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
6 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 33min
Supplementary Material 23: Content Shark Psychology, Rorschach Tweets, and the Art of Radicalisation
The conversation dives into content predator psychology and the nuances of motivational posting. They unpack Eric Weinstein's intriguingly vague tweets and discuss modern influencers like Bret Weinstein and Joe Rogan. A closer look is taken at the warning signs of radicalism and the tension between monomaniacal fixation and pluralism. Ethical dilemmas in political media arise as they reflect on the complexities of social media discourse and fact-checking accountability.
35 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 2h 58min
Chris Langan: The Smartest Person in the World with a 200 IQ!
Chris Langan, self-proclaimed genius with a 200 IQ and creator of the Cognitive Theoretic Model of the Universe, dives into profound metaphysical ideas. Joined by conservative pundit Michael Knowles, they explore intelligence measurement, debating the disconnect between high IQ and societal success. Langan tackles deep questions about free will, consciousness, and the nature of God, while also humorously critiquing conspiracy theories and political dynamics. Expect a wild ride through philosophical musings and unconventional beliefs!
Feb 20, 2025 • 35min
Decoding Academia 32: Do Babies REALLY like good guys?
Matt and Chris dive into a fascinating study exploring whether babies prefer nice people over mean ones. They hilariously recount encounters with crocodiles and share amusing swimming stories, blending humor with academic insight. The discussion highlights challenges in developmental psychology, like the difficulties of studying infants and the importance of rigorous research. The hosts also tackle ethical concerns in academic practices, emphasizing transparency and integrity in research. Expect a mix of laughter and learning!
40 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
Supplementary Material 22: Tim Tams, Nazi Salutes, and AI Demonology
Dive into the uncanny world of influencers as the hosts explore reverse culture shock after returning to Australia. They dish on the delightful chaos of Tim Tams and dissect the complexities of public gestures in today's polarized climate. Controversies surrounding Destiny's non-consensual recordings spark discussions about ethics in the influencer realm. Meanwhile, playful rivalries and guru absurdities reveal the quirks of wellness narratives. This wild journey examines gripping geopolitical commentary with a humorous twist.
34 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 52min
Gurometer: Peter Thiel *Patreon Preview"
Dive into the chaotic world of Peter Thiel as the hosts dissect his complex persona and the grifting tendencies of the wealthy elite. With a humorous take on 'gurometry,' they explore how influential figures convey revolutionary ideas and nurture elitist communities. Historical phrases are put under the microscope for their impact, while narcissism and conspiracy theories reveal the absurdities of modern thought. To top it off, enjoy a light-hearted stroll through the maze of global grading systems and the baffling nature of evaluation.
198 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 3h 8min
Peter Thiel: The Techno-Apocalypse is Nigh
Peter Thiel, a tech billionaire known for his unconventional views and philosophical insights, dives into the intersection of technology and apocalyptic narratives. He discusses the stagnation in scientific advancement while expressing concerns over chaotic future scenarios. Thiel reflects on the ancient Greek concept of 'katakon', and critiques modern governance against the backdrop of biblical prophecies. He critiques the COVID-19 response and debunks conspiracies, urging a broader examination of existential risks in an increasingly complex world.
35 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Wounded Bird Lex Fridman vs. The Evil Ukrainian Bot Farms
Lex Fridman, an AI researcher and podcaster, reflects on his interview with Ukrainian President Zelensky. He portrays himself as a Christ-like figure amidst controversy and critiques from online bot farms. The discussion questions his self-image versus the possibility of him being biased and dismissive of criticism. They dive into the complexities of peace negotiations in Ukraine and the challenge of interviewing global leaders, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue in political discourse.
22 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.
