Explore the critical role of social networks and cities in pandemics, innovation, and sustainability in this hour-long virtual discussion featuring Geoffrey West, SFI Shannan Distinguished Professor and former President of the Santa Fe Institute. Delve into topics such as the science of cities, unintended consequences, complex adaptive systems, exponential sensitivity, and sublinear scaling. Examine the impact of social distancing, growth, and end effectors on epidemiology. Discover how the pollination of ideas, adaptability, and connectors contribute to innovation and sustainability. Based on West and Kempes' recent paper in SFI's Transmission series, this talk offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of urban environments, social structures, and global challenges.