Reimagine Babak Behrad, Society Lab

In the quest to understand what drives us, dopamine stands out as a crucial chemical messenger in our brains. It acts as an early warning system, alerting us to the unknown and fueling our desire to seek out new experiences. This is not just about material gains but extends to our projects, ideas, and the constant pursuit of 'what else' is out there.This podcast episode delves into the concept of dopamine as a catalyst for creativity. It redefines the act of creation not as mere novelty but a...

This episode tackles the issue of a creativity deficit in the sustainability movement, urging a shift from vague statistics to a more emotion-driven, visionary approach. The conversation suggests the implementation of real-time feedback mechanisms, similar to a "Fitbit for the planet," to effectively measure and adjust environmental campaigns. Such feedback loops are crucial for fostering a sense of immediate impact and accountability.The discussion also highlights the importance of concentra...

This segment critiques the predominant startup incubation model that follows the Silicon Valley pattern of prioritizing capital infusion, rapid scaling, and eventual exit strategies. This model may not always align with the best interests of startup founders and might lead to businesses prioritizing investor expectations over sustainable growth.In contrast, the post-growth entrepreneurship model champions bootstrapping, steady growth, and reinvestment in the company rather than extraction for...

This episode delves into the concept of complementary currencies as a means to enhance community cooperation and support. It highlights the struggle of individuals within systems that lack a facilitating currency, emphasizing how traditional money's role is limited to settling debts and taxes, without fostering community interaction or growth.The conversation shifts to the potential of these alternative currencies in reviving community spirit, particularly in struggling sectors like French ag...

This episode explores the multifaceted nature of creativity, highlighting how its essence has been overshadowed by commercial and institutional agendas. Creativity, once a vehicle for artistic expression and societal transformation, now often serves to further corporate and various group interests, losing its authentic impact.Tim Berners-Lee's creation of the internet exemplifies true creativity that changed the world without commercialization. Unlike Silicon Valley's trend of rebranding old ...

This discussion focuses on the urgent need to reshape our economic models to address the ecological crisis effectively. The current economic framework is likened to societal metabolism but is criticized for its unsustainable nature. Incremental changes are deemed insufficient; instead, radical restructuring is called for.Economists are often described as ecologically illiterate, overlooking the fact that ecology is not just an asset but a vital component of our financial system. Current econo...