
Decoding the Gurus
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!
Latest episodes

5 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 3h 5min
John Vervaeke and Jordan Peterson: Word Worshipers
Jordan Peterson, a renowned psychologist and author, teams up with John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist from the University of Toronto, to delve into the intricacies of sense-making and the looming 'Meaning Crisis.' They explore the sacred art of conversation, emphasizing dialogue's transformative power. The pair discuss the intersections of power, beauty, and truth while critiquing commercial disruptions in meaningful discourse. Together, they reflect on personal journeys, intertwining faith and philosophy, and the role of transformative dialogues in fostering community.

Oct 8, 2024 • 48min
Supplementary Material 16: Riding a Phoenix to Rescue the Gurusphere
Dive into the wild world of guru punditry as the hosts dissect the theatrical 'Rescue the Republic' event. They explore Eric Weinstein's insights on political speeches and scrutinize Megyn Kelly's interview by Michael Moynihan. There's a fascinating debate on the unholy alliance among modern conspiratorial figures and a discussion on the power of language in shaping political narrative. The symbolism of the phoenix and other ancient myths are tied to today's challenges, emphasizing the need for unity and genuine solutions.

Oct 5, 2024 • 53min
Gurometer: Dr. K (Bonus Preview)
Dive into the whimsical world of Gurometry, a quirky method for quantifying the essence of gurus like Dr. K. The discussion touches on authority in psychology and the dubious tactics of self-help figures, revealing ethical dilemmas in the commercialization of mental health. Explore the fine line between charisma and moral grandstanding while also tackling the murky ethics of the pharmaceutical industry. The hosts balance humor with critical insights, inviting listeners to ponder the true nature of those they follow.

Oct 2, 2024 • 33min
Decoding Academia 30: Sadistic Trolls love Dark Humour *Preview*
This intriguing conversation dives into the dark side of humor and its links to online trolling and personality traits. The hosts analyze a study revealing the psychological motivations behind these behaviors and the concept of the dark tetrad. They explore the murky waters of academic publishing, discussing predatory journals and the influences of personality on research choices. With a mix of playful banter, shocking quizzes, and insights into social science research, this discussion uncovers the complexities of human behavior in a humorous context.

6 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 2h 24min
Darryl Cooper, Nazi Apologetics, & Disturbances in the Discourse
In a provocative discussion, Darryl Cooper, known for his podcast 'Martyr Made,' challenges historical narratives surrounding WWII, controversially suggesting Churchill may be a central villain. Sam Harris jumps into the fray, questioning whether critical engagement can rise above grievance in today's media. Renowned historian Niall Ferguson critiques Cooper's revisionist takes, adding fuel to the fiery discourse. The hosts explore the implications of such views on public perceptions and the evolving dynamics of history, media, and politics.

Sep 16, 2024 • 52min
Supplementary Material 15: Russian Stooges, Lex Love-bombs, and Heterodox Hypocrisy
Dive into the world of Russian propaganda and its surprising ties to influencers. Unpack the paradox of lucrative sponsorships that lead to questionable media practices. Discover how financial influences can distort research integrity and public discourse. Examine the superficiality of political interviews and their impact on accountability. There's a critical look at the credibility of claims made within the tech industry alongside reflections on recent political debates that add to the absurdity of today's rhetoric.

Sep 13, 2024 • 4h 29min
Dr. K (Part 3): Therapeutic Non-Therapy
Dr. K is a streaming psychiatrist renowned for his work with Healthy Gamer GG. In this engaging conversation, he addresses the controversial nature of his (non)therapy sessions, particularly with the late influencer Reckful. The discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas of streaming sensitive mental health topics, the complexities of patient boundaries, and the blending of entertainment with therapy. They analyze the repercussions of legalistic defenses and critique the ethics of fame in mental health discussions, urging a call for deeper, more responsible conversations.

Aug 31, 2024 • 46min
Supplementary Materials 14: Return to the Gurusphere
Bret Weinstein, a political influencer, and Eric Weinstein, a commentator, discuss their endorsements of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump, sparking debates on contemporary politics. Stephen Bartlett confronts controversies surrounding misleading advertisements, while Robin DiAngelo faces plagiarism accusations. The conversation also takes a sharp turn into the anti-vax movement, revealing its impact on public health. Additionally, the group dives into the complex relationship between social media, conspiracy theories, and the implications for society, especially in light of foreign investment.

Aug 14, 2024 • 44min
Supplementary Materials 13: Dead Bears, Biblical Stories, and Coffeezilla's Legal Battle
Jonathan Pageau, a symbolism expert, explores biblical insights while RFK Jr. discusses a bizarre bear cub anecdote in a political context. Eric Weinstein shares thoughts on the upcoming 2024 campaign, while Joe Rogan lends his unique perspective on media madness. Coffeezilla details his legal struggle with Logan Paul, emphasizing accountability in influencer culture. The discussion also touches on the exploitative nature of celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies, highlighting the darker side of modern scams amidst a backdrop of surreal political events.

Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 22min
Bryan Johnson: Definitely not a vampire!
In this engaging discussion, tech entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson shares his vision for lifespan extension through his Project Blueprint and the 'Don't Die' movement. The hosts humorously explore the ethics of biohacking and the societal obsession with youth. They critically assess Johnson's marketing strategies and the implications of his health claims, pondering whether his ideas could veer into cult-like territory. With insights into the intersection of science and health marketing, the conversation challenges listeners to reflect on mortality and well-being.
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