
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
Latest episodes

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Government Destroyed Marriage: The Game Theory of Gender Dynamics
Dive into the intriguing game theory behind gender dynamics and marriage as historical contexts reveal societal shifts. Explore how marriage combats prolonged parental dependency and the differences in reproductive strategies between humans and chimpanzees. Discover modern challenges like unilateral divorce and welfare state impacts, and their role in declining marriage rates. Critiques of evolving consent and traditional values provide fresh insights on the complexities of contemporary relationships. Can we decode the future of marriage?

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
Pronatalist Debate: Culture vs. Housing with @MoreBirths
Explore the riveting debate on fertility rates and cultural influences against housing challenges. Delve into the intriguing concept of a 'fertility stack' and how community norms shape family dynamics. Hear contrasting views on urban parenting, the impact of housing affordability, and supportive environments for larger families. Discover the historical context of childbirth perceptions and modern family planning challenges. The conversation also highlights the importance of pronatalist culture and its role in encouraging higher birth rates.

Feb 13, 2025 • 47min
Trump Deportation Rates Lower Than Biden's Even Now? (This Breaks the Narrative)
Unpack the surprising statistics behind deportations during Trump and Biden's terms. Explore the nuances of Title 42 and its impact on immigration numbers. Delve into how media narratives shape public perceptions and the psychological dynamics of Trump Derangement Syndrome. The conversation also touches on the contrasting experiences of families amidst these policies and the evolving public views on Trump’s legacy. It's a lively mix of serious analysis with a sprinkle of lighthearted banter!

Feb 12, 2025 • 54min
Anthropology of What Early Americans Wanted in a Wife
The hosts dive into U.S. cultural anthropology, exploring how early American groups defined ideal qualities in a wife. They discuss the Puritans' values of industriousness and the Southern focus on beauty. Historical shifts in marriage and fertility are examined, stressing how modern views often oversimplify complex cultural practices. The conversation reveals the decoupling of arousal from reproductive motivations and argues for a nuanced understanding of these dynamics to inform contemporary family planning and policies.

Feb 11, 2025 • 46min
Leaflit: Streaming, Controversies, and Creating a TTRPG
Leaflet Mitsuha, a talented streamer and game designer known for her work on iconic characters like Lux and Pantheon, shares her journey from major gaming companies to creating her own game, Lyrian Chronicles. She candidly discusses the unique challenges of leaving a liberal area for a conservative one and navigates the shifting landscape of content creation. The conversation dives into the complexities of community dynamics in streaming, her innovative tabletop RPG design, and the impact of social media on public perception and cultural conversations.

12 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 11min
USAID: The Truth & Lies (When Did Reality Stop Mattering?)
This discussion dives into the controversial allocation of USAID funds, questioning the efficacy of aid initiatives and their cultural impact. It tackles the tensions arising from support for LGBTQ programs in culturally opposing countries, highlighting issues of accountability and mismanagement. The conversation also critiques the corporate culture surrounding these decisions and the perpetuation of cultural imperialism. Expect insights on how these practices influence U.S. foreign relations and the complexities of media narratives in shaping perceptions.

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 5min
Salon: Malcolm Fantasizes About Simone Dying (This Article is Insane)
Simone and Malcolm Collins dive into a Salon article that takes shots at their views on parenting and gender roles. They tackle misrepresentations about pronatalism and their supposedly unequal marriage dynamics, injecting humor and personal anecdotes. The couple critiques media portrayal of societal issues, express outrage over taxpayer funding in politically charged media, and reflect on the emotional aspects of IVF. They also discuss reproductive rights and the complexities of contemporary relationships, all while challenging societal norms.

Feb 6, 2025 • 46min
Trump To Make Gaza A Luxury Resort (Malcolm in Shock, Simone on Board)
A surprising proposal promises to turn Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East,' igniting discussions on the audacity of such a move. The conversation dives into the political reactions, historical implications, and ethical dilemmas surrounding this controversial concept. Insights on Trump's unique diplomatic style juxtapose serious humanitarian concerns, while potential relocation options for Palestinians are evaluated. The whimsical vision of Gaza as a luxury resort contrasts sharply with its current realities, sparking both critique and satire.

Feb 5, 2025 • 42min
Reddit in Full Panic Mode Over Trump
A renewed buzz on Reddit reveals federal employees voicing their concerns about the Trump administration. Passionate discussions highlight extreme measures taken by government workers and the challenges of political bias within agencies. Tensions rise as employees express fears over job security and diversity efforts. The episode tackles the chaotic landscape of online discourse reflecting deep-seated issues in America’s bureaucracy, intertwined with mentions of figures like Elon Musk and the evolving nature of federal governance.

10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 40min
Do Smartphones Brainwash Women into Hating Babies?
The hosts dive into how smartphone usage might influence declining marriage and birth rates. They discuss the cultural and socioeconomic impacts of digital interactions on parenthood. Misconceptions about needing career stability before having children are challenged, emphasizing adaptability in parenting. They contemplate shifts in societal values to promote family formation and explore the tension between natural instincts and personal choices in procreation. A light-hearted take on everyday life also underscores these profound discussions.