Hidden Forces

Hidden forces is a decent interview style podcast. The interviews are typically well prepared and conducted. Sadly, recently we have seen and heard here a lot of crazy conspiracy stuff. Unchallenged and seemingly not well prepared. I think Demetri needs a refresher in critical thinking and scientific skepticism. I recommend Dr Steven Novella as guest. That would clear up JFK assassination theories and Alien visitations. Otherwise, this is a good podcast.

I am an early Boomer (more bluntly, an old guy) whose journey through the podcast world has been random at best. I sampled several podcasts along the way, but couldn’t find any that held my interest beyond an episode or two. Until I happened upon Hidden Forces and Demetri Kofinas. All one has to do is scroll through Hidden Forces episode titles to fully appreciate the wide variety of the subjects Demetri tackles. These episodes are more than interviews. They are conversations with people who really know what they are talking about. Demetri continues to amaze me with the breadth and depth of these discussions. I freely admit that some of the conversations are spoken in languages foreign to me (I’m still puzzling over what a meme stock squeeze is), but what I am able to pick up when listening to these episodes sure is interesting. Count me as one of many loyal fans of Hidden Forces and Demetri Kofinas.

Demetri is not one of those podcasters who is just offering a vehicle for his guest’s self-promotion. He is genuinely interested in the conversation, in drawing out his guest and exploring their ideas. He takes the trouble to read their book. He puts in the effort. I have been listening to the podcast for a couple of years. The only reason I have not subscribed to get the additional content is that I fear losing large chunks of my life to this worthy project. I have a suspicion I may have to do so soon though!

Lots of great episodes with lots of depth and interesting people. Kofinas is a well articulated and skilled interviewer who keeps the show on track and really digs to the heart of subject. Hidden forces has broadened my understanding of the underlying “hidden” forces at play around the political and economic landscape.

I used to consider Hidden Forces one of the best podcasts out there for deep, well-researched discussions on topics that few others were covering. Demetri had a knack for bringing on insightful guests and diving into complex subjects with a level of preparation that made each episode feel like a masterclass. Unfortunately, in recent months, the show seems to have lost its way. Episodes now feel much less structured, with Demetri often meandering through discussions rather than guiding them with a clear focus. There’s a noticeable lack of the sharp, well-prepared questioning (and pressure testing of ideas) that once set the podcast apart. That’s not to say there aren’t still good episodes—the quality of guests remains high, and every now and then, you’ll get a glimpse of what made Hidden Forces great in the first place. But more often than not, it feels like Demetri is less prepared and more prone to digressions that don’t add much value. I hope he can recapture the focus and depth that made Hidden Forces such a standout podcast. Until then, it’s hard to recommend it as strongly as I once did