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David Goodstein offers a stark assessment of the scientific, political, economic and social aspects of the looming global energy crisis which threatens the comfortable, complacent lifestyles so many of us take for granted.
Professor Goodstein is a scientist, educator and author of Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil (2004) and co-author of Climate Change and the Energy Problem, A Physical Science and Economics Perspective (2012).
Topics discussed include Peak Oil, climate change & global warming, renewable energy, emergent energy technologies, nuclear fission & nuclear fusion, depopulation and the short, medium and long term prospects for industrial society.
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Ennio Morricone / John Carpenter ‘The Thing’ OST

Geologist Robert Schoch on his recent book Forgotten Civilization: The Role of Solar Outbursts in Our Past and Future.
Building upon Schoch’s revolutionary theory that the Sphinx dates back much further than 2500 BCE, Forgotten Civilization reveals scientific evidence of advanced civilization predating ancient Egypt, Sumeria, and Greece, as well as the catastrophe that destroyed it nearly 12,000 years ago and what its legacy can teach us about our own future.
Weaving together a new view of the origins of civilization, the truths behind ancient wisdom, and the dynamics of the planet we live on, Schoch maintains we must heed the megalithic warning of the past and collectively prepare for future events.
Topics discussed include: global warming and climate change, the ice age, evolution, astronomy, cosmoclimatology, solar and plasma outbursts, ancient Egypt, Easter Island, Gobekli Tepe, megalithic monuments, the Biblical flood, Atlantis and lost civilizations, apocalyptic myths and legends, Quantum physics, and 2012.
www.robertschoch.com
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Robert Rich ‘Wheel of Earth’
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Steve Taylor on his book Back to Sanity – Healing the Madness of Our Minds. Have you ever thought that there might be something wrong with human beings, even that we might be slightly insane? Why is it that so many human beings are filled with a restless discontent, and an insatiable desire for material goods, status and power? Why is it that human history has been filled with endless conflict, oppression and inequality?
In Back to Sanity, Steve Taylor shows that we do suffer from a psychological disorder, which he refers to as humania, or ego-madness. This disorder is so close to us that we don’t realize it’s there, but it’s the root cause of all our dysfunctional behaviour, both as individuals and as a species. This book explains the characteristics of humania, where it stems from and how it leads to the madness of materialism, status-seeking, warfare, inequality and other symptoms of our insanity. But equally importantly, Back to Sanity shows how we can heal this mental disorder and allow the fleeting moments of harmony that we all experience from time to time to become our permanent state of being.
Steve Taylor is a lecturer in psychology at Leeds Metropolitan University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. These include Waking From Sleep, The Fall, Out of the Darkness and his new book Back to Sanity. His books have been published in 13 languages, and his work has been described by Eckhart Tolle as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present.’
Steve’s articles and essays have been published in over 40 academic journals, magazines and newspapers, including The Journal of Humanistic Psychology, The Journal of Consciousness Studies, The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, Psychologies, Natural Health, Kindred Spirit and Resurgence. His work has been featured widely in the media in the UK, including on BBC Breakfast, BBC World TV, BBC Radio 4 and 5, and in The Guardian and The Independent.
www.stevenmtaylor.com
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Klaus Schulze ‘Dune’

Michael Cremo discusses his books Forbidden Archaeology and Human Devolution, and what they tell us about true nature of human origins, identity and destiny.
Over the past two centuries researchers have found bones and artifacts showing that people like ourselves existed on earth millions of years ago. But the scientific establishment has ignored these remarkable facts because they contradict the dominant views of human origins and antiquity. In Forbidden Archaeology, Michael Cremo and Richard L. Thompson challenge us to rethink our understanding of human origins, identity, and destiny. Forbidden Archaeology takes on one of the most fundamental components of the modern scientific world view, and invites us to take a courageous first step towards a new perspective.
If Darwinian evolution is not the answer, then this begs the question: “If we did not evolve from apes, then where did we come from?” Human Devolution is Michael Cremo’s definitive answer to this question. “We did not evolve up from matter; instead we devolved, or came down, from the realm of pure consciousness, spirit,” says Cremo. He bases his response on modern science and the world’s great wisdom traditions, including the Vedic philosophy of ancient India. Cremo proposes that before we ask the question, “Where did human beings come from?’ we should first contemplate, “What is a human being?” Cremo asserts that humans are a combination of matter, mind, and consciousness, or spirit.
Human Devolution contains solid scientific evidence showing how a subtle mind element and a conscious self that can exist apart from the body have been systematically eliminated from mainstream science by a process of knowledge filtration. “Any time knowledge filtration takes place you can expect a great deal of resistance, criticism, and ridicule when it is exposed and challenged,” says Cremo.
Michael Cremo is a member of the World Archaeological Congress and the European Association of Archaeologists as well as an associate member of the Bhaktivedanta Institute specializing in history and philosophy of science. His latest book, My Science My Religion, is published in November 2012.
www.mcremo.com
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Popol Vuh ‘Aguirre’

Peter Reynolds on Cannabis, freedom and the law. Peter is leader of the UK political party CLEAR, a single issue party that seeks an end to the prohibition of cannabis. We discuss the history of cannabis prohibition, widespread ignorance and disinformation concerning cannabis, five thousand years of its recreational and medicinal use, risks vs benefits and prospects for decriminalisation. (Click below to listen)
CLEAR’s aims and objectives:
1. To end the prohibition of cannabis.
Prohibition is a big, dumb, and very expensive failure. It is brutal. It puts prejudice before people. The ‘war on drugs’ is responsible for more death, destruction and despair than it has ever prevented. History has shown that prohibition creates far more problems than it solves. In the 21st century we should expect far better solutions from our policy makers and governments.
2. To promote as a matter of urgency and compassion the prescription of medicinal cannabis by doctors.
No reasonable human being can deny another relief from pain, suffering or disability. There is no rational argument against permitting access to medicinal cannabis for those who need it. The fact that the British government and the deeply rooted bureaucracy of the Home Office stand in the way is a deep and lasting shame on our nation.
3. To introduce a system of regulation for the production and supply of cannabis based on facts and evidence.
Authoritative research from the Independent Drug Monitoring Unit proves that a cannabis tax and regulate regime in Britain would produce a boost to the UK economy of at least £6 billion per annum. That’s based on a cannabis tax of £1 per gram, massive savings in law enforcement costs but allowing for the cost of administering the system and providing additional healthcare and education services. All the evidence and experts agree that a responsibly regulated system would also reduce all health and social harms.
4. To encourage the production and use of industrial hemp.
The prohibition of cannabis has caused huge damage to our society, environment and economy by preventing the cultivation of hemp. Although the industrial strains of the plant have no psychoactive potential, the absurd level of control has effectively destroyed its value as an agricultural crop. With that we have lost the most efficient producer of biomass in the natural world, the strongest natural fibre, a better fabric than cotton, a better paper than wood and one of the most ecologically important activities on the planet.
5. To educate and inform about the uses and benefits of cannabis.
Prejudice is based on ignorance. In the case of cannabis there is also deliberate misinformation. It started with Randolph Hearst, the media, timber and oil magnate of the 1930s and it continues today with the vested interests of alcohol, tobacco, Big Pharma and, yes, media, timber and oil. The truth about cannabis is clear and we have to spread the truth in the face of ignorance and lies.
www.clear-uk.org
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Steve Hillage ‘Rainbow Dome Musick’

Neil Kramer on his current book The Unfoldment – The Organic Path to Clarity, Power and Transformation.
The Unfoldment presents a body of sacred wisdom and a deep spiritual perspective that puts real power and real magic into the hands of those who seek a path of awakening. The author draws on a lifetime of spiritual encounters and experiential gnosis to formulate a unique synthesis of metaphysics, mysticism, and esoteric knowledge – genuine, hands-on tools and teachings for transformation and enlightenment in the 21st century.
Neil Kramer is an English writer, philosopher and teacher, specializing in the fields of consciousness, metaphysics, and mysticism. He has made a lifelong independent study of philosophy, mystical traditions, religion, shamanism, and esoteric world history. He shares his path of transformation and empowerment in writings, interviews, and lectures, as well as giving one-on-one teachings and group workshops.
He is a frequent guest on leading alternative radio and internet shows, enjoying international audiences and enthusiastic support. His work regularly appears on cutting-edge web sites, news portals, and magazines, and has featured on television networks in the US, UK, Canada and Europe.
Kramer has spoken at numerous international conferences and events, including The Beyond Knowledge Conference 2009, The Alternative Research Community Convention 2010, The Transitional Alchemy Tour 2009/10, The Awakening & Transformation Conference 2011, The New Living Expo 2012, and The 2012 Global Transformation Conference.
Kramer speaks on many fascinating subjects and is renowned for his unique blend of lucidity, empowerment, and authenticity. He travels widely with his writing and teaching work. He lives in Oregon, USA.
www.neilkramer.com
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Michael Stearns ‘Chronos’

Chris Johnstone on his book Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy.
Co-authored with Joanna Macy, Active Hope is about finding, and offering, our best response to the crisis of sustainability unfolding in our world. It starts by accepting that the challenges we face can be difficult even to look at: climate change, the depletion of oil, economic collapse and the die-back of our natural world act together to create a planetary emergency of overwhelming proportions. Active Hope offers an approach that strengthens our capacity to face disturbing information and respond with unexpected resilience and creative power.
Drawing on decades of experience running workshops in an empowerment approach widely known as The Work That Reconnects, the authors guide the reader through a transformational process informed by mythic journeys, modern psychology, holistic science and spiritual perspectives. This process equips readers with tools to help them face the mess we’re in and find and play their role in the collective transition, or Great Turning, to a life-sustaining society.
At the heart of this book is the idea that Active Hope is a gift that is not only given but also received. The journey of finding, and offering, our gift of contribution helps us to discover new strengths, open to a wider network of allies and experience a deepening of our aliveness. When our responses are guided by the intention to act for healing of our world, the mess we’re in not only becomes easier to face, our lives also become more meaningful and satisfying.
www.activehope.infowww.chrisjohnstone.info
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Vangelis ‘1492 – Conquest of Paradise’

Following recent interviews with Joseph Tainter and John Michael Greer, the third instalment of our mini-series investigating the inevitable collapse of industrial civilization welcomes activist and author Keith Farnish to discuss some of the key issues raised in his book Time’s Up! An Uncivilized Solution to a Global Crisis.
Keith is a father, a writer, a thinker, a grower, a baker, a maker, a talker and a listener who is learning to once again connect with the real world. He lives in a village in the Scottish Borders with a wife, two children and six chickens. Time’s Up! is his first book and was published in March 2009. He recently completed the follow-up, Underminers. Some of his other writings can be read at The Earth Blog and The Unsuitablog.
Time’s Up is not an environmental book, even though it is concerned with the environment. It is not a book to save the world, even though the world is clearly in trouble. Ultimately, Time’s Up is a book about survival; about ensuring that every individual human has the means to save herself or himself from the global crisis that is unfolding.
People know that the climate is changing, that species are being removed from the Earth at a rapidly increasing rate, that entire ecosystems are becoming shadows of their former richness; they know, but they do not understand. The global environmental crisis is closing in on humanity from all directions, yet the crisis barely registers on this culture’s list of problems.
As we stand, humanity is doomed to a collapse that will leave only a few nomads, and a toxic, barely survivable Earth in its wake. So why is nothing being done beyond changing light bulbs, recycling and buying organic food? It’s certainly not for a lack of good reasons.
Humans have no motivation stronger than survival, yet the culture that dominates – the culture we call Industrial Civilization – has created a set of priorities that value financial wealth, the possession of superfluous goods and short, cheap thrills, above that most basic need. In short, we are prepared to die in order to live a life that is killing us.
Time’s Up is all about changing this. It describes what our actions are doing to the very things on Earth that we depend on for survival, at scales that we rarely contemplate. It arms us with the tools to free us from the culture that has blinded us for centuries, and which will allow us to live lives that will give the Earth, and ourselves, a future. Time’s Up! proposes something radical, fundamental and frightening; something long-term, exhilarating and absolutely necessary; something totally uncivilized.
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Echo-ES ‘Pulse’

John Michael Greer on the future of a World without oil. In response to the coming impact of peak oil, John’s 2009 book The Ecotechnic Future helps us envision the transition from an industrial society to a sustainable ecotechnic world – not returning to the past, but creating a society that supports relatively advanced technology on a sustainable resource base.
Topics discussed include: peak oil, the energy crisis, the myth of progress, the myth of apocalypse, societal collapse, abiotic oil, zero point energy, 2012 and political, economic and cultural disintegration.
Fusing human ecology and history, The Ecotechnic Future challenges assumptions held by mainstream and alternative thinkers about the evolution of human societies. Human societies, like ecosystems, evolve in complex and unpredictable ways, making it futile to try to impose rigid ideological forms on the patterns of evolutionary change. Instead, social change must explore many pathways over which we have no control.
The troubling and exhilarating prospect of an open-ended future, he proposes, requires dissensus – a deliberate acceptance of radical diversity that widens the range of potential approaches to infinity. For anyone concerned about peak oil and the future of industrial society, The Ecotechnic Future provides a solid analysis of how we got to where we are and offers a practical toolkit to prepare for the future.
John is a certified Master Conserver, organic gardener, and scholar of ecological history. The current Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), his widely-cited blog, The Archdruid Report deals with peak oil, among other issues.
Previous interview: John Michael Greer – The Long Descent
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Klaus Schulze ‘Things to Come’

The Energy Crisis and the end of The Industrial Age with Dr Joseph Tainter of Utah State University. Dr Tainter is perhaps best known as the author of The Collapse of Complex Societies and amongst various other publications he also co-authored Drilling Down: The Gulf Oil Debacle and Our Energy Dilemma. The discussion focusses on areas covered by both books, specifically the energy that industrial society depends on for its survival and continued growth and what happens when the supply of this energy begins to decline on the road to running out.
Topics discussed include: peak oil, the 2010 Gulf oil disaster, competition and conflict for resources, renewable energy, decline of technological innovation, the green movement and sustainable development, the energy/complexity spiral and the collapse of society.
Background:For more than a century, oil has been the engine of growth for a society that delivers an unprecedented standard of living to many. We now take for granted that economic growth is good, necessary, and even inevitable, but also feel a sense of unease about the simultaneous growth of complexity in the processes and institutions that generate and manage that growth. As societies grow more complex through the bounty of cheap energy, they also confront problems that seem to increase in number and severity. In this era of fossil fuels, cheap energy and increasing complexity have been in a mutually-reinforcing spiral. The more energy we have and the more problems our societies confront, the more we grow complex and require still more energy. Our demand for energy, our technological prowess, the resulting need for complex problem solving and the end of easy oil are now conspiring to make the end of the industrial age a certainty. It’s no longer a question of if, but when.
Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’Redshift ‘Redshift’