{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6527e4f1d40c9700125f42de/67c9cd93baaeff02dca56abd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Existential Hope podcast: Clay Routledge | Why Meaning and Agency Matter More Than Ever","description":"<p>In this episode of the <em>Existential Hope Podcast</em>, existential psychologist <em>Clay Routledge</em> explores how meaning and agency shape both individual well-being and societal progress.</p><p>While material conditions have improved, many people—especially younger generations—report growing pessimism and disconnection. Clay argues that a lack of meaning, not just external barriers, often holds us back. By understanding how humans derive purpose and motivation, we can unlock new paths to flourishing.</p><p>We discuss:</p><ul><li>Why <em>agency</em>—the belief that we can shape our future—is crucial for progress</li><li>How <em>nostalgia</em> can fuel innovation rather than trap us in the past</li><li>The difference between <em>hope</em> and <em>optimism</em>, and why hope drives action</li><li>The psychology behind rising pessimism and how to counter it</li><li>What a world that maximizes meaning and human potential could look like</li></ul><p>If you’ve ever wondered how psychology can help us move from existential angst to existential hope, this episode is for you.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Full transcript, list of resources, and art piece:</strong><a href=\"https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href=\"https://www.existentialhope.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Existential Hope</a> was created to collect positive and possible scenarios for the future so that we can have more people commit to creating a brighter future, and to begin mapping out the main developments and challenges that need to be navigated to reach it. Existential Hope is a<a href=\"https://foresight.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Foresight Institute</a> project.</p><p><br></p><p>Hosted by<a href=\"https://foresight.org/our-team/allison-duettmann-president-ceo/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Allison Duettmann</a> and<a href=\"https://foresight.org/our-team/beatrice-erkers-chief-of-operations/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Beatrice Erkers</a></p><p><br></p><p>Follow Us:<a href=\"https://twitter.com/foresightinst\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Twitter</a> |<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/ForesightInstitute/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Facebook</a> |<a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/foresight-institute/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> LinkedIn</a> |<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/existential.hope/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Existential Hope Instagram</a></p><p><br></p><p>Explore every word spoken on this podcast through<a href=\"https://fathom.fm/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Fathom.fm</a>.</p>","author_name":"Foresight Institute"}