The Vancrux Podcast - Host Jeevan Matharu
by Jeevan Matharu
The Vancrux Podcast explores the ideas, experiences, and turning points that shape who we become. From psychology and philosophy to success stories, history, spirituality, and even conspiracies, this podcast is for thinkers, seekers, and those questioning the world around them. We feature a mix of in-person guest conversations, virtual interviews, and solo episodes that break down powerful ideas around mindset, identity, meaning, and personal transformation. Our Guests come from all walks of life—sharing raw insights, hard-won lessons, and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. Vancrux is a coined word: “Van” — to rise, go beyond, or overcome “Crux” — a critical moment or turning point To Vancrux is to vanquish at the crucial time
Episodes
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Freedom, desire and is consumerism modern slavery - with Kamran Changizian
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I speak with Kamran Changizian about freedom, desire, consumerism and the idea that modern society has created a new form of slavery. We explore how advertising, materialism and the constant pursuit of more influence our behaviour, whether we are truly in...
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Tragic choices, The Repugnant conclusion, and Dirty Hands
What happens when every available choice involves a moral cost? From impossible decisions in organ transplants and lifeboat scenarios to the trolley problem, self-driving cars and wartime dilemmas, we explore The Tragic Choice. We examine the Repugnant Conclusion, Luvuyo Gantsho’s argument that...
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Stoicism and the myth of Sisyphus - with Shermin Kruse
What does Stoicism teach us about dealing with life's challenges, developing the right mindset, and becoming better leaders? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Shermin Kruse to explore Stoic philosophy, the myth of Sisyphus, and how seemingly bad experiences can ultimately...
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When does science cross the line into ideology and politics?
Is science always objective, or can political agendas, personal beliefs and institutional pressures influence what we accept as scientific truth? In this episode, we explore the relationship between science, politics and ideology, questioning where evidence ends and belief begins. We look at...
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Is Wanting Heaven Selfish? Morality, God, and the Problem of Evil with Dr Peter Kreeft
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore morality, God, and the problem of evil with Dr Peter Kreeft. We discuss the Book of Job, Pascal’s Wager, Schopenhauer’s concept of the Will to Life, Gnosticism, miracles, and the role of prayer. We also consider whether wanting Heaven is selfish,...
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How do we really know anything at all?
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore the philosophical problem of knowledge, from Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” to the Brain in a Vat, scepticism and the limits of human perception. We examine how thinkers such as Hume, Kant, Popper and Wittgenstein challenge what we consider...
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What happens if we imagine Earth as a game?
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore life as a game we never chose to enter, with rules we didn’t create and starting positions we couldn’t control. From genetics, environment and social hierarchies to success, freedom, morality and the search for purpose, we examine how we develop...
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The Psychological Techniques Spies Use — with Trenton Miguez
How do spies gain information, influence people's behaviour, and persuade others to reveal things they would normally keep secret? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Trenton Miguez to explore the psychology and techniques used in intelligence operations, from gathering...
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The current Landscape of Judo - with Jimmy Pedro
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I’m joined by Jimmy Pedro — judo world champion, Olympic bronze medallist, renowned coach and CEO of Fuji Sports — to discuss the sport’s evolution, its challenges and what it takes to compete at the highest level. We explore rule changes, leg grabs,...
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Does time disprove everything in the end?
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore what the passage of time reveals about the limits of human knowledge and whether any of our beliefs can ever be considered final. From the ancient idea of the atom and the limitations of Newtonian mechanics to Einstein’s relativity, Karl Popper’s...
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The Mandela Effect, synchronicities, and the multiverse - with Cynthia Sue Larson
What if some of our memories don’t match the reality we’re living in? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we speak with Cynthia Sue Larson about the Mandela Effect, synchronicities, reality shifting and the possibility of a multiverse. We explore why groups of people can remember events…
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Where are the aliens — and what does the Fermi paradox imply?
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore one of the biggest questions in science and philosophy: if the universe is so vast and potentially full of habitable worlds, why haven’t we found anyone else? We examine the Drake Equation, the Great Filter, the Dark Forest theory, the Zoo...
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Are we living in a simulation — and if so, should it change how we live?
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore the simulation hypothesis, from Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Descartes’ evil demon and Kant’s unknowable reality to Nick Bostrom’s simulation argument and the possibility that advanced technology could create indistinguishable simulated worlds.…
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Why do some problems seem impossible to solve?
Why do some problems seem impossible to solve? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore why certain questions appear to resist every attempt at an answer. Is a problem truly impossible, or are we simply approaching it with the wrong assumptions, tools or way of thinking? We examine the...
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Society, Science and Hydrogen — with Alex Tarnava
What happens when we start questioning not just what we know, but how we know it? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Alex Tarnava for a wide-ranging conversation covering science, epistemology, society, work, gender, philosophy and technology. We explore some of the problems...
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What do we mean by 'real'?
What do we mean by “real”? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we question one of the most basic assumptions we make about the world: that we know what reality is. Is something real because we can see, touch or scientifically prove it? What about gravity before we discovered it, dreams that...
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Why is there something rather than nothing?
Why is there something rather than nothing? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest questions in philosophy: why does anything exist at all? Is “nothing” actually possible, or is it an idea our minds have created because we cannot truly imagine absolute nothingness?…
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Trump, Time Travel and God: The Trump Code, Tesla & Prophecy with Troy Anderson
In this fascinating episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I speak with author Troy Anderson about his books The Trump Code and Trump vs. the Beast, and the extraordinary ideas surrounding Donald Trump, prophecy and the future. We explore Ingersoll Lockwood's original books and their remarkable…
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What Is the Moon, Are Nuclear Weapons Fake, and Critical Thinking — with Commander Davenport
What if two of the most fundamental assumptions about our world are completely wrong? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Commander Davenport for a challenging conversation about the Moon, nuclear weapons and critical thinking. We explore his unconventional views on what the...
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Agenda 2030 and an Inevitable War? – with Brandon Conceicao
In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Conceicao for a wide-ranging conversation exploring some of the biggest forces shaping the modern world. We discuss Agenda 2030, the World Economic Forum and Davos, the relationship between governments and powerful financial institutions, the Federal...
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Totalitarianism, Secret Societies and JFK - with Sean Stone
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker, author and media host Sean Stone for a fascinating conversation exploring totalitarianism, secret societies, hidden power structures and the enduring questions surrounding JFK. We discuss the influence of politics, propaganda and...
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Remote Viewing, Science and Philosophy with Fabian Bush
What if consciousness can access information beyond the limits of our ordinary senses — and what would that mean for science? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Fabian Bush to explore the fascinating and controversial world of remote viewing, the possibility of…
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The Secret Language of Faces with Adrianne Carter aka The Face Whisperer
What can your face reveal about you — and can your body language give away what your words are trying to hide? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Adrianne Carter, aka The Face Whisperer, to explore the fascinating world of facial expressions, body language, non-verbal...
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Fauci, covid and a perpetual pandemic - with Dr Peter A McCullough
What really happened during the COVID-19 pandemic — and what have we learned from it? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH, one of the most prominent and outspoken medical figures to emerge from the pandemic. We have a wide-ranging and often...
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Anthropic are copying then destroying books by the millions
They didn’t burn the books—they consumed them. In this episode, we explore how Anthropic and others are scanning and destroying millions of books to train AI—and what that means for the future of knowledge. As ideas move from pages into systems, ownership shifts to access, and truth becomes...
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Astronomy, Astrology, Flat Earth, Religion and Lies – with Santos Bonacci
What if everything you’ve been taught about the cosmos—and your place in it—is wrong? In this episode, we sit down with Santos Bonacci to explore the clash between astronomy and astrology, the flat earth debate, and the deep ties between religion, symbolism, and hidden knowledge. We dive into...
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The State’s System of Control
What if control isn’t forced… but quietly built into the systems you live inside every day? In this episode, we break down how power operates beneath the surface—through money, media, policing, politics, and the courts. From who really creates money, to how narratives are shaped, to what happens...
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Living on Two Timelines — Die Tomorrow vs Live to 100
What if you lived every day like it mattered… because it does—but also planned like you’ll be here for a century? In this episode, we explore the powerful mindset of living on two timelines at once: the urgency of “die tomorrow” and the patience of “live to 100.” One pushes you to act boldly…
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It Should Offend You That Someone Else Could Use Your Day Better
What if someone else could take your exact day—your work, your gym session, your conversations, your opportunities—and simply use it better? In this episode, we explore a powerful shift in perspective: the difference between having time and using it with intention. From your interview to your…
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The Dead Sea Scrolls, Jesus, and the End Times Prophecy” with Karin Anderson
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, “The Dead Sea Scrolls, Jesus, and the End Times Prophecy” with Karin Anderson, I sit down with researcher and author Karin Anderson to explore one of the most fascinating and controversial intersections of ancient texts, biblical history, and future…
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Parkinson’s Law — Why Time Expands to Fill the Space You Give It
In this episode, we break down Parkinson’s Law and how work, stress, and even ambition quietly expand to consume all the time you allow them. You’ll learn why deadlines create urgency, why most people feel “busy but not productive,” and how to compress time to force higher performance and sharper...
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A New Way to Value Businesses
What if we’ve been measuring businesses completely wrong? For decades, success has been defined by one simple equation: profit. Revenue minus costs. And in that equation, people have always been treated as a cost to minimise. But what happens when companies become more valuable by hiring fewer...
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Wisdom Through Stories and Metaphors – with Tom Murphy
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, “Wisdom Through Stories and Metaphors” with Tom Murphy, we explore how deep truths are often best communicated through storytelling rather than direct instruction. We dive into the role of wisdom passed down through metaphors, the dangers of human hubris…
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The Gracies Didn’t Create the Ground System – with Chadi
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Chadi—a second dan black belt judoka and YouTuber—to break down the truth about Judo and grappling. We dive into competing, key techniques, and the history of Judo, including the philosophy of Kano himself. We also explore the future of Judo...
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Consciousness Relativity
What if you’re not seeing reality as it is… but only as much as you’re capable of perceiving? In this episode, we explore the idea that consciousness is relative—just like time and speed. From the intelligence of ant colonies to the philosophy of Spinoza, Kant, and beyond, you’ll begin to…
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The Butterfly Effect & The Tyranny of Small Decisions
What if your life isn’t shaped by the big moments… but by the small decisions you barely notice? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore two powerful ideas that quietly control your entire life: the Butterfly Effect and the Tyranny of Small Decisions. Using the film The Butterfly…
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Consciousness, God and Time - With Raymond Tallis
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Raymond Tallis to break down three profound topics—one by one: Consciousness God Time Each idea is explored separately, giving you a clearer, deeper understanding of how they shape human existence. 🔥 Sponsored By: ☕ Strong Coffee Company —...
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Parts of the Brain and Brain wave types
What if everything you feel… every decision you make… every moment of clarity or chaos… isn’t random at all? What if it’s all being controlled—moment by moment—inside your own mind? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we take you deep into the hidden control room of your brain. Not in a dry,...
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Nietzsche's version of Pity - is it making you weak?
What if pity isn’t kindness… but weakness in disguise? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we break down Nietzsche’s controversial belief that pity doesn’t help people — it holds them back. You’ll learn the difference between empowering someone and enabling them, and why struggle is essential...
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Have humans progressed too far? - with James Van Lanen
We dive deep into anthropology and human evolution, unpacking how rapid development and modern systems may be creating more problems than they solve. From the rise of AI to the loss of connection with nature, this conversation challenges the idea that “progress” always equals improvement. We...
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Thinking clearly in high pressure situations - With Trevor Fortner
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Trevor Fortner — a former U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist and lead trainer for the UAE Presidential Guard, now working alongside Andrew Bustamante at Everyday Spy. We dive into what it really means to think clearly under...
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The Stranger's Advantage - Seeing What Others Can’t
What if the biggest advantage in life comes from not fully belonging to the system? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we explore how familiarity blinds us, why outsiders often spot opportunities insiders miss, and how shifting perspective can completely change the way you see your life…
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Palantir - The Company That Sees Everything
What if one company could map wars, predict threats, and track systems across the world? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we break down Palantir — the data intelligence firm used by governments and institutions to turn massive datasets into actionable insight. From counterterrorism to...
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Fate, Destiny & Divine Timing
What if your life isn’t off track… but perfectly timed? In this episode, we break down the real difference between fate, destiny, and divine timing—and why the delays, setbacks, and missed opportunities in your life might not be failures at all. From relationships that felt right but didn’t last…...
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A BJJ Champ who says it's ok to lose - With Robert Drysdale
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, I sit down with Robert Drysdale — one of the most respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. An ADCC World Champion, IBJJF World Champion, and widely regarded as one of America’s Jiu-Jitsu superheroes, Robert brings a rare blend of elite performance, deep...
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Interstellar Travel, or Align with Earth Correctly- with Tom Murphy
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, “Interstellar Travel, or Align with Earth Correctly” with Tom Murphy, I sit down with a self-described “recovering astrophysicist” to challenge the idea that humanity’s future lies beyond Earth. We discuss why interstellar travel may not be realistic, the...
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Reclaiming Life from Overperformance - with Pippa Grange
In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, “Reclaiming Life from Overperformance” with Pippa Grange, I sit down with a renowned psychologist, leadership expert, and former Head of People & Team Development at the FA to explore the hidden cost of constantly chasing more. She worked with Gareth...
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Neurath’s Boat- You Can’t Start Again
What if the reason you feel stuck… isn’t your effort, but the structure you’re building from? In this episode, we break down one of the most powerful ideas in philosophy—Neurath’s Boat—and what it reveals about growth, identity, and why real change isn’t about starting over. Because you don’t get…
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What You Can’t See From The Top - Standpoint Epistemology
What you see depends on where you stand. In this episode, we break down a powerful idea from philosophy—standpoint epistemology—and explore why people at the top often miss what’s happening on the ground. From CEOs who believe everything is fair, to employees who experience subtle bias,...
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The 4 Burners Theory vs The Wheel of Life – Balance or Sacrifice?
What if you can’t have everything at once? In this episode of The Vancrux Podcast, we break down the brutal truth behind success: The 4 Burners Theory says you must sacrifice areas of life to succeed… While the Wheel of Life tells you to balance everything. So which one leads to a better life? 🔥...
About this show
The Vancrux Podcast explores the ideas, experiences, and turning points that shape who we become. From psychology and philosophy to success stories, history, spirituality, and even conspiracies, this podcast is for thinkers, seekers, and those questioning the world around them.
We feature a mix of in-person guest conversations, virtual interviews, and solo episodes that break down powerful ideas around mindset, identity, meaning, and personal transformation.
Our Guests come from all walks of life—sharing raw insights, hard-won lessons, and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking.
Vancrux is a coined word:
“Van” — to rise, go beyond, or overcome
“Crux” — a critical moment or turning point
To Vancrux is to vanquish at the crucial time
Hosted by
Jeevan Matharu
Categories