

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

12 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 48min
Supplementary Material 21: The emergency snake, thought = secularised prayer, and Love and War
In a humorous reflection on 2025, the hosts explore the intriguing partnership between Andrew Huberman and Jordan Peterson. They dive into the complexities of vaccine discourse, showcasing its political entanglements. A whimsical discussion about the nature of Jesus' laughter leads to insights on secularized prayer and its relationship with thought. Lex Fridman's high-profile interview with Zelensky garners attention, while the interplay of grounding, place, and well-being hints at deeper existential questions.

43 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 17min
Gurometer: Curtis Yarvin
Dive into the world of Curtis Yarvin, a controversial figure in Silicon Valley, as he's rated on the Gurosity scale. The discussion hilariously critiques his mumbo jumbo ideas, cult-like charisma, and anti-establishment vibes. They dissect themes like grievance politics and self-aggrandizement while humorously likening his rhetoric to chaotic jigsaw puzzles. Explore the tension between his visionary self-image and the skepticism he faces, all while basking in the absurdity of modern discourse.

14 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 40min
Supplementary Material 20: Stolen Valour, Based Murder, and Eric Weinstein's Phonecall Problems
This engaging discussion dives into quirky observations from Washington, D.C., pairing humor with cultural insights. The hosts weigh in on UFO sightings and government secrecy, unraveling conspiracy theories and public skepticism. They tackle the moral complexities surrounding celebrated violence against healthcare CEOs, questioning societal values and accountability. Brimming with playful anecdotes and hard-hitting reflections, the conversation navigates the absurdities of life while critiquing political narratives and public discourse.

61 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 2h 42min
Curtis Yarvin: The Edgelord's Guide to Monarchy 40K
Curtis Yarvin, a reactionary blogger and tech entrepreneur, dives into his controversial views on monarchy and modern governance. He explores the 'red pill' concept in neo-reactionary thought, emphasizing its role in today's conservative ideologies. Yarvin shares intriguing historical perspectives, from Soviet Russia to the Elizabethan era, revealing how he believes non-monarchs still wield monarchical power. The conversation critiques conspiracy theories and oversimplified narratives, challenging listeners to reconsider the complexities of authority and the very foundations of democracy.

8 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 33min
DTG Christmas Quiz 2024 with Helen Lewis & Badstats
Join Helen Lewis, an insightful quizmaster and author, and Dan Gilbert, known as Bad Stats, for a festive exploration of genius and contemporary discourse. They engage in a delightful Guru Quiz, challenging each other's knowledge of influential figures. Discussing the evolution of genius from Edison to Musk, they critique modern success metrics and media influences. The duo also navigates quirky survival team challenges and playful animal trivia, blending humor and critical insights into today's cultural climate.

10 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 48min
Supplementary Material 19: Critic-O-Rama with extra trans-dimensional alien demons
Dive into a playful conversation as the hosts tackle critical paradigms while dodging transdimensional threats. They humorously critique American culture, from oversized drinks to limited restroom access. The discussion also spans controversial topics like conspiracy theories, theological influences, and the impact of post-modernism on literature. Prepare for sharp insights on geopolitics, highlighting dissatisfaction with leadership and the complex nature of contemporary global diplomacy. It's a wild ride through humor and deep analysis!

33 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 38min
Dawkins vs. Peterson: There Be Dragons
In this engaging dialogue, Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson discusses a range of stimulating topics. They delve into the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, debating its symbolic meaning versus historical context. Cultural critiques emerge around American bathroom norms versus more advanced systems like Japan's. The conversation also touches on the intersection of science and ideology, while exploring dragons as metaphors for life’s challenges. Humor and philosophical insights intertwine, making for a thought-provoking experience.

10 snips
Nov 16, 2024 • 38min
Supplementary Material 18: The Clown Car Cometh
Matt shares entertaining insights from his U.S. travels as he navigates the Gurusphere's reactions to recent elections. The discussion highlights colorful comparisons between American politics and cuisine, interspersed with commentary on the evolving media landscape. They humorously explore Belfast's tourist appeal while dissecting the scientific community's struggles with the new administration. The episode critiques the compromises of public figures and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in media to combat echo chambers.

13 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 51min
Sabine Hossenfelder: Science is a Liar ... Sometimes
In this fascinating conversation, Sabine Hossenfelder, a German theoretical physicist and popular science communicator, delves into the complexities of science communication. She critiques modern physics and the stagnation within the field despite landmark discoveries. The discussion also tackles systemic issues like sexism in academia and the challenges of discussing climate science amid polarization. Hossenfelder's controversial takes stir debate about the relationship between scientific integrity and engaging rhetoric, making for an intriguing exploration of contemporary scientific discourse.

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 54min
Guru US Election Special
Matt and Chris dip their toes into the fetid, guru-infested swamp surrounding the 2024 U.S. election. Straining to see what lurks in the murky depths, they encounter dark shapes, including Eric Weinstein pledging his services to whoever wins (or will give him a call), Joe Rogan conspiracy hypothesizing with Donald Trump, the Free Press hosting a truly heterodox election party, Michael Moynihan pulling no punches, and finally, Jordan Peterson’s shockingly sycophantic psychological assessment of Donald Trump and his cohort.Join Chris and Matt as they navigate the election discourse swamp and the ever-unsettling convergence of internet personalities and political power, examining how these online figures function like the courtiers of old—gathering around their would-be kings, flattering them with pseudo-profound or sycophantic praise, and vying to secure their place in the new order.All very cheerful stuff, we’re sure you’ll agree!LinksA Psychological Analysis of Trump’s Personality by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | EP 492Professor Dave Explains: The Problem With Sabine HossenfelderMatt Johnson's article on Joe Rogan: A Conspiracist for the Trump EraJoe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald TrumpMoynihan on Triggernometry: The Most Important Election in History - Michael MoynihanQAnon Anonymous: Episode 211: Tulsi Gabbard P1 (The Cult) feat Mike Prysner