
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

Aug 13, 2024 • 47min
The Hope Crisis: Suicide's Connection to Demographic Collapse
Explore the connection between declining fertility rates and a broader hope crisis. Discover how hopelessness in modern society fuels anxiety and depressive trends, especially among affluent youth. Delve into the psychological impact of social media, which distorts perceptions of success and beauty. The discussion critiques traditional approaches to family dynamics and suggests the need for new cultural frameworks. Unravel demographic challenges alongside religious beliefs, and engage in reflections on communal living as an alternative to societal norms.

Aug 12, 2024 • 42min
How China Went Woke: Beijing Should Be Freaking Out
Simone Collins, a sharp commentator on modern China's socio-economic landscape, joins to discuss the alarming shifts in Chinese society. They delve into the rise of disillusionment among citizens, the 'lying flat' movement, and government attempts to maintain control through extensive surveillance. The conversation covers the repercussions of the White Paper protests and the chilling tactics used to instill fear, including execution vans. These insights not only illuminate China's internal challenges but also raise questions about its status as a global superpower.

Aug 9, 2024 • 1h 25min
America's Lost Tribe: The Puritans & Greater Appalachia's Role In Their Disappearance
Malcolm Collins, a cultural commentator focused on forgotten American groups, joins insightful speaker Simone Collins to dissect the influence of Puritan culture on modern society. They reveal how Puritan values intertwined with Backwoods culture, shaping unique parenting styles. The discussion explores the vibrant dynamics between various cultural groups, including the impact of Catholic immigration. Their engaging analysis illustrates how historical legacies continue to shape contemporary American identities and parenting philosophies.

Aug 8, 2024 • 40min
White Women for Harris: Professor Umbridge Joins American Politics
In this thought-provoking discussion, Professor Umbridge, an academic figure, dives into the controversial "White Women for Kamala" Zoom call, exposing alarming dynamics within the Democratic Party. They dissect the infantilization of voters and the dehumanization of opponents, revealing how progressive ideology resembles a "memetic virus." The conversation critiques the pressing need for BIPOC voices in politics and highlights the dangerous implications of identity politics, while reflecting on the historical complexities of white women's voting patterns and their role in shaping democracy.

Aug 7, 2024 • 44min
Why Progressives Need to Bully People for Being "Weird"
Malcolm Collins, a political analyst, and Simone Collins, a cultural commentator, dive into the fascinating evolution of political rhetoric. They explore how progressives now label conservatives as 'weird,' marking a cultural shift where progressives have become the new establishment. The duo discusses the outsider appeal of figures like Trump and JD Vance, the complexities of embracing uniqueness, and the impact of societal norms on political identities. They also tackle the stigma around childlessness, challenging traditional values against modern perceptions.

Aug 6, 2024 • 55min
How Catholics Transformed America (What Colin Woodard's American Nations Gets Wrong about Yankees)
Discover how Catholic immigrants reshaped the Yankee identity and influenced American culture in unexpected ways. The discussion includes the political alignment of Catholics and their significant role in urban centers. Learn about the contrasting beliefs and governance styles of Catholics and Protestants. Explore the historical impact of Catholics on American arts and education, as well as their evolving political influence. Dive into cultural conflicts surrounding Appalachian values and the playful reflections of childhood curiosity on Catholicism.

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 10min
A New Right Manifesto: Who is the New Right and what do they believe?
Simone Collins, a political candidate in Pennsylvania, joins Malcolm to discuss the emerging New Right movement. They explore the differences from traditional conservatism, emphasizing pragmatic, family-oriented policies. Key topics include immigration reform prioritizing skilled workers, critiques of bureaucratic inefficiency, and a balanced approach to environmental conservation. They also tackle cultural sovereignty, the complexities of sports fairness, and strategic foreign policy, all while advocating for evidence-based reforms and meritocracy.

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h
The Ballerina Farms Controversy & The Tradwife Cargo Cult
Hannah and Daniel Neeleman, influencers tied to the Ballerina Farms controversy, delve into their 'trad wife' lifestyle and its scrutiny in the media. They discuss the cultural implications of the trad wife movement and media manipulation. The couple reveals insights into the challenges of modern parenting within traditional roles and the influence of Mormon culture on their values. They also analyze the economics of influencer farming and share personal experiences that highlight the tension between societal expectations and family dynamics.

Aug 1, 2024 • 53min
The Communism Paradox: Why A Classless Society is Impossible Even in a Post-Scarcity World
Simone Collins, an expert on the flaws of communist ideology, and Malcolm Collins, a thinker on digital influence, tackle the paradox of achieving a truly classless society. They argue that even in a post-scarcity world, class structures persist due to competition for resources and social capital. The discussion highlights how attention and competence shape modern economies and the evolution of influencer culture. They critique the feasibility of communism and predict future challenges as technology redefines social dynamics.

Jul 31, 2024 • 45min
Real Estate & Fertility Collapse: Exploring the Post-Apocalyptic World Our Children Will Live In
Malcolm Collins, a real estate expert, and Simone Collins, a demographic trends analyst, discuss the alarming consequences of population decline on housing markets. They expose the rapid decay of abandoned properties, particularly in cities like Detroit, and ponder future tech-driven 'havens' amidst societal collapse. The conversation also touches on the unsustainable nature of modern urban life, climate change’s impact on insurance, and the potential divides between tech-friendly and traditional communities. This insightful dialogue confronts the realities of a changing world.