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!

Been enjoying Poker Tells and love this podcast. Thank you for the always awesome info!