Based Camp | Simone & Malcolm Collins
Based Camp | Simone & Malcolm Collins
Based Camp is a podcast focused on how humans process the world around them and the future of our species. That means we go into everything from human sexuality, to weird sub-cultures, dating markets, philosophy, and politics.
Malcolm and Simone are a husband wife team of a neuroscientist and marketer turned entrepreneurs and authors. With graduate degrees from Stanford and Cambridge under their belts as well as five bestselling books, one of which topped out the WSJs nonfiction list, they are widely known (if infamous) intellectuals / provocateurs.
If you want to dig into their ideas further or check citations on points they bring up check out their book series. Note: They all sell for a dollar or so and the money made from them goes to charity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMWMFTG basedcamppodcast.substack.com
Malcolm and Simone are a husband wife team of a neuroscientist and marketer turned entrepreneurs and authors. With graduate degrees from Stanford and Cambridge under their belts as well as five bestselling books, one of which topped out the WSJs nonfiction list, they are widely known (if infamous) intellectuals / provocateurs.
If you want to dig into their ideas further or check citations on points they bring up check out their book series. Note: They all sell for a dollar or so and the money made from them goes to charity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMWMFTG basedcamppodcast.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
1 In 4 Youth Antisemitic Now: This Is Not About Gaza
Malcolm and Simone dive into the alarming rise of antisemitism among young Americans, revealing that over 25% of people in their 20s now hold these views. They analyze generational divides and the influence of both right-wing backlash and progressive narratives. The hosts argue that traditional defensive tactics are backfiring, as labeling antisemitic comments often provokes further backlash. Discussions on revising Holocaust education for skeptical youth and fostering intergenerational alliances highlight practical paths for cultural resilience in a changing context.
Dec 29, 2025 • 60min
What Really Happened Before the Viral Interview
The discussion dives into the viral interview where a journalist denies genetic differences, sparking a cultural debate. They explore the context behind the filming and how planned 'gotcha' tactics unraveled. Key topics include the implications of denying genetics on medical outcomes and how this reflects a shifting cultural landscape, with the right leaning towards pro-science perspectives. They also touch on media manipulation and the strategic creation of viral moments, emphasizing the importance of understanding population genetics for better health outcomes.
Dec 26, 2025 • 37min
Giving Poor Populations Money Lowers Their Birth Rate?
Discover the surprising demographic shift where wealthier families are having more children, while those with lower incomes are decreasing their birth rate. Explore how universal childcare and welfare may unintentionally impact these trends. Delve into the changing definitions of rich and poor lifestyles, as well as the effects of delayed parenthood and modern living on fertility. Hear key insights backed by European research and the implications for future societal structures and dependency ratios.
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
Could All Debt Actually Just Be Canceled?
Could a debt jubilee shape America's future? Discover the alarming rise in consumer debt and the potential for systemic debt cancellations, drawing parallels with historical precedents. They examine the cultural impacts of poor money habits and rising defaults, along with looming government insolvencies. Hilarious anecdotes sprinkle the conversation, from money hacks to ramen survival tips. The hosts propose serious implications for the 2030s and explore how to prepare financially for potential instability.
15 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h
Manufacturing Our Designer Babies (Feat. Jonathan Anomaly)
Jonathan Anomaly, Director of Research at Herasight and bioethicist, joins to discuss groundbreaking advancements in embryo genetic selection. He reveals how Herasight offers superior polygenic risk scores and addresses the controversy surrounding Nucleus Genomics. The conversation dives into the benefits of selecting for intelligence, including better health and lower addiction rates. Anomaly explains pleiotropy's positive outcomes, the ethical implications of germline gene editing, and the need for wider access to these technologies for healthier future generations.
Dec 23, 2025 • 52min
Understanding the Trans Arousal Profile
Malcolm and Simone explore a controversial hypothesis linking trans urges to evolutionary biology. They discuss elevated rates of brutality in trans individuals, historical ties between transvestism and sadomasochism, and the 'sneaky copulator' strategy seen in animals. The duo analyzes how cultural disempowerment might trigger these adaptive behaviors, connecting them to patterns of aggression and violence in modern society. They also touch on how transitioning can affect social status and community dynamics.
Dec 22, 2025 • 59min
The Pre-Agricultural Period Was NOT Better
Malcolm and Simone Collins tackle the myth that life was better for pre-agricultural societies. They critique claims from Sapiens, highlighting the harsh realities of hunter-gatherer existence, including violence and disease. The hosts compare workloads and leisure, reveal the brutal nature of prehistoric health, and discuss how cities offered protections against local despots. Through historical evidence, they illustrate how agriculture ultimately enhanced lifestyle metrics like health and longevity, debunking romanticized notions of primitive life.
Dec 19, 2025 • 55min
Russia Astroturfed BLM & We Have Proof
Malcolm and Simone reveal shocking findings on Russia’s Internet Research Agency's influence on the Black Lives Matter movement. They discuss how a staggering 96% of IRA YouTube content focused on police brutality and targeted Black audiences on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The hosts explore the timing of IRA activities, which surged post-2016 elections, and their involvement in organizing real-world rallies. This episode uncovers why such critical information has remained largely buried in mainstream discussions.
10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 41min
Anime Parent Paradox: Tragic if Biological / Wholesome if Adoptive
Dive into the fascinating world of modern anime, where adoptive families and found relationships dominate the narrative. Discover why biological families are often portrayed as tragic, while shows like Spy x Family and Buddy Daddies celebrate the joy of chosen family. Explore theories around cultural pressures, youth rebellion, and the impact of parenting portrayals on societal norms. With a contrast of heartwarming bonds versus melancholic tales, this discussion uncovers the intriguing dynamics of family in anime.
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
Cyberfeminism, Xenofeminism, & The Cyborg Manifesto
Delve into the mind-bending ideas of Donna Haraway’s "A Cyborg Manifesto" and its influence on feminist theory. Explore the cyborg as a metaphor for post-gender identity and the cultural context of the Reagan era. Discover how the manifesto's themes challenged essentialism and inspired movements like cyberfeminism and xenofeminism. Engage with critiques around race and identity within these frameworks and ponder the tensions between modern interpretations and Haraway's original vision. Perfect for enthusiasts of transhumanism and wild 1980s philosophy!
