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
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.
27 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
Right to Reply: A Dialogos about Sensemaking with Alexander Beiner
Alexander Beiner, founder of Kainos and former co-founder of Rebel Wisdom, dives into the complex world of sensemaking. He discusses the legitimacy crisis facing academia and the rise of new, interdisciplinary approaches to tackle this issue. The conversation explores the dangers of muddy integrative ideas and the need for both qualitative and quantitative methods in sensemaking. Beiner also touches on the importance of community and rituals in combating today’s meaning crisis, emphasizing that understanding requires acknowledging diverse perspectives.
32 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 38min
Supplementary Material 39: Bad Guys, Panpsychists, and Sensemakers
Dive into a playful debate as Chris and Matt tackle the role of AI in the music industry and its implications for creativity. They ponder if Chris could pass as a 'bad guy' and dissect the concept of 'vibe physics' using insights from various thinkers. Expect intriguing discussions about conspiracy beliefs, the potential of AI to alter them, and the delicate balance between neutrality and sycophancy in AI. With a mix of humor and philosophy, they explore personal beliefs and the challenges of internal coherence in thinking.
32 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 17min
Required Readings: The Genius Myth by Helen Lewis
This discussion takes a deep dive into Helen Lewis's exploration of the myths surrounding genius. The hosts dissect how society constructs the concept and whom it benefits, with a focus on figures like Elon Musk. They challenge the validity of IQ tests and how they shape perceptions of talent, revealing dysfunctions in high-IQ circles. The narrative questions if great achievements equal innate genius and highlights the nuances of talent. Skepticism about the revolutionary claims of AI also sparks engaging debate.
10 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 7min
Discussing Nazis and Gurus with Al Murray
Join comedian Al Murray, known for his Pub Landlord persona and as a co-host on 'We Have Ways of Making You Talk', as he dives into the intriguing intersection of history and comedy. He challenges viewer perceptions of WWII fandom, discussing the romanticism behind Nazi narratives and the dangers of historical shortcuts. Al humorously critiques modern comedians' seriousness and highlights the importance of knowing history to understand power dynamics. His insights are both entertaining and thought-provoking, proving that comedy can indeed reveal deeper truths.
28 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 3h 9min
Keith Raniere: The Serpent and the Cognitive Fog
Dive into the bizarre world of Keith Raniere, the NXIVM founder who mixes pseudo-intellectualism with cult manipulation. Explore how his teachings cleverly blur authenticity with coercion, wrapped in complex jargon that confounds rational thought. Discover the disturbing dynamics of love intertwined with pain and the endless cycle of emotional dependency he creates. Chris and Matt decode Raniere's recruitment tactics, exposing the alarming parallels to other influential gurus and warning listeners of the red flags to watch for.
64 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Lab Leak Fever with Philipp Markolin
Philipp Markolin, a biochemist-turned-author and investigator of the lab-leak discourse, shares his insights on COVID-19 origins. He highlights how public perception has been swayed by sensationalist narratives and political dynamics, detailing his personal journey through research and the pushback he faced. Markolin emphasizes the accumulating evidence supporting natural spillover origins while explaining the flaws in engineered-virus claims. He also touches on the harassment scientists endured and the financial motives driving disinformation campaigns.
