Decoding the Gurus

Hip writer and artist Tao Lin joins the 'Red Scare' podcast to discuss his cat's autism diagnosis, the rise of postmodern conservatism, the controversy surrounding vaccinations, and the unique style of the podcast. They also explore the concept of autistic writing styles, examine observations of East Asian social behavior, and delve into discussions about vegetarianism, scams, and the search for truth.

Psychologists and podcast hosts Daniël Lakens and Smriti Mehta discuss the replication crisis, responsible heterodoxy, and the role of different communication modes in shaping discourses. They also touch on AI, Lex and Elon being teenage edge lords, and controversial resignations in the field of psychology.

Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the life-extending properties of Metformin, week-long starvation regimes, self-dosing experimental treatments, and the controversy surrounding the benefits of Metformin in the longevity community. They also explore cultural differences in therapy, analyzing research papers, reading scientific papers, the cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine, the influence of belief on medication effectiveness, limitations in research studies, and self-experimentation in the health industry.

Julia Ebner, author and researcher, discusses factors impacting radicalisation, her experiences as an undercover investigator, and the psychology of conspiracy theories. The hosts also analyze conspiracy theories surrounding COVID vaccines and the Israeli government. They emphasize the rise of extremist networks and the importance of critical thinking to address misinformation.

The hosts of Triggernometry discuss the attention and financial rewards in the guru-sphere, including their own experiences. They also address the importance of critical consumption and navigating cancel culture. The chapter explores their struggles as independent content creators, surpassing goals, and expanding their brand. The hosts reflect on their collaborative success and discuss trigonometry's future. They also talk about upcoming plans, compare fascism and communism, and touch on vaccination and listener feedback.

In this podcast, the hosts interview the Conspirituality Trio as they discuss the trend of conspiracy theories merging with spirituality. They explore topics such as interconnectedness, political tactics, Republican corruption, and the intersection of biohacking and spirituality. The speakers also address conflicts of interest, ethical issues, concerns raised by conspiracy theorists, and navigating trust in public health information. They delve into the shift towards scientific-based influencers, the view of religion by secular gurus, and the influence of health experts. They also touch on diverse perspectives, negative reviews, and conspiracy hypotheses suggested by Patreon supporters.

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses the benefits of 'grounding' and being in nature. Topics include negative ions from waterfalls, the joy of observing nature, sunlight's impact on circadian rhythms, and the controversy surrounding forest bathing. They also explore the concept of grounding, its potential benefits, and skepticism in scientific studies.

Noam Chomsky, linguist, cognitive scientist, media theorist, political activist, and cultural commentator, discusses topics such as linguistics, politics, and the war in Ukraine. The podcast explores the linguistic aspects of language and group identity, the impact of neoliberalism on labor unions, Jeremy Corbyn's controversies, and the invasion of Ukraine as a war crime. It also delves into Finland and Sweden's perspectives on joining NATO, the influence of corporations and anti-science movements, and reflects on Noam Chomsky's unique qualities and ideological views.

The casual listener, who might possibly not be a loyal Patreon subscriber, or might hypothetically not listen devotedly to every Gurometer scoring episode, could conceivably be a little vague about what we mean by a secular guru(!). And therefore might be tempted to make an ill-considered and poorly-informed comment on Twitter or Reddit, thus exposing them to the devastating yet apropos riposte of a "You know nothing, Jon Snow" meme in reply. Don't let it be you! Here is a tutorial, a short illustrated primer if you will, on the Science and the Art of 'Gurometry'. No more will you have to live with the shame of not knowing how many syllables there are in anti-establishmentarianism. Never again will you be liable to fall prey to the siren song of pseudo-profound bullshit or fall foul of conspiracy mongers.Listen to it. Study it. Meditate on it. In no time at all you'll be spotting gurus in the wild, categorising, and classifying them at will. You'll feel like an ornithologist who's just been given a great big pair of binoculars, a spotter's guidebook, and a free afternoon to wander about a National park. Impress your friends, family, and potential sexual partners with your intimate and subtle understanding of What It Means to Be a Guru.You're welcome.LinksOnline Presentation on the Gurometer at The StoaDTG Episode 21: Calibrating the GurometerStrenuous Life Podcast: 10 Red Flags You're Following a Guru, Stephan Kesting with Dr Chris Kavanagh

We are back with a double-bill decoding! That's right like moths to the flame, or aliens to a Unified Geometric Field drive, we are back in Weinstein world.This time we are looking at a conversation between the irrepressible (ex?) podcaster & mathematician, Eric Weinstein, and skeptical investigator, author, and recent guest on the show, Mick West.The conversation here concerns the evidence for UAP/UFOs and the reaction of skeptics and advocates. It had the potential to be something forensic and transcendent but sadly it gets mired in the messy 'interpersonal drama' that Eric just hates so much and tries to avoid at all costs.Nonetheless, there is much that can be learnt here, including: the linguistic complexities of the word 'flex', the precise levels of passive aggressiveness that a human mind can tolerate, if there is already secret anti-gravity tech, and whether our obsession with Einsteinian physics is what is stopping us from really understanding what is going on with UAPs.We don't have answers. We are just asking questions... honest!Also featured: a recent kerfuffle in the online psychology world over DEI statements, the numerology spectrum, the potential harms of green drinks, and much much more!So join us, won't you, as we boldly venture through the outermost reaches of the gurusphere.LinksTheories of Everything- Eric Weinstein & Mick West: UAPs, Evidence, SkepticismJonathan Pageau: The Surprising Symbolism of 666QAnon Anonymous- Episode 168: The Mutant QAnon Numerology Cult in Dallas.Very Bad Wizards- Episode 263: Free YoelReason article on the Yoel Inbar incident2020 Paper on the potential liver impacts of Green Tea ExtractMick West's Book- Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect