Thank you so much for your review of The Telepathy Tapes! As someone who is known many nonverbal autistics over the years, your podcast outlined every concern I had about that series and did it with care and eloquence.

Where do I even begin? The ideology offered by this group is incredibly biased at best and maliciously manipulative at worst. The show appears to be run by arrogant hipster types who are desperately trying to stay relevant by publicly shaming anyone and everyone within the natural health community. Their lies by omission become abundantly clear as modern medicine is painted as the heroic savior of humanity, regardless of any corruption or ineffectiveness; and ANY alternative medicine is seen as a shameful scam regardless of its existing evidence base and propensity to help others thrive where conventional medicine has failed. These unsavory individuals prey on far-leftists who are seeking to appear intellectually and morally upright by convincing them that LITERAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS are the worst thing to ever happen to humanity, while turning a blind eye to the serious corruption and endless criminal behavior that exists within the pharmaceutical industry. Just for the record, a search for ‘supplementation’ via the sciencedirect database will yield one million results to date, an undeniable sign that supplementation is not “anti-science.” The folks running this podcast ironically spread harmful misinformation by convincing their audience that western medicine is the only proper way to maintain one’s health. An additional irony exists when one considers that this mindset reflects the ideology of scientism, which is also QUITE cult-like. The hypocrisy is endless. As a PhD candidate in research myself, all I can say is DO NOT SUBSCRIBE to this distorted and incredibly biased smear campaign against holistic medicine. As I’ve witnessed firsthand, these healing modalities can indeed be lifesaving.

I listened to the entire telepathy tapes series and I also listen to Conspirituality on a bi-weekly s. This was the first time I felt like the guys totally missed the point and didn't actually listen to the entire series and episodes. It's less about the spelling and more about the telepathy. Even if the facilitator is doing the typing -- how would they all be able to answer unanswerable questions?

Love your show. I am listening to the latest one. I tried to listen to the Telepathy tapes after a few friends found it “ inspiring” and every time I tried got so creeped out. I wondered why? I still don’t know why I feel creeped out as a reaction. I was in a few cults myself back in the day. Not anymore. (An Indian Guru, a Peruvian guru and too many Kundalini classes at one point.) Maybe I wont ever know why it creeps me out these days and then some people love to think in the magical ways still. I just feel “ icky “ these days listening to Telepathy tapes and things like that. Thanks for your show.

What to add that hasn't already been said? During shutdown I checked out this pod based on a recommendation in the NY Times and it's been a source of solace and knowledge since. Every week these 3 gentlemen engage in a conversation based in reason, objectivity, kindness, mutual respect and thorough research on some of the most urgent topics we face in this challenging time. Though all 3 met thru the yoga world, each brings with them a unique perspective and voice. I can't really pick favorites, though I have been particularly enjoying Derek Beres' briefs of late. Still one of the great podcasts in my opinion!

I’ve been listening to this podcast from the beginning. I appreciate the clarity the hosts bring to complex topics. Guests are always fantastic. Thanks, guys, for all your hard work!

These hosts are very introspective. I love that. Not afraid to really analyze an issue from all sides. This is what philosophy (epistemology - specifically) demands to find the ultimate truth. Fantastic podcast.

We need more scrutiny with all the grifters and conspiracy theories so damaging to our country. People just go so far on inciting fear in anger that gets them likes and sales it’s very problematic and I appreciate listening to some common sense.

Long time listener and enjoyer of the podcast. I really want to thank the guys for recently creating the relief project episodes. I hope this miniseries continues because it’s just as impactful, if not more, as discussing the problems of our times. It has been a reminder to me of our own agency and ability to create solutions and community, and to not give up hope. It has been very helpful when I could otherwise spiral into despair. Thank you! :)

This is a tiresome rebuttal of any number of thoughts out there, that don’t conform to mainstream media bias. Boring.

The kooks who mistakenly believe they are the saviors of the world are particularly annoying to Progressives, who just know THEY are the saviors of the world.

Pro vaccine, just a plant show used to tell everybody that the governments that vax and poison are food are really good people, the war mongers, child pedophiles at high levels don’t exist and the Jeffrey Epstein, Diddys and Weinstein are very rare. Doing the guy down unders work

Thank you for continuing to discuss Palestine and please keep it up. I know it’s difficult and uncomfortable but that’s exactly what makes it so valuable.

I appreciate the perspectives and insight - thank you!

The hosts break down lots of different events and actors in the New Age market segment (eg. Yogis, self improvement influencers, supplement pushers) and put them in a context of the historical actions, the social circles, and the (lack of) proof for the wild claims many of these actors make. The hosts include former cult members and New Age participants who now see that science is the most reliable way to verify truth, not listening to charismatic sales people while they hawk their wares.

The 1 star reviewers are butthurt conspiracy theorists. Fantastic discourse on this pod!

12 year old question. Thank you for this. Every 12 year old and plus 50 needed your answers.

I’ve listened to this for a long time and learned a lot from it. I do have to say that I skip the first few minutes every episode because hearing Derek Beres stan for butcher box week after week is 🤢

Research means fully investigating both sides. RFK Jr knows both the root of our chronic illness epidemic and the solutions. He’s been successful at effectively addressing it for 40 years. These guys don’t seem to have medical backgrounds or parenting experience. Or maybe they do, and their kids will pay the price of their perspective.

This podcast says some good things, however illustrates the problems with polarized thinking. Truth is there is a lot of stupidity in the world, but saying it is all the fault of the people to the right of center is not accurate. Truth is, there are a lot of misguided people in the world; misguided people on place along the political spectrum. In my opinion, the worst ideas are from those on BOTH extremes of the political spectrum. I find it interesting that they assert “new age wellness guru’s” to be right wingers. My experience indicates these people are more often on the left wing than anywhere else. The hosts seem to have an “I am educated” arrogance common to many in the Ivory Tower that THINK they have the world figured out but don’t.

Hey! Love the show, but FYI, in the RFK screws his followers episode, it was Saagar Enjeti of Breaking Points responding to RFK with “The Nanny” statement, not anyone from The Majority Report.

So very one sided it is difficult to listen when you prefer hearing both sides.

Can’t even get beyond the intro. So full of themselves and their “save the world from conspiracies “ complex. If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. How about real depth of understanding and nuanced opinion. Yes, there are malignant narcissists leading cults…and some fool you guys too. You insult critical thinking and anyone willing to check whatever your particular bias is. And now, mostly a political shill for the Democrats.

These guys are a masters of rhetorical articulation... but with third grade abstract thinking abilities. It’s laughable when they take on health and science topics as though they know anything about physiology and biochemistry. It’s kinda laughable that they get so snarky about non-experts being pundits when that’s exactly what they’re doing. Ummm… where are your scientific references? Derek is so full of hate and arrogance. Hatred and arrogance is what’s wrong with the world. Ironically, a podcast with this topic should be safeguarding us from this very thing we are being exposed to. The podcast is polarized and divisive and breeds contempt and more polarization. They've shown me exactly why people believe the things they believe. It's not love, compassion, or logic. It's narcissistic supremacy. Give me the assumptive license they take with their targets’ intentions and I’ll conjecture that Derek is jealous of those successful gurus who actually have a following. When he failed in gaining a yoga cult for himself he decided to lash back and create an anti-cult show as a platform to showcase his keen intelligence. It’s got all things ingredients of a super villain origin story. But the contradiction in their messaging is what blows my mind. The main assumption and premise of the podcast is the conviction that "conspiring" isn't something humans actually do. Conspiracy (and by extension, conspiracy theories) is a fabrication made up by paranoid, uneducated imbeciles who are usually power hungry. But then, when you listen to their arguments against evil anti-establishment "gurus," suddenly the idiotic, power-hungry gurus are credited with all sorts of intricate, methodical, and consciously-initiated conspiratorial methods to mislead the public for personal gain and aggrandizement. So, actually, they do believe people conspire. At least the cult leaders, non-mainstream medical theories, and non-mainstream politicians do. And yet, all the while the implication is that somehow the current left wing mainstream narrative and powers that be are beyond reproach and incapable of deception—let alone conspiracy. Greed and conspiracies by big corporations and power structures are shrugged off as either miniscule or out of the ordinary, while those not in power but reaching for it are absolutely off their rockers. And I guess this is ostensibly because of—you know—"science." (Which, by the way, as a scientist myself I'd be embarrassed for their lack of understanding of biology and statistics except for the fact that their word mastery is so impressive. So they sound like they know what they're talking about. They don't.) I like it when they invite guests to the show who challenge their polarized hate speech. Because when it's just them talking, it's a circle jerk of arrogant, over-confident haters. Hard to endure, let alone enjoy. All in all, the podcast contains broadly researched—but not deeply researched—drivel spouting off status quo messaging that's more of a masturbatory show than anything truly useful.

At times the moderators make sense but there is a clear agenda and bias after listening to a few episodes. They are very closed minded and have little evidence for some of their positions so this is basically editorial and opinion.

Lame.

Having melted into antisemitism and full of anti Israel conspiracies these guys are now arguing with each other over who is more self righteous about Gaza. It’s weird and sad. And they can’t discuss anything without devolving into lunacy, rambling incoherently about genocide over and over and over. I counted them say GENOCIDE 12 times in about 3 minutes. Well past expiration date, show’s fetid.

This has become my favorite, no nonsense podcast.

Thoughtful discussions covering the nexus of the wellness industry, philosophy, and politics.

I just finished listening to the most recent episode about the couch meme. I really appreciate that you all are willing to hash out things you don’t agree on. It’s so important to have opposing opinions and be able to talk about them and listen to each other. Thanks for the refresher.

It’s time to realize that these three low testosterone talking heads time is almost over. They were smart enough to catch the early Covid narrative and fool everybody, but as time has moved on and that narrative proved false, they are grasping at anything to stay relevant, especially the low talking guy with the ponytail and bald one with the beard. Clearly having all the boosters has made a mess of their common sense.

The show about how JD Vance taps into parental rage really touched me and brought tears to my eyes. You tapped into something raw and real and your words resonated with me deeply. Thank you so much for this episode.

Clear and enlightening breakdown of various characters in conspiracy multiverse

What a ridiculous thing to say.

This podcast is a reactionary response to hyperbole of hyperbole and poor criticality of what all lobbyists left and right do on the realm of politicking at the national level. Not very well researched or interesting.

This is a podcast hosted by people who don’t know anything talking about things that they know nothing about. Funny thing is that they think they have it all figured out. It’s certainly not based on any real investigation or real facts. Typical lazy American podcast host. I was hoping for more. Don’t ask me why… maybe they got one too many boosters?

Thanks for covering this with knowledge and kindness. And humor! Scary stuff but you make it palatable.

The guys are generally pretty moderate, which I appreciate as a libertarian. They’re great at looking at different sides and empathically assessing at social issues that rely more on emotions than logic. Unfortunately, they conflate libertarians with republicans although they share many classical liberal values with the libertarian party. They don’t go more in depth than democrat media talking points so idk maybe their malice comes from naivety? It would be interesting to hear their very valid criticisms of “libertarian”(alt-right) grifters like Dave Smith and Michael Heise who seem to have manipulated the members of their caucus: Mises Caucus. Fortunately they didn’t spoil the nominating process and are very upset that we have a gay, trans-rights and body autonomy supporting candidate named Chase Oliver on the ballot. Do that next!

I feel both more empathetic and guarded against influencers thanks to your episodes like the Free Birth Brief.

I have never unsubscribed from a pod so fast in my life. This show is the epitome of hypocrisy, which isn’t a surprise given the ideologies and “authorities” this rag venerates. Aside from the host’s stereotypical late night smooth jazz radio DJ voice, that’s is where the pleasantries stop. Their whole schtick is propagated by demeaning and vilifying those who choose to not buy into things deemed “correct” by the modern mainstream establishments and speak openly about it, whilst accusing said “deplorables” of those very same actions. He takes it a step further utilizing reductio ad absurdum in an attempt to add validity to his conjecture he presents as fact. I have to hand it to ya though bud! I usually just give a colossal eye roll and hit next when I hear such unhinged babble, but the sanctimony pony atop which you sit is monolithic. Congratulations?

Subscriber only episodes pile up and must be deleted one by one.

Mallory rocks. Would like to hear more from you. As the Irish say, may you live as long as you like.

Update came back looking to see if these guys had given up on tribalism and wanted to give integrity a try - answer- no - they are worse - trust NPR? - wow- more my side science and I already knew it commentary As a scientist I remain mortified by how laypersons, journalists, and pundits such these folks ( yes I keep suspecting the next frauds they will discuss is themselves) miss what science is and does (see critical thinking org, carl popper, or excellent current thinking from david Deutsch) science explains things. Several points stand out - playing clips while laughing at them is just so 6th grade. Yes I figure they will use this and attack me as that is all they do they don’t respect expertise or how deep the world goes - stop playing expert - I am not playing the stay in ur lane game as they are generalist but as such then they need to provide levels of confidence and a 360 degree view of what we know and don’t. Being critical of crazy is easy and I am not sure who they are even connecting with that are surprised or enlightened by finding out that Q is 2nd grade thinking. The problem is they then confuse actually interesting and scientific thinkers with crazy without fair understanding or as far as I can tell even reading of their work .....finally it is also clear that if it is their tribe they fail to ask for or question evidence- if they like the idea than why ask if it’s accurate? Summary: more sad arrogance but it is well produced — ps my reference to 2nd and 6th grade thinking is not to knock children- children are smart very smart just different than older minds - their excellent mind are only pathetic when adults have them

No one else provides such a high-level view of the current landscape of spiritual movements, conspiracy, snake oil, and politics. The work these hosts do is amazing. They’ve refined their views and style since their early reporting at the height of covid denialism and I really enjoy their dedication to keeping an eye on many trends at once. There are plenty of specialist podcasts that are focused solely on specific issues at a granular level, but this podcast helps me see them all in context in a way I’d struggle to do on my own. Thank you to the hosts for all their hard work!

Excellent analysis not dumbed down at all. These guys have expertise and firsthand experience of being in cults and similar organizations.

Some good points scattered around, but mostly the hosts just seem to be on their high horses about almost everything. I’m sure they could turn drinking water, and breathing into a conspiracy.

Very anti fitness pro vaccine take the worthless medicine don’t look after your weight.

This latest episode was creepy. Julian sounds like a new age person and speaks so slowly. It was just not good. OMG. No more Julian solo. He’s creepy and weird and sounds like he hasn’t spoken to another person in a week. The weird pauses like he’s a preacher, the Butcher Box promo that makes him sound really smug, etc. Please please please: No more Julian Solo episodes

Glad to see I’m not the only one who has noticed a huge difference in the podcast - I believe right around the time of their book release / addition of ads. Derrick is so obnoxious and smug, I don’t know how anyone can stand to listen to him. I think if Matthew were to branch off on his own, he’d be a delight to listen to - he has way more nuance and understanding of faith. And yes, I agree with another reviewer re: liberal capitalist slant - its clear there is a big gap of knowledge in philosophy and theology - Derrick, I highly recommend reading Karen Fields’ translation of Emile Durkheim’s The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Marxism and Christianity by Alasdair MacIntyre (and Marx’ Kapital which I don’t think you’ve read), & Bounding Biomedicine by Colleen Derkatch.

Poor follow through.