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In Our Nature
Why do we feel so overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected and lost...and what does that have to do with what's happening on our planet?
This show explores the hidden connections and deeper patterns that are forming our inner struggles and the wider crises unfolding around us. From mental health to ecological collapse, productivity culture to planetary grief, from burnout to reconnection, join me to poke around in the stories, systems and patterns shaping this extraordinary time...
...and then let's riff on what becomes possible when we stop pretending it’s fine and feel the feels.
Your host is me: Siobhán Friel. I'm a mental health practitioner, a Work That Reconnects facilitator and I was probably a lavender plant in a past life.
This podcast offers a way to make sense of your inner and outer world, especially if you were shaped by capitalism (like me) and not by a lineage of ecological literacy, love and wisdom.
You haven't missed the boat. There are many boats and this is one. Get in.
In Our Nature
This Myth About Human Nature Is Making Us Feel Anxious & Worthless (Oh, And Completely Wrecking Our Planet)
Today we are poking at the slimy, damaging myth of Homo Economicus—the cold, self-interested, rational creature that modern economics says we all are.
This story has shaped our minds, relationships, structures, behaviours and planets (well, at least one so far: Earth, the best one) and has led to utter catastrophe, inside and out.
If:
- you’re tired of being told that selfishness is ’just human nature’ and
- you suspect it’s not your fault that you feel anxious, worthless, sh*tty and tired, and
- (crucially) you enjoy your podcast episodes with a faint backdrop of Aotearoa/ New Zealand bird song
….then this episode is for you.
🦜🦅🐦⬛🐦
Join me to explore:
- Quick recap of last episode and how it connects to this one
- The damaging myth of Homo Economicus - how, when and why it started (and who it serves)
- How this fictional story ended up shaping……um…everything, including you.
- Why do stories matter anyway?
- If we humans aren’t self-interested, calculating, rational, logical beings...well, what are we like?
- How this story specifically affects our mental and planetary health today
- What does Nature have to say about all this, and what 90's song reminds her of Homo Economicus?
Question, comment, complaint, idea? You can contact me here.
Thanks for being with me today. You rock.
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