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
8 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 32min
Supplementary Material 17: American Dreams, YouTube Algorithms, and Poisonous Plastics
Andrew Gold, a YouTuber known for exploring ancient civilizations, shares intriguing insights on YouTube algorithms and audience capture. He highlights the tension between creating compelling content and catering to viewership demands. The conversation dives into how these factors influence public discourse and the risks of compromising quality for virality. The hosts also discuss American cultural quirks, ethical responsibilities in podcasting, and the challenges of navigating controversy in today’s media landscape.
12 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 16min
Book Review: The Selfish Gene
Dive into a humorous review of Richard Dawkins' iconic work, exploring its impact on understanding evolution decades later. The hosts tackle the controversies it sparked, alongside criticisms from notable figures. They discuss the balance between our genetic makeup and cultural influences, examining how genes shape behavior, including altruism in species like ants. From playful analogies with local wildlife to insights on political discourse, this lively conversation reveals the continued relevance of Dawkins' ideas in today’s cultural landscape.
Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 55min
Interview with Flint Dibble (Round 2): Battling Pseudo Archaeology & Sharing Science
Flint Dibble, a Cardiff University archaeologist and social media debater, dives into the world of pseudo-archaeology. He discusses the allure of myths like Atlantis and the challenges of debunking them in an age rife with misinformation—especially as Graham Hancock stirs the pot with new media. Dibble shares his experiences with public engagement, the backlash from online critics, and the importance of academics participating in public discourse. He also humorously acknowledges his new theory about ancient seaweed submarines, showcasing the creativity in the field.
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.
