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Decoding the Gurus

Author: Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne

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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!
157 Episodes
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Still in the land of the free and restocked with important new insights from his US travels, Matt is confronted with the Gurusphere's predictably depressing reaction to the election. And what's that we hear in the distance... is it a honking car?Supplementary Material 1800:00 Matt's American Ethnography10:59 Eric Weinstein is waiting for the call14:32 Huberman, Krauss, and MAGA Sycophancy18:39 Boghossian and other would-be Intellectual Clerics of the MAGA regime22:52 Sam Harris criticises Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and MAGA32:05 The Fifth Column, The Free Press and World Weary Both Sides-ing53:19 Election Reflections: Macro and Micro Causes01:04:40 Longer Term Trends01:10:08 Sarah Haider and the Hip Vibe of the New Right01:24:00 Richard Dawkins Dual Nature01:31:08 A Plea to Sean Carroll and our Listeners01:33:06 An important note on BoulderingThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 36 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksEric's phone is not ringingHuberman making his pitchKrauss being a sycophant to ElonBoghossian's lack of interest in protests in HungarySam Harris Making Sense 391: The ReckoningA Special Place in Hell: Adios Amigos: The Special Place FinaleThat graph mentioned about the loss of support for incumbent regimesDawkins being a fool on TwitterThe Fifth Column: #234 - Come On and Zoom! (Wagnerian Opera Edition)
In this highly non-topical episode, Matt and Chris dive into the entertainingly gruff world of Sabine Hossenfelder, the German theoretical physicist and popular YouTube science communicator. Known as a joyful science curmudgeon, Sabine excels at making complex science accessible to a wide audience. Yet, there's another side to her content: one that's increasingly steeped in the YouTube algorithm’s culture-war-fueled clickbait, complete with prolific both-sidesing and even hints of her own brand of science-denialist rhetoric.We can already imagine Sabine’s response: tone policing from establishment scolds who are trying to silence a fearless truth-teller for exposing academia’s dark underbelly. Perhaps that’s all it is—maybe Matt and Chris are aligned with BIG PHYSICS, out to quash any dissent about supersymmetry, string theory, or the academic publishing machine.Or… maybe it’s something else. Maybe Sabine has pivoted to pander to the (so-hot-right-now) anti-establishment YouTube crowd, declaring that modern science has achieved nothing of value in 50 years and claiming that scientists (especially climate scientists) are too scared to challenge ideological dogmas for fear of jeopardizing their careers or funding.It’s certainly one of those things.Whatever the case, join Matt and Chris as they tackle this perplexing case of rhetorical indeterminacy, unpack YouTube audience dynamics, and delve into Sabine's unexpected alignments with Eric Weinstein and her 'sharp' critiques of Tucker Carlson.LinksSabine Hossenfelder: The crisis in physics is real: Science is failingSabine Hossenfelder: Fossil Fuels Don’t Come From Fossils? Tucker Carlson Fact CheckSabine Hossenfelder: My dream died, and now I'm hereSabine Hossenfelder: Theories of Everything [Music Video]Professor Dave Explains: The Problem With Sabine HossenfelderProfessor Dave Explains: No, Sabine, Science is Not Failing
Guru US Election Special

Guru US Election Special

2024-11-0401:54:03

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
In this episode, Chris and Matt open the lid on Matt's adventures in America. Basking in the land of the free, Matt is forced to consider YouTube dynamics, indulgent podcast conversations, potential Russian influence campaigns, and the environmental toxins that sound him.We will return soon with another SM election special and a better mic for Matt!Content00:00 Introduction03:20 Matt's American Insights10:41 Flint Dibble, Graham Hancock & a silly racist19:21 YouTube & Audience Capture with Andrew Gold27:35 Justin Trudeau accuses Jordan Peterson of being Russian Funded34:29 Bernie Sanders & Lex Fridman: What's the point?47:24 Huberman's Latest PSA52:20 Environmental Toxins and Modern Health Concerns58:58 OutroThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 3 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksExpress article on Hancock's work being used by racistsNational Post article on Peterson's response to Trudeau's accusationsHuberman's Twitter PSA on microplasticsBernie Sanders Interview | Lex Fridman Podcast #450
In this special international episode of Decoding the Gurus, Chris and Matt jump on the hottest online topic and devote an hour to reviewing Richard Dawkins' influential work from the 1970s, The Selfish Gene. This book influenced Matt and Chris when they were teenage decoders, but how does it hold up now that they have evolved into (quasi)adult forms?Based on their rereading of the book they discuss its contribution to the public understanding of evolution, the academic and public controversies it sparked, and Dawkins' broader contributions to science communication and... the culture war. Consideration is given to the criticisms raised by figures like Stephen Jay Gould and Mary Midgley, the implications of seeing humans as meat machines constructed by genes, and what should be understood as the book's core message.So join Chris and Matt as they confront their true nature as gene propagators but also argue that it is possible to simultaneously recognise the importance of human cultural & social development and our genetic & biological legacies. LinksDawkins, R. (2016) The Selfish Gene (40th Anniversary edition)
We return to the world of lost civilizations, pseudo-archaeology, and real archaeology with Cardiff University archaeologist Flint Dibble. Sadly the senior member of the Decoding team was absent for the interview but junior decoder Chris struggled on as best he could. This episode, recorded just before the release of Ancient Apocalypse Season 2 on Netflix and Graham Hancock's associated podcast PR tour, examines the appeal of myths like Atlantis, criticisms Flint has faced from Hancock and others, and the broader challenges of communicating good science online.The discussion covers whether debunking false narratives is effective, Flint's experiences post-Rogan with public engagement and social media harassment, and the importance of academics actively participating in public discourse to counter culture-war-fueled stereotypes.Finally, in a crushing blow, Chris also gets Flint to acknowledge that BIG ARCHAEOLOGY can't disprove his stunning new theory about ancient seaweed submarines.LinksOur first interview with Flint from just after his appearance on Rogan.Archaeology with Flint Dibble: The Aftermath of Talking to Graham Hancock on Joe Rogan: A Reply to the HatersArchaeology with Flint Dibble: The Top 6 Penis Bones in ArchaeologyNew Scientist article on Flint: The archaeologist fighting claims about an advanced lost civilisationReal-Archaeology Event!Graham Hancock's Response Video to Flint: Fact-checking science communicator Flint Dibble on Joe Rogan Experience episode 2136Bridges Podcast: Uniting YouTube Against Fake History Frauds | MILO ROSSI & FLINT DIBBLE | Bridges #21The Skeptic: Dr Flint Dibble wins 2024 Skeptical Activism Ockham awardHalmhofer, S. (2024) Manufacturing History: Atlantis, Aryans, and the use of Pseudoarchaeology by the Far-Right. Conspiracy Theories and Extremism in New Times (pp.53-81) Chapter: 3. Lexington Books.
That's right—we’re back in the heady world of sense-making, but don't worry, we're just in time to witness the final resolution of the ever-looming 'Meaning Crisis.'Join Matt and Chris as they embark on an epic journey with the cognitively inclined philosopher John Vervaeke and none other than the uber-guru, Jordan Peterson, himself. Together, they navigate a vast semantic web of meaning that spans discussions of Power, Beauty, Love, Religion, and, of course... the Logos!Along the way, we'll probe the limits of complex wordplay and autodidactic insights, consider the ancient art of delegation, and ponder how the religious-shaped void might just be filled with engagement in Dialogos. On the more mundane level, we'll also explore the inner workings of Jordisan Academy, the logistics of the 'We Who Wrestle with God' tour, upcoming Sensemaking cruises, and the vital multivitamins every Responsible Man should be taking.So come along as Matt and Chris grapple with the Omega Rule, cast aside their reductive materialism, and bow down in horror and awe to worship the words that the eternal Logos issues forth.LinksThe Meaning Crisis: Resolution | Dr. John Vervaeke | EP 482The Stoa: Wisdom Signalling & the Wisdom of Criticism w/ John Veraveke, Chris M, Chris Kavanagh, & Matt BrowneA Bit of Fry and Laurie: A Bit of Fry & Laurie Concerning LanguageJohn Vervaeke: Awakening from the Meaning Crisis
We plunge ever deeper into the convoluted world of guru punditry and are dazzled at the theatrics at the 'Rescue the Republic' event, inspired by the profound insights of Eric Weinstein on political speeches, and thrilled at Michael Moynihan's hard knock interview with the moderate heterodox thinker Megyn Kelly. Join us won't you?00:00 Introduction and Health Check Adventures04:15 Exploring the GuruSphere and GuruCon08:57 Matt and Chris Debate Round 1: The Unholy Alliance16:35 Russell Brand and Jordan Peterson's Prayer Time24:51 Bret's Amazing Metaphor: David and the Phoenix36:01 Matt Taibbi's Speaking Truth to Power with the Bible40:24 Rage Against the War Machine43:25 Eric Weinstein's analysis of Kamala Harris58:44 Joe Rogan's Bias and Broken Conspiracy Prone Brain01:13:53 Michael Moynihan softballs Megyn Kelly01:26:11 Cynical Chris and Moderate Megyn: Alex Jones & Tucker are right!01:32:57 Hard Knock Heterodoxy01:47:35 Matt and Chris Debate Round 2: Left and RightThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2 hr 1 min).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksRescue The Republic WebsiteRage Against the War MachineAll the videos from the Rescue the Republic eventEric Weinstein deciphers Kamala's speech for Chris WilliamsonMegyn Kelly Enjoys Watching Legacy Media Crumble | HONESTLY
There are many different systems for quantifying a person's essential essence. You could use an Ayurvedic questionnaire to determine your doshic levels, you could consult an astrologer to identify your most auspicious dates and the origins of your personality quirks, or you could even ask a psychologist to take a personality inventory and discover your OCEAN traits.But if you want pure insight, crystallised through something that is BEYOND science, you must find yourself that very rare and extremely precious instrument- a gurometer. Sought after by kings and queens, politicians and CEOs, athletes and inventors, the gurometer is your one-stop shop for quantifying your secular guru essence.Normally, due to the delicacy of the topic and the arcane, and, dare we say, dangerous, nature of Gurometry, we keep these insights locked behind the gilded Patreon gates. Still, sometimes we think the world deserves to know about how the science and art of gurometry are progressing.So, here is a little peek at the beautiful science in action as we attempt to quantify Dr. K according to our 11(!) Gurometer characteristics. Play along at home if you dare but remember Guromancy is not something to trifle in idly.Should you want more details about the art of Gurometry, please see this previous episode for more information and if you want to know more about Dr. K then look at any of our three previous episodes. Also, it is perhaps worth mentioning that Gurometer episodes for ALL previous gurus are available on Patreon.We will be back soon enough for some full-length decodings.
This is a preview episode to remind those who might be interested that we have a bonus Decoding Academia series, available at the Patreon at the Revolutionary Genius tier and above, which is now up to episode 30! On Decoding Academia we usually focus on specific papers and indulge our more nerdy and academic tendencies. It is almost like a journal club of two!In this episode, we take a look at a study exploring the connections between Dark Humour, online trolling, and Dark personality tendencies. This is right up the alley for two brooding Decoders with twisted dark mentalities. Expect shocking personality quizzes, dad jokes & dank memes, Bayesian sidetracking, and an inception-level discussion of alleged regressions. This is one for all the family!Paper examined: Voisey, S., & Heintz, S. (2024). Do Dark Humour Users Have Dark Tendencies? Relationships between Dark Humour, the Dark Tetrad, and Online Trolling. Behavioral Sciences, 14(6), 493.
Join Matt and Chris for a deep dive into the discourse created by Darryl Cooper’s controversial interview with Tucker Carlson. The decoders tackle Cooper’s revisionist takes on Winston Churchill, Hitler, and WWII, asking whether throwing in strategic disclaimers really makes it all okay.They also explore reactions from the wider comment-o-sphere, including the musings of libertarian firebrand/idiot Dave Smith, mainstream historians and history YouTubers, and the hosts of Triggernometry, Konstantin and Francis, as they try to unpack Niall Ferguson’s sharp critique of Cooper. Along the way, Sam Harris enters the fray, on a search for grown-ups in the alternative media.But does Harris offer a mature critique, or is he engaging in his own cycle of grievance-mongering? Matt and Chris examine his response and consider if it rises above or contributes to the podcasting noise. Whether you are a staunch critic of Sam Harris or a devoted fan, we promise this episode has something to disappoint everyone!LinksTucker Carlson: Darryl Cooper: The True History of the Jonestown Cult, WWII, and How Winston Churchill Ruined EuropeThe History Underground: Was Churchill the Chief Villain of WWII??? A Response to Darryl Cooper & Tucker CarlsonCooper's follow up thread on X.Triggernometry: “Tucker Has Become an Enabler of Fascists” - Sir Niall FergusonDave Smith | Darryl Cooper | Part Of The Problem 1169Sam Harris: Episode 383 Where Are the Grown-Ups?Free Press: Sohrab Ahmari. Pseudo-Scholars and the Rise of the Barbarian RightSPLC: McInnes, Molyneux, and 4chan: Investigating pathways to the alt-rightVox: Ezra Klein. Sam Harris, Charles Murray, and the allure of race scienceVox. The Sam Harris Debate.Arthur Jensen Profile at SPLC. The researcher who contributed to the Neo-Nazi journal.The Churchill Project. Reply to Darryl Cooper: The Truth About World War II.The Bulwark: Robert Tracinski. The “Charlottesville Hoax” Hoax.Independent Article on the 'Cat' roasting video.a...
We rip off the unconvincing plastic mask to reveal the true gurus lurking underneath and discuss:Russian Propaganda and Influencer ScandalProfit Incentives in Alternative Media and the Need for DisclosureExcessive Profiteering and AdvertisingLex Fridman interviews Trump (with love)Trump and Anti-Vaxx Conspiracy TheoriesTrump and Kamala Debate Reactions and Heterodox TakesDestiny vs. the Low Bar of the Alternative MediaWhen Joe met BretRogan & Bret's Massive Projection and HypocrisyFinancial Incentives in Alternative MediaGabor Maté cites some Neuroimaging StudiesMatt's HUGE Correction on Twitter FundingThe University of Austin in Texas still exists!The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 47 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksLegal Eagle video on the Tenet Media scandalKanai, R., Feilden, T., Firth, C., & Rees, G. (2011). Political orientations are correlated with brain structure in young adults. Current Biology, 21(8), 677-680.Boekel, W., Wagenmakers, E. J., Belay, L., Verhagen, J., Brown, S., & Forstmann, B. U. (2015). A purely confirmatory replication study of structural brain-behavior correlations. cortex, 66, 115-133.Joe Rogan Experience #2198 - Bret WeinsteinDonald Trump Interview | Lex Fridman Podcast #442The Guardian: We each have a Nazi in us. We need to understand the psychological roots of authoritarianism. Gabor Maté.
Join Matt and Chris as they conclude their deep dive into the content of Dr. K, the streaming psychiatrist behind Healthy Gamer GG. In previous episodes, they explored his promotion of Ayurvedic medicine and his use of the rhetorical strategies often seen in Complementary and Alternative Medicine spaces. This time, they tackle his more controversial work: the (non)therapy sessions with influencers, focusing particularly on his challenging and controversial conversation with the late streamer Reckful.The episode considers how Dr. K navigates the boundaries between professional therapy and public conversation, examines his response to an official reprimand from his governing body, and questions whether his justifications withstand scrutiny.Matt and Chris critically assess the validity of legalistic defences, the ethics of publicly streaming sensitive conversations with vulnerable individuals, and broader concerns about mixing mental health care with entertainment.It's a lengthy episode and features discussions on patient-therapist power dynamics, definitional debates, and the complexities surrounding regulatory oversight and professional/general ethics.We warn you this is not a very light episode and deals with sensitive issues related to suicide and mental health.LinksHealthyGamerGG: Talking Depression with ReckfulHealthyGamerGG: EthicsHealthyGamerGG: Ludwig and Dr. K's Journey of Death and ConsciousnessHealthyGamerGG: Tired of Work, Society, and Life... (featuring response to reprimand)Dr. K's official reprimand by the Medical BoardDr. Mike: Debating The Value Of Eastern Medicine (Ayurveda) | Healthy Gamer Dr. KCritical Video by MrGirl: Dr. K - RecklessCritical YouTube video by Koubitz: Dr. K's Hidden AgendaThe New York Times: The Gamer and the PsychiatristHealthyGamerGG Official Response to Reprimand on Reddit
World travels complete the Guru Decoders reconvene to examine how the Gurusphere has been behaving in their absence. Bad news abounds.Featuring:Introduction and Hosts' ReunionChris's Travel Tales Cultural Observations and ComparisonsHealth Concerns and Anti-Vax MovementRFK Jr. and Political EndorsementsQuarantine Measures in HistoryBret Weinstein endorses TrumpEric Weinstein's quasi-endorsementStephen Bartlett promotes Bret and gets in trouble for adsPlagiarism Allegations against Robin Di AngeloElon Musk's Twitter Investors RevealedKonstantin Kisin vs. a normal InterviewJonathan Pageau and 5G ConspiraciesSam Harris & Destiny ConversationSam's Analysis of Jordan PetersonSocial Media Derangement: Sam vs. DestinyOffline vs Online BehaviourFocus on the Far Left vs. the Far RightClosing Thoughts & Next EpisodeThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 36 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksRFK endorsing TrumpDelusions, Right and Left: A Conversation with “Destiny” (Steven Bonnell) (Episode #381)Konstantin Kisin vs. NBC interviewerFortune: Elon Musk was just forced to reveal who really owns X. Here’s the listBBC: Steven Bartlett nutrition adverts banned for being misleadingEric's quasi-endorsement of RFK Jnr. and TrumpBad Stats clip of Pageau from Peterson AcademyBret endorsing Trump and RFK Jr.Free Beacon: Robin DiAngelo Plagiarized Minority Scholars, Complaint Alleges
We reflect on the meaning of some biblical scriptures to understand the gurus, alongside:Jonathan Pageau gets into the OlympicsRFK Jnr. and the Dead BearGuru Dystopia: Trump Meets Adin RossEric Weinstein enters the 2024 CampaignThe penetrating insights of Joe RoganCoffeezilla fights back against Logan Paul's defamation caseLitigious Musk and nuisance lawsuitsCelebrity cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other scamsFlashbacks to Simon Singh vs. The British Chiropractic AssociationElon Musk's Interview with Jordan PetersonJordan Peterson's interview 'techniques'All Meat Diet ProselytisingMusk vs. the Sumo ChampionThe incredible confidence of self-help gurusThe importance of 'smarts' in successThe meaning of the Zacchaeus storyThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 19 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksCoffeezilla Defense DropCoffeezilla - Logan Paul Sued MeCoffeezilla - I got scammed for $1,000,000 (about his indemnity insurance)Adin Ross looks up the word fascistThe Horrific Clip of Trump meeting Adin with Hasan's commentaryVideo of Jordan Peterson's interview of Elon MuskThe Guardian: Simon Singh wins libel battleNew York Post article about Elon vs. The Sumo WrestlerRFK talking to Roseanne about the BearNew Yorker: What Does Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Actually Want?
In this life-enhancing episode, Matt and Chris venture into the futuristic world of tech entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson, clarifying along the way that he’s not the ACDC frontman. They examine Johnson's Project Blueprint and 'Don't Die' movement—a quest for indefinite lifespan extension through supplements and lifestyle changes—and consider whether their apprehension means they are actually death lovers gorging themselves each day on death burgers and life-draining whiskey.The decoders analyze his carefully crafted appearance and branding, considering how he presents himself as a revolutionary figure but in reality seems to be peddling some familiar tropes, along with a supplement line and some expensive blueberries. As usual, they consider the rhetorical moves, parasocial manipulations, and the likelihood for the lofty claims to become a reality.One thing that is clear by the end: Bryan Johnson is certainly not a modern-day vampire.LinksTracing Woodgrains thread on Bryan JohnsonBlocked and Reported: Episode 199: Was The Naked Man In The Woods Vindicated, Or Is The Naked Man In The Woods Douchey As Charged, Or BOTH??Blueprint by Bryan JohnsonFortune article on Bryan Johnson's Dont Die Dinner with Huberman and the KardashiansBryan Johnson YouTube: I'm Starting A RevolutionIf you want to support the show, join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
We tour the Guru-sphere's balanced and considered response to the Olympics Opening Ceremony and Kamala Harris replacing Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate. And oh boy are they on form!Addressing Petty Grievances: The Show's FormatThe Furor French Olympics Opening CeremonyTrump's Assassination ConspiraciesThe Great Flowering of Kamala Harris TakesKonstantin Kisin and Cringe ImmunitySteven Pinker vs. TriggernometryBret Weinstein's New Conspiracy HypothesisThe Wonders of Peterson AcademyBret's Falsifiable PredictionWe Never Miss!The Importance of Supporting the PodcastLex Fridman's Selective Centrism and Wounded Bird PoseThe Hypocrisy of Reactionary PuritansKen Klippenstein on Steve Bannon's War RoomFinal Thoughts and FarwellThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinksBret's New Conspiracy HypothesisTriggernometry: Is This the Death of Harvard? - Steven PinkerLex's wounded bird poseJournalist Ken Klippenstein Enters The War Room
Join Matt and Chris as they hunker down with the dulcet reassuring tones of Gabor Maté, the Hungarian-Canadian physician renowned for his unconventional perspectives on trauma, stress, and addiction.Inspired by Maté they reflect on early childhood experiences, explore whether unprocessed trauma has steered them towards a life engulfed by modern gurus, and discover how to stay true to their authentic selves & avoid manifesting debilitating illnesses.With an atmospheric background storm setting the scene for the early segments, tune in for 'cheerful' discussions about childhood trauma, emotional repression, the unexpected cause of female cancer, and the toxic horror that is modern life.The episode also considers 'classic' YouTuber motifs and selected long-form insights, courtesy of "Diary of a CEO" host Stephen Bartlett.So get ready to uncover the authentic crystal butterfly within, cast off the myth of normality, and soar unfettered by past trauma.LinksThe Diary of a CEO- Gabor Mate: The Childhood Lie That’s Ruining All Of Our Lives. | E193The Diary of a CEO- Doctor Gabor Mate: The Shocking Link Between Kindness & Illness!The Conversation: Gabor Maté claims trauma contributes to everything: from cancer to ADHD. But what does the evidence say?Business Live: Huel advert on Steven Bartlett’s podcast The Diary Of A CEO bannedHuel -Steve Bartlett joins Huel Board
We are a little behind the news cycle with this release, so we apologise for that. For context this episode was recorded after Trump's assassination attempt but before Biden announced he was stepping down. We will return with the Gurusphere's insane reaction to that event next time. Here we consider:Trump's leaked conversation with RFK JuniorA very special request from MattTammy Peterson's admiration for Tommy RobinsonAlex Jones releasing NEW Sandy Hook conspiracy theories on InfoWarsJonathan Pageau's new spin on Intelligent DesignThe Fifth Column and selective application of criticismBari Weiss' Free Press visits the RNCMoynihan's non-partisan interview with Anna KhachiyanOur now (totally out-of-date) political opinions on BidenThe full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusLinks Knowledge Fight on Alex's Deposition and the episode where he outlines his new Sandy Hook conspiracyLegal Eagle video on the Alex Jones trialCONFIRMED: Deep State Sandy Hook Operation Gave Order To Shut Down InfowarsThe Free Press LIVE from the RNC: Biden’s Interview, Trump, J.D. Vance, and More!Honestly with Bari WeissRon DeSantis Truth in Media eventJordan Peterson: Why the Establishment Hates This Man | Tommy Robinson | EP 462Pageau's new spin on Intelligent DesignVideo of Trump and RFK Jr.'s leaked call
Ranking the Gurus

Ranking the Gurus

2024-07-2501:02:511

Decoding the Gurus is now a venerable institution and as such we have built up quite a menagerie of would-be gurus and even a handful of not-really gurus.So like all the hip kids today, we decided to look back at our previous gurus and arrange them on a tier list of Secular Guruosity.If you would like to play along we’ve made a version accessible online so you can provide your rankings (available here) or you can see ours.Also, due to an image-importing hiccup, we missed Sam Harris (B), Robert Wright (D) and Richard Dawkins (D). All are now added to the template!Hope you enjoy and we will be back soon with a full-length decoding of Gabor Maté before the concluding chapter of the Dr. K trilogy.If you want to support the show, join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
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Comments (67)

niall noonan

the town of Springfield didn't want immigrants as you say. it was the car manufacturers that wanted immigrants. why?? because there cheap labour. it's the same process that is happening all across the western world

Sep 27th
Reply

Joe A. Finley II

My pushback on Renée's touting the "relaxed" nature of Social Media hive-mind bubbles, be they newer concepts like Blue Sky or venerable concepts like subreddits, is that the absence of a TRUE diversity of thought can be just as toxic to the overall real-world social fabric as the aging toxic commentary on Facebook or Twitter/X. Put another way, safe spaces of commentary, while arguably necessary in certain contexts to have meaningful dialogue, can be toxic to outsiders when overly exclusionary.

Aug 20th
Reply

Joe A. Finley II

I can't believe you two didn't give yourselves more credit for ALREADY debunking his theory: if we can agree that, in any organized religion, the most radical among the populous are the ones following the most radical sects of the religion, then, by extension, you can't, as a non-follower of that religion, pick and choose when the most radical actors represent the ENTIRE religion.

Jul 2nd
Reply (2)

Joe A. Finley II

Somebody should tell Matt Johnson he sounds 10x as pompous as whatever boogeymen Socialists/Progressives he's so concerned about. A disciple of the Bill Maher school of "both sides."

May 10th
Reply

Basil O sullivan

Where's the woffle? I tuned in expecting the usual 2 hour intro where Chris in lilting dulcid tones and Matt with his ozzie swarve, miander through their gripes, and grind their gears over Chrises most recent twitter spats: but WTF rather than a mighty rant before finally decoding some B rated Guru I just learned about. These capatilist are giving the decoding away for free but putting the waffle behind a pay wall. You clever clogs, you found my Achilles heal now I have to sign up to patron. Waffle is my catnip. 5stars

Mar 27th
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Joe A. Finley II

Extremely important and informative episode, but, at its core, I still come back to the same conclusion I came to three years ago: too many people are too stupid to understand how science works, and they wear their stupidity on their sleeves.

Feb 4th
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Michael McGrath

An absolutely insufferable episode (I stopped halfway through ..couldn't take any more). Never again can Decoding the Gurus podcast criticise their (usual🙄) targets for self-indulgence as this is by far one of the most self-indulgent snarky rants you'll ever hear. Yes, they usually have good points of criticism, but dear God, talk about beating those points to death... total waste of time.

Oct 11th
Reply

Joe A. Finley II

Oprah "doesn't see color," but that high-end store certainly did when they harassed her, mistaking her for the Common Class. What she really means is just get rich enough to insulate yourself from systemic problems, the Larry Elder/Denzel Washington School of "Fitting In."

Aug 28th
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Patrick Long

Would really love to hear more about this thought experiment Lex was asking about!!

Jun 26th
Reply

grodhagen

Listening a few days after Dilbert got dumped from virtually every newspaper, I am saddened, but not surprised, by what a jerk Adams is. What a head case. And I thought my rich, sleazy Trumpy cousin was as low as a toad can get. Now I need to go to the district nurse and get my ears flushed out.

Mar 5th
Reply

WILLIAM GALLAGHER

One of those rare podcasts that managed to reach a high point with it's very first episode, but has steadily declined with each subsequent release. I've tried to keep the faith, but the Guru's continue to disappoint.

Mar 2nd
Reply

Michael McGrath

Referring to Daniel Dennett as a 'guru' is just silly.

Feb 2nd
Reply

Basil O'sullivan

Loved this chat

Jan 15th
Reply

Sandcastle •

Holy crap there's a lot of bullshit in this episode. Main take away, shaman good because reasons and its OK when anthropologists abuse science and bad when the secular Christian gurus abuse science.

Nov 17th
Reply

Michael McGrath

Top notch critique of DiAngelo and her notion of 'White Fragility' (managing to avoid the use of the phrase 'Kafka trap', yet getting the point across very well indeed). Good stuff from Chris and Matt.

Nov 4th
Reply

Michael McGrath

I find Chris particularly annoying (going off on "the heterodox sphere" and almost inevitably the same two or three targets as examples ..groan🙄) ..but he can be great in a challenging conversation. This is one such conversation and both Chris and Konstantin are great in this. Highly recommended (if nothing else) as a model for respectful, robust exchange.

Nov 4th
Reply

Trino Carrera

The difference between 2016 and 2020 is that Hilary got more human votes in 2016, while Trump lost in the popular vote by an even wider margin in 2020.

Oct 25th
Reply

Trino Carrera

Konstantin cites unnamed and unidentified "people he knows" as authorities several times. Also jumps to harsh statements and language when challenged.

Oct 25th
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Trino Carrera

The whole long term effects thing is a total red herring since whenever there was a problem with a vaccine in the past, we knew it right away.

Oct 25th
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Sandcastle •

Wants his cake and eat it. Cuntstantine is 'representing the truth' and whenever he's representing lies it's not his fault thats the fault of the people he platforms.

Oct 16th
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