I love these guys. This has become the only podcast I listen to in the past year. I highly recommend the Patreon $2 and up to get “The Ambulators” episodes about the HBO show, Deadwood.

I really like this show, the interplay of psychology, philosophy, modern science, timeless classics and pop culture makes VBW an all time favorite. As a pastor and Christian missionary of 20 years I especially appreciate the way the hosts handle questions of religion and spirituality. I’ve learned a lot and been provoked to deeper thought. So why the but? Why four stars only? Interstellar gets two stars! Are you kidding!! Are you out your mind!!? Like I can understand how interstellar may not be 5 star material but, by Jove man, a 2 star evaluation of this particular picture puts into question your qualifications in evaluating anything!! And it’s KaramaZov not “karamaTSov” … it’s a russian surname that is made up two roots “Kara” meaning fate or doom and “Mazov” meaning one who smears. Has nothing to do with Matsa bread or barmitzpahs! Leave the TS out of Dostoyevsky! But other than these two fatal flaws the show, the hosts, the topics … priceless!

Makes me laugh. Makes me think. Two of my favorite things.

Unbearable American academics used to having a captive audience.

My favorite podcast I’ve found! Currently trying to catch up on the decade of episodes I’ve missed. Dave and Tamler are simultaneously funny and informative, with the perfect mix of clashing opinions that allows the listener to be entertained and engaged. I feel like these two professors have become my best friends even though we’ve never met. Keep it up guys!!

Love these two and their banter and their terrific analysis of academic and literary texts. Moved to rate by the cringey superficial analysis of the political landscape. Docked zero stars for the distasteful discussion but please guys if you’re going to lampoon and criticize politicians for their flaws start with the worst politician in US history.

Love the show - been listening for many years!

It’s The Odyssey, you idiots

Insightful and hilarious

Serious subjects handled without self-seriousness. The way the hosts handle the material and each other is refreshing and at least as instructive as the material itself.

[Upgrading back up to 5 stars because last few episodes have been great and podcast is now ad-free, which I appreciate] Original 4 star review: Dave and Tamler are great to listen to but they seem to be putting less effort into the show and choosing low hanging fruit to cover. I would rather hear more episodes that are in depth discussions, instead of surface level readings of books or movies. I also feel that the podcast has become shorter over time. Longer and more in depth discussions would be an improvement.

Long time listener, first time review (sorry). Especially stoked on this show now that it’s 100% listener supported

Been listening for years, one of the few pods I listen to that makes me laugh out loud in public.

Been listening to these guys for almost 5 years now. Thanks for many laughs and insights. You two have helped me through some very hard times!

Felt creepy, broey vibes as they so comfortably sexualized women. Especially from two “thinkers” who tout a moral compass.

Super refreshing to hear discussions of science and philosophy delivered with such incisive levity and wit.

Great show. It’s serious and absurd and informative and entertaining and also a bit degenerative—which is to say it’s perfect.

I need a supercut of the debates w/ Christina Hoff Sommers and any instance of Paul Bloom

These two are my favorites.

See above.

Love the format and discussions. Enjoy how they AVOID culture war nonsense. Podcast has expanded my reading and interest a great deal.

“We’ve made enough of that” when it comes to Hamas October 7th attacks. Please tell that to the families of children still kidnapped in Gaza right now. Easy to criticize Israel’s approach to a genocidal group without offering any real long term alternative to dealing with Hamas other than actively disarming them.

I have been an avid listener for some time. Highly recommend their stimulating topics and analyses. I donate to their patreon for extra access— the brothers Karamazov series and extra content is excellent.

The logical endpoint, or midpoint… or vanishing point of my existence.

Great podcast but the music is cringy I just had to say that

Two academics who never lost touch of being first and foremost human. They laugh, and curse, fight, share insights, and cover a range of material from Borges to the Big Lebowski. Something for everyone that loves learning. They have a crudeness kept steady by a refreshing humility made possible by their genuine differences sure — but also their real friendship. Highest recommendation

Wonderful discussions and, honestly, some pretty decent beats!

The kind of half-misogynists you can get behind

Interesting insights into topics high, low, and middle brow and fun takes on current culture and events. Plus, tasty beats. Bonus material? Worth it.

The hosts clearly enjoy taking on topics from pop-culture to philosophy through amusing banter

I’m a cardiac nurse who paid my way through nursing school by working in bookstores, and spent as much time as possible reading philosophy or poetry or Cormac McCarthy (RIP). There’s not a lot of intelligent banter at work, unless it’s terrible nursing humor…this makes me feel less alone in the world. My only request is more please.

The subjects these men cover is often wide-ranging and interesting, but they ramble too much and talk about things off-topic, especially at the beginning of the show. It’s like two friends sitting on the couch Saturday afternoon who eventually find their way onto one topic of discussion for awhile. Basically, you often have to skip parts of the podcast to get past them chit chatting. They also curse sometimes when it doesn’t seem warranted by anything.

Proof that you don’t need to be all that intelligent to be a professor. Fun show.

just enough woke

Amazing content but the guy with the higher pitched voice (David I think) needs to chill with the forced/fake laughs every 60 seconds.

I like the film episodes quite a bit. Could do without the chatter at the top of episodes and wish they wouldn’t interrupt their guests as much, but an enjoyable and intellectually satisfying show.

In general, I am frustrated by the dismissive attitude these hosts demonstrate towards graduate student concerns. The Yoel episode is particularly irritating. There is no evidence that he did not get the job because of his statements and yet they spend the episode pretending there is. Yoel expressed concerns. The students expressed concerns. The university hired the candidate they liked best. This episode sounds like moral panic.

I love the balance of colloquial and intellectual exchanges and interpretations. Listening to this podcast feels like the most authentic practicing of philosophy, and I finish every episode with new curiosities and countless opportunities for self-reflection.

Smart and funny.

Two gents have some thoughts When will they get to my thoughts Look a butterfly

As a dedicated listener of five years (and a supporter on Patreon), I have been entranced by Tamler and Dave’s profound exploration of the human psyche, which seamlessly intertwines philosophy and psychology in a way that would make Agent Cooper proud and probably piss off Seth Bullock. They have kept my attention for 5 years straight and I even pay extra to listen to them on Patreon. My favorite podcast, easily, of all time…Thank you, Wizards, for your untamed energy and wicked audacity. Raise your goblets, my fellow seekers of intellectual delight, and join me in a resounding cheer: "To the masters of mental mischief and the unruly architects of thought, Tamler and Dave, long may they reign

Five stars

These guys do a fantastic job bringing new and interesting topics to their audience. Books, TV, film, research papers, philosophy, interviews, and current events. Without taking themselves too seriously they bring deep insight with a healthy dose of humor and reason. One of my favorite podcasts for sure and I never miss a new episode.

Dear Wizards, First ever review of a Podcast so let me know if I’m doing it wrong… Just listened to the episode and The Absurd while getting a pedicure on mushrooms. Is that absurd? I have no idea but it’s all the local meaning I need. Carry on.

…and consistently engrossing. The only podcast of which I never tire. If all my jackass smart friends from high school were still living in a dorm together 30 years later, the conversation might be something like this.

I demand Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell and the Genealogy of Morals are discussed in future episodes.

Refreshing to hear a discussion that’s irreverent and critical without being too mean. Always come away feeling like I learned something or saw a question from a different angle

This would be fun and even funny were it not for the anxiously giggling pal.

Conversation on Tarkovsky’s STALKER sold me on five stars.

These guys are consistently interesting and respectful of each other’s perspectives