The Art of Fighting BS
The Art of Fighting BS is a podcast focused on self-defense against misinformation, pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and grifters. Each episode aims to equip listeners with critical thinking tools to recognize and counter deceptive claims. The show likely debunks common myths and exposes fraudulent practices in areas such as health, science, and martial arts. It provides a skeptical, evidence-based perspective on questionable beliefs and scams.
Episodes
62 Empathy for the MAGA
In this episode, Jack and Phrost dive into the growing wave of right-wing influencers abandoning Trump. From Joe Rogan's stunned reaction to the Iran war, to Nick Fuentes and Alex Jones turning on the administration, to Tucker Carlson's performative outrage—the rats are leaving the ship. Also covered are the Epstein files cover-up, with Phrost reading from a harrowing victim's journal, debate on w
60 End of the Year Health of the Nation 25 with Dr. Jason Goldsmith
Wrapping up 2025, Dr. Jason Goldsmith from The Immunology Podcast comes on to update the crew on the state of Public Health in the USA, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines, Tylenol use during pregnancy, and the broader implications of scientific literacy.
Is everything as bad as everyone thinks it is? Well, that depends on how much you pay attention.
Listen here below, or on Spotify, iTunes, or
59 AI Scams, Crypto BS, and Human Trafficking
Phrost and Jack wade into the skeevy world of AI scams and human trafficking to discuss pig butchering, crypto rip-offs, and how lonely idiots get taken advantage of. They actually cover a lot of ground on this one, from AI-generated stories and images used in social media scams, to sophisticated deepfake and voice cloning scams, plus the deeply troubling rise of human trafficking in scam call cen
58 Mike Mahaffey
In this episode, Mike Mahaffey, a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, shares his experience in martial arts and his advocacy efforts for communities currently being targeted by hate groups. Also in this episode, Phrost's microphone decides to stop working correctly and his audio sounds like garbage, prompting a disclaimer before the damn episode ever starts.
57 Griffin Barber
Griffin Barber is a retired police officer, science fiction and fantasy author, and Editor for Baen Books. He also hosts and produced The Baen Free Radio Hour. We talk about the mind-blowing scale of the 1632 (“Ring of Fire”) series in which Griffin has written, up and coming authors, and the role SciFi/Fantasy plays as a tool to sort out our biggest challenges in society.
56 Stephan Kesting: Strenuous Living
BJJ legend Stephan Kesting comes on the show to discuss misinformation and chronicle his adventurous canoe trip through Canada's wilderness. Highlighting issues from medical systems to social media polarization, Stephan emphasizes preparedness, critical thinking, and experiences with nature, including encounters with polar bears and wildfires.
His book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subar
55 Steve Kwan – BJJ and BS
On this episode of The Art of Fighting BS podcast, Steve Kwan from the BJJ Mental Models podcast discusses the journey and philosophy underlying his role in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world as a coach and podcaster. Steve emphasizes the importance of education beyond just techniques, focusing on human learning, strategy, and the community aspects of martial arts. The conversation addresses broader is
54 Critical Ninja Theory with Prof. Rob Tuck
Professor Rob Tuck, author of the Critical Ninja Theory substack, comes on the pod and discusses his curious road from specializing in Japanese literature to becoming an expert on the historical and mythical ninja. He discusses how his academic background and research led him to debunk many popular misconceptions about ninjas, highlighting the distinction between historical 'shinobi' and the ficti
53 Aaron Rabinowitz
In this episode, philosopher Aaron Rabinowitz, PhD., from the 'Embrace the Void' and 'Philosophers in Space' podcasts, joins the discussion to delve into the nuances of Taiji (Tai Chi), masculinity, martial arts in general, and the philosophy of moral luck. Aaron talks about the importance of healthy masculinity in the context of martial arts, the philosophical concept of luck and how it challenge
52 The Wonderful Land of Oz
Dr. Jason Goldsmith from The Immunology Podcast comes on to discuss the looming appointments to federal agencies overseeing the American healthcare system including Dr. Mehmet Oz, and RFK Jr.—and all the fallout we should expect from the upcoming changes.
Listen to the episode below (like a weirdo), or on your favorite podcasting platform (as long as it's Apple Podcasts or Spotify, we have no i
51 “Weaponized Autism” versus Actual Autism
With how social media is these days, it almost seems reasonable to assume that anyone who demonstrates a lack of social skills and/or a fixation on edgelord, meme culture is on the spectrum. And in a culture where so many young males are being raised by the internet rather than strong men in their actual lives—and everything that results from that—the issue can get even more confused.
In this e
50 Ranking Conspiracy Theories: Tier List
For our 50th episode, we invited a few people to join in live and help us rank a set of popular conspiracy theories on their threat value to society brought by people who sincerely believe in them.
49 The Fandom Grievance—Grifters
If you have an internet connection (which you do, otherwise you're reading this in the far future via gravitational waves or sophons or something), you're probably aware that a significant portion of any fandom is wet garbage on a hot day—and we're not just describing the smell at your local convention. And as we've been pointing out for the past several decades here on Bullshido, where there are
48 Aaaaaaahhhh (yes, that’s the title of this one)
In this episode we discuss the burning dumpster clown assault rifle rodeo that is America right now, and Phrost nearly gets himself canceled over a "hard-R".
47 Into the Manosphere
In this episode, Phrost and Jack do a short dive into the "Manosphere" —the corner of the internet that targets emotionally vulnerable dudes (mostly younger), and exploits that vulnerability to sell them garbage supplements, "how to get a date" programs, and much worse.
46 Disinformation, Soldiers vs. Cops vs. Acorns
On this episode of The Art of Fighting BS Podcast, Steve Mix and Phrost discuss an overview of how disinformation works and how to counter it, then the discussion goes completely off the rails and ends up about the origins of the "warrior cop" mentality and how much law enforcement sucks as a career. Also, violent terrorist acorns.
Listen here, or anywhere you get your podcast episodes, via iTu
45 Messages From the Dark Web
Steve Mix joins Phrost and recounts his experiences on the darker side of the Internet, the differences between police and soldiers, and art.
Listen here below, or subscribe to The Art of Fighting BS podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Bullshido · 45 Messages From the Dark Web
44 Gabe Pearlman on BJJ and Full Contact Training for a Meaningful Life
Gabe Pearlman is a BJJ Black Belt under one of the first Americans to receive a black belt in the sport, Tim Burrill. We discuss the role training in a full contact style plays in having a meaningful life at all ages, the differences between BJJ gyms, and the value of a BS-free training experience.
43 Dungeons and Dragons and Viruses
Dr. Jason Goldsmith (MD, PhD) and attorney Dante Bradley, join us to discuss the massive drama and BS in the... *checks notes* world of Dungeons and Dragons.
42 Matt Thornton on the Nature and Reality of Violence
Matt Thornton of the Straight Blast Gym is an icon in the martial arts world, and in particular, has been beating the drum about functional training even longer than we have. In this conversation we discuss violence, how it is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and how to ensure good men are better at it than bad.
41 Martial Arts Training Tourism And Nationalism With Alyxe Khei
Ever dream about just saying "F it" and going to train an obscure martial art in a foreign country? Alyxe Khei did, and then lived that dream. He joins us on this episode of The Art of Fighting BS podcast to discuss tips and advice for people who want to visit exotic places and get punched by the people who live there, and we delve into the real history of Martial Arts and how ethno-nationalism lo
40 Bivalent Booster BS And Mixed Messages In Public Health
Should you get the new bivalent booster? After all the back and forth between public health officials and social media influencer/grifter cranks, you'd think this would be a simple answer.
39 When is it ethical to “dox” someone?
Is "doxing" ever okay? It is when we do it! Of course, that's exactly what literally everyone thinks—from the cheese puff-encrusted incel to the head of investigations for a grass roots consumer protection organization (ours).
38 The Fentanyl Panic and Law Enforcement
Is the drug Fentanyl dangerous? Yes. Does it cause immediate convulsions on skin contact? No. Do people have an incentive to BS the public? Listen to find out.
37 The Problem of Sexual Predators in the Martial Arts
The world of martial arts has a persistent, significant problem with sexual predators, particularly those who work their way into positions of authority as instructors and coaches. William Murphy, PhD, a third-degree Brazilian Jiujitsu black belt and instructor, comes on the show to discuss how this problem can be addressed, and the professional ethics involved in being an instructor.
36 – DMT and Psychedelics Without the BS
The podcast world (especially the bro-sphere) is overrun with ridiculous misinformation and BS about DMT and psychedelics in particular. We bring on an expert in the industry to discuss what is really going on, and why no, you're not seeing interdimensional space elves you dork.
35 We Don’t Talk About SAMBO
What is the state of the Russian martial art and sport, SAMBO, in light of the current war in Ukraine and all the associated considerations? David Dempsey comes on the show to discuss.
34 MMA and Men’s Style with Kin “Kong” Moy
Pro MMA fighter and Fashion consultant Kin "Kong" Moy comes on this episode of the podcast to give some of his expert advice on both those topics and why men have such a hard time admitting they care about fashion.
33 MMA Training and Covid – Lessons Learned
In this episode we talk with MMA fighter, coach, and Bullshido legend Mike "Omega" MacDonald on how his Fight gym made it through Covid, and the challenges of being a trainer during a pandemic.
32 Omicron and the End of the Covid Pandemic
The Omicron variant is all the rage in viruses, and Dr. Jason Goldsmith, Immunologist (MD, PhD), comes on the show to provide his genuinely shocking analysis of the situation—one a lot of our listeners are not going to like.
Listen to the episode below, or on any major podcasting platform. Or don't listen, because you are dumb and make bad life decisions in general.
Bullshido · 32 Omicron Li
Episode 31 – DUIs are BS
Drunk and intoxicated drivers are a risk to the public. But as attorney and Constitutional scholar, Derek Debus comes on the show to explain, the system for arresting and prosecuting DUIs is flawed at every level, creating incentives for bad police practices, and criminals out of innocent people.
30 Kyle Rittenhouse Trial and the Burning Danger of an Uninformed Public
Author of "Anatomy of a Catastrophe", Andrew Vaillencourt, comes on the pod to discuss the ongoing trial of Kyle Rittenhouse and the looming fate awaiting Kenosha, WI. Phrost eulogizes Lowtax. Submessenger and BKR chime in with their thoughts as well.
Listen below, or Subscribe on Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Moot, or Rectm.
Bullshido · 30 - Kyle Rittenhouse Trial With Andrew Vaillencou
29 Bullshido Forums LIVE
In a special edition of the podcast, we’re sharing a recent live conversation held with members of the Bullshido.net forums on various, current hot-button topics, including: the difference between being “nice” and being “kind”, the push to de-gender gendered languages, shaming as a method in effecting changes in behavior, exploiting fragile masculinity to sell dudes crap they don’t need
28 Brian Brushwood of The Modern Rogue
Brian Brushwood is an award-winning magician, comedian, and heir to the legacy of James Randi. Recorded on location at the studios of The Modern Rogue and Night Attack.
27 Jason Murphy of the Modern Rogue
In the first of a two part series with the crew of The Modern Rogue, a guide to badassery and one of the most popular channels on YouTube. The conversation covers a range of topics including goat-eyeball-plucking, speech jamming, various Throwdown injuries and shenanigans, and more!
26 Covid Delta Update – Boosters, Kiddos, and Sheep
Dr. Jason Goldsmith (MD, PhD) and Phrost discuss the current state of the pandemic, vaccines, and the collapse of the Intellectual Dark Web.
25 The Anime Episode with Gezere
Taking things down a notch and getting back to our roots, on this episode of the pod we feature the world's toughest Otaku, black belt in half a dozen styles (including the ones that actually count), retired US Army officer, and Bullshido forums legend, "Gezere", to discuss his role in popularizing Anime in the United States, and whatever the hell else he wants to talk about.
24 Covid Lab Leak Origin Theory
The possibility of a man-made origin for the Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic has all the usual conspiracy theorist suspects and even a handful of credible intellectuals furiously arguing back and forth these days.
Immunologist Dr. Jason Goldsmith comes on the pod to explain all the origin scenarios, and more importantly, what can actually be done about the problem
23 Mass Violence and Bad Active Shooter Training
The global Coronavirus pandemic has had the secondary effect of reducing incidents of school and workplace violence, especially shootings. But as the deployment of vaccines and recent shifts in policy prove likely to get the virus under control, something resembling the previous "normal" finally seems to be on the horizon. Unfortunately, the occasional mass shooting was also a part of that conditi
22 Reddit Breaks Wall Street with Andy Meade
What the hell is going on with GameStop? Why are your nerdy friends furiously buying a previously worthless stock with looks of pure malice on their faces. What is money? Why are we here? Is there any meaning in the universe? Well if you want answers to the first couple of questions, you'll want to listen to this episode of The Art of Fighting BS Podcast.
Andy Meade, an economist out of the Pacif
21 Year End Podcast – 2020 Final Thoughts and F-Words
In the last podcast of 2020, Phrost and Submessenger review and ruminate on the events and hot-button topics of the past year, from culture war skirmishes to natural and man-made catastrophes.
20 Covid Vaccine and Pandemic Update
As the vaccine for Covid-19 rolls out to the United States and the rest of the world, Immunologist Dr. Jason Goldsmith joins us to discuss the implications, considerations, and specifics of how it was created so quickly, putting to rest conspiracy theories and nonsense about the state of the pandemic.
19 WTF is a Grand Jury? With Prof. Ben McJunkin
In this episode we discuss what Grand Juries are and why you should care, along with related issues in the law for which a basic familiarity is an important part of being a competent, functioning adult in the modern age.
18 Steve Koepfer
"SAMBO" Steve Kopefer is one the most notable icons of this Russian martial art in the United States but for the past several years has established himself as an authority on fighting in films and TV, working behind the scenes on some of the most exciting movies and shows to hit the screen. He shares his time and insight with us.
17 Andrew Vaillencourt
Engineer and author Andrew "Scrapper" Vaillencourt comes back on the show to discuss the terrible state of everything, recent shooting incidents, and how to solve the damn problems instead of just arguing about them.
16 Covid Update 3 – Revenge of the Sick
Dr. Jason Goldsmith (MD, PhD) and the crew delve into the latest information on the clusterfracas that is the Coronavirus Pandemic in the United States.
15 How to Steal an Election
Rebecca Little, author of "Swing: Are American Elections Legitimate?" comes on the show to discuss her book and the flaws in our voting system as we close in on the biggest election of many people's lives this year.
14 Steroids – Myths and Reality
There's a billion-dollar industry around BS performance-enhancing supplements, but legendary Bullshido member and supplement industry insider code-named "Roidie McDouchebag" comes on the podcast to separate that BS from facts and provide answers to questions you were afraid to ask.
13 – Qualified Immunity with Clark Neily from CATO
Clark Neily is the Vice President for Criminal Justice at the CATO Institute and an expert on Constitutional Law, and was co-council for the historic District of Columbia v. Heller Supreme Court case on the Second Amendment. He joins us on the podcast to address the issue of Qualified Immunity complicating the relationship between police and the public.
12 Coronavirus Quarantine And Updates
With the literal shit about to hit the figurative fan, Dr. Jason Goldsmith comes back on to provide information from the front lines about what to expect in the coming weeks, that you're probably not getting from your chosen news source.
11 Comics And Culture With Steve Mix
Have you ever thought about getting into comics? Well comic shop owner, writer, and combat veteran Steve Mix comes on the podcast to answer questions about where to start, the best new series out now, and the influence the medium has on the broader culture.
10 COVID-19: Nature’s Way of Saying “OK Boomer”
There is a lot of noise being made about the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), especially now that the WHO has classified it as a pandemic. Dr. Jason Goldsmith, MD, PHD comes back on the show to explain the particulars and cut through the BS.
Also, we make some grim jokes. Because, of course we do.
09 Blackmonk: SAMBO, Street Fighting, Punk Rock
On this episode of The Art of Fighting BS podcast, we have an international SAMBO competitor who goes by the name of "Blackmonk" on the Bullshido forums. He's also the frontman for the band Bullshit Detector, if that ain't just f'n awesome.
We discuss what it's like to compete overseas, the difference between how Americans and how Russians train, and he's brought along a few grizzly war stories f
08 Impeachment 2020
We're releasing this "emergency" episode of the podcast to address all the misinformation about impeachment. Unlike the manager of the Jiffy Lube on your friends list, our guest, Derek Debus, actually has a law degree and he breaks down this whole thing in a non-partisan, BS-free manner.
Stay tuned after the credits for an information update recorded today!
07 – Movies with Matt Foster
Comedian and movie critic Matt Foster is one half of the movie review team from The Nighthawks Podcast. He's also better known to the members of the Bullshido community as JohnnyCache.
Matt joins us for a roller coaster of a conversation about movies, BS, and movie BS
06 Police Shootings
Are "all cops bastards", or is there something else going on that may explain why we're seeing more stories about police shootings in the media lately?
For this episode of The Art of Fighting BS Podcast we bring back Firearms and Tactics Instructor, former Marine, and (now) Attorney, Derek Debus to discuss the particulars surrounding recent controversial shootings by police and the reasons behi
05 Andrew Vaillencourt
Judo? In my Science Fiction? By an author who isn't trying to make a political statement? HELL YES.
04 The Antifa Episode
Bullshido sits down for a conversation to better understand "Antifa", because we're not snowflakes who hide in a bias bubble.
03 Martial Arts Episode: Omega and Battlefields
A lot of you have been asking us to do martial arts-related stuff, so we changed things up a bit this time for you. Here's an episode of "The Art of Fighting BS Podcast" featuring a conversation between Michael "Omega" MacDonald and Sam "Battlefields" Fields—both of which you'll recognize from the Bullshido forums.
02 Gun Control and the Second Amendment – The Art of Fighting BS Podcast
With what seems to be an endless cycle of mass-shootings in the news, the Bullshido team takes on the tricky subject of Gun Control vs. Gun Rights with former Marine weapons instructor and current law student Derek Debus.
01 Obesity: Fat Shaming vs. Fact-Checking – The Art of Fighting BS Podcast
Jason Goldsmith, MD, PhD, joins us to talk about the huge obesity problem in the US, and the actual scientific reasons behind it.
Podcast Episode 0.5
In this "beta" episode recorded at Bullshido HQ in Austin, Texas, Phrost, Submessenger, and JNP shoot the proverbial sh*t on a wide range of topics, including science, war stories from the forums, martial arts drama, and science fiction.
Recommended
LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah
Classical Christian Education
Veritas Vox - The Voice of Classical Christian Education
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
Entrepreneur Kids Legacy Show - Family Motivation, Business Boss Babies, Inspirational Speakers and Healthy fun food
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
Lighting the Legal Career Path
High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset
Pintastic® Pinterest Podcast
