Guest Manvir Singh, New Yorker writer and anthropologist, discusses the concept of 'symbolic beliefs' versus factual beliefs, highlighting the spread of misinformation regarding Trump's trial. The podcast also explores the impact of false beliefs on societal views and the motivations behind endorsing misinformation.

We are back with another academic-themed interview with the evolutionary/cultural/cognitive anthropologist Manvir Singh. That's right two anthropologists from the same relatively obscure field on the same podcast but don't hold that against Manvir, we promise he's much more insightful than Chris!Indeed, Manvir joins us to share his expertise on Shamanism and to examine whether there are any significant parallels between Shamans and Gurus. Along the way, you will gain new esoteric knowledge into things such as the differences between prophets, gurus, and shamans; whether evolutionary anthropology is all bunk; and the importance of linguistic and kinetic performances for generating credibility and authority. Matt was absent during the interview so he could not keep Chris' tangents in check but he does participate in the ever-extending discussions in the intro and outro segments. Here you will discover the respective grievances that our hosts have been mongering, as well as how Matt deals with some critical feedback from disgruntled psychoanalysts!In short, there is something for everyone. So open your third eye and join us on an ecstatic spirit flight as we reveal the secret cosmic mysteries of the modern gurus (for those brave enough to listen).LinksManvir's (2018) BBS article on ShamanismManvir's article in Wired (2022) The ‘Shamanification’ of the Tech CEOFollow up Twitter thread on the evidence for fasting benefitsManvir's Aeon article (2022): The idea of primitive communism is as seductive as it is wrongManvir's WebsiteBen Shapiro: Politics, Kanye, Trump, Biden, Hitler, Extremism, and War | Lex Fridman Podcast #336Matthew Remski's thread on the DiAngelo Episodeand_furiouser's thread on the DiAngelo Episode

Dwight Garner, a New York Times book critic, shares amusing food insights from cherished authors, including John Updike's lunch habits. Manvir Singh, an anthropologist, discusses the phenomenon of 'meat-fluencers' and extreme carnivorism. The conversation also highlights the cultural significance of shared meals, like a nostalgic peanut butter and pickle sandwich, and dives into the art of cooking biryani with a focus on spice intricacies. Additionally, they explore Old Norse roots in culinary language, uncovering the etymology of kitchen words.