Shows / Decoding the Gurus
Decoding the Gurus
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…
Episodes
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Travis View: QANon & Modern Conspiracies
If you have managed to avoid the phenomenon of QAnon up until now, then congratulations! Your life is likely better for not knowing. Sadly many of us have been…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Worobey, Andersen & Holmes: The Lab Leak
The question of the SARS-CoV-2 origin: whether it was a zoonotic spillover from a wet market, or an engineered virus that escaped from the Wuhan Institute of…
- Decoding the Gurus
Dave Rubin: A Pointless Partisan Pundit
Dave Rubin has always sought out a career in the spotlight, beginning with stand-up comedy and then becoming a pundit (of sorts) on shows like the Young Turks…
- Decoding the Gurus
Bill Maher: A boozy, stoned, liberal take on classic anti-vax tropes
Bill Maher is an American comedian, political commentator, and television host from the tail end of the baby-boomer generation. He's principally a centrist…
- Decoding the Gurus
Daniel Dennett: It's Evolution Baby
In this episode, we take a bit of a detour from current trends and examine a talk by the philosopher Daniel Dennett on evolution. Dennett rose to public…
- Decoding the Gurus
"Mini" Decoding of Konstantin Kisin's Oxford Union speech
Recently the Oxford Union (based in Oxford but distinct from the university) hosted a debate on "whether woke culture has gone too far". A very fresh question…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Coffeezilla on Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and modern scammers
In this episode we are joined by the irrepressible "Coffeezilla" (aka Stephen Findeisen), a man who is, it's fair to say, kind of a big deal on YouTube. And…
- Decoding the Gurus
Elon Musk: The Techno Shaman
So here we are rounding off 2022 with a Guru of the moment, Elon Musk.Trust us, we want to stop hearing about him as much as you do but we have long had him…
- Decoding the Gurus
DTG Christmas Special 2022 with Helen Lewis
Join us for this special festive episode in which we initiate the fledgling Gurologist (and occasional journalist and author) Helen Lewis into the deeper and…
- Decoding the Gurus
Guru Right to Reply with Jamie Wheal
Today we are joined by Jamie Wheal, who comprised a full one-third of the subjects covered on our prior "Sensemaking Cubed" episode also featuring Daniel…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Manvir Singh on Gurus & Shamans
We are back with another academic-themed interview with the evolutionary/cultural/cognitive anthropologist Manvir Singh. That's right two anthropologists from…
- Decoding the Gurus
Robin DiAngelo: Matt and Chris struggle with their fragility
Racism is all around. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds white people together. And if you try to deny it, it only makes it stronger. That's Robin…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Konstantin Kisin from Triggernometry on Heterodoxy, Biases, and the Media
An interesting one today with an extended interview/discussion with Konstantin Kisin co-host of the Triggernometry YouTube channel and Podcast and author of An…
- Decoding the Gurus
Peterson, Murray & Pageau: Transcendent Tableware
In this bitesize decoding, a conservative columnist, a religious icon carver, and a tortured ex-psychologist walk into a Daily Wire studio and try to hash out…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Neil Levy on Intellectual Virtue Signalling
Fellow decoders: a few weeks ago Chris and Matt were invited to virtually attend a lecture at Macquarie University that promised to be of interest for the…
- Decoding the Gurus
Daniel Schmachtenberger, Jamie Wheal & Jordan Hall: Making Sense about Making Sense of Sensemaking
It's finally here! In what has to be our most meta episode to date, Matt and Chris tackle the meta-philosophy / meta-spirituality / meta-science that is…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Helen Lewis on culture wars and religion, that Jordan Peterson interview, and gurus generally
Today Chris and Matt are visited by Helen Lewis, a journalist, editor, and writer with what could very fairly be described as a rather distinguished career in…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Dan Friesen from Knowledge Fight on Alex Jones, the Sandy Hook Trial, and conspiracy ecosystems
A special crossover episode (long anticipated- at least by us) with one-half of the Knowledge Fight podcast. Specifically, we have Dan Friesen on to enlighten…
- Decoding the Gurus
John Vervaeke & Jonathan Pageau: Decoding the Demons
Ahead of the forthcoming sense-making full course decoding of Jordan Hall, Daniel Schmactenberger, and Jamie Wheal (see here!), we offer a bite-sized morsel of…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Elgen Strait on the Unification Church and the assassination of Shinzo Abe
This episode is a little bit of this and a little bit of that.The main portion of the episode features an interview with returning guest, Elgen Strait, host of…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special: Guru Right to Reply with Robert Wright
As per Section 7, paragraph 3, item 2 in the Gurometer Constitution and User Manual states, "All covered gurus shall have a Right to Reply" and Robert Wright…
- Decoding the Gurus
Recoding Jordan Peterson: Think again, Sunshine!
Matt and Chris are back in the headspace of the Alchemical Lemon, Jordan Peterson, with what was supposed to be a shorter format decoding episode. You can…
- Decoding the Gurus
*Patreon Preview* Lex and Haidt: Gurometer Ratings
What's this? Another episode?Well, sort of...Providing both a tantalising peak behind the Patreon curtain and an apology for the delayed release, we decided to…
- Decoding the Gurus
Lex Fridman & Jonathan Haidt: The Techno Monk & The Social Scientist
First, we apologise sincerely for the delayed-release. Matt and Chris have been busy beavers splicing together this decoding which proved particular gruelling…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Nathan Allebach on Online Brands, Weird Twitter & that Steak Umms Account
In a way, we're all managing our personal brand in the infosphere aren't we? But Nathan Allebach, in a far more tangible way, really does manage brands - not…
- Decoding the Gurus
Jaron Lanier: Fear of an Algorithmic Planet
The season of tech is upon us! Hold on to your hats and press those non-fungible tokens tightly to your bosom, because we are getting into the thick of it.Matt…
- Decoding the Gurus
*Patreon Preview* Decoding Academia 8: Monkey see, Monkey do?
Ahead of the Jaron Lanier episode a special preview episode of our ongoing Decoding Academia series.This week Matt and Chris take a look at a classic…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Michael Inzlicht on the Replication Crisis, Mindfulness, and Responsible Heterodoxy
It's been a while but don't worry the DtG elves have been hard at work and a veritable bounty of content is on its way. The long-promised Jaron Lanier decoding…
- Decoding the Gurus
Very Bad Gurus with David Pizarro & Tamler Sommers
In the most ambitious crossover since the Fraggles met the Muppets, this week we have a special joint episode with moral psychologist David Pizzaro and famed…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Timbah Toast on his Tim Pool Documentary & Scooby Doo Partisans
This week's episode we have an extended interview with an independent decoder, the YouTube documentary maker, Timbah-on-Toast. A kindred spirit in many…
- Decoding the Gurus
Reverend Sun Myung Moon: Absolute Decoding
This week we return one more time to the disturbing world of Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church, also known as the 'Moonies', this time with a…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Elgen Strait on growing up in the Moonies & cultish manipulation
This episode is the first of two linked episodes in which we delve into the disturbing world of Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church also known as the…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Julian Walker on Conspirituality, Conspiracies and (Global) Culture Wars
Another interview episode - we've had a flurry recently but don't worry, we'll be returning to a good ol' fashioned decoding episode very soon. This week we…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Josh Szeps, The Rumble from Downunder
Hot on the heels of our Joe Rogan Trilogy, the big red phone at Decoder HQ rang with an intriguing proposal. Well, it was more of a DM, and it said,"Hi, love…
- Decoding the Gurus
James Lindsay & Michael O'Fallon: Eating bugs for Feminist Glaciology
This is an important episode. 2022 you needs to realise what 2020 you could not and what 2030 you is ready to tell you. Confused? You will be.On this episode…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Liam Bright on Scientific Orthodoxy, Reform Efforts & DTG's Philosophy
Today we have a little mid-week treat, ahead of our next decoding episode, a discussion with the philosopher and Leverhulme Prize Winning Twitter sensation…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Virginia Heffernan on Edge, the dangers of Scientism, & Culture Wars
On this week's show we have a broad ranging discussion with the well known journalist and author Virginia Heffernan. Virginia has written a bunch on the topic…
Decoding the GurusRobert Wright: A Cosmic Journey Across the Bob-o-verse
Matt and Chris finally leave the Rogan-verse behind, activate their Infinite Improbability Drive, and blast off for the Bob-o-verse. In an off-again /…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview: Debunking (Antivaxx) Funk with Dr Dan Wilson
This week we speak to fellow traveller, kindred spirit, and vaccine misinformation debunker, Dr Dan Wilson. Yes, we know we've talked SO much about anti-vax…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special: Joe Rogan 'Sorry, not Sorry'
To cap off our impromptu mini-series focusing on the Rogan-verse we take a critical look at Joe's short (non) apology video responding to the Spotify…
- Decoding the Gurus
*Patreon Preview* Malone & McCullough: Gurometer Ratings
This week a bonus Gurometer episode has sneaked out from behind the golden curtain of the DTG Patreon pay wall.We aren't out of the Rogan-verse yet. Our last…
- Decoding the Gurus
Robert Malone & Peter McCullough: A litany of untruths
Matt and Chris return to the Joe Rogan-verse much quicker than they would have liked to take a critical eye to two recent episodes (6 more hours!!!) offering…
- Decoding the Gurus
*Patreon Preview* Decoding Academia #2: False Positive Psychology
The New Year is upon us and the gurologists thought they should contribute to the holiday cheer in the only way they can... releasing a rambling podcast about…
- Decoding the Gurus
Joe Rogan: Just an average Joe?
Joe Rogan is a world famous podcaster, a martial artist, a stand-up comedian, a MMA commentator, co-founder of the Onnit supplement company, the ex-host of…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special: Guru Right to Reply with Chris Williamson
Listeners might remember Chris Williamson from our episode on Gad Saad. He was the former love island contestant who interviewed Gad and appeared to have taken…
Decoding the GurusDecoding Academia: Matt on his ENTIRE research career *Patreon Sample*
So, what even IS the deal with Matt? Is he a proper psychologist or does his past conceal something darker, aside from his bronzed skin-tone? Until now, he's…
- Decoding the Gurus
Brené Brown: Matt and Chris courageously embrace their vulnerability
Brené Brown is an American professor, lecturer, author, storyteller researcher, and podcast host. She's made it her life's work to help people rise strong…
- Decoding the Gurus
Decoding Academia: Chris on Religion & Ritual *Patreon Sample*
It had to happen eventually. As Matt and Chris listen week in and week out to the world's greatest gurus pontificating on the mysteries of the universe, it's…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Annie Kelly on Vaccines, Conspiracies, & Misinformation
Dr Annie Kelly is a writer, researcher, and the British correspondent for the well and deservedly praised podcast QAnon Anonymous. Her PhD research was on…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special: Interview with Sam Harris on Gurus, Tribalism & the Culture War
Sam Harris probably needs no introduction in our neck of the info-sphere as he is seemingly never far from the spotlight... or the occasional controversy.We’ve…
- Decoding the Gurus
Mikhaila Peterson: The Marvelous World of Meat
The hosts are certainly in no position to criticise someone for what they eat, with Matt unable to resist a Fosters and shrimps on a barbie, and Chris…
- Decoding the Gurus
Interview with Stuart Neil on SARS CoV-2
You might have noticed there's been a bit of talk recently about a certain virus. A virus that may or may not have a vaccine that is very safe and effective…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special Episode: Interview with Stuart Ritchie on Hunter Gatherers in the 21st Century, covid skeptics, and bad science
This week we have an engaging interview with the scientist, author, and public science communicator Stuart Ritchie. Stuart wrote the excellent 'Science…
- Decoding the Gurus
Jordan Hall: Sensemaking, or the superficial pitter-patter on the neocortex?
This episode is about sense-making... if you are not sick of that term yet, trust us, you soon will be.To get things rolling, Matt and Chris launch the podcast…
Decoding the GurusSpecial Episode: Welcome to Weinstein World with special guest David Pizarro
The Weinstein brothers have been busy bees over the past few weeks/months(!) and it left Matt and Chris with a conundrum. How do they cover them as part of an…
- Decoding the Gurus
Gad Saad: Oh my Gad, it's the Saadfather!
Gad Saad is a Professor of Marketing at Concordia University, author of The Consuming Instinct and, more recently, The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special Episode: Interview with Robert Wright on crackpots, gurus, and modern media ecosystems
This week we welcome the author, journalist, and podcaster Robert Wright. Robert wrote the popular (and provocative!) book 'Why Buddhism is True' and has…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special Episode: Interview with Evan Thompson on Buddhist Exceptionalism
We class up the podcast this week with another special interview with a philosopher specialising in Asian philosophical traditions, cognitive science, and…
- Decoding the Gurus
Carl Sagan: My God, it's full of stars
In the second instalment of the personal gurus season we take a look at Matt's childhood science guru: the famed astronomer and science communicator Carl…
- Decoding the Gurus
Special Episode: Interview with Daniel Harper on the Far Right & IDW Criticism
In this episode we have an engaging discussion with Daniel Harper host of the anti-fascist podcast 'I Don't Speak German' about his experience covering the Far…