From Caves to Skyscrapers: Powering Progress and Paying the Price

The modern world runs on an invisible foundation—precious metals, rare earths, and fossil fuels that power everything from smartphones to clean energy. But behind the shine lies a darker reality. In this episode, Dr. Matthew Humbert, a globally seasoned materials scientist, joins us to unpack the high-stakes world of resource extraction—where innovation is slow, margins are razor-thin, and the consequences are often borne by the most vulnerable. From blood diamonds to oil fields, from Dutch disease to national security, we explore how geopolitical tension, economic dependency, and community exploitation are all part of the true cost of what powers progress.