What happens when we commodify nature? The natural world is not doing well, and is not put here to do with as we want. How can we learn to appreciate nature, and environment, without jumping to conclusions about what is happening, or picking sides in an ideological battle that has nothing to do with actual wild nature? Also: how are DOGE cuts affecting scientists? Four people profiled in Science magazine reveal that some good science is being hit with chaos and uncertainty—but also that a lot of “science” funding that has been cut was suspect, at best.*****Our sponsors:Manukora: the most flavorful, delicious, and nutritious honey you’ll ever have. Get $25 off your starter kit at http://www.Manukora.com/DarkHorseFresh Pressed Olive Oil Club: Scrumptious & freshly harvested. Go to http://www.GetFreshDarkHorse.com to get a bottle of the best olive oil you’ve ever had for $1 shipping.Caraway: Non-toxic & beautiful cookware. Save $150 on a cookware set over buying individual pieces, and get 10% off your order at http://Carawayhome.com/DarkHorse10.*****Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.comHeather’s newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.comOur book, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AGANGg (commission earned)Check out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org*****Mentioned in this episode:But They Are Wild - https://naturalselections.substack.com/p/antipode-chapter-22U.S. scientists’ lives and careers are being upended. Here are five of their stories:https://www.science.org/content/article/u-s-scientists-lives-and-careers-are-being-upended-here-are-five-their-storiesSpread of Valley Fever: https://www.science.org/content/article/climate-change-may-be-driving-spread-deadly-fungus-u-s-southwestSupport the show

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.