Breaking Down: Collapse
Episodes
Episode 99 - How Collapse Effects the Most Vulnerable
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's no secret that collapse effects the poor and minorities first. This episode explains that idea along with some specific examples.Support the...
Episode 98 - The Efforts of Activist Groups
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All over the world you can find groups of people banding together to try and change the system in order to prevent the worst of collapse. In this epis...
Episode 97 - Human Behavior During Disasters
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is a common myth that, generally, people behave savagely towards each other in times of disaster. According to disaster social studies, this cou...
Episode 96: Psychological Barriers to Confronting Collapse
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps the primary reason we continue barreling down the path to collapse is the natural resistance humans have to understanding, accepting, and conf...
Episode 95 - Collapse Happening Today (Part 2)
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a follow up to last week's episode on the same topic, this week we talk about Myanmar, Ukraine, South Africa, and Syria. Last week the countri...
Episode 94 - Collapse Happening Today (Part 1)
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In past episodes we have focused on how societies collapsed historically, but what about countries that are collapsing today? This episode focuses on ...
Episode 93 - Inflation
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is here and *surprise* - it's not transitory. What causes inflation? What kinds of inflation are there and what comes next?Support the ...
Bonus Episode - 52
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every so often we publish one of our Bonus Episodes here on the main podcast. This week we discussed an article claiming that "Melting Ice means ...
Episode 92 - The Environmental Impact of Big Data
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Data is a lesser-talked-about element of collapse, but an important one! "The Cloud" is, indeed, not a magical floating database in the sky ...
Episode 91 - Drought
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Entire societies have collapsed due to insufficient access to water - as a matter of fact, drought is perhaps the #1 reason for civilizational collaps...
Episode 90 - The Electrical Grid
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The US electrical grid is known as "the largest machine in the world". It's complex, it's vital, and it's vulernable. In th...
Episode 89 - Why We're Wrong (or so they say) - Conflict
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the subseries, we talk about the reasons why some believe we won't see conflict in the future. While we don't make any sp...
Episode 88 - "The Changing World Order" by Ray Dalio (Part 2)
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode on Ray Dalio's book "The Changing World Order" Kellan details what Dalio thinks the world will look like in the ...
Episode 87 - "The Changing World Order" by Ray Dalio (Part 1)
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss Ray Dalio's Book titled "The Changing World Order"Support the showPlease join us on Patreon for weekly bonus...
Episode 86 - Anti-Technology and the Unabomber with David Skrbina
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we interview David Skrbina, an author and professor who writes about his anti-technology philosphy. David has written a book with Ted Kazyns...
Episode 85 - Paleoclimatology
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change deniers often ask "How can you possibly know what happened 10,000 years ago?". Paleoclimatology is a fascinating field of stu...
Episode 84 - The Collapse of Education
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"The collapse of education is the collapse of the nation" - maybe Nelson Mandela, maybe not. Either way, it's true, and we'll expl...
Episode 83 - Infectious Diseases (Part 2)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode on infectious diseases, we discuss the increasing trend in zoonotic diseases, as well as the potential dangers of prion disease...
Episode 82 - Technology Can't Save Us - Recycling
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably heard a considerable amount of conflicting information when it comes to recycling? What's the truth and what's fiction?...
Episode 81 - Resolving Differences during Collapse
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Communication is key to building relationships and resilient communities. The world is full of differing opinions, lifestyles, choices, etc. These dif...
Episode 80 - Interview with Richard Heinberg
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we got to speak with Richard Heinberg about his new book "Power". Richard Heinberg is Senior Fellow of Post Carbon Institute and...
Episode 79 - Interview with Chase
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with one of our listeners, who has a unique perspective as someone with multiple degrees and experience in permaculture and horticulture,...
Episode 78 - The Global Dimming Paradox
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows that we should be making efforts to slow and stop fossil fuel emissions, but not as many are aware of the paradox of global dimming, wh...
Episode 77 - Two Types of Collapse (Voluntary vs Forced)
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We've spent 76 episodes discussing the fact that industrialized society will collapse. Most of these episodes have focused on the idea that colla...
Bonus Episode (35)
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week we release a bonus episode for our Patrons, and every so often we release one on the main podcast. In this episode we discuss the newest in...
Episode 76 - Facing a Fear of Collapse
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our sub-series on coping with collapse, in this episode we talk about a few strategies for confronting fear and anxiety about the future.Su...
Episode 75 - Mental Health Crisis
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the ongoing and worsening mental health crisis taking place globally.Learn More:https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-me...
Episode 74 - Preparation with Margaret Killjoy
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Margaret Killjoy joins us on the podcast to dicsuss community and individual preparedness. Margaret is a transfeminine author, musician, and podcast...
Episode 73 - Technology Won't Save Us (Carbon Capture)
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are two technologies that techno-optimists love to tout as our saviors, that which will save us in the future: Carbon Capture and Geoengineering...
Episode 72 - Interview with Dr. Joseph Tainter (Complex Societies)
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and I were pleased to interview Dr. Joseph Tainter. The conversation revolved around his widely known book "The Collapse of Complex Societ...
Episode 71 - Mass Migration
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most concerning consequences of the future is mass migration. Mass migration is both a cause and consequence of collapse, creating a positi...
Episode 70 - Pop Culture & Collapse (Interview with The Pop Mythologist)
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we had the opportunity to speak with Daniel J Kim, AKA The Pop Mythologist, about the role that pop culture and works of fiction play when i...
Episode 69 - Why We're Wrong (or so they say) - Climate Change Part 2
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this second installment of our new Why We're Wrong (or so they say) subseries, we're exploring why they say we're wrong about Climat...
Episode 68 - Why We're Wrong (or so they say) - Climate Change Part 1
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this second installment of our new Why We're Wrong (or so they say) subseries, we're exploring why they say we're wrong about Climat...
Episode 67 - Collapse in 2021
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This year we start an annual tradition of discussing how collapse has played out during the year, as well as discussing predictions for the next year....
Episode 66 - Death of Democracy with Haven Scott McVarish
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we were pleased to interview Haven Scott McVarish, who is the founder and director of the non-profit organizations Common Sense Democracy an...
Episode 65 - Methane
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to greenhouse gasses, C02 typically takes center stage. In this episode we take on the 2nd most prolific greenhouse gas, methane, which ...
Episode 64 - Infrastructure Deep Dive (Bridges and Dams)
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Previously (episode 45), we talked about the weaknesses in global infrastructure from a very high level, with the promise to touch deeper on different...
Episode 63 - Why We're Wrong (or so they say): Resource Scarcity
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast, and the exploration of collapse itself, can be a bit of an echo chamber. In this sub-series we want to take an honest look at the counte...
Episode 62: Historical Precedent of Collapse
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
History is full of examples of collapse of all sorts. This week we take a high level look at some of those collapses and attempt to find the parallels...
Bonus Episode 20 - Catastrophes in British Columbia
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is an example of the bonus episodes we release weekly every Friday to our Patreon subscribers. Use the link below to join!Support the showPlease ...
Episode 61 - Interview with Michael Rezl (U/LetsTalkUFOs) | Ladder of Collapse Awareness
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We were pleased to interview Michael Rezl, one of the senior moderators on r/collapse, on his perspective on Reddit, moderating, and getting his insig...
Episode 60 - Sea Level Rise
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It is one of the most talked about aspects of climate change in the mainstream, and yet one of the most misunderstood. Sea level rise is more than j...
Episode 59 - ARkStorm
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to natural disasters, California doesn't have it easy. Droughts, wildfires, mudslides, The Big One, (and last but certainly not lea...
Episode 58 - Can Technology Save Us? (Part 5 - Electric Vehicles)
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the "Can Technology Save Us?" series up to this point we've taken a look at renewable electricity, nuclear fission, geoengineering, ...
Episode 57 - The True Cost of the US Military
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The US defence budget is enormous - as big as the next 10 countries combined! In this episode we discuss the true cost of the US military, beyond just...
Episode 56 - The Elite Cycle and Limited Upward Mobility
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A recent model predicts civil conflict and even civil war in the United states. A prerequisite for this to happen is that there has to be restrictions...
Episode 55 - Kessler Syndrome
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With increases in technology come increases in complexity. Over the years we've continually added important infrastructure to Earth's orbit,...
Episode 54 - Supply Chain Strain (Semiconductors)
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we take an up-close look at one example of our currently strained supply chains, semiconductors. Why are we running short? What implic...
Episode 53 - Tropical Cyclones
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many parts of the world live in areas heavily impacted by tropical cyclones. Costing 10's and even 100's of billions of dollars per year in ...
Episode 52 - Mental Resilience during Collapse
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mental health and resilience is one of the lesser-spoken-about topics of collapse, but one that is so important as the world around us continually cha...
Episode 51 - A Conversation with Professor Tom Murphy
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We sat down with Professor Tom Murphy to discuss his views on collapse. Tom is a professor in the physics department at UCSD, and recently released a ...
Episode 50 - Losing the Amazon
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear about the importance of the Amazon and that it's in danger. What does that really mean? In this episode we dive into what the futur...
Episode 49 - How to Speak to Others about Collapse
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Collapse is a heavy topic, and many people struggle with how to bring it up to others. While the situation may not always warrant teaching someone a...
Episode 48 - Waste
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Much of the focus of collapse conversation seems to be growing consumption and the energy resources required to make it possible. Less spoken of, howe...
Episode 47 - Heatwaves and Wet Bulb
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some of climate change's most deadly consequences will come from an increase in deadly heatwaves. In this episode, Kory and Kellan discuss what t...
Episode 46: Can Technology Save Us? (Part 4 - Nuclear Fusion)
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the "Can Technology Save Us?" mini-series Kory and Kellan discuss nuclear fusion - its potential for providing vast amoun...
Episode 45 - Infrastructure
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A functioning civilized society requires an ever-increasingly complex network of infrastructure. As that infrastructure ages, and necessary maintenanc...
Bonus Episode - Leaked IPCC Report
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is a bonus episode, which reflects the weekly bonus episodes we release as a "ThankYou" to our Patreon supporters. This week's top...
Episode 44 - Censorship
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As governments around the world feel the stress of collapse, they will likely attempt to increase control of their people. One of the ways this is don...
Episode 43 - Insect Collapse
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Insects are at the bottom of the food chain, and entire ecoystems rely on them. As human activity continues to fill the corners of the earth and cause...
Episode 42 - Declining Birth Rates
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Birth rates decline for many reasons - both voluntary and involuntary. What are those reasonds, and what does this mean for society and for collapse?S...
Episode 41 - Peak Sand
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many of our scarce resources are known, somewhat mainstream, and fairly obvious. Others, however, are not as apparent. This episode is about the surpr...
Episode 40 - AMOC and Jet Streams
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kory and Kellan describe the reasons for, and potential outcomes of, a slowing AMOC (Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation). And no, it's...
Episode 39 - Updates to Limits to Growth
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Referring back to episode 4, Kory and Kellan give an update on the scenarios presented in the book "Limits to Growth", with information from...
Episode 38 - Religion
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Religion can be a touchy subject, especially in reference to collapse. Given that 85% of the world claims some sort of religion, Kory and Kellan felt ...
Episode 37 - Can Technology Save Us (Part 3 - Geoengineering)
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kory and Kellan take a look at geoengineering, and whether or not it can stave off the effects of climate change.Support the showPlease join us on Pat...
Episode 36 - A Deeper Look at Catabolic Collapse
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a follow up to episode 5 ("Catabolic Collapse"), Kory and Kellan take a deeper look at the concept, specifically by analzying the paper w...
Episode 35 - Microplastics
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kory and Kellan discuss the rapid increase in plastic pollution and it's potential affects on biodiversity and human health.Support the showPleas...
Episode 34: Disease (Part 1)
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory break down two important factors of disease: antibiotic resistance and ancient microbes being released from permafrost. Learn More:ht...
Episode 33 - Peak Soil
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory discuss the ways in which our soil is being degraded and the potential consequences of reaching a peak in soil availability.Learn More...
Episode 32 - Overpopulation vs Overconsumption
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory discuss the oft-disputed question of what's to blame for collapse: are there too many people, or are we simply consuming too much?Popu...
Episode 31 - Can Technology Save Us - Part 2 (Nuclear Fission)
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kory and Kellan discuss the role of nuclear fission in our energy production and consumption, and whether or not fission provides an answer to our fut...
Episode 30 - The Firearm Factor
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kory and Kellan discuss the increasingly important role that firearms play as civil unrest, political tensions, and the delegitimacy of governments in...
Episode 29: Our Dying Oceans
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps one of the least talked about (but one of the most important) aspects of ecological and environmental collapse: our oceans. From ocean acidifi...
Episode 28 - The Upside of Collapse
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Not every aspect of collapse has to be negative. In this episode Kory and Kellan discuss the potential positives to collapse, as a way to see the be...
Episode 27: 18 Months of Collapse
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kellan and Kory discuss the impact and the implications of the events of the last 18 months. From record wildfires and hurricanes to ...
Episode 26: Bill Gates and "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster"
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kory and Kellan review the new book by Bill Gates "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" through an in-depth discussion of the va...
Episode 25: A Conversation with Desh Amila
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Desh Amila gives a fascinating perspective on what it's like growing up in a country torn by civil war, as well as the dangers of our hyperpolari...
Episode 24: Water Crisis and Conflict
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss water shortages, water infrastructure, and the current and potential conflicts arising from inadequate access.Learn More:ht...
Episode 23: Supply Chain Failure
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory discuss the vulnerabilities of the global supply chain, and the potential results of supply chain failure.Support the showPlease join ...
Episode 22: Interview with John Michael Greer
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're honored to have JMG join us on this episode to discuss his views on collapse. For more on John Michael Greer:His main blog is here: https:/...
Episode 21: Can Technology Save Us? (Part 1- Electricity)
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss renewable electricity and whether or not it can save us from falling off the energy cliff.https://www.businessinsider.com/t...
Episode 20: Post-Collapse Possibilites
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss some of the most prevalent ideas of what life will look like after collapse. "How to Enjoy the End of the World" - Sid SmithSuppo...
Episode 19: Moral Decay
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most major factors influencing collapse can be tied back, directly or indirectly, to the moral decline of society. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/...
Episode 18: Wealth Disparity
20 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Historically, an increasing wealth gap has always been a sign of empires in decline. Will this time be any different? Kory and Kellan dive into what o...
Episode 17: Life During Climate Change
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the possible consequences of climate change and how they will affect daily life.Support the showPlease join us on Patreon f...
Episode 16: Echo Chambers
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kory and Kellan discuss the consequences of echo chambers in today's political environment.Support the showPlease join us on Patr...
Episode 15: Coping
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Accepting collapse and take a toll on mental health. Kellan introduces some ways to cope with the reaility of collapse and making the best of our situ...
Episode 14: The Problems with Modern Agriculture
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory discuss the role that modern agriculture plays in eventual societal collapseSupport the showPlease join us on Patreon for weekly bonus...
Episode 13: Preparation (Part 2) - Practical Steps
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kellan and I discuss some thoughts on how to get started preparing for collapse. Support the showPlease join us on Patreon for weekly...
Episode 12: Preparation (Part 1): "Resilience"
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kellan and Kory discuss the proper expectations and philosophy around preparing for collapse, and how they may differ from mainstream ideas of "p...
Episode 11: Trading Independence for Convenience
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week Kellan takes the wheel and talks about specific trends in consumerism that have caused the modern western world to give up our independence ...
Episode 10: Feedback Loops and BOE
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kellan and I discuss feedback loops related to climate change, what a BOE is, and how it will affect us.Support the showPlease join us...
Episode 9: Questions from a Skeptic
18 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kellan asks the questions he's had on his mind throughout our conversations. Support the showPlease join us on Patreon for weekl...
Episode 8: Climate Change
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the major impacts of climate change and its role in collapse.Learn More:On Ice Free Arctic 2035On “Faster Than Expected”...
Episode 7: Political Turmoil
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Politicians have power because we have given it to them. What happens when the people decide that power is no longer legitimate?Learn More:On Corrupti...
Episode 6: The Financial System
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The massive social experiment that is our financial system is truly understood by few. This episode details how we are practically victims of history&...
Episode 5: Catabolic Collapse
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss one of the mechanisms by which societal collapse happens over time, and what it looks like for every-day people.Sources:How...
Episode 4: Overshoot & Limits to Growth
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the concept of overshoot, and the consequences it has on society and our ecosystem. We also discuss the book Limits to Grow...