Decoding the Gurus
Christopher Kavanagh and Matthew Browne
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 23min
Decoding Academia 34: Empathetic AIs? (Patreon Series)
A paper study asks whether AI-written replies are judged as more compassionate than human-written ones. The hosts unpack the rigorous third-party design and why the test is unusually severe. They contrast human and AI response styles, praise open science practices, and explore why fluent, patient AI replies shine on distressing prompts.
13 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 1h 35min
The Rise of the Science Populists with Sam Gregson and Tim Henke
Tim Henke, a mathematical physicist studying science populism, and Sam Gregson, a physics PhD and science communicator, dissect the rise of science populists in physics. They define the pattern of half-truths and conspiratorial framing. They explore why anti‑institution rhetoric spreads, how entertainers and cranks fuel audiences, and what better science communication might look like.
15 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 33min
Supplementary Material 44: Peasant Archmages, Moral Panics, and LOTR Parenting Tips
They poke fun at self-styled gurus and decline narratives, including culture‑war recyclers and moral panics. They unpack viral short‑form fantasy trends like a peasant‑archmage story. Conversations drift to weird Epstein links and conspiratorial overreach. Lively detours cover capitalist celebrity culture, laissez‑faire parenting tips, and unexpected Lord of the Rings life lessons.
18 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 32min
Open Science, Psychology, and the Art of Not Quite Claiming Causality with Julia Rohrer
Julia Rohrer, a psychologist at Leipzig University focused on open science and causal reasoning. She discusses the state of psychology after the replication crisis. Conversation covers limits of open-science reforms, why causal thinking matters even for association studies, how experiments can mislead via post-treatment bias, and practical steps to state causal questions and assumptions clearly.
20 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 22min
Supplementary Material 43: Red-Blooded Americans, Real Life Alan Partridge, and Rationalist Eulogies
They wade through internet controversies, unpacking public tributes and the culture around controversial figures. They critique defenders of Western civilization and the contradictions in political apologias. They debate racism, xenophobia, and online fame. They also poke at conspiracy-minded subcultures and the persona-driven world of influencer media.
46 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 3h 9min
Scott Galloway, Part 2: Peak Masculinity
Scott Galloway, a business professor and cultural commentator, dives deep into contemporary masculinity. He proposes a 'Third Way' that balances traditional views with modern sensibilities, emphasizing kindness as a masculine superpower. Galloway advocates for mandatory national service to foster men's competence and civic responsibility. The conversation explores what women desire, the importance of male role models, and the evolving dating landscape in light of social changes like MeToo. Galloway’s insights challenge stereotypes while urging men to embrace compassion and self-improvement.
16 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 35min
Supplementary Material 42: Chimpanzee Testicles, Home Alone Statistics, and Influencer Research
Explore the absurdity of longevity culture, from chimpanzee testicle transplants to influencer health trends. Dive into Andrew Huberman's eyebrow-raising claims, including giving testosterone to his dog. Unpack the chaotic media exchanges between Nick Fuentes and Piers Morgan with comedic commentary from Joe Rogan. The hosts critique comedians who pretend to be experts and mock outrageous health fads. Plus, laugh along as they delve into ridiculous statistics surrounding ‘Home Alone’—a perfect mix of humor and critique!
47 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 2h 51min
Scott Galloway, Part 1: On Men
Scott Galloway, NYU professor and author of 'Notes on Being a Man,' dives into the complexities of masculinity and men's issues. He emphasizes the societal roots of male malaise and advocates for solutions that uplift all youth. Galloway critically examines topics like media misrepresentation, the impact of privilege, and the importance of dignity in work. He also discusses the evolving landscape of education, dating dynamics, and the role of evolutionary psychology, all while balancing traditional views with modern realities.
21 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Replication Crisis Christmas Quiz w/ Mickey Inzlicht & Dave Pizarro
Joining the discussion are Dave Pizarro, a moral psychologist and co-host of Very Bad Wizards, and Mickey Inzlicht, a social psychologist from Two Psychologists Four Beers. They tackle the replication crisis in psychology with humor and insight. The quiz format sparks debates on notable studies, from Zimbardo's Stanford Prison experiment to the controversial claims of precognition by Daryl Bem. They also explore the evolving landscape of psychology podcasting, discussing monetization and audience engagement while sharing reflections on the discipline's integrity and future.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 27min
DTG Christmas Quiz 2025 with Helen Lewis
In this festive gathering, British journalist and podcaster Helen Lewis takes the helm as quizmaster, blending wit and insight. They explore the murky fusion of the Guru-sphere and MAGA-sphere, examining rising political figures like Tucker Carlson. Helen humorously recalls bizarre AI experiences and debates the ethics of comedians performing in controversial settings, like the Riyadh festival. The lively quiz challenges the hosts on pop culture and political trivia, while reflecting on the moral trade-offs of content creation in today's media landscape.
