Robert concludes his explanation of how AI chatbots replicate cult dynamics in the brains of some vulnerable users.

 

Robert concludes his explanation of how AI chatbots replicate cult dynamics in the brains of some vulnerable users.
&nbsp;

There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the Bastards dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist.

There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the Bastards dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist.

Everything you don't know about History's greatest monsters

Behind the Bastards

Part Two: How AI Chatbots Became Cult Leaders

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a85b2223-835c-4b83-8d0c-b44201681694/transcript

Robert explains how live streamers went from pranks, to acts of insane violence and public cruelty, and eventually turned them into a lucrative industry.

Robert explains how live streamers went from pranks, to acts of insane violence and public cruelty, and eventually turned them into a lucrative industry.

Part Two: How Nuisance Streamers and Rage-Baiting Ate the Internet

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/832fabd6-3ec2-4700-82ab-b4ea01314b62/transcript

How did nuisance streaming and rage-baiting rise to dominate the internet? Robert traces the unsettling devolution and its consequences for guest Jason Pargin.

How did nuisance streaming and rage-baiting rise to dominate the internet? Robert traces the unsettling devolution and its consequences for guest Jason Pargin.

Part One:  How Nuisance Streamers and Rage-Baiting Ate the Internet

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0d4ed69c-6d66-4f2d-b5a4-b4e8015a2bff/transcript

In Part Two, Robert is again joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda to discuss the rise and fall of the doctor at the center of the wellness podcast circuit: Dr. Peter Attia. From his stent as a McKinsey consult consultant to his pricey concierge longevity practice, a hit podcast, and a #1 bestseller. We break down "Medicine 3.0" and where the evidence holds up, where it doesn't, and how a smart, credible doctor can end up giving cover to the MAHA crowd. Finally, we get into his emails with Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout at CBS and his sponsors, and what it all says about doctors, fame, and wealthy patients. Content note: discusses Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse.

 

Sources:

Attia, Peter. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. March 28, 2023.

Johansson, Minna, et al. "Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Persons With and Without Diabetes." JAMA, August 3, 2026.

Khullar, Dhruv. "How to Die in Good Health." The New Yorker, April 15, 2024.

Mann, Brian. "McKinsey & Company to Pay $650 Million for Role in Opioid Crisis." NPR, December 13, 2024.

Martin, Kristen. "The Problem With Peter Attia: The Longevity Guru Turned Up in the Epstein Files. Should We Have Taken His Health Advice So Seriously in the First Place?" Slate, February 26, 2026.

Ruetenik, Daniel, and Arden, Farhi. "Dr. Peter Attia, Longevity Expert, Apologizes for 'Indefensible' Emails to Jeffrey Epstein." CBS News, February 2, 2026.

Tyrangiel, Josh. "The Epstein Spectrum." The Atlantic, April 3, 2026.

Walker, Graham. "A Skeptic's Review of Peter Attia's Outlive." LinkedIn, January 13, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/skeptics-review-peter-attias-outlive-graham-walker-md-z6rsc

Blum, Dani "Peter Attia's Ties to Epstein Spark Backlash From Doctors." The New York Times, February 10, 2026

Kaufman, Maya and Gardner, Laura . "I Think She Will Be Loyal: Jeffrey Epstein's Role in Peter Attia's Rise." Politico, March 16, 2026.

Pollack, Neal. "The Plight of Peter Attia." The Spectator, July 15, 2025.

Greene, Jenna. Epstein files up in lawsuit, over stock options by longevity expert, Peter Attia. March 20, 2026

Podcasts:
The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 168, August 2021.
The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 172, August 2021.
The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 190, January 10, 2022.
The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 298, April 15, 2024.
The Joe Rogan Experience. Episode 1735, 1961 
Jocko Podcast. Episodes 55, 56, and 392.
The Tim Ferriss Show. Episode 398, "Peter Attia, MD: Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More," November 27, 2019.

In Part Two, Robert is again joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda to discuss the rise and fall of the doctor at the center of the wellness podcast circuit: Dr. Peter Attia. From his stent as a McKinsey consult consultant to his pricey concierge longevity practice, a hit podcast, and a #1 bestseller. We break down "Medicine 3.0" and where the evidence holds up, where it doesn't, and how a smart, credible doctor can end up giving cover to the MAHA crowd. Finally, we get into his emails with Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout at CBS and his sponsors, and what it all says about doctors, fame, and wealthy patients. Content note: discusses Jeffrey Epstein and sexual abuse.
&nbsp;
Sources:
Attia, Peter. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. March 28, 2023.
Johansson, Minna, et al. "Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Persons With and Without Diabetes." JAMA, August 3, 2026.
Khullar, Dhruv. "How to Die in Good Health." The New Yorker, April 15, 2024.
Mann, Brian. "McKinsey &amp; Company to Pay $650 Million for Role in Opioid Crisis." NPR, December 13, 2024.
Martin, Kristen. "The Problem With Peter Attia: The Longevity Guru Turned Up in the Epstein Files. Should We Have Taken His Health Advice So Seriously in the First Place?" Slate, February 26, 2026.
Ruetenik, Daniel, and Arden, Farhi. "Dr. Peter Attia, Longevity Expert, Apologizes for 'Indefensible' Emails to Jeffrey Epstein." CBS News, February 2, 2026.
Tyrangiel, Josh. "The Epstein Spectrum." The Atlantic, April 3, 2026.
Walker, Graham. "A Skeptic's Review of Peter Attia's Outlive." LinkedIn, January 13, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/skeptics-review-peter-attias-outlive-graham-walker-md-z6rsc
Blum, Dani "Peter Attia's Ties to Epstein Spark Backlash From Doctors." The New York Times, February 10, 2026
Kaufman, Maya and Gardner, Laura . "I Think She Will Be Loyal: Jeffrey Epstein's Role in Peter Attia's Rise." Politico, March 16, 2026.
Pollack, Neal. "The Plight of Peter Attia." The Spectator, July 15, 2025.
Greene, Jenna. Epstein files up in lawsuit, over stock options by longevity expert, Peter Attia. March 20, 2026
Podcasts: The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 168, August 2021. The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 172, August 2021. The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 190, January 10, 2022. The Peter Attia Drive. Episode 298, April 15, 2024. The Joe Rogan Experience. Episode 1735, 1961&nbsp; Jocko Podcast. Episodes 55, 56, and 392. The Tim Ferriss Show. Episode 398, "Peter Attia, MD: Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More," November 27, 2019.

Part Two: Peter Attia and the Cult of Longevity

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/54c7c95e-b14d-4d71-8819-b4e3015aaddd/transcript

Part Two: How AI Chatbots Became Cult Leaders

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