Radius of Reason

What if more growth is paradoxically the only way out of the problems created by growth? Dr. Michael Muthukrishna—author of A Theory of Everyone —joins us to explain how understanding human nature, energy, and evolution can guide practical, scalable solutions to the metacrisis that align with our psychological, social, and technological realities. GUEST INFO: Dr. Michael Muthukrishna Professor of Economic Psychology, London School of Economics Professor of Psychology, NYU (Starting in 2026) Author, A Theory of Everyone: https://a.co/d/gpRDNAz

Our global society is obsessed with endless economic growth — and that obsession is currently destroying the planet. In this episode, we chat with JP Arellano about the idea of degrowth — a radical economic vision that challenges the very foundation of modern civilization. Is “less” really “more”? Or would abandoning growth lead to collapse, chaos, and conflict? GUEST INFO: JP Arellano is a Mexican working in Strategic Communications at the REAL Project https://www.realpostgrowth.eu/ Cofounder of International Degrowth network https://explore.degrowth.net/

Can we solve the metacrisis through the lens of game theory? In this episode, we speak with Ashley Hodgson about the game-theoretic dynamics driving the metacrisis — and how we might shift the game toward a more just and sustainable future. We explore how transparency, information flow, and cultural narratives shape power and cooperation in society, and why overcoming in-group vs. out-group dynamics is key to progress. The conversation also touches on epistemic humility, relationship-building, and how genuine change begins with those most willing to cooperate. GUEST INFO: Ashley Hodgson, Associate Professor of Economics, St. Olaf College Host of The New Enlightenment with Ashley Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@thenewenlightenmentwithash8465

Barry Lynn joins us to discuss the state of anti-monopoly policy in the United States. In the context of the current Trump administration’s drive for market deregulation, we discuss how the interests of big business – including the tech giants – have co-opted American democracy, and what needs to be done to restore a political system that works on behalf of the people as opposed to corporations. GUEST INFO: Barry C. Lynn Executive Director, Open Markets Institute https://www.openmarketsinstitute.org/

Dr. William E. Rees joins us to unpack what he sees as the greatest threat facing humanity today. We dive into ecological overshoot, evolutionary mismatch, human cognitive limits, complex systems, and whether there’s still a path toward "resolving" the metacrisis. GUEST INFO: William E. Rees Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia (ecologist, ecological economist) KEY TOPICS: Metacrisis, William E. Rees, Ecological Overshoot, Climate Change, Existential Risk CREDITS: Intro music based on: https://pixabay.com/users/gregorquendel-19912121/

Anarcho-capitalism is a political philosophy advocating for the replacement of government functions with the private sector; market forces would dictate things like public safety, legal arbitration, and other elements of day-to-day life. Dr. Michael Huemer – Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado at Boulder – joins us to explore if this is a viable model for organizing society to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity. Specifically, we debate whether free markets can handle coordination problems like Climate Change, if human nature makes or breaks anarcho-capitalism, and whether anarch-capitalism would be preferable to new systems of governance (e.g., a sortition based system). Finally, we discuss how anarcho-capitalist societies might arise and if they would inevitably succumb to centralized powers. GUEST INFO:Michael HuemerProfessor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado at BoulderFake Noûs (Substack)The Problem of Political Authority (Book)KEY TOPICS:Anarcho-capitalism, political philosophy, systems of governance, Metacrisis, libertarianismCREDITS:Intro music based on: https://pixabay.com/users/gregorquendel-19912121/

What will the future of sustainable energy actually look like? Dr. Simon Michaux breaks down his alternative to the Green Transition—the "Purple Transition"—and the major obstacles stopping us from adopting these allegedly superior technologies. We also dive into energy politics, DOGE, government efficiency, global power dynamics, and the future of the human race (among other topics!)GUEST INFO: Simon Michaux Associate Professor at Geological Survey of Finland https://www.simonmichaux.com/

Dr. Simon Michaux joins us to explore the green transition from a metacrisis perspective. We discuss the mineral scarcity challenges he is known for, as well as the broader civilizational shifts needed for a sustainable energy future. Plus, we examine criticisms of his work—including our own—to better understand how he arrived at his conclusions.GUEST INFO: Simon Michaux Associate Professor at Geological Survey of Finland https://www.simonmichaux.com/

Can traditional journalism survive in a world dominated by mega-influencers like Joe Rogan? What happens when AI reshapes how we consume news? And how must the industry evolve to stay relevant in this new technological and cultural era?In this episode, we’re joined by Neil Brown, a veteran journalist, President of the Poynter Institute, and founder of the fact-checking platform PolitiFact. Neil breaks down the market forces shaping today’s media landscape and explores what it will take to bring journalism into the modern age. GUEST INFO: Neil Brown President, Poynter Institute Founder, PolitiFact X / Twitter: @nbrownpoynter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-brown-0711b9151/

Every discussion about the metacrisis ultimately highlights the broader public's lack of awareness about the world's interconnected complexity—and, inevitably, the failures of the education system. A recent study by the National Assessment for Education indicates that American students continue to lag behind in reading and math skills, suggesting that the public school system has not bounced back from pandemic-era disruptions. This is on top of a persistent crisis in recruiting and retaining quality teachers faced by the majority of American school districts. As further cuts to federal education funding loom, Radius of Reason welcomes former teacher and education advocate Connor Nowalk to take stock of this crisis in American public education, and to discuss potential solutions to this integral institution. GUEST INFO: Connor Nowalk