Episode description

In this eye-opening conversation with legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson, we explore practical paths to meaningful change in an age of crisis. From local climate action groups to worker-owned cooperatives, Robinson reveals how working alternatives to capitalism are hiding in plain sight.

00:00 Capitalism vs. Feudalism: A Comparison

00:41 Introduction to Mind, Body, Health, and Politics

01:35 Kim Stanley Robinson on Climate Change and Local Action

04:29 Capitalism, Climate, and Utopia: Interconnected Themes

11:27 Historical Perspectives: Genghis Khan and Social Systems

14:56 Marxism and Its Challenges

19:18 Examples of Alternative Systems

23:48 The Role of Democracy and Progressive Taxation

28:02 Literacy and Communication in Modern Society

30:19 The Influence of Right-Wing Talk Radio

32:06 The Power of Oral Tradition and Social Media

34:44 The Art of Compression in Communication

36:08 The Value of Long-Form Novels

38:45 Local Government and Community Involvement

40:01 The Village Homes Experiment

47:13 Reflections on the Current Political ClimateLinks & Resources

A Sci-Fi Writer Returns to Earth: ‘The Real Story Is the One Facing Us’ NY Times

Village Homes Cooperative, Davis, CA

Cool Davis Climate Action Group

Mondragon Cooperative Corporation

Kerala's Panchayat System of Local Governance

Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson