Best Josh Smack Podcasts (2025)

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A Sense-Making Odyssey, Part 2: Jordan Peterson, John Vervaeke & Jordan Hall 2:36:42

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1d ago2:36:42

2:36:42

Matt and Chris once again take up their oars and plunge deeper into the recursive whirlpools of contemporary sensemaking. Picking up where Part 1 left off, having grappled with conscience, touchstones, hierarchies, and normativity, we return to the sensemaking labyrinth to see just how many more words and concepts the combined powers of Peterson, V…

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The Truth About Cigars in Politics (Josh Habursky Tells All) 54:41

3d ago54:41

54:41

On this episode of Not A Cigar Show, we sit down with Josh Habursky, Deputy Executive Director of the PCA and the guy fighting the political battles to keep premium cigars in your humidor. From ridiculous regulations to behind-the-scenes lobbying wins, Josh shares what’s really going on in Washington—and why it matters to every cigar smoker. If you…

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Supplementary Material 37: Public Murder Discourse, Heterodox Psychodramas, and Generous Tit for Tat-ers 41:48

4d ago41:48

41:48

Why are we never invited to these dinners? We wonder if it was something we said or if our invitation just got lost in the mail, as we endure the inevitable discourse wave that followed in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder. The full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (2 hours, 21 minutes). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGur…

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A Sense-Making Odyssey, Part 1: Jordan Peterson, John Vervaeke & Jordan Hall 2:15:09

13d ago2:15:09

2:15:09

Join Matt and Chris as they enter an intellectual labyrinth of recursive sensemaking featuring the combined insights of Jordan Peterson, John Vervaeke, and Jordan Hall. You will learn about many, many deep and complex concepts and puzzle over definitions of conscience, the vertical hierarchy, value, normativity, goals & ideals, quests, the ultimate…

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Laurel Tilley Unfiltered | Not A Cigar Show – Cigar Press Magazine 59:24

14d ago59:24

59:24

In this episode of Not A Cigar Show, we sit down with Laurel Tilley, one of the most recognizable and outspoken voices in the cigar world. Laurel shares behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, her journey into cigars, and the realities of life on the road representing major brands. Expect plenty of laughs, a little cigar geekery, and some brut…

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Supplementary Material 36: Comedy Cults, Toxic Mould, and WW2 Revisionism 45:37

29d ago45:37

45:37

We risk contamination with toxic mould, endure distressing initiation rituals to a comedy cult, and ponder if the narratives we have received about the Nazis have enough nuance. The full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (2 hours, 21 minutes). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Supplementary Material 36 00:00 Introductio…

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Supplementary Material 35: Cult Leaders, Gurus, and Evil Economists 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

We face a disciplinary crisis as the twin pillars of Game Theory and Gurometry are called into question. The full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (1 hour, 35 minutes). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus Supplementary Material 35 00:05 Introduction 01:52 Matt's Apology 06:55 Just Life... 12:34 Matt's Foodie Corner 14:01…

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Naval Ravikant: Predictable Polemics and Empty Aphorisms 3:08:40

1M ago3:08:40

3:08:40

In this watery simulation of an episode, Matt and Chris uncover the true purpose of Scott Adams’ existence: not to shape reality, but to provide training data for future AIs working on plumbing-related problems. Somewhere in a cosmic server farm, Scott is endlessly confronted with blocked drains, dripping faucets, and municipal water conspiracies, …

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Not A Cigar Show: Jack Heyer (Camacho Cigars) 1:12:08

1M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

On this episode of Not A Cigar Show, we sit down with Jack Heyer, Product Manager at Camacho Cigars. From bold blends to behind-the-scenes stories, Jack brings a fresh perspective and plenty of laughs. If you’re into Camacho, premium cigars, or just love hearing the unfiltered side of the industry, you’ll want to light up and enjoy this conversatio…

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Exploring the Manosphere with James Bloodworth 1:19:39

2M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the potent juices of the manosphere with British journalist and author James Bloodworth. James recently published Lost Boys: A Personal Journey Through the Manosphere and takes us on a whirlwind tour of various misogynistic and anti-feminist subcultures, including pickup artists, incels, and the blue, red, a…

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Supplementary Material 34: Giants, Grifters, and Google Eyed Loons 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

We drown in waves of ideological fluidity as the gurusphere continues to crash all around us. Supplementary Material 34 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Irish Stew and Dog Exercise Report 03:45 A new 276 IQ Genius 11:47 Fresh and Fit Antisemitism 16:51 Are things getting dumber? 21:22 Asmongold on the Epstein Files 24:53 Epstein Conspiratorial Discourse he…

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No Filter: Skip Martin Sounds Off on Cigars, Tariffs & Tech 1:20:46

2M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

In this episode of Not a Cigar Show (from CigarPress.com), we sit down with Skip Martin, the outspoken and unfiltered co-founder of RoMa Craft Tobac. Known for his bold takes and no-BS attitude, Skip dives into everything from boutique cigar culture to international tariffs, manufacturing challenges, and what really grinds his gears in the cigar wo…

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A Return to Gary World 3:41:20

2M ago3:41:20

3:41:20

In this exhausting deep dive, Matt and Chris take a break from counting their billionaire stipends to devote (what some might call) an inordinate amount of time to Gary Stevenson’s recent appearance with a challenging interviewer: Tomás from Despolariza. They grapple with the indeterminacy of Schrödinger’s Gary, who oscillates between being an econ…

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Mini Decoding: Sabine's Contrarian Outrage- How Dare You Criticise Eric! 59:02

2M ago59:02

59:02

In this mini-decoding, Matt and Chris examine Sabine Hossenfelder's recent fervent defence of Eric Weinstein and her sharp rebuke of his critics, including Sean Carroll. Sabine suggests that Eric poses a genuine threat to the physics establishment and that he is terrifying them by exposing their weak points. Moreover, according to Sabine, Geometric…

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Cigars, Social Media, & Smack Talk – Lauren Koper Fires Back 53:01

2M ago53:01

53:01

In this episode straight from www.cigarpress.com, we hang out with Lauren Koper, National Sales Executive and Community Manager at Micallef Cigars. Known for her vibrant energy, genuine love of cigars, and strong connection with the cigar community, Lauren shares her journey into the industry and the passion that drives her work. From building mean…

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Erik Espinosa Talks Cigars, Culture & Chaos 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

In this episode from CigarPress.com, we sit down with the one and only Erik Espinosa, the mastermind behind Espinosa Cigars. Known for his bold blends, no-nonsense personality, and infectious energy, Erik dives into everything from the early days of Espinosa Cigars to what makes his brand stand out in today’s competitive cigar world. Whether you’re…

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Supplementary Material 33: Weinstein Enigmas, The Epstein Conspiracies, and Dwarves punching ducks 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

In this packed supplementary episode, we tackle all of the urgent global issues, ranging from Epstein file conspiracies to Matt’s immense love of a fantasy game where dwarves punch ducks for fun. Along the way, we’re joined by a stellar cast of commentators, including some old favourites. Strap in… it’s a long one. Supplementary Material 33 00:00 I…

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Rafael Nodal Talks Pizza, Passion & Premium Cigars 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

Join Fred Rewey (www.CigarPress.com) as he sits down for a casual chat with Rafael Nodal. Cigars, travel, and...wait for it...pizza are all on the table! In this episode, we sit down with Rafael Nodal, the creative force behind Aging Room Cigars and an industry icon known for his artistry in blending. Rafael shares his incredible journey from Cuba …

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Inside Powstanie and Cigar Hustler – Mike Szczepankiewicz Talks Shop 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

In this episode, we (www.CigarPress.com) sit down with Mike Szczepankiewicz, the owner of Cigar Hustler and the creative mind behind Powstanie Cigars. Known for his straight-shooting style, sharp humor, and passion for the craft, Mike dives into the realities of running a successful cigar business – from retail to blending – and building a loyal ci…

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Required Readings: Buddhism - A Journey Through History 28:53

3M ago28:53

28:53

In this episode of "Decoding Academia: Required Readings", Chris and Matt take a joint stroll through the history of Buddhism through Donald S. Lopez Jr.'s latest book, 'Buddhism: A Journey Through History.' We discuss the unexpected historical and cultural facets of Buddhism, how modern interpretations can often romanticise ancient practices, and …

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Mind, Culture & Visual Illusions: Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone on Visual Illusions 1:06:48

3M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this academic-themed interview episode of Decoding the Gurus, Matt and Chris sit down to chat with Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone (@chazfirestone) about their recent paper 'Is Visual Perception WEIRD? The Müller-Lyer Illusion and the Cultural Byproduct Hypothesis.' In a conversation that serves as a welcome tonic to the endless lamentations of th…

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Supplementary Material 32: A Shower of Bastards 37:24

3M ago37:24

37:24

We wallow in the mud with some of the worst gurus of the gurusphere. Join us and lament the guru paradise that we all live in. Supplementary Material 32 00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:22 Old Squeaky and Daily Life 03:53 Matthew McConaughey Episode Recap 08:13 The Liver King Controversy 16:14 Nazi Propaganda on YouTube 21:11 Historical Revisionism…

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La Flor Dominicana & Beyond with Eddy Guerra 1:19:38

3M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

In this episode, Fred Rewey (CigarPress.com) is joined by Eddy Guerra, a dynamic voice in the cigar industry, formerly with Davidoff Cigars and now with La Flor Dominicana (LFD). Eddy’s journey is full of bold moves, creative marketing, and a deep passion for crafting unforgettable cigar experiences. From his time shaping Davidoff’s branding to his…

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Matthew McConaughey: Selling is Love! 3:30:12

3M ago3:30:12

3:30:12

In this episode, Matt and Chris try to get from where they are to where they want to be, accepting their hidden strengths and dismantling their egos as they immerse themselves fully in the wild world of Matthew McConaughey's burgeoning self-help empire. Join them as they uncover the true Art of Livin’ and learn how it is that an Academy Award-winni…

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Decoding Academia 33: The Great Müller-Lyer Debate from Fish Tanks to Eye Operations Patreon Preview 1:02:48

3M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Decoding Academia. In this bonus preview of our highly secretive Patreon content, we are discussing a controversial paper by Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone that challenges the established notion of the Müller-Lyer illusion being a product of cultural environments. Prepare yourself for some high-level discus…

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Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists 46:16

3M ago46:16

46:16

We venture into the darker corners of the gurusphere and marvel at some very, very brave individuals, their valiant efforts to play devil's advocate, and some world-class discourse surfing skills. Join us, won't you? Supplementary Material 31: Aquatic Nightmares, Strategic Obliviousness, & Race Realists 00:00 Introduction & Ol Squeaky Cameo 02:57 M…

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Shamanism and the Art of Charismatic Otherness with Manvir Singh 1:21:34

4M ago1:21:34

1:21:34

The Decoders welcome back cognitive anthropologist Manvir Singh for a continued exploration into the social and cognitive dimensions of shamanism. Building upon their earlier conversation, this episode involves further discussion of the psychological mechanisms and cultural patterns that make shamanic practices a recurring feature across human soci…

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Trump vs. Elon: The Gurusphere Reacts 25:32

4M ago25:32

25:32

There’s been a disturbance in the Gurusphere. Two of its central objects of worship are feuding. The guru’s guru, Elon Musk, and the MAGA God-King, Donald Trump, have finally turned on each other, trading blows on social media. In this mini supplementary episode, Matt and Chris survey the shockwaves rippling through the Gurusphere as these titanic …

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Supplementary Material 30: Decoding Irish Stew, Owl Hate, and Hypothetical Avoidance 44:41

4M ago44:41

44:41

Prepare for a hearty mix of culinary tips, avoidance of hypothetical scenarios, and the usual guru grievances. Will Jordan Peterson ever admit he's a Christian? Is it ever truly possible to understand Sam Harris AND still disagree with him? And where does Joe Rogan's primal hate for owls come in? Tune in for at least some of the answers to these pr…

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Eric Weinstein vs. Sean Carroll: Pomp & Fury 2:08:22

4M ago2:08:22

2:08:22

In this medium-decoding episode, Matt and Chris turn their attention to an unlikely venue for cutting-edge theoretical physics: Piers Morgan Uncensored. There, Eric Weinstein, renegade genius and uber guru, squares off with Sean Carroll, an actual physicist and popular science communicator, in what might generously be called a “debate.” Eric brings…

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Supplementary Material 29: Sensemaking Evolved Relationship Constellations, Woke Lucifer, and Cancerous Outrage 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

We enter the ontological in-between to try and spin up our paradigms to understand the next stage in relationship technology, the horrific damage of modern medicine, how Lucifer connects with wokeness, and the joys of bonding over outgroup hate. This one is a doozy... Supplementary Material 28 00:00 Introduction - On Dogs and Dough 04:37 Next Requi…

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The All-In Podcast: How Tech Titans Besties Saved the World 3:00:53

4M ago3:00:53

3:00:53

Fresh from unbuckling their seatbelts on the Gliding Guru luxury jet and mooring the show’s mega-yacht, our decoders are feeling an unexpected surge of empathy for their last decoding subject, Gary Stevenson. It turns out that a bit of jet-lagged decadence really hones one's sensitivity to wealth inequality. Or maybe it’s just the natural response …

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Supplementary Material 28: The Ultimate Geometric Unifying Cognitive-Theoretic Iceberg 37:41

4M ago37:41

37:41

We exercise our ethnographic muscles as we revel in the esoteric dynamics of Australian Pool Culture, the mysteries of Eric Weinstein's theories as revealed by Curt Jaimungal, and the contradictions of MAGA cultists. Supplementary Material 28 00:00 Matt's Ethnography of Australian Swimming Culture 06:19 Pool Etiquette and Social Dynamics 08:46 Mutu…

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Gurometer: Gary Stevenson 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

The podcast arrives at 'late stage' Gary discourse as Matt and Chris attempt to enter the man, the myth, and the legend, Gary Stevenson, into a reductive classification system (that once again includes no mention of inequality). The gurometer was not built to handle this level of elite education and trading acumen, and has often been dismissed by a…

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Gary Stevenson: The People's Economist 3:52:23

5M ago3:52:23

3:52:23

In this episode, Matt and Chris take a look at one of the UK’s most compelling economic crusaders: Gary Stevenson, aka Gary’s Economics. A millionaire trader turned YouTube firebrand, Gary’s message is simple and potent: wealth inequality is spiralling, the ultra-rich are hoarding everything, and economists and politicians are either complicit or c…

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Supplementary Material 27: Joe Rogan vs. Douglas Murray vs. Sam Harris vs. DTG 46:14

5M ago46:14

46:14

We immerse ourselves in the dark waves of the discourse to bring you treasures beyond mere mortal ken. Supplementary Material 27 00:00 Introduction & Australian Holidays 03:53 James Lindsay's New Revelations 07:20 Michael O'Fallon's Conspiracy Hipsterism 09:41 Trump, Bukele, and Transparent Conspiracies 11:53 The Whitehouse declares the Lab Leak is…

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Michael Shellenberger: Conspiratorial Propaganda 2:07:15

5M ago2:07:15

2:07:15

In this episode, Matt and Chris pour themselves a stiff drink and slip into the fever‑dream crossover of Jordan Peterson and Michael Shellenberger, a conversation that opens with the claim that Western Europe is now the single greatest threat to free speech; yes, croissants and GDPR apparently out‑authoritarian China and Russia. According to Shelle…

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Decoding the Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps 1:17:14

5M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

In this stunning crossover episode, Matt and Chris are joined by Australian 'media personality' and podcast host Josh Szeps for a joyful discussion of podcasts, gurusphere, and general media dynamics. As you might imagine, we discuss issues around the heterodox sphere, cultures of criticism, and the issues involved with 'platforming' controversial …

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Supplementary Material 26: Flint Dibble Interview, Bonding over Outgroup Hate, and Manly Sycophancy 1:14:04

5M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

We project our insecurities onto the gurusphere, wallowing in our inadequacy to bond over shared hatred of outgroups, and interview Flint Dibble along the way. Supplementary Material 26 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:53 Ol' Squeaky and Lex's horny poems 05:11 Eric Weinstein is still waiting for the call 09:26 Interview with Flint Dibble 11:05 …

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Lex Fridman & Douglas Murray: The Wise Man from the Land of Peace 1:22:36

6M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

In this very special decoding, Matt and Chris revisit the wisdom of the internet’s favourite philosopher-warrior/political theorist, Lex Fridman, as he dives once again into the complex realities of the Ukraine war. Joining Lex is IDW hero and conservative commentator Douglas Murray, who actually offers some sensible insights on the specific topic …

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Supplementary Material 25: Ancient Pyramids, Sesame Street Monsters, & MORE Lab Leak Discourse 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

We embrace our hybridity, stare down Lovecraftian Donkey-Dragon hybrids, and enter into true Dialogos. Supplementary Material 25 01:06 DTG Grievance Mongering 02:25 Book Club Reflections 04:09 Important Health and Lifestyle Updates 09:51 Andrew Huberman's Trail of Death 17:14 Jeff Bezos and Media Control 25:04 Another exciting round of Lab Leak Dis…

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Mini Decoding: Back in the K-Hole 1:29:09

6M ago1:29:09

1:29:09

In this very special episode, Matt and Chris, despite swearing off any further Dr. K content after their previous three-part series, find themselves bleary-eyed and once again tumbling into the familiar depths of the K-Hole. Yes, they’re back with Dr. K, everyone’s favourite enlightened Twitch non-therapy therapist, now emerging from a self-declare…

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Gurometer: Naomi Klein 33:12

6M ago33:12

33:12

In the wake of our Naomi Klein episode, the masses have spoken. And like the responsible Gurometricians that we are, we've taken your feedback to heart and thus open this episode with a series of scientific and spiritual recitations. Then it's straight back into the sweet science—and mystical art—of Gurometry, as we test how well it measures up to …

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Naomi Klein: It was Neoliberal Capitalism all along! 3:23:50

6M ago3:23:50

3:23:50

In this episode, your favourite neoliberal Decoder shills take a break from managing the decline of late-stage capitalism to examine the insights of famed writer and renegade activist Naomi Klein. The focus is her latest literary offering, Doppelganger, where Klein wrestles with the existential dread of being confused with Naomi Wolf and uses that …

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Special Supplementary Material: Two Psychologists, One Anthropologist, Three Beers 50:43

7M ago50:43

50:43

In this special quasi-crossover episode, we stare deeply into the abyss while enjoying a beverage with renowned psychologist and occasional podcast co-host, Mickey Inzlicht. P.S. The Decoding of Naomi Klein is coming next week! Two Psychologists, One Anthropologist, Three Beers 00:27 Introduction 05:57 Mickey's Sabbatical in Japan 12:13 Sensemaking…

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Supplementary Material 24: Dialogos with Greek Gods, the Metaphysics of Pepe, and Red-Pilled Embarrassment 45:56

7M ago45:56

45:56

Chris and Matt confront their inner demons, manifest their personal deities, and dive into the Onto-Logos. Supplementary Material 24 00:00 Introduction 02:32 Matt's Surprise Shaming 06:39 Jordan Peterson's Inner Monologue Revealed 10:04 Trump on Ukraine 15:22 Sean Carroll explains US cuts to science funding 16:47 Bleak Prospects for the US 24:14 Ae…

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Supplementary Material 23: Content Shark Psychology, Rorschach Tweets, and the Art of Radicalisation 33:22

7M ago33:22

33:22

Chris and Matt have their models exploded, the maps ripped up, and their minds blown as the Gurusphere expands into exciting new territory. Supplementary Material 23 02:47 Chris Williamson blows our minds! 08:57 Content Predator psychology and motivational posting 12:28 Balancing the Scales 14:07 Eric Weinstein the master of Rorschach Tweets 20:26 …

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Chris Langan: The Smartest Person in the World with a 200 IQ! 2:58:11

7M ago2:58:11

2:58:11

In this episode, Matt finally gets his revenge on Chris by dragging him deep into the eccentric world of Chris Langan—the self-proclaimed possessor of a 200 IQ and creator of The Cognitive Theoretic Model of the Universe, yet another grand unifying theory of everything. Langan presents himself as an intellectual titan, offering mathematical, social…

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Decoding Academia 32: Do Babies REALLY like good guys? 35:06

7M ago35:06

35:06

In this episode, Matt and Chris take a look at a recent developmental psychology paper on the social evaluation of young babies. Do they display a preference for agents who are nice to others or could they care less at the babbling age? This is a large-scale, multi-lab, preregistered replication effort of a rather influential paper so it ticks all …

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Supplementary Material 22: Tim Tams, Nazi Salutes, and AI Demonology 1:04:20

7M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

We immerse ourselves in the Dark Side of the Gurusphere and come out forever altered by what we've seen and praying for an escape from this demon-haunted world. 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Reverse Culture Shock in Australia 11:01 Tim Tams and Food Progress 12:14 Russia Today endorses Lex's statements on Zelensky 19:20 Elon Musk's Controversial Gesture…