Decoding the Gurus
Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne
An exiled Northern Irish anthropologist and a hitchhiking Australian psychologist take a close look at the contemporary crop of 'secular gurus', iconoclasts, and other exiles from the mainstream, offering their own brands of unique takes and special insights.
Leveraging two of the most diverse accents in modern podcasting, Chris and Matt dig deep into the claims, peek behind the psychological curtains, and try to figure out once and for all... What's it all About?
Join us, as we try to puzzle our way through and talk some smart-sounding smack about the intellectual giants of our age, from Jordan Peterson to Robin DiAngelo. Are they revolutionary thinkers or just grifters with delusions of grandeur?
Join us and let's find out!
Leveraging two of the most diverse accents in modern podcasting, Chris and Matt dig deep into the claims, peek behind the psychological curtains, and try to figure out once and for all... What's it all About?
Join us, as we try to puzzle our way through and talk some smart-sounding smack about the intellectual giants of our age, from Jordan Peterson to Robin DiAngelo. Are they revolutionary thinkers or just grifters with delusions of grandeur?
Join us and let's find out!
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 35min
Supplementary Material 42: Chimpanzee Testicles, Home Alone Statistics, and Influencer Research
Explore the absurdity of longevity culture, from chimpanzee testicle transplants to influencer health trends. Dive into Andrew Huberman's eyebrow-raising claims, including giving testosterone to his dog. Unpack the chaotic media exchanges between Nick Fuentes and Piers Morgan with comedic commentary from Joe Rogan. The hosts critique comedians who pretend to be experts and mock outrageous health fads. Plus, laugh along as they delve into ridiculous statistics surrounding ‘Home Alone’—a perfect mix of humor and critique!
23 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 2h 51min
Scott Galloway, Part 1: On Men
Scott Galloway, NYU professor and author of 'Notes on Being a Man,' dives into the complexities of masculinity and men's issues. He emphasizes the societal roots of male malaise and advocates for solutions that uplift all youth. Galloway critically examines topics like media misrepresentation, the impact of privilege, and the importance of dignity in work. He also discusses the evolving landscape of education, dating dynamics, and the role of evolutionary psychology, all while balancing traditional views with modern realities.
21 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Replication Crisis Christmas Quiz w/ Mickey Inzlicht & Dave Pizarro
Joining the discussion are Dave Pizarro, a moral psychologist and co-host of Very Bad Wizards, and Mickey Inzlicht, a social psychologist from Two Psychologists Four Beers. They tackle the replication crisis in psychology with humor and insight. The quiz format sparks debates on notable studies, from Zimbardo's Stanford Prison experiment to the controversial claims of precognition by Daryl Bem. They also explore the evolving landscape of psychology podcasting, discussing monetization and audience engagement while sharing reflections on the discipline's integrity and future.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 27min
DTG Christmas Quiz 2025 with Helen Lewis
In this festive gathering, British journalist and podcaster Helen Lewis takes the helm as quizmaster, blending wit and insight. They explore the murky fusion of the Guru-sphere and MAGA-sphere, examining rising political figures like Tucker Carlson. Helen humorously recalls bizarre AI experiences and debates the ethics of comedians performing in controversial settings, like the Riyadh festival. The lively quiz challenges the hosts on pop culture and political trivia, while reflecting on the moral trade-offs of content creation in today's media landscape.
6 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 44min
Supplementary Material 41: Ironic Nazis, Blustering Tories, and Ol' Squeaky's Lament
The hosts dive into the tragic tale of Old Squeaky and the search for a replacement chair. They discuss Sam Harris's significant admission on interpersonal bias and how it pertains to friends like Megyn Kelly. The heated clash between Piers Morgan and Nick Fuentes garners attention, revealing deep divides within the right. They explore the controversy surrounding Dasha's fallout after her association with Fuentes and tackle the absurdities of antisemitism and conspiracy theorists. A captivating blend of current affairs and cultural critique ensues.
14 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 33min
Gurometer: Stefan Molyneux *Patreon Preview*
In a deep dive into Stefan Molyneux, the hosts critique his weak arguments against God's existence and find his logic lacking. They explore his inconsistent beliefs, reviewing his pandering to Christian audiences while lacking philosophical depth. The conversation reveals his self-aggrandizing persona, cult-like behaviors, and grievance-mongering tactics. Scoring him on various guru traits, they rate his anti-establishment attitude and conspiratorial views, ultimately deciding to unsubscribe from his feed. A thorough assessment of guru archetypes unfolds!
16 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 32min
Stefan Molyneux, Part 2: Back in the Moly Hole
The hosts delve deeper into the mind of Stefan Molyneux, exposing his gaslighting tactics as he debates the nature of truth with callers. They highlight his circular reasoning and emotional manipulation, showcasing his attempts to undermine their confidence. The discussion reveals Molyneux's obsessive focus on childhood trauma in his analyses, often veering into misogyny and paternalism. Listeners witness a blend of charm and manipulation as the hosts dissect Molyneux's psychological strategies, offering a critical lens on his podcasting style.
23 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 43min
Supplementary Material 40: YouTube Builders, the Discourse Grind, and Sam Harris' Dinner Parties
Delve into the drama of the latest dinner party discussions, where civil discourse meets the critique of Western civilization. Explore the bizarre antics of Stefan Molyneux and reflect on Jordan Peterson's fading presence in cultural debates. The hosts dissect Steven Pinker's support for Bjorn Lomborg and examine why some gurus shy away from specific rebuttals. Discover the whirlwind surrounding Elon Musk's image and Sam Harris's candid admissions about his social circle. A rich tapestry of intellect and entertainment awaits!
17 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 3h 4min
Stefan Molyneux, Part 1: A fun guy, who is here to help...
Dive into the controversial world of Stefan Molyneux as hosts explore his evolution from an anti-spanking advocate to a figure entwined with MAGA and white nationalism. The discussion includes Molyneux's bizarre rhetoric, from blaming women for societal woes to suggesting dehumanization as a reasoning for ostracizing opponents. With clips showcasing his provocative views and a critique of his combative debating style, this exploration reveals the darkly entertaining sides of a self-proclaimed philosopher who captivates and repels in equal measure.
18 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 27min
Autism, Microbiomes, & Mice Burying Marbles with Kevin Mitchell
Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, challenges the hype surrounding the gut microbiome's links to autism. He critiques flawed studies, the misuse of animal models, and the propagation of weak findings in academia. The conversation delves into why simplistic narratives gain traction and discusses the limitations of current research practices. Rather humorously, he unpacks the peculiarities of scientific lore and the stark difference between anecdotal improvements and the lack of robust evidence in clinical trials.
