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
5 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 55min
Should We Revive Dowries and Bride Prices? (Why Selling Your Kids Increased Their Value)
This discussion dives into the cultural significance of dowries and bride prices, questioning their relevance today. The hosts reveal intriguing historical connections, like how dowries influenced the story of Santa Claus. They explore the economic implications of these practices in various societies, particularly in China and India, highlighting modern trends like 'marriage bounties.' Listeners are invited to consider how these traditions impact social structures and family dynamics, offering a thought-provoking perspective on age-old customs.
Aug 14, 2025 • 47min
Rationalist Civil War: God is Real After All?
The discussion highlights a fascinating shift in the rationalist community towards faith, particularly with the rise of AI. Thinkers are exploring how superintelligence might align with divine existence, suggesting that rationality could lead one to believe in God. The hosts humorously navigate differing viewpoints on theology while critiquing biblical interpretations. They also tackle the interplay between morality, spirituality, and advanced technology, questioning how emerging AI might reflect traditional Judeo-Christian values in a modern context.
Aug 13, 2025 • 59min
The Lives Of Those Who Date AIs (Are They On To Something?)
Dive into the intriguing world of AI companions in romantic relationships. Discover how individuals form deep emotional bonds with their AI partners, even embracing dynamics like dom-sub relationships. Explore the fascinating cases of gender transition within these AI connections and the evolving societal views on love. The rise of engagement rings for AI partners illustrates the unique practices emerging in this landscape. Join a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of the implications these relationships hold for traditional love and companionship in a technology-driven age.
Aug 12, 2025 • 60min
Normies Are Realizing Marriage is Cool (Uh Oh!)
Simone and Malcolm delve into the revival of traditional marriages, examining divorce trends and societal shifts since the 1980s. They discuss the red pill philosophy versus the newfound appreciation for committed relationships among younger generations. The duo critiques modern masculinity, advocating for the stability of two-parent households. They also explore unconventional relationship dynamics and evolving gender roles, alongside cultural marriage practices, all while weighing the practical benefits of marriage in social and economic contexts.
Aug 11, 2025 • 51min
Phrenology is Back, Baby! AI is VERY Good at Making Predictions From Face Scans
The podcast dives into the controversial realm of predicting personal traits from facial features, exploring the remnants of phrenology and the implications of AI in this field. With a nod to modern studies showing AI's surprising accuracy in criminality predictions, ethical concerns are woven throughout the conversation. They tackle the intersection of technology and identity, discussing potential insights into sexuality and aggression. Balancing serious topics with humor, they also touch on societal perceptions and the influence of wealth on tech development.
Aug 8, 2025 • 59min
My Little Pony's Argument for a Racist Colonialist Monarchy
Dive into the surprising critiques of 'My Little Pony,' which unveils unsettling connections to right-wing ideologies like racism and colonialism. Explore how the show's narratives address societal issues through humor while questioning its portrayal of privilege and power dynamics. Delve into themes of identity and conformity, as well as the implications of enforced equality. The podcast also critiques cultural representation, prompting fans to rethink their childhood favorites and the deeper messages they convey.
Aug 7, 2025 • 58min
Is The Arab Brain Incompatible with Democracy?
Dive into the intricate challenges of sustaining democracies in Arab-majority countries. The hosts explore the role of tribalism and historical factors, debunking myths related to colonialism and religion. They compare Arab identity and its unique social structures to those of Northern Europe, examining how tribal loyalties impede democratic frameworks. The conversation even touches on global cultural contexts and their impact on governance, offering enlightening insights into why democracy thrives differently across regions.
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
How I Trained My Wife
Explore the intriguing concept of 'training' your partner for a healthier relationship. Unpack societal norms and toxic behaviors that impact dynamics, while emphasizing the power of communication. Delve into the significance of reframing conflicts for better understanding. Reflect on the role of innovative strategies, like AI mediation, in reducing friction between couples. The hosts also bring in light-hearted nostalgia, discussing 90s snacks and humorous parenting challenges, blending insights with entertaining anecdotes.
Aug 5, 2025 • 54min
Making Teen Pregnancy Great Again: Why Teen Pregnancy is Necessary to Save America
This discussion tackles the contentious issue of teen pregnancy, questioning the benefits behind declining rates. The hosts argue that earlier parenthood may foster responsibility and maturity, countering prevalent stigma. They analyze media influences and historical perspectives, while highlighting personal stories that illustrate the transformative potential of young parenting. The podcast also critiques Russia's financial incentives for pregnant teens and suggests integrating education with parenthood to better support young families.
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Racism of "Equality": How Woke Ideology Destroys Minority Communities
A thought-provoking discussion unfolds around the idea that striving for absolute racial equality might unintentionally perpetuate systemic racism. The hosts analyze the historical impact of policies on Black families, questioning their effectiveness in promoting equity. Cultural dynamics and the nuances of diversity are explored, emphasizing the complexities within minority communities. They challenge the notion of a singular American identity, advocating for recognition of differing backgrounds. The conversation balances serious topics with light-hearted moments, including a fun cooking chat.
