Decoding the Gurus

Decoding the Gurus

An exiled Northern Irish anthropologist and a hitchhiking Australian psychologist take a close look at the contemporary crop of 'secular gurus', iconoclasts, and other exiles from the mainstream, offering their own brands of unique takes and special insights. Leveraging two of the most diverse accents in modern podcasting, Chris and Matt dig deep into the claims, peek behind the psychological curtains, and try to figure out once and for all... What's it all About? Join us, as we try to puzzle our way through and talk some smart-sounding smack about the intellectual giants of our age, from Jordan Peterson to Robin DiAngelo. Are they revolutionary thinkers or just grifters with delusions of grandeur? Join us and let's find out!

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Episoder(199)

Mini Decoding: Sabine's Contrarian Outrage- How Dare You Criticise Eric!

Mini Decoding: Sabine's Contrarian Outrage- How Dare You Criticise Eric!

In this mini-decoding, Matt and Chris examine Sabine Hossenfelder's recent fervent defence of Eric Weinstein and her sharp rebuke of his critics, including Sean Carroll. Sabine suggests that Eric poses a genuine threat to the physics establishment and that he is terrifying them by exposing their weak points. Moreover, according to Sabine, Geometric Unity, Eric's homegrown Theory of Everything, is on par with String Theory, if not better, since it wastes less money! This episode takes a critical look at those claims and Sabine's own heated rhetoric and performative outrage, examining how her defence of Eric aligns with a broader online anti-science contrarian ecosystem.So join us as we ponder whether Sabine is a brave, truth-telling rebel challenging a stagnant scientific orthodoxy and defending an honest man who is under attack for simply daring to question the powers that be... or whether she is just another contrarian YouTuber pandering to anti-science sentiment, defending fellow influencers, and playing the game of algorithm-driven clickbait outrage.Links- Sabine Hossenfelder: Physicists are afraid of Eric Weinstein -- and they should be- Sabine Hossenfelder: Do we need a Theory of Everything?- Decoding the Gurus: Sabine Hossenfelder: Science is a Liar ... Sometimes- Professor Dave Explains: Sabine Hossenfelder Joins the Eric Weinstein Damage Control Parade- Sabine cheers on Bryan Johnson on Twitter- Tim Nguyen discusses Sabine's response on Twitter- Dr. Brian Keating: What Is A Theory of Everything? Featuring Sabine Hossenfelder, Lee Smolin, & Eric Weinstein

25 Jul 59min

Supplementary Material 33: Weinstein Enigmas, The Epstein Conspiracies, and Dwarves punching ducks

Supplementary Material 33: Weinstein Enigmas, The Epstein Conspiracies, and Dwarves punching ducks

In this packed supplementary episode, we tackle all of the urgent global issues, ranging from Epstein file conspiracies to Matt’s immense love of a fantasy game where dwarves punch ducks for fun. Along the way, we’re joined by a stellar cast of commentators, including some old favourites. Strap in… it’s a long one.Supplementary Material 3300:00 Introductory Banter: Old Squeaky and Matt's Wall04:40 Mecha Hitler's rampage07:46 Grok's Controversial Behavior11:12 Linda Yaccarino's grinning departure from X13:05 Elmo's anti-semitic conspiracy tirade14:11 Connor McGregor taints the timeline15:03 Eric joins Diary of a CEO to give some advice23:07 The Weinstein enigma28:11 Eric Weinstein on Jeffrey Epstein33:02 Eric vs. Mick West Round 235:15 Plastic Bag Wearing Philosophers, Pornographic AI Companions, and Neo-Liberalism 41:45 Weinstein vs Sean Carrol: Further Developments43:57 Professor Dave's New Video on Eric with Christian Ferko50:44 A Physicist's view of Geometric Unity54:06 Debating Prof. Dave on Eric's Motivations59:04 Peter Thiel and Ross Douhat on the Antichrist01:08:31 Professor Dave Summarises Eric01:20:49 Mockery and Different Styles of Criticism01:25:18 Jeffrey Epstein Scandal Introduction01:28:09 Trump's Response and Conspiracy Theories01:31:18 Andrew Schulz' Cognitive Dissonance01:38:32 Trump's Deep State Assassination Attempt01:40:01 Megyn Kelly has another explanation01:46:15 The Court Intrigues of MAGA01:50:02 The Epstein Online Economy01:57:54 Tim Pool's spin: It's the Democrats!02:00:26 Destiny and Contrapoints get Conspiracy Theories02:01:53 The Weinstein takes on Epstein: Welcome to the Infinite Truman Show02:03:33 Scott Adams' Take: A Commander In Chief Issue02:04:42 Epstein: The Foreign Agent?02:07:20 Coffeezilla's Anomaly Hunting02:11:47 Destiny Reacting to Coffeezilla and the Fluidity of Conspiracies02:18:06 Doing Your Own Research on the Acosta Quote02:20:29 Epstein Takes From QAnon Anonymous to Red Scare 02:25:18 Critical Evaluation of Claims: Consulting Reports on Epstein's Suicide02:35:55 Hasan demonstrates responsible Conspiracy Hypothesising02:39:34 New Conspiracy Lore02:42:19 Tribal Matters02:43:31 Matt's Gaming Grotto: Baldurs Gates, Dwarf Fortresses, and Rogue Traders02:53:40 Matt's Sick Mind02:54:57 OutroThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2hrs 57 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusSourcesJeremy Howard’s TweetMecha Hitler Twitter (The Guardian)Elmo Hacked (The Guardian)Conor McGregor Shares Unsolicited Pics (Daily Mail)Stephen Bartlett Reprimanded by ASA (Marketing Week)Eric Being Mysterious with Mick West (Twitter)<a...

18 Jul 39min

Required Readings: Buddhism - A Journey Through History

Required Readings: Buddhism - A Journey Through History

In this episode of "Decoding Academia: Required Readings", Chris and Matt take a joint stroll through the history of Buddhism through Donald S. Lopez Jr.'s latest book, 'Buddhism: A Journey Through History.' We discuss the unexpected historical and cultural facets of Buddhism, how modern interpretations can often romanticise ancient practices, and whether Matt's mind has been blown. We also consider important issues like the Buddha's retractable penis, incredibly long tongue, and just how strongly we should condemn monks scribbling pictures of their would-be brides. So join us in the cycle of samsara as we strive to earn some merit and at least crawl a little closer to enlightenment.Book ReviewedLopez, D. S. (2025). Buddhism: A Journey through History. Yale University Press.Required Readings - Buddhism A Journey Through History00:00 Introduction to Decoding Academia01:51 Current Book Selection: Buddhism a Journey Through History02:56 Initial Impressions and Apologies06:00 Buddhism's Complexities and Contradictions07:59 Western Perceptions vs. Historical Realities11:27 The Historical Buddha?17:09 Buddhist Approaches to Texts22:09 Comparisons with Other Religions26:38 Orthopraxic Buddhism29:53 Petty Buddhism34:20 Matt's Religion Hot Take37:17 Ashoka: The Buddhist King?39:02 Buddhism's Syncretic Nature39:35 The Syncretic Approach42:49 Anti-Colonial Buddhism43:44 Buddhist Modernism and Science46:58 The Buddhist Canon51:26 Matt's History Thoughts53:06 Buddhism's Cultural and Social Role55:55 Gods and Supernatural Beings56:48 The Attitude towards Women59:36 The Value of Buddhism01:03:35 Religions as Cultural Technologies with Social Functions01:05:54 Monastic Issues01:12:51 Religious Motivations01:14:38 OutroThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus

2 Jul 28min

Mind, Culture & Visual Illusions: Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone on Visual Illusions

Mind, Culture & Visual Illusions: Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone on Visual Illusions

In this academic-themed interview episode of Decoding the Gurus, Matt and Chris sit down to chat with Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone (@chazfirestone) about their recent paper 'Is Visual Perception WEIRD? The Müller-Lyer Illusion and the Cultural Byproduct Hypothesis.'In a conversation that serves as a welcome tonic to the endless lamentations of the gurus about academic groupthink and closed-minded silos, Dorsa and Chaz discuss the interdisciplinary nature of their work, debates around universal vs. culturally specific psychology, and the strength of evidence that visual perception varies between cultures. We also learn about the dangers of being STUPID: Studying Topics Uninformed by Prior Investigations in the Discipline, and attempt to uncover just how much Chaz enjoys popping balloons.A fun one that might even leave you a little bit more optimistic than usual!LinksAmir, D., & Firestone, C. (2025). Is visual perception WEIRD? The Müller-Lyer illusion and the cultural byproduct hypothesis. Psychological Review.Dorsa's Homepage and Mind and Culture Lab.Chaz's Perception & Mind Lab Homepage, his instagram, and his BJJ victory video.Decoding Academia 33: The Great Müller-Lyer Debate from Fish Tanks to Eye OperationsMickey Inzlicht's Substack on the Paper and the Debates around it.Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world?. Behavioral and brain sciences, 33(2-3), 61-83.Lucca, K., Yuen, F., Wang, Y., Alessandroni, N., Allison, O., Alvarez, M., ... & Hamlin, J. K. (2025). Infants’ Social Evaluation of Helpers and Hinderers: A Large‐Scale, Multi‐Lab, Coordinated Replication Study. Developmental Science, 28(1), e13581.

1 Jul 1h 6min

Supplementary Material 32: A Shower of Bastards

Supplementary Material 32: A Shower of Bastards

We wallow in the mud with some of the worst gurus of the gurusphere. Join us and lament the guru paradise that we all live in.Supplementary Material 3200:00 Introduction and Banter01:22 Old Squeaky and Daily Life03:53 Matthew McConaughey Episode Recap08:13 The Liver King Controversy16:14 Nazi Propaganda on YouTube21:11 Historical Revisionism: Darryl Cooper and David Irving27:46 Huberman's very public hardcore research32:25 Huberman sells out34:32 Chris Langan: The Bottom (Racist) Tier of Gurudom36:03 Langan on Weinstein42:21 Langan's grievances against Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson49:47 Matt Goodwin visits London55:59 Gary Stevenson hates Graphs and Data01:10:33 Gary compares himself to Russell Brand01:15:12 THEY won't let you talk about the economy01:17:22 Matt invokes Goodwin's Law01:25:08 The All In Podcast Besties launch a Tequila Brand01:28:32 Matt's Modest Utopian Plan01:31:12 Lab Leak Discourse continues at the Guardian01:35:55 Matt attacks the Mainstream Media01:39:11 Dugin's Forum of the Future 2050 and the Guru Horseshoe01:45:57 Extended OutroThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 50 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusSources2Lazy2Try: The Liver King Gets Arrested For Trying To Hunt Down Joe RoganRob Mohr tweets out an iconic photo of HubermanScott Carney: Documenting Andrew Huberman's LiesChris Langan's thoughts on Eric WeinsteinChris Langan's thoughts on Elon Musk & Jordan PetersonMatt Goodwin's visit to LondonDespolarisa: #89 GARY STEVENSON - Economics, Trading, Inequality, Wealth, Populism, Tax, DepolarizeThe All-In Podcast guys being bastardsTsargard Institute: The Forum for the Future 2050

28 Jun 37min

Matthew McConaughey: Selling is Love!

Matthew McConaughey: Selling is Love!

In this episode, Matt and Chris try to get from where they are to where they want to be, accepting their hidden strengths and dismantling their egos as they immerse themselves fully in the wild world of Matthew McConaughey's burgeoning self-help empire. Join them as they uncover the true Art of Livin’ and learn how it is that an Academy Award-winning Hollywood star finds himself sharing life advice alongside the likes of Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi.With bongos, heartfelt confessions, and a sales pitch that'll make your wallet quiver, we break down the one-and-only event where journaling and wet dreams are your ticket to self-actualisation. Brace yourself for some heavy-duty motivational speeches, meaningful shared stories, and just a pinch of canned audience responses, as we ride shotgun on this once-in-a-lifetime self-help seminar.And how much will all this cost you? You ask? It should be $3000, but for today only, we give it all for free.LinksMcConaughey's segment from the The Art of Livin' EventKeyasWorld: Matthew McConaughey's self-help event WAS INSANEKeyasWorld: Is Matthew McConaughey Starting a Cult?Rolling Stone: Matthew McConaughey Will Dispense ‘Lyrics of Livin’ in New Weekly NewsletterThe Monastery in the DesertMikhaila Peterson: #32 Matthew McConaugheyLex Fridman: Matthew McConaughey: Freedom, Truth, Family, Hardship, and Love | Lex Fridman Podcast #384

23 Jun 3h 30min

Decoding Academia 33: The Great Müller-Lyer Debate from Fish Tanks to Eye Operations *Patreon Preview*

Decoding Academia 33: The Great Müller-Lyer Debate from Fish Tanks to Eye Operations *Patreon Preview*

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Decoding Academia. In this bonus preview of our highly secretive Patreon content, we are discussing a controversial paper by Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone that challenges the established notion of the Müller-Lyer illusion being a product of cultural environments. Prepare yourself for some high-level discussions of the visual processes of guppy fish and bearded lizards, as well as the remarkable lengths that psychologists will go to in order to get people to complete their tests. Will our seasoned scholars unravel the illusion, or is this debate another eye-catching mirage? <wink, wink>Sources(forthcoming) Amir, D., & Firestone, C. Is visual perception WEIRD? The Müller-Lyer illusion and the Cultural Byproduct Hypothesis. Psychological Review.Dorsa's summary thread on the paperJoe Henrich's critical thread on the paperChaz's response to the Joe Henrich threadPaul Bloom's Substack articles on Nature vs. Nurture debates and clever experiments

14 Jun 1h 2min

Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists

Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists

We venture into the darker corners of the gurusphere and marvel at some very, very brave individuals, their valiant efforts to play devil's advocate, and some world-class discourse surfing skills. Join us, won't you?Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists00:00 Introduction & Ol Squeaky Cameo02:57 Matt's Aquarium Trauma & Stress Dreams09:45 RFK Jr's war on science continues11:17 Robert Malone & other 'Covid Contrarians' rewarded under Trump14:35 The LA Protests, Riots, and Anti-Immigrant Narratives20:12 Flint Dibble calls out Joe Rogan25:24 Joe Rogan is a polemical ideologue and anti-vaccine advocate27:34 Cassandra Kavanagh?32:37 If Books Could Kill on Lab Leak35:10 Popular Perceptions of the Covid Pandemic vs Reality38:38 Debating COVID-19 Measures38:59 Clarifying the Role of Sam's Manager42:56 Discussing Trump, Musk, and DOGE's Political Impact47:12 The Meaning Crisis and the Comfort of Religion50:35 The Effects of Social Media53:15 Matt and Chris Friendly Shadowboxing56:19 The horror of directly stating your opinions58:14 Sam Harris' Preparation for Conversations01:05:02 Strategic Obliviousness01:12:26 A little bit of TRT Discourse01:16:17 Lex's Insufferable Tweet:  Celebrating Humanity and Responding to Critics01:18:46 The Bravery of the All In Podcast Besties01:20:33 Elon Musk and Donald Trump: A Complex Relationship01:23:42 Mike from PA and Dunking Safely Online01:26:10 Scientific Racism and Controversial Podcasts01:34:02 Paul Bloom and Subjective Redlines01:41:10 The Neo-Nazi Smoke in the Race Realism World01:48:36 Daniël Lakens on Bryan Johnson on Mortality Salience01:50:16 Matt's Foodie Corner01:52:21 OutroThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 54 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusSourcesBBC- RFK Jr appoints new US vaccine advisers after sacking committeeFlint Dibble’s New Video: Joe Rogan's Cult of Fake ArchaeologyLex Fridman’s Insufferable TweetSam Harris EPISODE 419 "More From Sam": Elon vs. Trump, Religion, Jordan Peterson, & Rapid Fire QuestionsThe All In Besties being cowardsThe Guardian: Harvard author Steven Pinker appears on podcast linked to scientific racismSteven Pinker on AporiaHope Not Hate’s investigation into Aporia and related race science networksIf Books Could Kill: The Lab Leak Goes Mainstream<a...

13 Jun 46min

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