Fooled Again? The 281st Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
whatshot 14 snips
Jun 17, 2025
In this intriguing conversation, the hosts tackle the implications of Israel's actions towards Iran and explore the resurgence of neo-conservative ideologies. They discuss the alarming cyber-attack on a major food distributor and how it affects supply chains. Highlighting the complexities of modern driving, they juxtapose cars with horses while debating societal changes. Critical thinking takes center stage as they question political narratives and reflect on past interventions, urging listeners to stay informed and discern the truth.
02:03:41
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Neocon War Influence Insight
Historical neoconservative influence shows the dangers of uncritical support for war.
Military engagements driven by vague threats lead to prolonged quagmires with heavy casualties.
insights INSIGHT
Neo-Neocon Threat to Iran
The threat of war with Iran is a re-emergence of long-held neoconservative plans.
'Shopcraft as Soulcraft' is Matthew Crawford's philosophical exploration of the value and dignity of manual labor in an increasingly automated and digital world. Crawford, who himself left a white-collar job to open a motorcycle repair shop, argues that skilled trades offer a unique form of intellectual and personal satisfaction. He contrasts the tangible rewards of working with one's hands with the often abstract and alienating nature of modern office work. The book champions the importance of craftsmanship, skill, and direct engagement with the physical world, suggesting that these activities can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is often lacking in contemporary society. Through insightful analysis and personal anecdotes, Crawford challenges conventional notions of work and success.
A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century
Brett Weinstein
Heather Heying
This book, written by evolutionary biologists Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, addresses the disconnect between human evolutionary history and the challenges of modern life. It explains how the rapid rate of change in the modern world has outpaced the ability of our brains and bodies to adapt, leading to issues such as widespread sleep deprivation, dangerous diets, damaging parenting styles, and backward education practices. The authors draw on decades of research and experiences from biodiverse ecosystems to provide a science-based perspective that aims to empower readers to live better, wiser lives.
Why We Drive
Toward a Philosophy of the Open Road
Matthew Crawford
In 'Why We Drive,' Matthew B. Crawford blends philosophy and hands-on storytelling to explore the significance of driving in human life. The book delves into Crawford's own experiences restoring a vintage Volkswagen and his journeys through various automotive subcultures. It is a meditation on the competence of ordinary people, the rewards of 'folk engineering,' and the existential value of driving. Crawford argues against the trend of self-driving cars, highlighting the importance of human agency and the battle for democratic self-determination against surveillance capitalists. The book is a celebration of the human spirit and the freedom associated with driving[1][4][5].
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert Pirsig
This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.
Today we discuss war, regime change, cyber-attacks, libertarianism, and driving. In what ways are Israel’s attack on Iran reminiscent of events from the past? Are the neo-cons back, or did they never go away? It would seem that we are being frog-marched to war. Speaking of destabilization: North America's largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of natural foods (UNFI) was hacked, leaving market shelves empty at tens of thousands of stores. In better news: Bret returned from FreedomFest, and provides a report, and discusses his model for Libertarianism 2.0. And: Matthew Crawford on why we drive. Which is better: horses or cars? We circle back to a discussion of efficiencies, coercion, and freedom.
*****
Our sponsors:
Timeline: Accelerate the clearing of damaged mitochondria to improve strength and endurance: Go to http://www.timeline.com/darkhorse and use code darkhorse for 20% off your first order.
Caraway: Non-toxic, beautiful, light ceramic cookware. Save $150 on a cookware set over buying individual pieces, and get 10% off your order at http://carawayhome.com/darkhorse10.
ARMRA Colostrum is an ancient bioactive whole food that can strengthen your immune system. Go to http://www.tryarmra.com/DARKHORSE to get 15% off your first order.
*****
Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.com
Heather’s newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.com
Our book, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AGANGg (commission earned)
Check out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org
*****
Mentioned in this episode:
Newsweek on DNI Gabbard and Iran: https://www.newsweek.com/tulsi-gabbard-iran-nuclear-weapon-2051523
Bret on Israel in 2023: https://x.com/BretWeinstein/status/1712588777737367564
FreedomFest 2025: https://freedomfest.com
Crawford 2020. Why We Drive: Toward a Philosophy of the Open Road https://amzn.to/4e4bVrc (commission earned)
DarkHorse Podcast 
