Artwork

Content provided by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!
icon Daily Deals

Decoding the Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

1:17:14
 
Share
 

Manage episode 477307739 series 2788666
Content provided by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

In this stunning crossover episode, Matt and Chris are joined by Australian 'media personality' and podcast host Josh Szeps for a joyful discussion of podcasts, gurusphere, and general media dynamics. As you might imagine, we discuss issues around the heterodox sphere, cultures of criticism, and the issues involved with 'platforming' controversial figures. We discuss the constantly surprising popularity of Lex Fridman and his unique interview style, how the heterodox respond to criticism, and rampant hypocrisy. Also, Matt is finally held to account for his food takes, and we find out the real story behind the Olympic mascot, Olly the Kookaburra.

Sources


  continue reading

193 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 477307739 series 2788666
Content provided by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne, Christopher Kavanagh, and Matthew Browne or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

In this stunning crossover episode, Matt and Chris are joined by Australian 'media personality' and podcast host Josh Szeps for a joyful discussion of podcasts, gurusphere, and general media dynamics. As you might imagine, we discuss issues around the heterodox sphere, cultures of criticism, and the issues involved with 'platforming' controversial figures. We discuss the constantly surprising popularity of Lex Fridman and his unique interview style, how the heterodox respond to criticism, and rampant hypocrisy. Also, Matt is finally held to account for his food takes, and we find out the real story behind the Olympic mascot, Olly the Kookaburra.

Sources


  continue reading

193 episodes

Alle episoder

×
 
We venture into the darker corners of the gurusphere and marvel at some very, very brave individuals, their valiant efforts to play devil's advocate, and some world-class discourse surfing skills. Join us, won't you? Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists 00:00 Introduction & Ol Squeaky Cameo 02:57 Matt's Aquarium Trauma & Stress Dreams 09:45 RFK Jr's war on science continues 11:17 Robert Malone & other 'Covid Contrarians' rewarded under Trump 14:35 The LA Protests, Riots, and Anti-Immigrant Narratives 20:12 Flint Dibble calls out Joe Rogan 25:24 Joe Rogan is a polemical ideologue and anti-vaccine advocate 27:34 Cassandra Kavanagh? 32:37 If Books Could Kill on Lab Leak 35:10 Popular Perceptions of the Covid Pandemic vs Reality 38:38 Debating COVID-19 Measures 38:59 Clarifying the Role of Sam's Manager 42:56 Discussing Trump, Musk, and DOGE's Political Impact 47:12 The Meaning Crisis and the Comfort of Religion 50:35 The Effects of Social Media 53:15 Matt and Chris Friendly Shadowboxing 56:19 The horror of directly stating your opinions 58:14 Sam Harris' Preparation for Conversations 01:05:02 Strategic Obliviousness 01:12:26 A little bit of TRT Discourse 01:16:17 Lex's Insufferable Tweet: Celebrating Humanity and Responding to Critics 01:18:46 The Bravery of the All In Podcast Besties 01:20:33 Elon Musk and Donald Trump: A Complex Relationship 01:23:42 Mike from PA and Dunking Safely Online 01:26:10 Scientific Racism and Controversial Podcasts 01:34:02 Paul Bloom and Subjective Redlines 01:41:10 The Neo-Nazi Smoke in the Race Realism World 01:48:36 Daniël Lakens on Bryan Johnson on Mortality Salience 01:50:16 Matt's Foodie Corner 01:52:21 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 54 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources BBC- RFK Jr appoints new US vaccine advisers after sacking committee Flint Dibble’s New Video: Joe Rogan's Cult of Fake Archaeology Lex Fridman’s Insufferable Tweet Sam Harris EPISODE 419 "More From Sam": Elon vs. Trump, Religion, Jordan Peterson, & Rapid Fire Questions The All In Besties being cowards The Guardian: Harvard author Steven Pinker appears on podcast linked to scientific racism Steven Pinker on Aporia Hope Not Hate’s investigation into Aporia and related race science networks If Books Could Kill: The Lab Leak Goes Mainstream New Statesman: No, objecting to Cambridge’s appointment of a eugenicist is not about free speech Bo Winegard’s Tweet about Low IQ Parasites destroying the National Tree Arthur Jensen’s Bio on SPLC Jackson, J. P., Jr. (2023). Arthur Jensen, evolutionary biology, and racism. History of Psychology, 26 (1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1037/hop0000221 Paul Bloom with Diana Fleischman The cost of South Africa’s misguided AIDS policies…
 
The Decoders welcome back cognitive anthropologist Manvir Singh for a continued exploration into the social and cognitive dimensions of shamanism. Building upon their earlier conversation, this episode involves further discussion of the psychological mechanisms and cultural patterns that make shamanic practices a recurring feature across human societies. Drawing from Singh's latest book, Shamanism: The Timeless Religion (2025), the discussion addresses how these ancient practices persist and adapt in modern contexts. Taking our standard meandering conversational journey with Manvir, we traverse topics such as whether Jesus and the Buddha were shamans, the parallels between the Siberian tundra and Silicon Valley, the potential emergence of AI-driven shamans within virtual reality environments, and whether dialogos with Hermes counts as a soul flight. Something for all the family! Links Shamanism: The Timeless Religion by Manvir Singh (2025) Prof or Hobo website New Yorker: The President Who Became a Prophet Our first interview with Manvir Buckner, William. 2022. "A Deceptive Curing Practice in Hunter–Gatherer Societies" Humans 2, no. 3: 95-103. https://doi.org/10.3390/humans2030007…
 
There’s been a disturbance in the Gurusphere. Two of its central objects of worship are feuding. The guru’s guru, Elon Musk, and the MAGA God-King, Donald Trump, have finally turned on each other, trading blows on social media. In this mini supplementary episode, Matt and Chris survey the shockwaves rippling through the Gurusphere as these titanic egos collide. It’s more slapfight than substance, but that hasn’t stopped gurus and sycophants from picking sides or admiring the sheer brass balls on display. Look out for Lex Fridman’s outside-the-box solution, Eric Weinstein’s cryptic mutterings, and some hilarious takes from the comedic genius Francis Foster. Strap in. It’s petty, it’s absurd, and it’s all happening. Trump vs. Elon: The Gurusphere Reacts 00:00 Elon and Trump 00:26 Introduction: Elon and Trump are feuding 07:10 A little bit of context 13:11 The Gurusphere reacts 14:32 O'Fallon & Lindsay saw this coming 16:01 Eric's Trademark - Both Sidesing Obscurantism 20:38 The Big Dog's Take 24:01 Lex suggests we need a podcast! 27:10 Maculinity Hot Takes 29:50 Sensemakers Take Flight 31:17 Taleb's reasonable take! 32:14 Konstantin Climbs the Ladder of Chaos 36:37 The strategic Gaadfather & Scott Adams 37:28 Tech Bros praying for peace 39:25 The Red Scare MAGA Loyalist 40:36 Conspiratorial Narcissists and their Public Feuds 45:48 Sycophantic praise heals everything 47:07 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (49 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus…
 
Prepare for a hearty mix of culinary tips, avoidance of hypothetical scenarios, and the usual guru grievances. Will Jordan Peterson ever admit he's a Christian? Is it ever truly possible to understand Sam Harris AND still disagree with him? And where does Joe Rogan's primal hate for owls come in? Tune in for at least some of the answers to these pressing questions in this bubbling broth of an episode. Supplementary Material 30 00:00 Introduction and Culinary Corner 12:29 The Buddhism Book cometh 14:09 Joe Rogan on Astrology 25:22 Rogan's Christian Conversion? 32:18 Rogan on Owls... 43:09 Jordan Peterson vs 20 Atheists 48:55 Is JBP a Christian? 54:34 It depends what you mean by believe... 01:00:22 Jordan Peterson vs. hypotheticals 01:13:54 Hancock Orbiters continue to be terrible 01:19:58 Sam Harris' Business Manager is kinda bad 01:26:22 Sam is being misinterpreted again 01:35:11 The Fundamentalist Impulse 01:38:09 Post-Debate Weinstein Activity 01:40:32 Sam Harris is still mad with Ezra Klein 01:48:39 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 49 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources - A good Irish Stew recipe - The Buddhism Book! - Joe Rogan Experience #2323 - Guy Fieri - Jubilee: Jordan Peterson vs 20 Atheists | Surrounded - Dan Richards' charming tweet to Flint - Professor Dave: Dan Richards is a Pointless Troll - "More From Sam": Religion, Deportations, Douglas Murray vs. Rogan, & Bill Maher's Dinner with Trump - “More From Sam”: Trump & Israel, Corruption, Free Speech Violations, the Democrats, & Ezra Klein - Sam Harris' Substack: What Whataboutery? - Sam and Ezra's email exchange - Vox: Charles Murray is once again peddling junk science about race and IQ. Podcaster and author Sam Harris is the latest to fall for it.…
 
In this medium-decoding episode, Matt and Chris turn their attention to an unlikely venue for cutting-edge theoretical physics: Piers Morgan Uncensored . There, Eric Weinstein, renegade genius and uber guru, squares off with Sean Carroll, an actual physicist and popular science communicator, in what might generously be called a “debate.” Eric brings his usual mix of personality-focused historical revisionism, intentional technobabble, and performative outrage, complete with a conspiratorial tale of how physics was hijacked in 1983 by a single lecture (that Eric was naturally present at) and how Eric is the unacknowledged creator of Seiberg-Witten equations. Sean Carroll, meanwhile, does his best to explain in simple terms how scientific research works, what is lacking in Eric's 'theory', and why appearing on podcasts is not a replacement for publishing papers and peer review. Expect to hear one academic earnestly trying to summarise complex scientific topics, while one culture war celebrity / professional podcast guest decries how he has been constantly maligned, silenced, misunderstood, and generally ignored by the mainstream scientific establishment. And just when you think it is all over, prepare to be astounded by Piers Morgan's ultimate argument for God... Sources Piers Morgan Uncensored: “Don’t Talk About Physics Fight Club” Eric Weinstein vs Sean Carroll Science SHOWDOWN Eric's Geometric Unity paper Tim Nguyen & Theo Polya's Response to Geometric Unity Curt Jaimungal: Eric Weinstein's Theory of Everything "Geometric Unity" Explained Decoding the Gurus: Mick West & Eric Weinstein: UFO Tango…
 
We enter the ontological in-between to try and spin up our paradigms to understand the next stage in relationship technology, the horrific damage of modern medicine, how Lucifer connects with wokeness, and the joys of bonding over outgroup hate. This one is a doozy... Supplementary Material 28 00:00 Introduction - On Dogs and Dough 04:37 Next Required Reading: The Buddhism Book! 07:50 Jordan Peterson, James Lindsay & Woke Lucifer 15:06 Aubrey Marcus' Sensual Sensemaking 34:10 Jordan Hall's Sensemaking Origin Story 39:09 Bret and Heather discuss cancer cures 44:10 The Miracle Cure of Ivermectin 46:07 Bret denounces ALL of modern medicine 49:26 Community Notes has Fallen to Goliath! 50:11 Theo Von, GSP, and the conspiratorial hell world 58:04 Dan Bongino gets what he deserves 01:05:57 Scott Adams has prostate cancer 01:07:20 Joe Biden's Cancer and Taylor Lorenz's Edgy Responses 01:09:13 Does Joe Biden hate affordable health care? 01:13:31 Hasan joins the fray 01:19:36 Genetically Modified Skeptic denouncing outrage mongering and radicalisation 01:22:38 The totally hinged Zei Squirrel 01:24:25 Owen Jones vs Zei Squirrel 01:27:15 Unmasked by the Subreddit 01:31:42 The Heterodox Social Science Conference 2025 01:33:16 Stephen Pinker making bad choices 01:37:03 Jordan Peterson gets OUTRAGED over Harvard 01:41:13 The Anti-Establishment Two-Step 01:47:13 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 47 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources - Next Required Reading- Buddhism: A Journey through History - Jordan Peterson: When the Right Goes Too Far | Dr. James Lindsay | EP 544 - Jordan Peterson: A Dialogue So Dangerous, It Just Might Bring You Wisdom | John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall | EP 532 - Bret and Heather discussing cancer treatments - Bret denounces all of modern medicine and conspiracy hypothesises about community notes - Aubrey Marcus: A New Pattern Of Sacred Relationship Emerges | Vylana, Alana Beale, Dr. Marc Gafni - The Hill: Patel, Bongino dismiss Epstein conspiracy theories: ‘He killed himself’ - Genetically Modified Skeptic: The Alt-Right Pipeline Almost Got Me. Here’s Why It Failed - Taylor Lorenz's Biden cancer tweet - Vice: Joe Biden: It Would Be an Insult to My Dead Son for Everyone to Have Healthcare - The Biden campaign ad - The Heterodox Social Science Conference 2025 - Jordan Peterson: Reaction to Harvard: Scam? | Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | EP 545…
 
Fresh from unbuckling their seatbelts on the Gliding Guru luxury jet and mooring the show’s mega-yacht, our decoders are feeling an unexpected surge of empathy for their last decoding subject, Gary Stevenson. It turns out that a bit of jet-lagged decadence really hones one's sensitivity to wealth inequality. Or maybe it’s just the natural response to voluntarily subjecting yourself to the truly insufferable world of the All-In podcast. That's right, this week you can vibe to the philosophical musings of a couple of Silicon Valley moguls, Chamath Palihapitiya, David Sacks, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg or as they call themselves: the Dictator, the Rainman, the Moderator, and the Sultan (yes, really). Revel in their tales of private jets, $500K club memberships, and their noble quest to cut food stamps while engaging in hyper-elitist MAGA cheerleading. Plug in for a first-class tour through cognitive dissonance, private-jet populism, and your regular prescription of alternative media grievance mongering and conspiracy hypothesising. Perfect for anyone who enjoys listening to the top 0.01% share their insights and deep connection with the common man's struggles. Enjoy... because we certainly did not! Sources All-In Podcast: Trump's First 100 Days, Tariffs Impact Trade, AI Agents, Amazon Backs Down All-In Podcast: Trump wins! How it happened and what's next All-In Podcast: The Great Tariff Debate with David Sacks, Larry Summers, and Ezra Klein All-In Podcast Website…
 
We exercise our ethnographic muscles as we revel in the esoteric dynamics of Australian Pool Culture, the mysteries of Eric Weinstein's theories as revealed by Curt Jaimungal, and the contradictions of MAGA cultists. Supplementary Material 28 00:00 Matt's Ethnography of Australian Swimming Culture 06:19 Pool Etiquette and Social Dynamics 08:46 Mutual Humiliation and Blackmail 08:51 Reciprocal Humiliation 12:01 Patreon Question of the Week 13:37 Curt Jaimungal explores Geometric Unity 19:12 The Weinsteinian Iceberg 26:38 Eric's Response to Curt 28:40 A potential doomsday device? 29:55 The wisdom of genuine seekers 35:00 The Pseudo Profundity Mask 38:19 Pandering to anti-'mainstream' science audiences 40:37 Earnest Fans 43:54 Passive consumption at YouTube University 46:21 Independent Learning and the Pitfalls of Self-Taught Knowledge 49:53 The Illusion of Easy Learning 56:00 Credentials vs. Actual Knowledge 59:46 Media Criticism & the Fifth Column 01:02:47 Priorities in the Media Business 01:04:29 Why is strong criticism so taboo? 01:08:25 Brand Building in the Alternative Media 01:12:02 Batya joins the Fifth Column 01:16:37 Debating Tariffs 01:22:46 A rare instance of REAL disagreement in alternative media! 01:25:58 Sensitive MAGA Cultist Sycophancy 01:32:10 The Working Class don't want iPhones 01:41:06 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 43 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources - The Fifth Column #502 - The Second Battle of Batya (w/ Batya Ungar-Sargon) - The Fifth Column #503 - Mea Minima Culpa - The Fifth Column Members Only #258 - We Don't Talk About Fight Club (Mostly) - Curt Jaimungal - Eric Weinstein's Theory of Everything "Geometric Unity" Explained - Curt Jaimungal - Chris Langan: The Most In-Depth Interview with the World's Smartest Man - Eric's Twitter response to Curt - Josh Rogin's (mild) criticism of Bill Maher…
 
The podcast arrives at 'late stage' Gary discourse as Matt and Chris attempt to enter the man, the myth, and the legend, Gary Stevenson, into a reductive classification system (that once again includes no mention of inequality). The gurometer was not built to handle this level of elite education and trading acumen, and has often been dismissed by arrogant elites due to its scrappy nature and lack of fancy credentials... but it persists. Just remember, an attack on the Gurometer is ultimately an attack on you, your family, and all you hold dear. Sources Reddit thread asking us to do better Jacobin: Portrait of the Trader as a Young Rebel Richard Murphy's analysis of Gary's Economics Tax Policy Associates' analysis of some tax reform proposals Gary on Twitter explaining that traders understand the economy a lot better than economists like Piketty and Stiglitz The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (47 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Gurometer of Gary 01:02 Gary Stevenson: Other Opinions 07:31 Gary's Wealth Tax Proposal 12:21 Guru Features and Scoring 13:11 Galaxy Brainness 15:34 Cultishness 18:04 Anti-Establishmentarianism 20:04 Grievance Mongering 23:15 Self Aggrandisement and Narcissism 24:25 Cassandra Complex 25:40 Revolutionary Theories 28:12 Pseudo Profound Bullshit 30:07 Conspiracy Mongering 32:21 Excessive Profiteering 34:24 Moral Grandstanding 36:14 Guru Scoring and Analysis 37:34 Quick Fire Guru Bonus Points 40:37 Matt's confusing Binary Measure…
 
In this episode, Matt and Chris take a look at one of the UK’s most compelling economic crusaders: Gary Stevenson, aka Gary’s Economics . A millionaire trader turned YouTube firebrand, Gary’s message is simple and potent: wealth inequality is spiralling, the ultra-rich are hoarding everything, and economists and politicians are either complicit or clueless. Gary’s story has all the trappings of a mythic arc: from humble East London roots to Citibank’s trading floor, where he made millions betting against the poor during the financial crisis. Now he claims the system is so broken that only someone like him, working class and mathematically gifted, someone who entered the high-power world of financial trading and took on the system, could see it. As Gary puts it, a sort of economic Copernicus, who brought a revolutionary message that was dismissed by a stultifying orthodoxy. With his righteous critique comes a hefty dose of swagger, whether it is in considering himself like a Usain Bolt of trading or in the frequent laments about how exhausting it is to be a lone voice of truth facing bad-faith hit pieces. Gary straddles an odd tension: self-effacing underdog one moment, saviour-on-a-soapbox the next. He rails against academia, dismisses journalists as clickbait merchants, and urges people not to heed critics, due to their ulterior motives. Our hosts explore the contradictions of a millionaire revolutionary who's not even bothered but also a bit miffed the phone isn’t ringing; a tireless advocate for the poor but also someone who seems to frequently drop in his elite credentials and just how rich he is. So strap in for a deep dive into charisma, critique, and class warfare economics. Is Gary the economic truth-teller we need, or a populist guru-in-the-making with revolutionary zeal and a finely tuned YouTube brand? Sources Gary's Economics- Understand the Economy Part 3: Why is Inequality Ignored? Gary's Economics- Signing off: How close are we to winning higher taxes on the rich? Novara Media- Everything They Tell You About the Economy is WRONG | Aaron Meets Gary Stevenson Gary Stevenson (2024). The Trading Game: A Confession Financial Times: Gary Stevenson claims to have been the best trader in the world. His old colleagues disagree Financial Times: He made millions betting against economic recovery. Now he wants to fix things The Daily Mail's hit piece on Gary Reddit thread discussing Gary's Thesis Plain Bagel - The Canadian Housing Crisis Explained Patrick Boyle on the Pandemic Real Estate Bubble Asianometry on an interesting historical case when radical appropriation of wealth worked Economics Explained on the generational effects on wealth inequality Stansbury, A., & Schultz, R. (2023). The economics profession’s socioeconomic diversity problem. Journal of Economic Perspectives , 37 (4), 207-230. Influential economists focused on inequality and arguing for a wealth tax (as well as other things) Anthony B. Atkinson - Inequality: What Can be Done? (Anthony focused on numerous other strong measures, arguably more effective than a wealth tax) Steven P. Jenkins is at the LSE, and wrote "Changing Fortunes: Income Mobility and Poverty Dynamics in Britain" Thomas Piketty - Capital in the Twenty-First Century Emmanuel Saez & Gabriel Zucman, advisers to Elizabeth Warren International Inequalities Institute at LSE CASE: Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion at LSE…
 
We immerse ourselves in the dark waves of the discourse to bring you treasures beyond mere mortal ken. Supplementary Material 27 00:00 Introduction & Australian Holidays 03:53 James Lindsay's New Revelations 07:20 Michael O'Fallon's Conspiracy Hipsterism 09:41 Trump, Bukele, and Transparent Conspiracies 11:53 The Whitehouse declares the Lab Leak is a FACT 14:42 The conspiracy leak treadmill: UFOs, RFK assassination, and lableak 21:26 The Rise of the Idiots: Grimes on Transformers Cinematography 29:17 Lex vs. Flint: The mask slips 33:21 The Iron Curtain falls on Lex's Subreddit 35:18 Subreddit Moderation Choices 41:46 Douglas Murray on Joe Rogan 46:36 Darryl Cooper's Nazi Apologetics, the Role of Experts and JAQs 57:25 Strategic Disclaimers & Convincing Apologetics 01:03:28 The Rogansphere and Media Power 01:07:30 Murray on the Lab Leak 01:12:19 Murray's Anti-Establishment Hypocrisy 01:19:10 Standards in Journalism 01:22:42 Alternative Media's Double Standards 01:28:33 Douglas Murray joins Sam Harris 01:29:26 The Psychology of Religious Extremism 01:36:04 Radicalisation and Extremism 01:41:24 Murray's 'Criticism' of MAGA 01:44:32 What is even the Right Wing? 01:55:11 What about Elon Musk? 02:05:40 AfD isn't that bad, and Elon has promoted Douglas too! 02:16:10 Rogan and the Moon Landing 02:17:16 Sam is still a bad judge of character 02:19:29 Isn't everyone a hypocrite? 02:23:16 Free Speech Debates 02:26:58 The role of Moderation 02:31:37 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2hr 32 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources Sam Harris Episode 410 Douglas Murray: The Whole Catastrophe Joe Rogan Experience #2303 - Dave Smith & Douglas Murray Flint's post about Lex Fridman Grimes on Transformers' cinematography James Lindsay on being used by Nazis Nathan Barley on YouTube Whitehouse website on the Lab Leak Joe Rogan Experience #2307 - Tim Dillon…
 
In this episode, Matt and Chris pour themselves a stiff drink and slip into the fever‑dream crossover of Jordan Peterson and Michael Shellenberger, a conversation that opens with the claim that Western Europe is now the single greatest threat to free speech; yes, croissants and GDPR apparently out‑authoritarian China and Russia. According to Shellenberger, we can now rest safe as free speech has been restored and “America Is Back!” thanks to God-Emperor Trump and the living avatar of honest utterance, Elon 'Horus' Musk. Our hosts marvel as Shellenberger insists USAID is a rogue soft‑power leviathan that somehow staged January 6th, sabotaged the 2020 election, and deserves to be nuked from orbit... although he can’t quite prove any of that YET​. Alongside the conspiratorial drivel there is also a heavy serving of Peterson's obscurantist mythicism and dinner‑party anthropology as he explains how Hungary is a model democracy, the US nation beset by parasites, and that this is all inevitably connected to how people are not paying enough attention to Jesus​. But that is not all! You will also learn about Manly Men vs. Gentlemen, Musk’s “move fast and break government” ethos, and the revelation that free speech is not a nice‑to‑have but a must‑have—unless you are a lawyer, journalist, or student on the wrong side of the Trump administration. So buckle up for an hour of dystopian déjà vu, as two self‑styled rebel intellectuals morph into state propagandists, cheerleading every single action of Trump and Musk while lecturing the rest of us on free thought. Sources “Trump, Musk, Kennedy: The Dawn of Transparency,” The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Ep. 526. Shellenberger's Substack , including gems like "Why Trump’s Victory Is, For Millions Of Us, Cathartic" and "Both USAID And The CIA Were Behind The Impeachment Of Trump in 2019" Taibbi & Shellenberger testify to the House Judiciary Committee to help uncover "the Biden-Harris Administration's unconstitutional censorship campaign" Singal-Minded articles detailing Shellenberger's sloppy journalism and conspiracy theories…
 
In this stunning crossover episode, Matt and Chris are joined by Australian 'media personality' and podcast host Josh Szeps for a joyful discussion of podcasts, gurusphere, and general media dynamics. As you might imagine, we discuss issues around the heterodox sphere, cultures of criticism, and the issues involved with 'platforming' controversial figures. We discuss the constantly surprising popularity of Lex Fridman and his unique interview style, how the heterodox respond to criticism, and rampant hypocrisy. Also, Matt is finally held to account for his food takes, and we find out the real story behind the Olympic mascot, Olly the Kookaburra. Sources Josh's Substackistan podcast…
 
We project our insecurities onto the gurusphere, wallowing in our inadequacy to bond over shared hatred of outgroups, and interview Flint Dibble along the way. Supplementary Material 26 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:53 Ol' Squeaky and Lex's horny poems 05:11 Eric Weinstein is still waiting for the call 09:26 Interview with Flint Dibble 11:05 Introduction and Catching Up 12:19 Joe Rogan and Public Perception 14:57 Hypocrisy and Slander 16:05 Graham Hancock and Neo-Nazi Connections 22:08 Upcoming Exposé on Joe Rogan 23:03 Pyramids of Giza: New Claims 24:45 Debunking the Mega Structures Theory 25:20 The Researchers Behind the Claims 28:21 Scientific Methods and Evidence 31:58 Conclusion on Pyramids and Science 35:13 Gurusphere Dynamics 37:47 Pseudo-Archaeology and Public Perception 46:11 Mr. Beast's Egypt Adventure 50:36 The Role of Pseudo-Archaeology in Conspiracy Theories 58:50 Post-Interview Discussion 59:53 Trump's Tariffs and Economic Impact 01:04:30 The Amazing Tariff Formula 01:09:45 Geoffrey Miller's 9D Chess Theory of the Tariffs 01:13:30 Contrapoints Conspiracy Video 01:14:55 Some things Matt will not mention on Tariffs 01:17:35 QAnon Anonymous on Graham Hancock 01:22:33 Some Other News covers Joe Rogan 01:30:13 Ryan Beard's Destiny Content Nuke 01:32:33 The Studies Show covers Conspiracies 01:33:53 Hasan argues for tariffs 01:37:40 Back to Rogan and Chris Williamson 01:39:21 Critically Reviewing Cory Clark's Study 01:47:58 Incestuous Bro Podcasts and Legacy Media Struggles 01:53:00 Bonding over outgroup hatred and Criticism Capture 02:02:04 USAid is funding the attacks on Tesla! 02:07:56 Trump's Badass Son humilates Biden 02:10:28 Tribal Hypocrisy 02:11:52 Joe Smashes All Your Paradigms! 02:14:59 The villain, Sam Harris criticizes the hero, Lex Fridman 02:20:18 Does Lex speak to EVERYONE? 02:23:44 Concluding Thoughts from Maladjusted Haters The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2hr 25 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources Archaeology with Flint Dibble- Megastructures under Giza Pyramids⁉️ ARCHAEOLOGY REWRITTEN or viral 💩? Piers Morgan episode with Flint and Milo Rossi Joe Rogan Experience #2293 - Chris Williamson QAnon Anonymous: Graham Hancock’s Ancient Apocalypse (E318) Contrapoints: Conspiracy The Studies Show: Conspiracy Theories What "Happened" To Joe Rogan? - SOME MORE NEWS Men's Health: Joe Rogan Responds to the Controversy Surrounding His 'Endorsement' of Bernie Sanders Ryan Beard: Content Nuke Destiny Hasan making a progressive case for tariffs Sam Harris' recent podcast criticising Lex and Rogan Lex's wounded bird response to Sam Harris' criticism Clark, C. J., Fjeldmark, M., Lu, L., Baumeister, R. F., Ceci, S., Frey, K., ... & Tetlock, P. E. (2024). Taboos and self-censorship among US psychology professors. Perspectives on Psychological Science , 17456916241252085.…
 
In this very special decoding, Matt and Chris revisit the wisdom of the internet’s favourite philosopher-warrior/political theorist, Lex Fridman, as he dives once again into the complex realities of the Ukraine war. Joining Lex is IDW hero and conservative commentator Douglas Murray, who actually offers some sensible insights on the specific topic of Ukraine . Fear not, though, Lex ensures his signature 'non-partisan' approach remains intact, framing Zelensky as a potentially corrupt leader who is emotionally driven, and responsible for prolonging the conflict to evade the inevitable investigations. Meanwhile, Putin remains a tragically misunderstood patriot whose greatest crime is that he loves his country a little too much. Lex is in rare form, reaching new heights of weaponised naiveté, and bravely defending himself against the legions of online "grifters, drama-farmers, liars, bots, sycophants, and sociopaths." Expect generous servings of geopolitical delusions, questionable polemics, and heartfelt serenades to Joe Rogan—all delivered with Lex’s characteristic humility and wisdom as a love-filled Man of Peace. We are genuinely sorry to drag you back into Lex's world, but someone has to keep an eye on his Ukraine takes. Sources Lex Fridman- Douglas Murray: Putin, Zelenskyy, Trump, Israel, Netanyahu, Hamas & Gaza | Lex Fridman Podcast #463 DTG: Lex Fridman's Take on the Zelensky Interview: The Wounded Bird and Ukrainian Bot Farms DTG: Douglas Murray: Can indulgent dinner conversation save OUR civilisation?…
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

icon Daily Deals
icon Daily Deals
icon Daily Deals

Quick Reference Guide

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play