We also talk about perfectionism, addiction, immigrant households, the myth of 10-step healing, and why learning to respond — not just react — is the true path to change.   ⸻ 🔗 Resources from Dr. Iezzi: •Website: https://www.tonyiezzi.com •Book: Re-Enactments — available via his site ⸻ 🎧 Know More Know Less —    Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219   •Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299   •YouTube (Full episodes & clips): https://youtu.be/ntWpH97LXog

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christiane Schroeter — award-winning professor, TEDx speaker, and wellness coach — about how to create real momentum without burning out. Christiane's background in health economics, branding, and behavioral science gives her a rare perspective on what makes goals actually stick. We get into: •how to recognize early signs of burnout before it crashes your life •how to use "petite practices" to build habits without overwhelm •why negative self-talk might be your biggest barrier •how to think about selling (especially if you hate selling) •branding tips that resonate with real people, not just algorithms We also talk about self-compassion, pivots, and how even 5-minutes-a-day can change the entire arc of your life.     🔗 Resources from Christiane: •Website: https://drchristiane.com •Discover Your Superpower Quiz: https://drchristiane.com/quiz •Books: → Discover Your Superpower → How to Master Your Goals •Podcast: Happy Healthy Hustle — https://drchristiane.com/podcast 🎧 Know More Know Less — Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 •Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 •Full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/ntWpH97LXog

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's in-house expert on sleep and trauma. She's a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in EMDR, brainspotting, psychopharmacology, and nightmare treatment — and she's helped everyone from military veterans to elite law enforcement agents finally get real rest. We cover: • Why nightmares are actually treatable, and how to do it • Why total darkness isn't extreme — it's essential • What chronic sleep debt does to the body and brain • How trauma, shift work, and stress can rewire your sleep cycles • A better way to use (or stop using) melatonin, magnesium, and        Benadryl • Why hot chocolate can be stronger than you think We also break down why your caffeine habits might be wrecking your sleep without you realizing it, and how even tiny changes — like sealing light gaps or shifting your wake-up routine — can stack into real sleep resuilts. Leah's new book, The Sleep Advantage, comes out October 1, 2025 — and trust me, it's going to be a major tool for anyone who wants to sleep deeper, recover better, and live more clearly. ⸻ 🔗 Resources: • Dr. Leah Kaylor: https://www.drlea.com • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeaKaylor • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drleakaylor • The Sleep Advantage (coming Oct 1, 2025) KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/cjaD7jT7obw

I've been fascinated by the concept of free wall for decades now.  The ongoing debate if we have control over our own lives, or if we are simply giant walking meat sacks being taken from place to place, goal to goal, by our DNA, our biology, and our environment.  Today,  I talk with Professor Kevin Mitchell, a geneticist and developmental neurobiologist at Trinity College Dublin. Kevin's research sits right at the crossroads of biology, psychology, and philosophy — and if you've ever wondered whether you're in charge of your own life or just acting out a pre-written script of DNA and experience, this conversation is for you. We get into: What your genes really do (and don't) control The truth behind personality traits like introversion, impulsivity, and neuroticism Whether autism is increasing — or if the definition is just expanding Why blaming your bad behavior on your biology is a dead end The surprisingly hopeful science behind free will Why even your phone might be chipping away at your agency Kevin's also the author of Innate and Free Agents, two books that explore the science of who we are and how we act in the world. I've rarely come across someone who makes complex neuroscience and genetics this clear — or this empowering. If you've ever felt stuck or wondered whether change is really possible, this episode will challenge how you think about personality, decision-making, and what it means to live with intention. 🔗 Resources: Kevin's blog: http://www.wiringthebrain.com Kevin's books: Innate – https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/38902055 Free Agents – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387495-free-agents Kevin on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wiringthebrain.bsky.social Personal website: https://kjmitchell.com KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jason Del Gandio, a professor, philosopher, and the creator of 20 Minute Vibe. For more than 30 years, Jason has studied what he calls "the vibe"—that felt but often unexplained energy we pick up from people, places, art, music, even ourselves. His doctoral work was the first academic study of "bodily emanation," and today we unpack what that actually means in real life. We talk about why the word vibe shows up everywhere (and how it got there), what gives a space or person "a vibe," and why developing your sensitivity to this stuff can make your relationships deeper, your self-awareness sharper, and your bullshit radar stronger. We also get into: • How vibe differs from emotion, and why that matters  • Whether dogs and babies are better vibe detectors than we are • Why "good vibes only" is a myth—and what to do with the uncomfortable ones • What makes someone's vibe feel authentic (and why it's magnetic) • How checking in with vibe might help you leave a job, a house, or a relationship that no longer fits • What it means to design a life that feels good—not just looks good I didn't expect to take this word seriously when we started talking, but by the end… well, let's just say Jason Trojan Horse'd the hell out of me. If you've ever felt something in your gut and didn't know how to name it—this conversation might give you the language you were missing. ⸻ 🔗 Resources: • 20minutevibe.com – Jason's essays, videos & courses • Jason on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/20minutevibe • Jason on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@UCRMXu7GY2gPCHPgx2r-b-gQ KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/NYdvMkz3dO0

In this episode, I sit down with Shai Hipperson, a clinical psychologist and principal psychedelic-assisted therapist at the Conscious Mind Centre in Queensland, Australia. Shai is on the front lines of Australia's groundbreaking move to legalize MDMA and psilocybin for treatment-resistant mental health conditions—and she brings a wealth of knowledge, caution, and clarity to the conversation. We dive into how psychedelic therapy is practiced, what "integration" really means, and the very real risks of underground sessions that aren't supported by clinical safety protocols. We also talk about ketamine use, dosing regulations, and why Australia's strict screening process has, so far, resulted in zero adverse reactions. I also open up about my own experiences—both positive and difficult—with MDMA and psilocybin, including how one MDMA session helped me mourn the loss of my grandparents and reshaped how I understand love. We explore why these treatments can be so profound—and why they should never be taken lightly. Some themes we cover: What it means to safely "let go" during a session—and why that's not easy for everyone Why men are often emotionally closed off, and how MDMA might help Microdosing, SSRIs, and the painfully slow evolution of mental health treatment What you need to know before stepping into a psychedelic retreat (especially if it's underground) What makes integration just as important as the journey itself If you're curious, skeptical, or cautiously hopeful about psychedelic therapy, this conversation doesn't promise miracles—but it does offer insight, honesty, and some hard-won perspective. 🔗 Resources mentioned: Mind Medicine Australia – Legal Retreat Directory How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan: Book | Netflix Series Imperial College London: Psilocybin vs SSRIs Study   KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA

Lately, it's starting to feel like more people I meet are starting to sign up for team hopeless. There's a climate crisis, a few wars waging, and the most powerful and influential country on earth is openly accepting bribes, pardoning white collar criminals and using the White House lawn as a used car sales lot. And oh yeah, we still have to pay our mortgages, feed ourselves, and figure out what that weird rash is. You're right, it's aaa lot. But what I have in common with my guest Nick Cooney author of the book, "What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More" reframes modern ethics around the true cost of doing nothing. Because the worst thing we can all do in the face of mounting issues... is nothing. Nick Cooney is the Founder of Lever VC, a venture fund backing the next wave of sustainability innovators—from plant-based foods and fermentation-derived proteins to disease-detection software and precision animal genetics. He's also a seasoned nonprofit leader: founder of The Humane League, co-founder of the Good Food Institute, and today Board Chair of the Lever Foundation, a charity accelerating sustainable food supply chains across Asia. Nick is someone focused on doing what he can to make tomorrow a better place. But today, we'll explore why small choices can add up to massive change, how to do good without burning out, and what it means to shift from bystander to changemaker. KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST:  For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://youtu.be/D_dk0ifPOWs

Lately, AI seems to be everywhere: on my phone, in many conversations with friends, on TV, and in what feels like every sci-fi film. Whether you are up to speed or not, you won't be able to escape it sooner or later. If it eventually becomes our Terminator or our best friend and lover, only time will tell.  For now, I'm seeking bright spots and inspiring individuals who are working hard to ensure we all benefit. Dr. Gregory Banks is an educator, researcher, entrepreneur, and thought leader in education technology. With a PhD in Chemistry and a strong focus on how teacher beliefs shape classroom practice, Greg combines insightful classroom experiences with rigorous academic research. His Substack, Aligned: AI in Education, along with his newly released book, aims to bridge the gap between EdTech creators and the classroom. This was a fascinating and enjoyable conversation, and it's always encouraging to see people like Dr. Banks actively fighting for a better future. Greg's Substack: https://gregorybanksphd.substack.com/p/coming-soon?utm_medium=web New Book: Aligned: A Love Letter to Developers on What We Need from AI to Improve Education https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Aligned-Letter-Developers-Improve-Education/dp/1956543635 KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTAr.