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
4 snips
Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 31min
The Passion of the Jordan and the Wisdom of the Bret
Checking in on old pals Bret Weinstein and Jordan Peterson, we find Jordan facing challenges with his clinical license while Bret cracks the code behind the Chinese evolutionary lineage. Topics discussed include contradictions in guru behavior, the impact of China's one-child policy on gender ratios, the discrepancy between ideas and delivery, internal struggle and resistance, creating opportunities in problems, and reflections on controversial traits of the guests.
Jan 30, 2024 • 41min
Mini Decoding: Yuval and the Philosophers
Join us for a thrilling ride as we decode reactions to a TEDx talk by well-known author and academic Yuval Noah Harari, where he discusses the fictionality of human rights and culture. We delve into topics like inequality in first-class seating, the concept of spreading wealth, and the importance of imagined realities in shaping societies. Get ready for a philosophical adventure!
Jan 19, 2024 • 32min
DTG's Face to Face Reflections 2024
In this podcast, the hosts reflect on their experiences skiing in a Japanese mountain retreat and discuss the progress made over the past three years. They also explore the impact of new media on the independent online media sphere and emphasize the importance of handling feedback with caution.
Dec 28, 2023 • 49min
Mini-Decoding: Huberman on the Vaccine-Autism Controversy
Dr. Karen Parker, an expert in Autism, joins host Andrew Huberman to discuss the vaccine-autism controversy. They address the debunked research of Andrew Wakefield and emphasize the consensus view that there is no evidence of a link. Huberman explores various perspectives, questioning the number of childhood vaccines and the influence of 'cancel culture.' The episode delves into the challenges of researching the subject and analyzes Huberman's role in advocating for vaccinations with an ambiguous stance.
38 snips
Dec 24, 2023 • 3h 20min
Sam Harris: Transcending it All?
Sam Harris, influential in philosophy and neuroscience, discusses leaving Twitter and his favorite topics: Buddhism, consciousness, and living in the moment. He also talks about problems with free speech absolutism and reactionary conspiracism.
Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 42min
DTG Christmas Quiz 2023 with Helen Lewis
Journalist and author Helen Lewis joins the hosts for a Christmas quiz. They discuss grappling with a heavyset man in judo, play a guessing game about a guru, and explore controversial figures and changing opinions. The conversation also includes enemas, expansion ideas, identifying false options, and identifying fake flavors in a tonic drink. The podcast wraps up with the Christmas quiz results and a playful discussion about future competitions and new projects.
Dec 8, 2023 • 2h 39min
Red Scare: Bohemian Hipsterism x Reactionary Tradcaths
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.
57 snips
Nov 18, 2023 • 2h 43min
Interview with Daniël Lakens and Smriti Mehta on the state of Psychology
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.
11 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 3h 13min
Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia: Self-enhancement, supplements & doughnuts?
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.
Oct 16, 2023 • 2h 4min
Interview with Julia Ebner: Extremist Networks & Radicalisation
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.
