Based Camp | Simone & Malcolm Collins
Based Camp | Simone & Malcolm Collins
Based Camp is a podcast focused on how humans process the world around them and the future of our species. That means we go into everything from human sexuality, to weird sub-cultures, dating markets, philosophy, and politics.
Malcolm and Simone are a husband wife team of a neuroscientist and marketer turned entrepreneurs and authors. With graduate degrees from Stanford and Cambridge under their belts as well as five bestselling books, one of which topped out the WSJs nonfiction list, they are widely known (if infamous) intellectuals / provocateurs.
If you want to dig into their ideas further or check citations on points they bring up check out their book series. Note: They all sell for a dollar or so and the money made from them goes to charity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMWMFTG basedcamppodcast.substack.com
Malcolm and Simone are a husband wife team of a neuroscientist and marketer turned entrepreneurs and authors. With graduate degrees from Stanford and Cambridge under their belts as well as five bestselling books, one of which topped out the WSJs nonfiction list, they are widely known (if infamous) intellectuals / provocateurs.
If you want to dig into their ideas further or check citations on points they bring up check out their book series. Note: They all sell for a dollar or so and the money made from them goes to charity. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FMWMFTG basedcamppodcast.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h
Manufacturing Our Designer Babies (Feat. Jonathan Anomaly)
Jonathan Anomaly, Director of Research at Herasight and bioethicist, joins to discuss groundbreaking advancements in embryo genetic selection. He reveals how Herasight offers superior polygenic risk scores and addresses the controversy surrounding Nucleus Genomics. The conversation dives into the benefits of selecting for intelligence, including better health and lower addiction rates. Anomaly explains pleiotropy's positive outcomes, the ethical implications of germline gene editing, and the need for wider access to these technologies for healthier future generations.
Dec 23, 2025 • 52min
Understanding the Trans Arousal Profile
Malcolm and Simone explore a controversial hypothesis linking trans urges to evolutionary biology. They discuss elevated rates of brutality in trans individuals, historical ties between transvestism and sadomasochism, and the 'sneaky copulator' strategy seen in animals. The duo analyzes how cultural disempowerment might trigger these adaptive behaviors, connecting them to patterns of aggression and violence in modern society. They also touch on how transitioning can affect social status and community dynamics.
Dec 22, 2025 • 59min
The Pre-Agricultural Period Was NOT Better
Malcolm and Simone Collins tackle the myth that life was better for pre-agricultural societies. They critique claims from Sapiens, highlighting the harsh realities of hunter-gatherer existence, including violence and disease. The hosts compare workloads and leisure, reveal the brutal nature of prehistoric health, and discuss how cities offered protections against local despots. Through historical evidence, they illustrate how agriculture ultimately enhanced lifestyle metrics like health and longevity, debunking romanticized notions of primitive life.
Dec 19, 2025 • 55min
Russia Astroturfed BLM & We Have Proof
Malcolm and Simone reveal shocking findings on Russia’s Internet Research Agency's influence on the Black Lives Matter movement. They discuss how a staggering 96% of IRA YouTube content focused on police brutality and targeted Black audiences on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The hosts explore the timing of IRA activities, which surged post-2016 elections, and their involvement in organizing real-world rallies. This episode uncovers why such critical information has remained largely buried in mainstream discussions.
10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 41min
Anime Parent Paradox: Tragic if Biological / Wholesome if Adoptive
Dive into the fascinating world of modern anime, where adoptive families and found relationships dominate the narrative. Discover why biological families are often portrayed as tragic, while shows like Spy x Family and Buddy Daddies celebrate the joy of chosen family. Explore theories around cultural pressures, youth rebellion, and the impact of parenting portrayals on societal norms. With a contrast of heartwarming bonds versus melancholic tales, this discussion uncovers the intriguing dynamics of family in anime.
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
Cyberfeminism, Xenofeminism, & The Cyborg Manifesto
Delve into the mind-bending ideas of Donna Haraway’s "A Cyborg Manifesto" and its influence on feminist theory. Explore the cyborg as a metaphor for post-gender identity and the cultural context of the Reagan era. Discover how the manifesto's themes challenged essentialism and inspired movements like cyberfeminism and xenofeminism. Engage with critiques around race and identity within these frameworks and ponder the tensions between modern interpretations and Haraway's original vision. Perfect for enthusiasts of transhumanism and wild 1980s philosophy!
Dec 15, 2025 • 43min
Lie To Your Kids About Santa: The Evil of Honesty
Malcolm and Simone Collins advocate for lying to kids about Santa Claus to preserve childhood magic. They discuss how honesty can create blind trust in authority and highlight the importance of myth in child development. Engaging stories of Krampus and alive toys enrich their family lore, teaching kids to embrace imagination. They also explore how Santa serves as a lesson in skepticism and social dynamics. The transformative power of fantasy contrasts with a dull reality, fostering a unique identity and resilience in children.
Dec 12, 2025 • 32min
Based National Security? Trump Lays Out a Plan
Explore the dramatic shift in U.S. national security strategy as hosts discuss the departure from global policing towards a self-interested approach. Key topics include new priorities like sovereignty and border security, and the implications for alliances with Europe, Russia, and China. They analyze public reactions and critiques of past commitments, delve into economic limits faced by the EU, and highlight the strategy's focus on pragmatic partnerships. The conversation also addresses how U.S. interests are being reshaped by domestic concerns over international interventions.
Dec 11, 2025 • 54min
Exploring A Trans Perspective On Babies
Malcolm and Simone Collins dissect the intriguing arguments in Abigail Thorn’s video on the anxieties of parenthood. They tackle the implications of demographic collapse, the concept of trans identity as a social contagion, and misinformation surrounding birth control. The duo strikes a balance between humor and sharp critique, discussing topics like legacy, IVF access, and the tension surrounding parenthood choices. With personal anecdotes, they explore how innovative family-building can embrace both trans representation and cultural evolution.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 58min
We Changed Our View On Multiculturalism: The Game Theory Problem
Malcolm and Simone delve into the intricate dynamics of multiculturalism, exploring how diverse cultures affect societal trust. They discuss immigration’s impact on high-trust societies and share historical examples, like the British Empire and contemporary South Africa. The hosts highlight in-group preferences in hiring and moral frameworks using playful analogies from classic cartoons. They also argue against striving for homogenous societies in today’s connected world, concluding that adapting cultural strategies is essential for survival.
