People Who Read People: A Behavior and Psychology Podcast Body language lies: The pseudoscience and silliness spread by alleged behavior "experts"
Jan 9, 2026
Zach Elwood, a behavior and psychology podcaster and former pro poker player, teams up with Chris Shelton to dissect the world of body language experts. They expose the pseudoscience behind popular theories of deception, arguing that eye movement and posture can't accurately detect lies. Their discussion reveals how misleading claims can influence both media narratives and police practices. They emphasize that real insights come from verbal communication, urging caution in interpreting nonverbal cues and promoting skepticism against sensationalized interpretations.
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Jargon Creates False Credibility
- Pop behavior analysts overgeneralize and invent jargon to sound scientific.
- Zach Elwood explains this creates a veneer of legitimacy that misleads audiences.
Dr. Jack Brown's Media Fallout
- Chris Shelton recounts Jack Brown's rise by misusing credentials and making granular claims.
- That visibility landed Brown on major networks despite shaky science.
Don't Rely On Quick Baselines
- Avoid trusting on-the-fly baselining in interviews as authoritative.
- Zach Elwood says meaningful baselines require extensive, repeatable observation to be valid.