The Politics of Beauty with John de Graaf

What this episode covers

What’s the economy for, anyway? Shouldn’t time, happiness, and beauty be at the center of our lives? We know this sounds, er, quaint, given the times, but don’t we all need a bit of beauty right now? This week, Eric sits down with writer, filmmaker, and activist John de Graaf, whose decades-long career has been dedicated to challenging the culture of overwork, overconsumption, and environmental neglect. From his groundbreaking PBS documentary Affluenza to his advocacy for shorter workweeks and his latest film project on the progressive, activist roots of America the Beautiful, John has consistently asked the big questions about what makes life truly worth living. In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, he shares his perspective on the bipartisan politics of beauty, how nature and shared public spaces can bring people together, and why he’s spent his life working his butt off so we don’t have to. It’s a rich discussion full of humor, history, and a call to rethink what progress really means. And we really mean it. Find John and his work at johndegraaf.com. Loved this episode? Follow, rate, and review Let’s Hear It so more people can find these conversations.

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This episode is 48 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 11, 2025.

What is this episode about?

What’s the economy for, anyway? Shouldn’t time, happiness, and beauty be at the center of our lives? We know this sounds, er, quaint, given the times, but don’t we all need a bit of beauty right now? This week, Eric sits down with writer, filmmaker,...

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