Lessons from Nature Podcast

<p><b>Season 2: Modeling the Secrets of the Bees — Podcast Description</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Mark Rubin, a lifelong Dreamweaver, has spent decades observing how nature turns energy into structure, purpose, and progress. In <em>The Secrets of the Bees</em>, he reveals the hidden mechanics behind the hive—how bees convert sunlight into motion, motion into honey, and honey into the architecture of thriving systems.</p><p>This podcast distills those insights into a practical framework for world-building and long-term thinking. Through stories, models, and the Long Game Framework, Mark shows how the principles inside every hive mirror the principles inside every dream, project, and organization. Each episode uncovers one of the Secrets of the Bees and translates it into tools you can use to build, optimize, and sustain the life you want.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered how nature organizes complexity, why bees never waste a second, or how to turn your own ideas into living systems that grow, this podcast is your field guide. The hive has rules. The bees have lessons. And the long game has a pattern.</p><p><br /></p><p>Come learn the secrets.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Season 1: Practical Dreaming — Podcast Description</b></p><p><br /></p><p>In <em>Practical Dreaming</em>, visionary Dreamweaver Mark Rubin invites you into the space where imagination meets execution. Drawing on decades of observation since 1973, Mark shares the tools, mental models, and structural widgets that transform raw dreams into living systems.</p><p><br /> This show is built on his signature Long Game Framework—a world-building engine designed to help you map your aspirations, connect them to nature’s patterns, and move them from nighttime stories into tangible realities.</p><p><br /> Whether you’re sketching your first vision, refining a legacy project, or simply seeking permission to dream on purpose—this podcast gives you practical permission to “dream with design,” turning intangible ideas into actionable plans.<br /> Tune in, pick up a widget, start your engine, and build the life you were meant to imagine.</p>

Act: Secret 24. There’s so much you can do #futurology

In this episode, David Houle and I explore the concept of regeneration and how it applies to our lives and our health. We also delve into the idea of using money as a tool for improving our world, restoring habitats, and building communities. I'm joined by my co-host, David Houle, a futurist, thinker, and keynote speaker who has dedicated his life to creating a better tomorrow. Together, we discuss the secrets of the bees and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. So, if you're curi...

12-04
29:54

Solutions: Secret 23. Buying Time #futurology

In this episode, David Houle and I discuss the concept of "Buying Time" - the idea that we can convert money into time by investing in things that stabilize our ecosystem and create money along the way. We discuss the importance of sustainable practices and how they can help us secure a better future for the coming generations. So, buckle up and get ready to explore some thought-provoking insights! [2:10] Renewable energy infrastructure and research. [3:46] What is the current state of altern...

11-27
29:15

Lifetime: Secret 22. We're All Just Passing Through #futurology

In this episode of the Lessons From Nature podcast, we dig into the profound concept that we're all just passing through this world. We explore the idea that this isn't our planet, it's just our turn. We discuss the secrets of the bees, the importance of long-term planning, and how we can learn from nature to create a sustainable future. Join us as we journey through space and time, exploring the interconnectedness of all life and our role in the grand scheme of things. [3:38] A story from na...

11-20
26:53

Strategy: Secret 21. Honey is Survival #futurology

In this episode, we dive deep into the secrets of the bees and the lessons we can learn from nature. We explore the idea that our decisions today impact our future and the future of all living things. Join us as we discuss the importance of storing our sunlight (energy) in the most efficient way and how we can use some of the money we store to create strategies and tools that improve life on our planet. [1:49] The human pursuit of money abstracts us from nature. [3:09] The definition of...

11-13
33:40

Costs: Secret 20. It Costs More Later #anthroplogy

What happens when civilizations don't plan ahead and invest in solving problems before they escalate? In this thought-provoking episode, anthropologist Dr. Jamie Saris joins me to discuss how societies have succeeded and failed at managing shared resources. We explore dams, agriculture, and public health initiatives through the lens of cost over time. Dr. Jamie Saris, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, NUI Maynooth Dr Saris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropo...

11-06
31:38

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

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 Anthropology, NUI Maynooth Dr Saris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Maynooth University. He holds advanced degrees in Socia...

10-30
31:48

Optimize: Secret 18. Enough Honey for Everyone #anthroplogy

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 Saris the idea that energy is abundant, but unequally distributed. Dr. Jamie Saris, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, NUI Maynooth Dr ...

10-23
29:29

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

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 Anthropology, NUI Maynooth Dr Saris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Maynooth University. He holds advanced degrees in Soc...

10-16
28:24

Near Future: Secret 16. Future Bees Do Future Work #economics

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 work and resources. If you've ever been curious about the intricate dance of nature and how it intertwines with our modern-day challenges, this ep...

10-09
31:01

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

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 economic secrets of bees with the human art of making and saving money. Listen in as we unearth the wisdom of the hive and apply it to the world of busin...

10-02
30:37

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

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 macroeconomics to our discussion. We explore the parallels between how bees and humans store energy, the role of cash reserves in businesses, and the importanc...

09-25
28:31

Planning: Secret 13. Planning Saves Honey #economics

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 how these lessons can be applied to improve our businesses and our lives. David Dorr, is the co-founder and chief investment officer of Dorr Asset...

09-18
30:03

Communicate: Secret 12. Honey Talks #psychology

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 the intricate dances of bees to the nuanced tones in our voices, there's a world of messages waiting to be uncovered. Press play, and let's explore t...

09-11
40:28

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

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 sports, business, or everyday life, understanding and capitalizing on our unique aptitudes can be a game-changer. Dive in as we unravel this intrica...

09-04
33:18

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

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're an aspiring leader or a seasoned business veteran, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire and transform your approach to leader...

08-28
35:33

Teamwork: Secret 9. It Takes a Team #psychology

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. Episode Highlights: [2:07] The importance of teamwork [10:18] Building a hive [13:21] Defense and communication [16:59] Onboarding new team members [24...

08-21
30:14

Work: Secret 8. Moving Honey is Work #biology

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 and how they can teach us valuable lessons about our own businesses and lives. Episode Highlights: [1:58] The three types of energy. [6:20] The par...

08-14
30:23

Seasonality: Secret 7. Honey Comes and Honey Goes #biology

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 adapt to variability, competition, seasonality, and work. [1:49] Seasonality is a predictable variability in your life. [4:20] The importance of se...

08-07
33:20

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

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 making honey. Episode Highlights: [00:22] Introduction to the concept of biological adaptability and survival of the fittest. [01:49] Introduction ...

07-31
28:08

Variability: Secret 5. Honey Grows on Trees #biology

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 the bee business of making honey. We discuss how both humans and bees adapt to variability, competition, seasonality, and work. Episode Highlights:...

07-24
32:53

Recommend Channels