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
Jul 6, 2024 • 38min
Supplementary Materials 9: Galaxy Brains Collide
Eric Weinstein and Terrence Howard collide in a fascinating discussion. Topics range from defending Neil deGrasse Tyson to spiritual dimensions. The episode also covers UK elections, Jordan Peterson, Russell Brand praying with Alex Jones, and more. A mix of intellectual debates and lighthearted banter.
17 snips
Jun 23, 2024 • 3h 15min
Dr. K (Part 1): OPed Ayurvedic Medicine vs. Nerfed 'Western' Allopathy
Dr. K, a charismatic psychiatrist, discusses Ayurvedic medicine's personalized approach and challenges with Western medicine. Topics include universal vs. individualized depression, correlating physical traits with diets, predicting health outcomes, and benefits of Ayurvedic treatments. The podcast explores contrasting medical approaches, personality categorizations, biases in research, and debunking exaggerated health claims.
Jun 7, 2024 • 43min
Supplementary Materials 8: Lab Leak Discourse, Toxic YouTube Dynamics, and the Metaphysics of Peppa Pig
Expert Alina Chan discusses lab leak discourse, toxic YouTube dynamics, and the metaphysics of Peppa Pig. Topics include Alex O'Connor questioning Jordan Peterson, philosophical implications of Peppa Pig, alternatives to Christianity, toxic YouTube channels, and responsible criticism. They also touch on Huberman's defense, anti-vaxx incentives, James Lindsay's antics, and the 'Elite Defector' pose.
5 snips
Jun 2, 2024 • 2h 33min
Slavoj Žižek: When is a shark not a shark?
Join Matt and Chris as they dive into the world of Slavoj Žižek, discussing his unconventional takes on ideology, consumerism, and revolutionary theory. They explore whether Jaws is really about a shark, dissect transgressive acts, revolutionary politics, and debate if Žižek is as provocative as he claims. Expect edgy book blurbs, collapses of ideology, and a reevaluation of everything you thought you knew.
May 27, 2024 • 37min
Supplementary Materials 7: Guru Oneupmanship, Hard Ad Pivots, MOOOINK, and Left Wing Populism
Ken Klippenstein, a journalist known for questioning mainstream narratives, discusses topics like populist rhetoric, hard ad pivots, MOOOINK, and left-wing populism. The podcast delves into guru oneupmanship, the illusion of disciplinary boundaries, and the challenges faced in navigating ethical dilemmas in journalism.
May 24, 2024 • 2h 4min
Destiny: Right to Reply
Controversial streamer Destiny discusses 'debate porn', Twitter bomb-throwing, hero worship, and engaging with extremists. Topics include media literacy, navigating online discourse, and strategies for laypeople to better engage with research.
May 16, 2024 • 30min
*Preview* Decoding Academia 27: Dark Triad Authenticity
In this podcast preview, the hosts discuss dark personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy and their impact on authenticity. They explore cultural differences in self-conception, reflect on Logan Roy from Succession, and debate about labels in psychology. The episode features a paper on authenticity in high dark trait individuals and is available for Patreon subscribers. The hosts also engage in banter, discuss AI assistants' impact on social relationships, and navigate the intersection of authenticity and dark triad traits.
May 10, 2024 • 50min
Supplementary Materials 6: Christian Sensemaking, Hipster Race Realists, & Marijuana Pseudoscience
The podcast discusses terrible Guru crossovers, Christian-themed sensemaking by Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand, Twitch streamers not being the future of journalism, controversies around Marijuana pseudoscience, the value of debating pseudoscience, and ironic hipsterism meeting old school scientific racism.
4 snips
May 2, 2024 • 1h 11min
Interview with Flint Dibble on Pseudo Archaeology and Science Communication
Archaeologist Flint Dibble discusses debunking pseudoarchaeology, engaging with controversial figures like Graham Hancock, and the importance of effective science communication in the field. Topics include preparing for debates, navigating language choice, and redefining academic appearance to engage broader audiences.
Apr 26, 2024 • 44min
Supplementary Material 5: Spiritual UFOs, Alternative Theories of Evolution, and Atlantean Grievances
Graham Hancock, a Grievance Monger, discusses spiritual UFOs and alternative evolution theories. The podcast delves into political stances of public figures like Lex Friedman and Joe Rogan. It also explores financial struggles and unconventional money management strategies.
