There is a lot of potential for this show but the obsession over the hate of the Hughes guy is tiring. I’ll follow again down the road and hopefully that’s changed. Until then I’m moving on.

The host is particularly susceptible to the “both sides” form of bias. Aka, when you reduce an argument down to two sides, then give sides equal weight. He’s not particularly specific when he says “both sides do XYZ” so the listener doesnt know if hes referencing random people on the internet, or actual public figures associated with a party or movement. This creates an illusion to the listener to automatically believe the false equivalence being drawn. I was hoping this would be a cool new pod to add to my list, but only a fee episodes in I noticed this pattern. It sounds like hes trying to stay neutral, rather than consistent. This is a common bias amongst people who try to do “political bridge builing”. As the right wing becomes farther right, political bridge builders move with them, this is what leads to our country as a whole moving farther right. Its coddling, and coddling right wingers rather than developing mechanisms of accountability is truely dangerous for society.

It’s a top Tier podcast. The host is exceptional , brilliant and generous. I love the topic matter. The narcissist abuse episode I got hit hardest with because I experienced and still am enduring ten years later - everything she mentioned and multiplied . I love psychology in general and I’ve looked into a few shows and not one is as articulate, and well versed by the speakers that share on the show and he lets them fully have the stage. I appreciate his candor, intelligence and alll of his guests and how he allows them to speak unlike most who want to talk more than listen. Brilliant!!! Keep going! Do not stop this show!

Alright, I’m enjoying this podcast. There are new and interesting topics. But yes, the ads are seriously annoying. It feels like a few episodes ran a bit long. Perhaps some editing is needed. And to the folks who rate the entire podcast with one ⭐️ because of one episode they disliked, I don’t think that’s fair.

Elizabeth Doll is stupid . In retrospect of the Jan 6th incident , the election results was corrupted , the pipe bomb was put there by a black Democrat, Pres Trumps words were not reported correctly GO IN PRACE . She has poor judgement and Mike Pence was a weak man with no loyalty . Those that support Pres Trump from then to present listened to facts and not FAKE NEWS that set out to destroy Pres Trump . Eliz Doll voting for Biden and Kamala presnts fully her stupidity !! Bad show ! Keep that nut far away her decision making process is FLAWED

I just finished the episode on Chase Hughes. I wanted you two to get around to possibly say something that one of you might be a thing that had something meaningful. It’s hard to sum up there’s a difference on what they thought and then what they said in the context of what emotion is polarized in the bluffing state of a game of deducing behavior and claiming poker is a real world game. There’s clearly a message of distraction and acting to dupe in an interview between the two. So, that being said, if you want to listen to absolute gibberish listen to this podcast.

Keep up the good work

Ruins the vibe and flow of the podcasts. Host should do a deep dive on the psychology of ads and how ridiculous it is that he’s chosen to have so many.

Wide variety of topics. Definitely makes me think. This is a good thing, whether I agree or not.

This was my first time listening to your podcast—I was drawn in by your description that you dig into why people think the way they do. I was genuinely interested in hearing your conversation with Elizabeth, but I left the episode disappointed. Despite the premise of exploring different viewpoints, the discussion felt entirely one-sided. Elizabeth claimed not to be fully aligned with one political side, but much of what she shared clearly reflected MAGA-style conservative views. That’s fine in itself—every perspective is worth hearing—but what really stood out was your complete agreement with everything she said. At one point, when she mentioned having criticisms of Republicans, you actually shut that down and steered things back to criticizing liberals. There was no pushback, no challenge, and no real attempt to show another side. You even explicitly said you feel the exact same way she does across the board. That’s not what I expected from a podcast that claims to explore why people think the way they do. Honest conversations require tension, curiosity, and a willingness to examine all sides. I hope future episodes reflect that more closely.

I had a difficult time with your podcast because of your delivery and deleted it after a couple of episodes, but stuck with it because it was a little interesting and thought I’d give you a sho. I forced myself through many if your podcasts up until your latest episode with Elizabeth Doll. As far as I’m concerned, she has zero credibility with her effort in bridging any gaps, and your agreement with much of what she said pretty much put the last nail in your podcast coffin. You’ve been critical of other guests, and have even challenged them, but you couldn’t find yourself to question her delusional views.

I’m always interested to see what topic you’re going to talk about, and as a former Trader Joe’s crew member, I was stoked to listen to the one about whether or not we are forced to ask questions at the checkout. Twiggy gave some good thoughts on it, but she completely overlooked the MAIN reason this type of interaction is encouraged… it’s so that the customer has an awesome experience, feels welcome and heard, and goes away feeling like they are an active part of their neighborhood store. It isn’t taught with a strict “you must say these certain thing” attitude. It is more like training the crew to really want to connect with the customers, learn their names, get to know them on a personal level as humans, not just as bodies walking through the door buying stuff. The company respects its crew enough to allow this type of interaction to enhance their work rather than detract from it. They treat us this way, so we are free to treat the customers this way. So, Twiggy’s answers were way more surface-level than the TJ’s ethos actually is at its depths. Maybe it’s because she worked there during the pandemic, and she wasn’t thinking of this as much - maybe it was more transactional because of the fear and uncertainty? But I’ll say I loved my time at TJ’s, it’s a great company, and you should definitely buy more than snacks there… they carry most of the basics you need, just not the name brands you are used to. 😁

Time is critical, so you need to look no further than his author's podcast named “Angry Chase Hughe Fans” to see what a complete waste of time this was for me. So much so that I wrote a review which is extraordinarily rare. Now, on to Chase Hughes. I legitimize people by doing a pro / con analysis before I have any personal opinions to limit bias. So, I was very interested in this channel's podcast, “Angry Chase Huge Fans… Many Lies Revealed”. I was stunned that this podcast didn’t even post purported truth based on hearsay. Zachary says some random person sent him information (not even stating the info), and then that person said he was a liar or whatever. He talks about the Wayback machine without references. Here is a crazy part, which is why I will never return to this channel. He only references a lady who posted something critical of himself. Zachary, if you do end up reading this, I can only stress this as my opinion, but I came here to get tangible and useful information that I can use to make more informed decisions. I did not come here to waste an hour on your podcast trying to find some facts on Chase which clearly your title implied.

Zachary has fantastic guests and prepares really well for each conversation .

So boring. He’s a lefty.

I’m in my car a lot due to my medical sales job. Zach’s interviews are always interesting and informative and make the hours I spend behind the wheel tolerable. It’s a great break from listening to music or the typical talk radio stations and there is always something to be learned from each of his guests and from him.

In the beginning of the end of relationship. I can identify with all that was said/discussed. I also realized how harmful my eye rolling was to her self worth. Thank you!

Excellent interview/discussion with Vanessa Otero, founder of Ad Fontes Media. As a former journalist very familiar with Ad Fontes Media, this interview was spot on in how we use language in discussions with others over how the media covers the news each day. Very informative!

Zachary Elwood shows us the deftness for detail and ability to engage in on the spot and unconventional analysis that a professional poker player has, while interviewing guests ranging from political extremists, to political and psychological theorists. He is always well read of his guests going into interviews but isn’t scared to push topics to their most relevant points of discussion relative to today nor challenge guests to find gems of insight that can best be brought out through an interview. One of the best new podcasts out there, especially for those with an interest in social psychology, misinformation, and peak performance through mental training. Edit: I want to come back because it’s now been almost 5 years that I’ve been listening to this podcast and it’s entered the Holy “instant tap to listen” territory which about the top 10% of the podcasts I follow also are in. Zach’s mission of better understanding and creating solutions to increasing group division in the US, combined with his intellectual interest in theoretically and researched back psychology already puts him in a great sector of the podcast world — extremely interesting, absolutely important, yet somehow niche. His voice is of one who is intellectually capable of being level with the brilliant minds he interviews (which has a solid range of researchers, practitioners and professionals who are similarly enthralled by the science, and ordinary participants in up to date flashpoints like the George Floyd protests through a psych lens) and we get to experience vicariously his rapid coming up to speed with the science. The poker and personal tidbits give this a folksy touch that makes it feel like you are invited to a conversation hosted by your friend, making the listenability that much more. Kudos Zach

Fascinating episodes! I really enjoy the topics and conversations. I’ve listened to a range of psychology podcasts and really appreciate the breadth, depth and originality of this one. The podcast had improved over time and I’ve enjoyed following the journey. Personally I really enjoy the solo episodes (the most recent episode about grifters was amazing). Fingers crossed for an audio version of the depolarization book soon!

Rich Logis 🙄

I really like this podcast. The topics are interesting, and the host draws on very knowledgeable guests. I feel smarter after listening to it. LOVED the episode on autism!

…this podcast is insightful, the host is inquisitive and smart, and creates the kind of long-form content that brings you back again and again. As for the subject matter: this podcast is breaking new intellectual ground, and is drawing in a lot of talent. And Zachary’s voice is quite pleasant to listen to.

Intriguing and diverse topics weaved into a tapestry of insight into the human condition.

Unique guests and episode ideas among a sea of repetitive psychology podcasts

The episode with Calvin wayman was really great. I enjoy the show from beginning to end… informative and enlightening to know about the inner workings of a culture outside of my own. As a black man hearing how his ppl view my ppl was typical, but to hear his view was reassuring, Calvin I wish you all the best.

This podcast is fascinating and Zach chooses his topics very well. The conversations and interviews are very eye opening and insightful. This only thing is that I personally find his voice very monotonous and slightly boring. But overall, a great podcast.

This is the love the world needs. Drop your pitchforks and join the cause for a better future. It’s rare to come across someone like this that understands the complexities of our divides and has a passion for exploring solutions to calming the storm. From the “Why I do it and why I think it’s important” episode: “I’ve also focused a good amount on polarization related topics. I do this because I genuinely believe this is the biggest problem humanity faces. I think our tendency to separate into angry us vs them groups is our biggest challenge. I also think this tendency will likely be the cause of our destruction in the not too distance future. Especially as weapons and technologies become more advanced and dangerous. To take just one example, the fact that it will become easier and easier to create deadly diseases. … It’s about examining some of our highly certain narratives. Highly certain narratives are how we become polarized. It’s not just certainty about issues, it’s certainty about the way other people are, what they’re like and what they believe. Polarization is about more and more people growing to hate the other side based on the very certain narratives they’ve formed about those people. To be specific about this, when I did an episode on transgender issues, my goal was to show the immense amount of nuance in that debate and to show why a liberal side stance that goes something like “conservative positives on transgender topics are based bigotry and hate” is a simplistic and polarizing one. My goal is to show it’s good to not be certain about other people and to doubt your side’s narratives about them and how it’s good to be willing to see how some people on “the other side” may have logical and well meaning reasons for the stances. And if you take the stance that a large complex group of people on the other side of any issue are simply ignorant and mean then that may be a sign you haven’t done enough work to understand their perspectives.”

the way he speaks is very factual. he separates emotional bias so that i can take in the information and see how it applies to my own life without trying to sway towards a specific opinion. also, the topics covered are so interesting and almost every episode is something i am truly interested in learning about. thank you for being the reason i’m on this podcast app. you’re awesome.

I listen to this show at work , it’s great!

Podcast could benefit with some editing. Too long rambling segments that are not focused. Lost my attention in about 8 minites

One of my favorite casts. Zach does a great job of being objective and open minded. His look at the reason for the severe polarization of America are eye opening.

Balanced op-ed style analysis through audio essays and interviews.

Fascinating topics! I hope you continue creating podcasts. I’m telling all to listen.

This is a great podcast in my opinion for the open minded, and open hearted person! The episodes make you think, and wonder and self reflect. That’s one thing I personally enjoy about it. Listening to several episodes I have definitely learned a lot and see things in a different light. Thank you for the work you put into your podcast.

Binging on this all day for fun. I’m only 3 shows in and feel like I understand myself and others a lot more than I did this morning. Keep up the good work 👏🏽🧠💡

I have enjoyed listening to this podcast the past few years. I had a role in mitigating workplace conflict via mediation and found the podcast in my quest to improve my skills in interpreting subtext and non-verbal cues. I like Zach's interviewing style and appreciate his efforts to edit each episode to appeal to most listeners. The podcasts have broadened in scope in the past year or so with good results. His humility and curiosity pair nicely and make for pleasant, thought-provoking listening. Keep up the good work!

Very happy I discovered this podcast. Excellent interviews with researchers and experts who discuss topics that I, at least, find deeply interesting. Zach also provides sincerely thoughtful and empathetic commentary.

Zach is a great interviewer who asks deep thoughtful and unbiased questions. Very addictive!

Perfect for anyone in sales or interested in reading people. Wish it was updated more often, but when it is, I listen immediately. It’s that good.

So good I want tell other people because he deserves credit but also don’t want to tell anyone because it’s so good!

I just finished the recent podcast with Benjamin Moots and found it to be enjoyable and interesting. Zachary asks excellent questions and keeps the conversation focused and on point. I’m looking forward to diving into the back episodes as well as listening to the new ones as they come out.

Impressive breadth of topics. Glad to hear from guests from so many different fields.

Anyone that is trying to figure out what is going on with the people in their life needs to listen to this podcast. I am getting burned out on true crime and the usual cases that have been covered extensively. This has been a breath of fresh air! Fantastic information you can apply in your life. Looking forward to expanding my ability to read people by applying these concepts. Thank you!

interesting guests talking about a very practical topic

I appreciate this podcast because it doesn’t re-hash the theoretical persuasion principles we’ve all heard countless times before. Cialdini. Carnegie. Poundstone. Kahneman... Instead, it brings us gems from niche fields like statement analysis and even fencing. Refreshing & practical.

Love this podcast man, as a poker player and someone who enjoys thinking about people and they way we think. This is very interesting! Keep up the great work!!

This is a fascinating podcast for anyone interested in the thought processes of experts across diverse fields. The interviews are well-researched and provide an accessible exploration of how techniques for reading behavior and anticipating actions are applied by everyone from fencers to professional interrogators. Zach proves himself not just an expert in analyzing behavior but also an engaging and entertaining interviewer. A must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, behavior, or strategy.

Excellent selection of guests, Zach Elwood's podcast provides an engaging and insightful look into how people think -- consciously and unconsciously. As an experienced author and "people reader" himself, Zach's questions elicit eye-opening responses from his highly qualified guests.

Just a fan giving some friendly advice - I believe the title of your podcast would sound more appealing titled “Reading people.” Keep up the good work! Good luck with future podcasts!