
About this episode
In this special Christmas episode, Helen’s annual Guru Quiz returns, lightly dusted with Trump, podcast tours, and the unsettling realisation that the Guru-sphere and the MAGA-sphere have quietly fused into a single, monetised, vibes-based organism.
That's right, the regular decoding team are joined by renowned journalist, author, podcaster... and occasional DTG quiz master, Helen Lewis, who once again brings her festive cheer, an uncanny ability to identify exactly who will be unbearable next year, and a quiz designed to torture Matt.
Points are awarded, dignity is lost, and Matt briefly considers revising for the quiz before remembering that preparation has never helped him before.
The episode also covers MAGA and UK political manoeuvres, the movers and shakers of the Gurusphere in 2025, and a lament for the collapse of the ancient boundary between editorial content and hawking pants.
So join us for a festive episode about gurus, geniuses, authoritarian comedy festivals, and the slow erosion of shame. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night... and that includes you, Bubbles!
Links
- Helen Lewis on Substack
- Helen's Article on the Riyadh Comedy Festival
- Helen's Article on Olivia Nuzzi's Book
- The Genius Myth
- That Dave Chappelle picture
Get every episode summarized
Each time Decoding the Gurus publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Decoding the Gurus

The Moral Dilemmas of AI with Michael Inzlicht
Decoding the Gurus

Ken Wilber: Spiralling Upwards through a Technicolor Cosmos
Decoding the Gurus

Gurometer: Teal Swan and Scott Galloway
Decoding the Gurus

Supplementary Material 46: Epstein Did Microtransactions, Grok Did Nothing Wrong...
Decoding the Gurus