Decoding the Gurus

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 economic and mathematical genius revealing what THEY don’t want you to know on YouTube, and a pragmatic but selfless political activist who oversimplifies complex problems and sacrifices nuance (and himself) in the name of urgent reform. Despite insisting that he hates fame and has no desire to promote his best-selling book or be a popular YouTuber, Gary takes the time to remind us all of how often he’s recognised on the street and precisely how many millions of views his channel racks up each month. These are depressingly familiar guru tropes, as are his sweeping claims that you can’t trust politicians, economists, academics, journalists, the media, his old colleagues… or even graphs. Gary’s core message that growing inequality is economically and politically unsustainable is an important one. And his ability to communicate the stakes of that problem to a large audience could be beneficial. So the criticism lies not with his stated goals but with the guru-tastic packaging and unwillingness to deal with complexity. Luckily, there is a solution... Gary. Only he and his YouTube channel can save your grandchildren from abject poverty and Nigel Farage. And if you doubt him, just look at how many millions he made for himself and the bank with his uncanny predictions… or those monthly viewer stats. Oh, and did we mention he has an elite education from LSE? Links * #89 GARY STEVENSON - Economics, Trading, Inequality, Wealth, Populism, Tax, Depolarize [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQMuto9wdg8]. * Zucman, G. (2015). The hidden wealth of nations: The scourge of tax havens. In The hidden wealth of nations. University of Chicago Press. [https://gabriel-zucman.eu/hidden-wealth/] * Francis-Devine, B. (2025). Income inequality in the UK. House of Commons Library. [https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7484/CBP-7484.pdf] * Francis-Devine, B. (2025). Wealth in Great Britain. House of Commons Library. [https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7484/CBP-7484.pdf]

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 Unity, Eric's homegrown Theory of Everything, is on par with String Theory, if not better, since it wastes less money! This episode takes a critical look at those claims and Sabine's own heated rhetoric and performative outrage, examining how her defence of Eric aligns with a broader online anti-science contrarian ecosystem. So join us as we ponder whether Sabine is a brave, truth-telling rebel challenging a stagnant scientific orthodoxy and defending an honest man who is under attack for simply daring to question the powers that be... or whether she is just another contrarian YouTuber pandering to anti-science sentiment, defending fellow influencers, and playing the game of algorithm-driven clickbait outrage. Links - Sabine Hossenfelder: Physicists are afraid of Eric Weinstein -- and they should be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiFYcuoK490] - Sabine Hossenfelder: Do we need a Theory of Everything? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdu9KvLxHFg] - Decoding the Gurus: Sabine Hossenfelder: Science is a Liar ... Sometimes [https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episode/sabine-hossenfelder-science-is-a-liar-sometimes] - Professor Dave Explains: Sabine Hossenfelder Joins the Eric Weinstein Damage Control Parade [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EERX9QyS-Xc] - Sabine cheers on Bryan Johnson on Twitter [https://x.com/skdh/status/1948020384244080928] - Tim Nguyen discusses Sabine's response on Twitter [https://x.com/IAmTimNguyen/status/1946151197078909042] - Dr. Brian Keating: What Is A Theory of Everything? Featuring Sabine Hossenfelder, Lee Smolin, & Eric Weinstein [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saamEkrBZfM]

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 Introductory Banter: Old Squeaky and Matt's Wall 04:40 Mecha Hitler's rampage 07:46 Grok's Controversial Behavior 11:12 Linda Yaccarino's grinning departure from X 13:05 Elmo's anti-semitic conspiracy tirade 14:11 Connor McGregor taints the timeline 15:03 Eric joins Diary of a CEO to give some advice 23:07 The Weinstein enigma 28:11 Eric Weinstein on Jeffrey Epstein 33:02 Eric vs. Mick West Round 2 35:15 Plastic Bag Wearing Philosophers, Pornographic AI Companions, and Neo-Liberalism  41:45 Weinstein vs Sean Carrol: Further Developments 43:57 Professor Dave's New Video on Eric with Christian Ferko 50:44 A Physicist's view of Geometric Unity 54:06 Debating Prof. Dave on Eric's Motivations 59:04 Peter Thiel and Ross Douhat on the Antichrist 01:08:31 Professor Dave Summarises Eric 01:20:49 Mockery and Different Styles of Criticism 01:25:18 Jeffrey Epstein Scandal Introduction 01:28:09 Trump's Response and Conspiracy Theories 01:31:18 Andrew Schulz' Cognitive Dissonance 01:38:32 Trump's Deep State Assassination Attempt 01:40:01 Megyn Kelly has another explanation 01:46:15 The Court Intrigues of MAGA 01:50:02 The Epstein Online Economy 01:57:54 Tim Pool's spin: It's the Democrats! 02:00:26 Destiny and Contrapoints get Conspiracy Theories 02:01:53 The Weinstein takes on Epstein: Welcome to the Infinite Truman Show 02:03:33 Scott Adams' Take: A Commander In Chief Issue 02:04:42 Epstein: The Foreign Agent? 02:07:20 Coffeezilla's Anomaly Hunting 02:11:47 Destiny Reacting to Coffeezilla and the Fluidity of Conspiracies 02:18:06 Doing Your Own Research on the Acosta Quote 02:20:29 Epstein Takes From QAnon Anonymous to Red Scare  02:25:18 Critical Evaluation of Claims: Consulting Reports on Epstein's Suicide 02:35:55 Hasan demonstrates responsible Conspiracy Hypothesising 02:39:34 New Conspiracy Lore 02:42:19 Tribal Matters 02:43:31 Matt's Gaming Grotto: Baldurs Gates, Dwarf Fortresses, and Rogue Traders 02:53:40 Matt's Sick Mind 02:54:57 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (2hrs 57 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus [https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus] Sources * Jeremy Howard’s Tweet [https://x.com/jeremyphoward/status/1943436621556466171] * Mecha Hitler Twitter (The Guardian) [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/09/grok-ai-praised-hitler-antisemitism-x-ntwnfb] * Elmo Hacked (The Guardian) [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/14/elmo-x-account-hacked] * Conor McGregor Shares Unsolicited Pics (Daily Mail) [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mma/article-14910263/Conor-McGregor-Azealia-Banks-nude-cheating-scandal.html] * Stephen Bartlett Reprimanded by ASA (Marketing Week) [https://www.marketingweek.com/steven-barlett-huel-zoe-ad-ban/] * Eric Being Mysterious with Mick West (Twitter) [https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1941617811438305343] * Mick West Replies to Eric (Twitter) [https://x.com/MickWest/status/1941625724399735286] * Novara Media: Kneecap, Masculinity & Techno w/ Blindboy (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjmXzFQl4xI] * Eric’s Rebuttal Tweet to Sean Carroll [https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1929021614177345680] * Professor Dave Explains: Eric Weinstein Walks Into a Bar... (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz7Trp5rTOY] * A.I., Mars & Immortality | Ross Douthat (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV7YgnPUxcU] * Goodwork Parody of Thiel’s PR Agent (YouTube Shorts) [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/--CmM8SKtCs] * Podcast Cringe: Andrew Schulz & Epstein Files (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlRIdYYN_nk] * Contrapoints: CONSPIRACY (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teqkK0RLNkI] * Voidzilla: Epstein Footage Was Modified (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZUg5E8ctaM] * Daily Beast: Epstein’s Sick Story [https://www.thedailybeast.com/jeffrey-epsteins-sick-story-played-out-for-years-in-plain-sight/] * QAnon Anonymous Ep 332: The Great Epstein Backstab [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-epstein-backstab-e332/id1428209307?i=1000717266779] * Red Scare Podcast: Grok of Shit [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grok-of-shit/id1364798971?i=1000716885681] * NPR: Jean-Luc Brunel Found Dead [https://www.npr.org/2022/02/19/1081961087/jeffrey-epstein-jean-luc-brunel-dead] * Destiny: FBI Releases Epstein Footage (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVO5G-i_Lug] * HasanAbi Archive: Epstein Cover-Up (YouTube) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--z5aEjW9xg] * Some Dare Call it Conspiracy Podcast: Epstein Series [https://www.somedarecallitconspiracy.com/]

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 whether Matt's mind has been blown. We also consider important issues like the Buddha's retractable penis, incredibly long tongue, and just how strongly we should condemn monks scribbling pictures of their would-be brides. So join us in the cycle of samsara as we strive to earn some merit and at least crawl a little closer to enlightenment. Book Reviewed * Lopez, D. S. (2025). Buddhism: A Journey through History. Yale University Press. Required Readings - Buddhism A Journey Through History 00:00 Introduction to Decoding Academia 01:51 Current Book Selection: Buddhism a Journey Through History 02:56 Initial Impressions and Apologies 06:00 Buddhism's Complexities and Contradictions 07:59 Western Perceptions vs. Historical Realities 11:27 The Historical Buddha? 17:09 Buddhist Approaches to Texts 22:09 Comparisons with Other Religions 26:38 Orthopraxic Buddhism 29:53 Petty Buddhism 34:20 Matt's Religion Hot Take 37:17 Ashoka: The Buddhist King? 39:02 Buddhism's Syncretic Nature 39:35 The Syncretic Approach 42:49 Anti-Colonial Buddhism 43:44 Buddhist Modernism and Science 46:58 The Buddhist Canon 51:26 Matt's History Thoughts 53:06 Buddhism's Cultural and Social Role 55:55 Gods and Supernatural Beings 56:48 The Attitude towards Women 59:36 The Value of Buddhism 01:03:35 Religions as Cultural Technologies with Social Functions 01:05:54 Monastic Issues 01:12:51 Religious Motivations 01:14:38 Outro The full episode is available for Patreon subscribers (1hr 17 mins). Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus [https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus]

In this academic-themed interview episode of Decoding the Gurus, Matt and Chris sit down to chat with Dorsa Amir and Chaz Firestone [https://instagram.com/chazfirestone/] (@chazfirestone [https://x.com/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 the gurus about academic groupthink and closed-minded silos, Dorsa and Chaz discuss the interdisciplinary nature of their work, debates around universal vs. culturally specific psychology, and the strength of evidence that visual perception varies between cultures. We also learn about the dangers of being STUPID: Studying Topics Uninformed by Prior Investigations in the Discipline, and attempt to uncover just how much Chaz enjoys popping balloons. A fun one that might even leave you a little bit more optimistic than usual! Links * Amir, D., & Firestone, C. (2025). Is visual perception WEIRD? The Müller-Lyer illusion and the cultural byproduct hypothesis. Psychological Review. [https://perception.jhu.edu/files/PDFs/25_MullerLyer/AmirFirestone_MullerLyer_2025_PsychReview.pdf] * Dorsa's Homepage [https://www.dorsaamir.com/] and Mind and Culture Lab [https://www.mindandculturelab.com/]. * Chaz's Perception & Mind Lab Homepage [https://perception.jhu.edu/], his instagram [https://instagram.com/chazfirestone/], and his BJJ victory video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvI95E7Y3pQ]. * Decoding Academia 33: The Great Müller-Lyer Debate from Fish Tanks to Eye Operations [https://decoding-the-gurus.captivate.fm/episode/decoding-academia-33-the-great-muller-lyer-debate-from-fish-tanks-to-eye-operations-patreon-preview] * Mickey Inzlicht's Substack on the Paper and the Debates around it. [https://www.speakandregret.michaelinzlicht.com/p/keep-cognitive-psychology-weird] * Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world?. Behavioral and brain sciences, 33(2-3), 61-83. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20550733/] * Lucca, K., Yuen, F., Wang, Y., Alessandroni, N., Allison, O., Alvarez, M., ... & Hamlin, J. K. (2025). Infants’ Social Evaluation of Helpers and Hinderers: A Large‐Scale, Multi‐Lab, Coordinated Replication Study. Developmental Science, 28(1), e13581. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/desc.13581#]