Decoding the Gurus
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In this truly epic-length supplementary material, we spin 70 critical paradigms simultaneously while trying to avoid the wily tricks of some hostile transdimensional forces. Do we succeed? Join us to find out! SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 19 00:24 Introduction: More American Insights(!) 13:12 Peterson Orbiters: The Pageau Brothers 17:41 Pageau & Rod Dreher: Aliens are transdimensional spirits 25:56 Pageau: Alex Jones was Right! 27:01 Peterson & Pageau's Lazy Christian Apologetics 44:17 Joe Rogan: Fuck Ukraine! 56:28 Peter Thiel has questions about Vaccines and Autism 01:03:20 Big Rogan's CENSORSHIP CAMPAIGN against Flint Dibble 01:09:07 Nassim Taleb vs. Colin Wright: Seed Oils 01:23:10 Taleb and Squid Ink Flounces 01:32:40 Conspirituality & the issues with extended analogies 01:50:27 Leftist Millenarianism? 01:56:06 Cultish Spectrums 02:02:34 Critical Feedback: Decoding the Decoders 02:08:30 You were not allowed to talk about this! 02:21:56 Signing Off The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2hrs 24 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Sources __ __
In this special episode, we return to the forboding Dragon's Den of the Peterson-verse and enjoy a rather punchy conversation between Jordan Peterson and Richard Dawkins, facilitated by Alex O'Connor. As always, the discussion is dense with abstract symbolic interpretations, evasive answers to direct questions about biblical events, and highly speculative claims. So Matt and Chris don their best decoding armour, steel their resolve, and prepare to face down endless waves of indulgent analogies and the constant conflation of mythological and scientific truths. Important insights from Matt on American public toilets, shower technology, and stories of Chris' previous life as a coal-shovelling street urchin are also included. LINKS __ __
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 18 00:00 Matt's American Ethnography 10:59 Eric Weinstein is waiting for the call 14:32 Huberman, Krauss, and MAGA Sycophancy 18:39 Boghossian and other would-be Intellectual Clerics of the MAGA regime 22:52 Sam Harris criticises Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and MAGA 32:05 The Fifth Column, The Free Press and World Weary Both Sides-ing 53:19 Election Reflections: Macro and Micro Causes 01:04:40 Longer Term Trends 01:10:08 Sarah Haider and the Hip Vibe of the New Right 01:24:00 Richard Dawkins Dual Nature 01:31:08 A Plea to Sean Carroll and our Listeners 01:33:06 An important note on Bouldering The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 36 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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 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. LINKS __ __
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! Links __ __
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! CONTENT 00:00 Introduction 03:20 Matt's American Insights 10:41 Flint Dibble, Graham Hancock & a silly racist 19:21 YouTube & Audience Capture with Andrew Gold 27:35 Justin Trudeau accuses Jordan Peterson of being Russian Funded 34:29 Bernie Sanders & Lex Fridman: What's the point? 47:24 Huberman's Latest PSA 52:20 Environmental Toxins and Modern Health Concerns 58:58 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 3 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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 to simultaneously recognise the importance of human cultural & social development and our genetic & biological legacies. LINKS __ __
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 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. Links __ __
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. LINKS __ __
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 Adventures 04:15 Exploring the GuruSphere and GuruCon 08:57 Matt and Chris Debate Round 1: The Unholy Alliance 16:35 Russell Brand and Jordan Peterson's Prayer Time 24:51 Bret's Amazing Metaphor: David and the Phoenix 36:01 Matt Taibbi's Speaking Truth to Power with the Bible 40:24 Rage Against the War Machine 43:25 Eric Weinstein's analysis of Kamala Harris 58:44 Joe Rogan's Bias and Broken Conspiracy Prone Brain 01:13:53 Michael Moynihan softballs Megyn Kelly 01:26:11 Cynical Chris and Moderate Megyn: Alex Jones & Tucker are right! 01:32:57 Hard Knock Heterodoxy 01:47:35 Matt and Chris Debate Round 2: Left and Right The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2 hr 1 min). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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 https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episode/the-science-and-the-art-of-gurometry 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. , (6), 493. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/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! Links __
We rip off the unconvincing plastic mask to reveal the true gurus lurking underneath and discuss: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 47 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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. LINKS __ __
World travels complete the Guru Decoders reconvene to examine how the Gurusphere has been behaving in their absence. Bad news abounds. Featuring: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 36 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
We reflect on the meaning of some biblical scriptures to understand the gurus, alongside: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 19 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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. LINKS __ __ If 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! __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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. LINKS __ __
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: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
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 https://tiermaker.com/create/modern-gurus-17331102) 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
A special Supplementary Material where we take a gander at some of the reactions to the recent assassination attempt on Trump and then dig deeper with some responsible model conspiracy hypothesizing with Bret and Heather. Also featuring: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (57 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Links __ __
Join Matt and Chris for a trademark 'short' episode as they continue to navigate the complex, occasionally controversial world of Dr. K in this second multi-dimensional episode. This time they take a look at some more recent content and reflect on whether they were wrong to identify Dr. K as such a strong advocate of Ayurvedic medicine. In their investigations, they explore the science of visualisation and manifestation, updated genomic information about the Doshas, and the power of mantras to bend the universe. But primarily they focus on the recent lively discussion between Dr. K and another famous YouTube Doctor, Dr. Mike. Their discussion touched on various topics including the mechanisms of science, the power of consciousness, personalized treatments, and the placebo effect. All good fodder for the DTG grinder even if it ends up, as it so often does, with Chris and Matt gently discussing their points of view about the nature of mind and the (alleged) mystery of subjective experience (we are sorry!). So join us for a thought-provoking ride through scientific criticism, holistic practices, and age-old East vs. West / Alternative vs Science-based medicine debates as we attempt to decipher whether Dr. K is a modern-era internet sage or a charismatic storyteller and alternative medicine advocate. LINKS __ __
We get put in our place by an old champion, who reminds us why they are the king. Also this episode: __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 29mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus LINKS __ __
Alok Kanojia, better known as Dr. K, is a charismatic psychiatrist and online streamer who offers a unique blend of psychological, self-help, and spiritual advice to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, aiming to help them become Healthy Gamers™. Join Matt and Chris as they embark on a multi-part journey through the diverse biomes of Dr. K's content and try to ascertain the meta. In this first episode, Matt and Chris take a critical look at a 2019 video in which Dr. K discusses his views on Ayurvedic medicine, the problems with Western medicine, and the unacknowledged scientific evidence for Ayurvedic claims. We consider whether the evidence provided matches the rhetoric and relive youthful follies as we immerse ourselves in the all too familiar water of complementary and alternative medicine discourse. So join us as we learn about the universal mind and single type of depression proposed by modern medicine, how a tripartite classification is actually incredibly individualistic, how the shape of your nose and kink in your hair predicts the food you should eat and the quality of your bowel movements, and the surprising benefits of drinking elephant milk. In Part 2, we will delve into Dr. K's recent discussion/debate over Ayurvedic medicine with Dr. Mike, another popular YouTube doctor. And finally Part 3 will focus on the dynamics of Dr. K's long-form, somewhat controversial, mental health-themed interviews with influencers. LINKS __ __
We stare into the abyss and welcome darkness into our souls as we discuss: __ __ Links __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 14 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
Join Matt and Chris as they plunge into the heady mental universe of Slavoj Žižek, the Slovenian philosopher known for his eclectic and provocative ideas. The duo parses Žižek's 'unconventional' takes on ideology, consumerism, and revolutionary theory, peppered with his playful movie criticism of films like Jaws and a Clockwork Orange and even a few that he hasn't even watched. We delve into snuffle-laced discussions of transgressive acts, revolutionary politics, moderate conservative communism, consumerist psychology, and musings on whether Jaws is about a shark. Throughout all Žižek's dramatic flair is shining through, but is he actually as provocative and hated as he likes to suggest? Matt and Chris have some thoughts... Expect to reconsider everything you thought you knew, listen to some edgy book blurbs, and finally collapse in a puddle with the deconstruction of your ideology. LINKS __ __ Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
We curse the dark omens emerging from the Gurusphere as we consider: __ __ LINKS __ __ The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1 hr 13 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
Matt and Chris jump into the world of debates, dramas, and online personas with the ever-controversial streamer, Destiny (Steven Bonnell). We discuss our Decoding episode a little bit but mostly broader issues including the value of 'debate porn', edginess & Twitter bomb-throwing, reality TV orbiter drama, and the perils of hero worship and parasocial relationships. As you might anticipate, we also cover various 'hot-button' issues including Destiny's involvement in Israel-Palestine discourse, the ethics of engaging with extremists, and whether Destiny was genuinely arguing for the right to murder the DDoS kid. Finally, we wrap up with some discussion of media literacy, the challenges of navigating online discourse, and strategies for laypeople to better engage with research. LINKS __ __ Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus
