Best Social Science Matrix Podcasts (2025)

1
Governing Giants: Law, Politics, and Antitrust 1:18:43

1h ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Large corporations increasingly dominate markets, the flow of information, and political influence. In response, many governments have used antitrust policies in an attempt to rein in companies. Examples include investigations and cases brought by the United States and the European Union against Google, in addition to major investigations against M…

1
Driving Change: The Maths Behind Autonomous Vehicles - with Prof Michael Milford 59:32

23h ago59:32

59:32

A few short years ago, it was one of the most hyped technology fields around. But after all that excitement, where are we now with autonomous vehicles — or driverless cars? In this episode, we go under the hood to explore how AVs gather and use data, and the complex mathematics that helps them navigate a messy, unpredictable world. What are the cha…

1
Ep. 73 | Season One Wrap: Why I Disappeared + The Episodes That Broke the Internet 26:31

7h ago26:31

26:31

Hey legends, holy shit, we're back and it's been a wild ride. I literally disappeared for an entire month because I went through what I can only describe as an identity crisis mixed with the most intense clearing-out process of my life. But here's the thing, today marks exactly one year since we launched Controversial as Fuck, and I'm bloody proud …

1
Sex & Sexualities - Nurturing a Sociology of Sex and Sexualities 21:53

1h ago21:53

21:53

The inaugural editors in chief, Krystale Littlejohn and Amy Stone, discuss the new journal launched by the American Sociological Association, Sex & Sexualities.

1
E2 - Breaking Free from Addiction with Dr. Robb Kelly 1:31:24

6d ago1:31:24

1:31:24

EPISODE 002 - In this episode of the FORGE podcast, host Michael S. Parker engages with Dr. Robb Kelly, a renowned addiction expert, to explore the complexities of food addiction and its roots in childhood trauma. They discuss the societal implications of addiction, the role of social media in reinforcing negative behaviors, and the impact of ultra…

1
LUCAS CURCIO - Choosing Faith Over Fads: The Truth About Power, Ego, and Online Influence 2:11:58

6d ago2:11:58

2:11:58

Lucas Curcio is the pastor of The Mission Church in New Jersey, and the host of the Method Ministries podcast. In our conversation, he shares his journey from an aimless young man to finding purpose through reading Scripture and accepting Christ at age 18. The episode discusses how true Christian masculinity requires taking responsibility for your …

1
E2 - Sounds Like a Klingon Name 20:31

5h ago20:31

20:31

Sev recounts her life-changing extraterrestrial contact in September 2017, which took place on the Inner Banks of North Carolina. She shares how the experience profoundly transformed her life and led her on a journey to understand a lifetime of ET encounters. In seeking guidance, she connected with renowned researcher Kathleen Marden. Now, eight ye…

1
E1-Part 2- Fads, Myths and the General Nonsense of Social Media in the Fitness and Nutrition Matrix 58:17

19h ago58:17

58:17

The continuation and conclusion of Episode One! In this second and final part to the FORGE fitness, nutrition, and habit podcast inaugural episode, Sarah Mawbey and Michael S. Parker continue their conversation. Michael and Sarah discuss the complex relationship between shame, guilt, and personal responsibility in the context of fitness and health.…

1
JOE RIGNEY - The Dark Side of Empathy: When Victims Become Manipulators 57:33

13d ago57:33

57:33

Dr. Joe Rigney is a Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College. In his controversial bestselling book "The Sin of Empathy" (Canon Press) he argues that empathy becomes sinful when divorced from truth and biblical standards. In our conversation, Dr. Rigney explains how weaponized empathy manipulates through emotional validation demands rather t…

1
E1- Part 1 - Fads, Myths and the General Nonsense of Social Media in the Fitness and Nutrition Matrix. 1:17:44

5d ago1:17:44

1:17:44

In the inaugural episode of the Forge Fitness, Nutrition, and Habit podcast, host Michael S. Parker and co-host Sarah Mawbey explore the complexities of wellness, fitness, and nutrition. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding success in fitness, the toxicity of certain fitness trends, and the importance of a long-term approach to health. The c…

1
Designing the Tools that Shape Data Science - with Dr Hadley Wickham 47:44

6d ago47:44

47:44

We’re diving into the design and development of the tools that have transformed data science and statistical programming — with none other than Dr Hadley Wickham. Hadley is the Chief Scientist at Posit (formerly RStudio), where he leads the Tidyverse team. This team is behind some of the most widely used open-source packages in the R programming la…

1
Sociological Theory - Beyond Polarization: Right-Wing News as a Quasi-religious Phenomenon 18:28

7d ago18:28

18:28

Authors Marcus Mann and Daniel Winchester discuss the article "Beyond Polarization: Right-Wing News as a Quasi-religious Phenomenon," published in the June 2025 issue of Sociological Theory.

1
JAMES LINDSAY - America's Hidden Enemy: The Battle for the Soul of Western Civilization 3:25:51

20d ago3:25:51

3:25:51

James Lindsay is an author and founder of "New Discourses," and he's studied the influence of Gnostic ideas on Western politics and culture. In this conversation, he explains how ancient mystical traditions transformed during the Enlightenment into social and political movements that promise to elevate humanity to higher levels of consciousness. Li…

1
American Sociological Review - Frame Backfire: The Trouble with Civil Rights Appeals in the Contemporary United States 15:48

12d ago15:48

15:48

Authors Fabiana Silva, Irene Bloemraad, and Kim Voss discuss the article, "Frame Backfire: The Trouble with Civil Rights Appeals in the Contemporary United States," published in the June 2025 issue of American Sociological Review.

51
Journal of Health and Social Behavior - Racial Capitalism and Black–White Health Inequities in the United States: The Case of the 2008 Financial Crisis 13:15

21d ago13:15

13:15

Author Reed DeAngelis discusses the article, "Racial Capitalism and Black–White Health Inequities in the United States: The Case of the 2008 Financial Crisis," published in the June 2025 issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

1
150 Years of Border Control: The Legacy of the 1875 Page Act 1:27:13

14d ago1:27:13

1:27:13

Recorded on April 23, 2025, this event marked the 150th anniversary of the Page Act of 1875, one of the first federal laws to restrict immigration to the United States — especially Asian immigration, as the law prohibited the importation of Asian contract workers, prostitutes (a provision targeted against Chinese women), and criminals. The interdis…

1
Socius - Racial Identification Switching and Health among Mothers in California 12:24

15d ago12:24

12:24

Author Brenda Bustos discusses the article, "Racial Identification Switching and Health among Mothers in California" published in Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World.

1
Due Process and A New Pope (These are mostly unrelated topics) 48:08

16d ago48:08

48:08

Today we talk about the death of Pope Francis, may he rest in peace, and the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost to the papacy. We also discuss due process under the 5th and 14th Amendments.By Steve and Kim

1
COURTENAY TURNER - Decoding the Matrix: Exposing the Cybernetic Web Trapping Humanity 2:15:24

27d ago2:15:24

2:15:24

Courtenay Turner is a podcast host and aerial acrobatic performer who studies esoteric influences on modern society. In our conversation she explains how algorithms create feedback loops that program people's perceptions, connecting topics from education reform to transhumanism. She traces philosophical movements like Game B and Dark Enlightenment …

1
From Silo to Solution: Unlocking climate & social data that can drive change 39:04

20d ago39:04

39:04

Researchers and decision-makers face a familiar challenge: data exists, but it’s often locked away. Once research is published, the underlying data and analysis frequently vanish into private repositories—accessible only through time-consuming permissions or technical expertise. For those working on urgent issues like climate change and public heal…

1
Matrix on Point: The New Gender Gap 1:01:25

20d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Are we witnessing a backlash to the progress of gender equality around the world? New research reveals a growing gender gap in attitudes across a range of topics, particularly striking among younger generations. From polarized views on social issues to contrasting expectations regarding marriage and family, this divergence in outlook between gender…

1
"Mic Was Never Meant to Be a Muzzle" 2:19

1M ago2:19

2:19

"Mic Was Never Meant to Be a Muzzle" is a raw spoken word piece that exposes how hip hop’s revolutionary spirit was stolen, sold, and weaponized. It’s a eulogy for the culture’s exploitation — and a battle cry for its true soul, still alive beneath the surface.

1
WILL SPENCER - A New Chapter: Personal Announcements and Podcast Evolution 12:00

28d ago12:00

12:00

This episode marks a key moment in my journey, as I share the joyful news of my engagement to Tamara! This is also a milestone that dovetails with the evolution of this podcast. I'm also announcing a shift in the format of the show, specifically discontinuing my extended monologue intros. They may no longer serve the intended purpose of honoring my…

1
Authors Meet Critics: "Native Lands: Culture and Gender in Indigenous Territorial Claims" 1:22:28

29d ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Recorded on April 4, 2025, this video features an Authors Meet Critics panel on the book Native Lands: Culture and Gender in Indigenous Territorial Claims, by Shari Huhndorf, Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Professor Shari Huhndorf was joined in conversation by Lauren Kroiz, Associate Professor of History of Art at UC Berkeley, and Luan…

1
Ep. 72 | Cooked Nervous System: Why Your Body Rejects Your Health Protocols 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

You train consistently. You're all about the ice baths, sauna sessions, and you've got shelves full of supplements. Your diet is on point, and you've tried meditation, breathwork, and maybe even plant medicine. So why the hell do you still feel wired, anxious, and unable to sit still? Why are you still waking up at 3 AM with your mind racing? In th…

1
ALY DEE - Ending The Gender Wars: Faith, Family, and the Realities of Social Media Influence 2:23:06

1M ago2:23:06

2:23:06

Aly Dee aka RealFemSapien joined the podcast to discuss motherhood, marriage, and the unexpected vulnerability new mothers face after childbirth. She explained how having children reveals fundamental differences between men and women, often testing marriages in ways couples aren't prepared for. Aly also shared how social media can negatively impact…

1
Contemporary Sociology - The Digital Departed: How We Face Death, Commemorate Life, and Chase Virtual Immortality 13:16

1M ago13:16

13:16

Author Timothy Recuber discusses the book, The Digital Departed: How We Face Death, Commemorate Life, and Chase Virtual Immortality, reviewed in the May 2025 issue of Contemporary Sociology by Stefan Timmermans.

1
Ep. 71 | Parenting Outside The Matrix: Raising Self-Led Kids in a System-Dependent World 47:35

1M ago47:35

47:35

Let's cut through the crap about parenting, while everyone keeps saying our kids hold us back, you and I know that's total bullshit. In this episode, I'm diving into why our children aren't obstacles but our biggest mirrors and teachers. I get real about my struggles with my strong-willed daughter (which I actually love about her), why the system w…

1
MATTHEW EVERHARD - Making Worship Work: Confronting the Culture of Worshiptainment 1:44:19

2M ago1:44:19

1:44:19

Matthew Everhard, a PCA pastor and author, emphasizes the crucial distinction between worship that honors God and the increasingly popular trend of "worshiptainment" that prioritizes entertainment over reverence. In our discussion, we dig into his recent book, "Worshiptainment: The Modern Church's Golden Calf," where he critiques contemporary worsh…

1
“She Was Never the Weapon” 1:42

2M ago1:42

1:42

“She Was Never the Weapon” is a spoken word piece that rips the veil off a centuries-old strategy—how systemic power turned Black love into collateral damage. This piece isn’t just a performance. It’s a reckoning. A reclaiming. A call for healing between Black men and women, not as strangers divided by design, but as soul-bound survivors with the p…

1
Social, Spatial, Ecological, and Racial fixes in New Deal South Carolina: Interview with Morgan Vickers 44:05

1M ago44:05

44:05

For this episode of the Matrix Podcast, recorded in Fall 2023, Julia Sizek interviewed Morgan P. Vickers, an Assistant Professor of Race/Racialization in the Department of Law, Societies & Justice at the University of Washington. Vickers received their Ph.D. in Geography from the University of California, Berkeley, and their B.A. in American Studie…

1
Consequential Sentences: Computational Analyses of California Parole Hearing Transcripts 1:03:06

1M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Recorded on April 1, 2025, this video features a talk by AJ Alvero, a computational sociologist at Cornell University, presenting findings from an analysis of parole hearing transcripts in California. This talk is part of a symposium series presented by the UC Berkeley Computational Research for Equity in the Legal System Training Program (CRELS), …

1
Alex Roehrkasse: The New Contours of Mass Incarceration 1:04:13

1M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Recorded on March 18, 2025, this video features a talk by Alexander F. Roehrkasse, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Butler University. Roehrkasse’s research focuses on inequality, victimization, punishment, families and children, and quantitative and historical methods. His work has been published in the American Sociological Rev…

1
Ep. 70 | Israeli Loyalty Test: When Questioning Israel Becomes a Crime 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

Trump's team is threatening to pull $2.2 billion from Harvard unless they accept rules that make criticising Israel basically illegal. And no, this isn't about protecting Jewish students from hate, it's about controlling what Americans can say about a foreign government. Why is Israel the only country where questioning their influence gets you labe…

1
JASON MIRONCHUCK - Devouring Mothers, Vengeful Sons: The Impact of Liberalism on Modern Men 2:15:39

2M ago2:15:39

2:15:39

Jason Mironchuck, host of Mironchuck Now, presents a compelling thesis regarding the current societal shift towards what he terms “vengeful sons.” Together we explore the intricate dynamics of cultural transformation, tracing a trajectory from the oppressive “tyrannical father” archetype, through the “devouring mother,” and into the present state c…

1
Blackwire : Breaking the Code 4:11

2M ago4:11

4:11

An Unfiltered Speech on Black Division & Racial Programming In this raw and uncompromising solo episode, Ghost Matrix delivers a powerful speech that rips the mask off the system designed to keep Black people divided—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. From slavery to the modern-day media machine, this episode traces the deliberate programming …

1
E1 - Time To Know 7:19

2M ago7:19

7:19

The UFO conversation is bigger than ever. With governments releasing declassified reports, new sightings making headlines, military whistleblowers confessing to strange activities, and strange reports on the local news, we can’t ignore it any longer. It is time to know the UFO & ET truth. That’s why UFO & ET 101 is here—to give you the essential kn…

1
#28: Multistakeholder Recommender Systems with Robin Burke 1:35:07

2M ago1:35:07

1:35:07

In episode 28 of Recsperts, I sit down with Robin Burke, professor of information science at the University of Colorado Boulder and a leading expert with over 30 years of experience in recommender systems. Together, we explore multistakeholder recommender systems, fairness, transparency, and the role of recommender systems in the age of evolving ge…

1
PASTOR DOUG WILSON - The Basic Laws of Stupidity: Institution Building and the Dank Right During Trump 47 1:17:42

2M ago1:17:42

1:17:42

Pastor Doug Wilson joins for the 6th edition of Will & Doug's Book Club, this time with a discussion about the impact of human folly as articulated in Carlo Cipolla's book, "The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity." The book explores the nature of stupidity, its pervasive presence across all demographics, and its implications for institutional building a…

1
Matrix on Point: Mainstreaming Psychedelics 1:17:47

2M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Psychedelics are steadily moving from the fringes of counterculture to the heart of mainstream society, driven by a growing body of research and shifting public perception. Once relegated to underground movements, substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA are now being explored for their potential in treating mental health conditions such as depres…

1
CERN & The War on Consciousness 28:50

2M ago28:50

28:50

Step beyond the veil with 3rdeyeviZion Media as we crack open the hidden truths behind CERN, quantum experiments, and the unseen battle for human consciousness. In this mind-expanding episode, we explore the secrets buried beneath the Large Hadron Collider, the spiritual implications of particle collisions, and how elite agendas may be weaponizing …

1
MIKE GENDRON - Responding to Rome: Embracing the Bible's Authority Over Religious Doctrine 1:17:40

2M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Mike Gendron joins the podcast to discuss the critical issue of salvation and the teachings of the Catholic Church. He shares his journey from being a devout Catholic to becoming a biblical apologist, emphasizing the stark contrast between Catholic doctrine and scriptural truths regarding salvation. Gendron argues that many evangelicals are leaving…

1
Ep. 69 | The Potent Work I’ve Been Creating Behind the Scenes (Finally Revealed) 42:37

2M ago42:37

42:37

You’ve already done all the “right” things, breathwork, therapy, mindset coaching, saunas, ice baths, and every healthy diet under the sun. You’re killing it on paper. People say you make it look easy. But in stillness, you feel like a pressure cooker. Fidgety. Restless. Anxious AF. This episode is the reveal. Calibrated AF is my new 12-week 1:1 ne…

1
Bloodlines of the Anunnaki: Are They Still Among Us 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

Could the Anunnaki be responsible for shaping human civilization? Some researchers believe they played a role in our evolution, possibly even creating humanity through genetic manipulation. We examine ancient texts, Sumerian tablets, and alternative history theories.

1
The Truth about Magaret Sanger 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

Margaret Sanger’s legacy is complex and controversial. While she is widely credited for pioneering birth control and advocating for women’s reproductive rights, her involvement with the eugenics movement has raised serious concerns. Sanger promoted the idea of limiting reproduction among certain populations, including the poor, disabled, and margin…

1
DR. JARED LONGSHORE - Why Young Men are Lost: Masculinity and Holiness in the Modern Age 1:11:01

3M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Dr. Jared Longshore, Associate Pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and the Dean of New St. Andrews College, explores the pressing issues facing young Christian men in today's society. In this discussion, he highlights the detrimental effects of modern cultural influences on masculinity and the importance of adhering to timeless standards of C…

1
Message to the Young Black Man 2:31

3M ago2:31

2:31

Message to the Young Black Man is a powerful and inspirational call to action, urging young Black men to believe in themselves, respect themselves, and live with honor. It emphasizes the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades over the destructive paths of the streets. The message challenges harmful influences in music and ent…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Social Science Matrix Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen