Best Lessons From Nature Podcasts (2024)

1
Cooperation: Secret 19. Cooperating Costs Less Than Fighting #anthropology 31:48

3h ago31:48

31:48

In this thought-provoking conversation with anthropologist Dr. Jamie Saris, we discuss cooperating with other people in the world live bees in a hive. We talk about the idea that since there's enough honey for everyone, it makes sense to invest in weapons of peace more than weapons of war. Dr. Jamie Saris, Associate Professor, Department of Anthrop…

1
Optimize: Secret 18. Enough Honey for Everyone #anthroplogy 29:29

7d ago29:29

29:29

If you’re alive today, it means you’ve eaten enough honey to survive up to this point. The honey represents the energy needed to sustain life. Since we’re all still here, there must be enough energy for everyone on the planet to thrive. But we often don’t see it that way. In this thought-provoking episode, I discuss with anthropologist Dr. Jamie Sa…

1
Far Future: Secret 17. The Game of Survival #anthropology 28:24

14d ago28:24

28:24

In this fascinating discussion with anthropologist Dr. Jamie Saris, we explore how bees and humans collaborate, compete, and communicate in order to survive. Just as bees form hives and human form communities, we must work together towards common goals and share resources if we hope to thrive. Dr. Jamie Saris, Associate Professor, Department of Ant…

1
Near Future: Secret 16. Future Bees Do Future Work #economics 31:01

24d ago31:01

31:01

Together with David Dorr, we dive deep into the role of bees in the economy, their incredible specialization, and the insights they offer on optimization and intellectual property. Be prepared to be amazed as we draw parallels from the hive to the broader world, exploring how these tiny creatures might just be the key to understanding the future of…

1
Buy Time: Secret 15. Honey Saved is Time Earned #economics 30:37

1M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode, we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between energy, time, and money. From my personal experience of setting up a greenhouse to the intrinsic value of honey in a bee's world, we uncover the essence of trading energy for time. Together with my co-host, David Dorr, a stalwart in global macroeconomics, we juxtapose the econom…

1
Storage: Secret 14. Stashing Honey is Storing Work #economics 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, David Dorr and I delve into the fascinating world of bees and their remarkable ability to store energy, a concept that has profound implications for our understanding of economics and survival. I'm joined by David Dorr, co-founder and chief investment officer of Dorr Asset Management, who brings his expertise in global macroeconomi…

1
Planning: Secret 13. Planning Saves Honey #economics 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

In this episode, David Dorr and I dive deep into the world of bees and the lessons we can learn from them about planning, optimization, and survival. We explore how bees plan for their survival, optimize their resources, and adapt to changes in their environment. We also draw parallels between the world of bees and the world of business, discussing…

1
Communicate: Secret 12. Honey Talks #psychology 40:28

2M ago40:28

40:28

Ever wonder how bees, with their tiny bodies and buzzing wings, manage to convey crucial information to their hive? Dive into the fascinating world of bee communication in this episode of Lessons from Nature. Ram Nayyar and I delve into the secrets of these industrious insects, and we're reminded of the myriad ways humans connect and share. From th…

1
Specialize: Secret 11. Work Where You’re Strong #psychology 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

In this episode, I explore the art of specialization, a profound secret that honey bees have perfected. Isn't it intriguing how these tiny creatures emphasize working where they're strongest? Together with Olympic coach and accomplished author, Ram Nayyar, we explore the profound benefits of focusing on our strengths. Whether it's in the realm of s…

1
Plan: Secret 10. There is Always a Queen #psychology 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

In this episode, I'm joined by Ram Nayyar as we dive into the incredible world of bees and how they symbolize leadership, teamwork, and the intricate dynamics of a hive. Drawing parallels between the queen bee and a business leader, we explore how nature's wisdom can teach us invaluable lessons about leadership and personal development. Whether you…

1
Teamwork: Secret 9. It Takes a Team #psychology 30:14

2M ago30:14

30:14

In this episode, Ram Nayyar and I discuss the psychological secrets of bees, the human business of making money, and the bee business of making honey. We discuss how bees have different roles, skills, and strengths, just like humans do. Ram provides insight into maximizing the strengths of individuals and understanding the division of labor. Episod…

1
Work: Secret 8. Moving Honey is Work #biology 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, Hannah Mather and I discuss the concept of work in the context of business and biology, the efficiency of bees, and the parallels between a beehive and a business. We also explore the concept of continuous improvement, performance metrics, and the hive mind in both bees and business. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the bees an…

1
Seasonality: Secret 7. Honey Comes and Honey Goes #biology 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

Welcome to another episode of the Lessons from Nature Podcast! In this episode, Hannah Mather and I continue our look into the fascinating world of bees, exploring their adaptability, their unique business model, and the lessons we can learn from them. Join us as we discuss the secret of honey as money, the study of seasonal cycles, and how bees ad…

1
Competition: Secret 6. We're Not Playing Alone #biology 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

In this episode, we explore more of the fascinating world of bees and their remarkable adaptability. We look at how these tiny creatures are not just surviving, but thriving in a world full of variables and competition. Join us as we discuss the secrets of the bees and how they relate to the human business of making money and the bee business of ma…

1
Variability: Secret 5. Honey Grows on Trees #biology 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

In this episode of "Lessons from Nature," we take a look into the fascinating world of bees and their incredible adaptability to environmental variables. We explore the parallels between the bee's quest for survival and the human pursuit of business success. Join us as we delve into the secrets of the bees, the human business of making money, and t…

1
Time: Secret 4. Time is Honey #physics 43:45

4M ago43:45

43:45

Welcome to another episode of the Lessons From Nature podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of bees and their intricate relationship with energy. In this episode, we explore the concept of "Time is Honey" and how it relates to our everyday lives and business decisions. Episode Highlights [00:21] Introduction to the concept of "Time is …

1
Luck: Secret 1. Life is Lucky #physics 21:42

4M ago21:42

21:42

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Lessons from Nature podcast! In this episode, we look into the miraculous and often overlooked aspects of life on Earth. We explore the cosmic origins of our existence, the energy that fuels life, and the incredible luck that makes it all possible. Episode Highlights: [00:22] Introduction and Welcome to the j…

1
Energy: Secret 2. Light is Honey #physics 32:32

4M ago32:32

32:32

Welcome to the second episode of the Lessons from Nature Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of energy, exploring how the universe, stars, and even bees play a role in the energy cycle. We discuss the concept of 'Light is Honey', which signifies that light is energy and this energy is used in various ways around the pl…

1
Life: Secret 3. Honey is Life #physics 30:22

4M ago30:22

30:22

Welcome to another episode of "Lessons from Nature", where we dive into the fascinating world of bees and the secrets they hold. In this episode, we explore the intriguing parallels between the energy dynamics of bees and human beings, and how these insights can transform our understanding of business, money, and life itself. Episode Highlights [00…

1
Just Passing Through: Observation 56. Important to try. 2028 4:21

4M ago4:21

4:21

Observation: The most significant observation in this story is the interconnectedness of life, energy, and dreams. The narrator emphasizes the role of solar energy in powering life and dreams, illustrating how everything is connected in a cosmic dance. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of pursuing our dreams and being mindful of our…

1
Long Game Framework: Observation 55. Practical Dreaming. 2027 17:11

5M ago17:11

17:11

Observation: The most important observation in the story is the protagonist's unique ability to create the future they envision using a structured approach called the "Long Game Framework." This framework, converted into software, helps organize thoughts and ideas, setting clear rules, visions, outcomes, and progress steps. It emphasizes the signif…

1
Multigenerational Planning: Observation 54. Seven future generations. 2027 4:40

5M ago4:40

4:40

Observation: The single most important observation in the story is the emphasis on long-term planning for the thriving and survival of future generations. The story draws from the teachings of Tom Brown Jr. and Stalking Wolf, highlighting the importance of living in harmony with nature and being connected to the land. It contrasts the short-term pe…

1
Honeylight Glamping Expansion. Observation 53. Swarming. 2027 2:37

5M ago2:37

2:37

Observation: The most important observation in the story "Honeylight Glamping Expansion: Observation 53. Swarming. 2027" is the innovative use of a glamping business model to educate and inspire people about entrepreneurship and nature. The story highlights a successful model that blends enjoyment of nature with learning about business, specificall…

1
Honey Creates Money. Observation 52. Energy Transfer. 2026 4:00

5M ago4:00

4:00

Observation: The most important observation in this story is the interconnectedness of natural energy processes and economic systems. It highlights how solar energy, transformed into sugar through photosynthesis, powers life and, metaphorically, creates money. This illustrates the cycle of energy transfer from the sun to plants, animals, and humans…

1
Businesses are pollinators: Observation 51. Spreading regenerative business models. 2026 2:02

5M ago2:02

2:02

Observation: Businesses, like Disney, can act as pollinators by spreading inspiration and positive messages. This happens when they create stories or brands that resonate with people, making these stories spread naturally without direct monetary investment. The most inspiring stories tend to persist and influence more significantly. The Lesson: Ins…

1
Businesses can do good. Observation 50. Creating solutions by scaling models. 2022 to 2030 4:40

5M ago4:40

4:40

Observation: The most important observation in this story is that the focus of environmental efforts shifted from simply planting a large number of trees to a broader concept of restoring and preserving habitats. This change acknowledges the complexity of ecosystems and the need for a holistic approach to environmental conservation. It also illustr…

1
Business Thermodynamics: 49. Money is Energy. 1985 to today 7:42

5M ago7:42

7:42

Observation: The key observation in this story is that businesses, like physical systems, have momentum driven by the flow of money, which is analogous to energy. The story illustrates how reducing friction in business processes can increase this momentum, making the system more efficient. This is visualized through a model where gears represent th…

1
Glamping Game. Observation 48. Building a place to hatch plans. 2025 3:42

5M ago3:42

3:42

Observation: The most important observation in this story is the innovative blend of luxury camping (glamping) and environmental education. The narrator is creating a unique space in Honey Lake Glamping to combine comfort with learning about sustainable practices and beekeeping. This project not only offers a fun experience but also serves as a pla…

1
Business Games. Observation 47. Deploying a regenerative business model in the real world. 2024 4:25

5M ago4:25

4:25

Observation: The key observation in this story is the innovative approach of using a beekeeping-themed board game, "box The Business of the Bees", to teach children about various business functions. The game aims to create a community of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with skills in marketing, sales, operations, and finance. This method also i…

1
Partnership Games: Observation 46. Creating Win-Win-Win situations. 2024 5:24

5M ago5:24

5:24

Observation: This story highlights the importance of creating partnerships that benefit all parties involved. It emphasizes the need for a long-term, visionary approach to planning and collaboration, particularly in the context of environmental harmony and sustainable development. The story also showcases the significance of connecting with others …

1
BeeBox: Observation 45. Using games to teach the Business of the Bees. 2024 7:53

6M ago7:53

7:53

Observation: The story focuses on an innovative educational game called "BeeBox," designed to teach children the intricacies of beekeeping and business management. By intertwining real-world business elements like marketing, finance, HR, and operations into a game format, it simplifies complex concepts for a younger audience. The overarching goal o…

1
Game Theory: Observation 44. Modeling human behavior and decision making. 2023 9:22

6M ago9:22

9:22

Observation: The story highlights the intricate nature of Game Theory in human interactions and decision-making. The narrator's experiences with creating scavenger hunts and their subsequent realizations about human behavior underscore the complexity and unpredictability of human decisions. This complexity is further emphasized by their acknowledgm…

1
Capitalization: Observation 43. Mining money stored in the future to make honey today. 2023 8:43

6M ago8:43

8:43

Observation: This story highlights the innovative approach of using a beekeeping business model to teach children about entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and financial planning. The concept involves selling beekeeping kits and pre-selling honey to fund the business, thus teaching children valuable lessons in market value, customer mar…

1
Economics: Observation 42. The Balance of Decisions. 2023 7:50

6M ago7:50

7:50

Observation: The most significant observation in this story is the exploration of how human decision-making is influenced by the balance of perceived value against perceived worth. The story delves into the dynamics of inspiration, motivation, and manipulation as key drivers in economic decisions, paralleling these with energy management concepts l…

1
Lessons from Nature: Observation 41. Modeling Secrets of the Bees. 2023 2:46

6M ago2:46

2:46

Observation: The most significant observation in the story "Lessons from Nature: Observation 41. Modeling Secrets of the Bees. 2023" is the parallel drawn between the behavior of bees in nature and human economic activities. Bees gather and store energy, similar to how humans gather and use money. This analogy is explored across multiple scientific…

1
Honey is Money: Observation 40. Secrets of the Bees. mid June 2020 - 2022 4:31

6M ago4:31

4:31

Observation: The single most important observation in the story "Honey is Money: Observation 40. Secrets of the Bees" is the comparison between bee behavior and human behavior, especially in terms of energy efficiency and specialization. The author notes how bees use hexagons to store honey, which is the most efficient shape for creating maximum vo…

1
Bee Wisdom: Observation 39. Secrets of the Bees. 2020 7:43

6M ago7:43

7:43

Observation: The single most important observation in the story is the intricate relationship between bees and their environment, highlighting how bees optimize energy collection, storage, and population growth. This observation parallels human economic and business practices, particularly in the franchise model. The story emphasizes the regenerati…

1
Time is Honey: Observation 38. Biological work costs Energy. 2020 5:59

6M ago5:59

5:59

Observation: The most important observation in this story is the parallel drawn between the efficient energy management of bees and human business practices. Bees, through their waggle dance, communicate valuable information about energy sources (nectar) to other bees, optimizing their collective effort. Similarly, the narrator's junk business oper…

1
Sugar is Energy: Observation 37. Light is Honey. 2020 8:52

7M ago8:52

8:52

Observation: The most important observation in the story is the realization that hexagons offer a highly efficient structure for different purposes. The narrator discovered this while designing a simple, cost-effective fire pit, leading to insights about energy optimization in nature and business, similar to how bees use hexagons in honeycombs to e…

1
Project Honeylight: Observation 36. The Good Thing. 2020 17:26

7M ago17:26

17:26

Observation: The most crucial observation in this story is the protagonist's lifelong commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment. From a young age, they were inspired by concepts of energy balance, survival skills, and efficient resource allocation. This led to the launch of "Project Honeylight," focusing on sustainable living and …

1
Cloudminer: Observation 35. Optimizing Business Systems by mining money from the future. 2018 10:11

7M ago10:11

10:11

Observation: The key observation in this story is the innovative approach to business efficiency through optimizing the movement of jobs from the future to the present, thereby securing income that could otherwise be lost to future cancellations. This method, demonstrated by the "Cloud Miner" software, effectively increases income velocity by forec…

1
Bisualizer: Observation 34. Demonstrating Business Visualization using software. 2016 17:19

7M ago17:19

17:19

Observation: The most important observation in the story is that the narrator's journey in developing and promoting the "Visualizer" software, designed for business visualization, is filled with challenges, persistence, and a realization of the essentiality of practical application in creative endeavors. Despite investing significant time, effort, …

1
Energy and Information Systems: Observation 33. A scale model of every system. 2010 5:03

7M ago5:03

5:03

Observation: Energy and information systems can be understood as a holistic system at snapshots in time, just like thermodynamics is a way to understand energy transfer mathematically. The Lesson: Simplifying explanations and understanding how others process information is essential for effective communication and relating to people with different …

1
Knowledge Visualization: Observation 32. A model of cognition and a way to navigate it. Dan Roam. 2010 10:29

7M ago10:29

10:29

Observation: The story highlights the evolution of raw data into increasingly complex forms: noise, data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and character. This progression shows how unstructured noise can transform into valuable wisdom and personal character through various stages of organization and understanding. The story also explores the future …

1
Scaling: Observation 31. Swarming to new habitats. 2008 7:44

7M ago7:44

7:44

Observation This story emphasizes the similarities between the natural world and the business world, particularly in terms of scaling and expansion. It draws a parallel between how bees expand their hives by cloning and storing energy (honey) and how businesses grow by replicating successful models in new markets. The storyteller, using their own e…

1
Business Visualization: Observation 30. Using business systems to explain Knowledge Visualization. 2008 6:32

7M ago6:32

6:32

Observation: The story emphasizes the significance of understanding and visualizing complex business systems through simple, accessible tools like drawings and colors. The author, by using the concepts of business visualization, simplifies intricate models of energy transfer and information systems for broader comprehension and application in enhan…

1
Translating: Observation 29. Matching spatial patterns. 2008 8:13

8M ago8:13

8:13

Observation The story highlights the difficulty of communicating complex ideas, particularly about energy transfer and business systems, in a way others can understand. The narrator spent many years developing a unique understanding of these concepts, facing challenges in translating these ideas for a broader audience. Hiring a copy editor, Jen, he…

1
Secrets: Observation 28. Unsharable objects are perfect secrets. 2007 7:06

8M ago7:06

7:06

Observation A key observation in the story is that perfect secrets are unique, personal experiences or knowledge that exist solely within one's mind, often in a form that cannot be shared or described to others. This concept is exemplified by the narrator's personal secret - a model of energy transfer that is difficult to articulate to others, rega…

1
Remapping: Observation 27. Synthesizing a 4D spatial model to 4D iconic space (energy, information, and rules). 2007 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

Observation Synthesizing a visualization of energy transfer into something other people can understand is powerful. To do this, I need to remap one snapshot of the architecture that processes energy, information, and rules into the six perspectives of cognition. This will allow me to explain it to other people “one perspective at a time”. The Lesso…

1
Architectures: Lesson 26. Creating Value for the World, Self, and Tribe. 2007 11:55

8M ago11:55

11:55

Observation The most crucial observation in this story is how a physical and mental journey, specifically a challenging hike on the Inca Trail, led to a transformative insight. The storyteller, amidst the extremes of nature and personal challenge, conceptualized a novel business model based on energy transfer and efficient communication, inspired b…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Lessons From Nature Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide