Real Coffee with Scott Adams: Episode 2985 CWSA 10/11/25
Date: October 11, 2025
Host: Scott Adams
Theme: Examining current events through a “persuasion filter”
Overview
In this episode, Scott Adams offers his unique analysis of current events in politics, science, health, and culture, all viewed through the lens of persuasion and human behavior. True to form, he weaves humor, reframes, and real-time social commentary, touching on relationships, news cycles, and global developments. He includes practical life advice, reframed from his book, and spotlights on trending political figures and hot-button issues.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Power of Appreciation and Compliments
[05:10]
- Adams opens with a study claiming men experience the phrase “thank you” from women as positively as women experience “I love you” from men.
- He argues many find giving compliments uncomfortable, but reframes it:
“Withholding a compliment is almost immoral. If you have a compliment in your mind about somebody … and you don’t give them the compliment … it’s almost immoral. It’s free and it will be highly valuable to the person who received it.” — Scott Adams [06:00]
Psychedelics and Health
[09:30]
- New studies suggest psychedelics like psilocybin might reduce inflammation by relaxing the brain and lowering cortisol.
- Adams speculates, half-joking, on the apparent limitless benefits of psychedelics:
“Is there anything that psychedelics can’t do? Not that I know of.” — [12:00]
UFOs and Tim Burchett’s Belief
[13:30]
- Representative Tim Burchett claims credible people have suggested the existence of alien crafts and bodies.
- Adams firmly denies believing these claims, but enjoys the topic as entertainment:
“Do you enjoy it as much as I do just thinking about it? I just love thinking about it.” — [15:30]
Gut Health and Mental Health
[17:00]
- Highlights research from the University of South Australia linking gut microbiome to mental health.
- Adams reiterates his mantra:
“Your body is your brain. If you think of them as separate units, then you will be confused.” — [17:50]
Political Commentary: Trump, Clinton, and Gaza
[19:00]
- Trump received flu & COVID boosters, possibly to protect his legacy.
- Surprisingly, Hillary Clinton commended Trump’s progress on Gaza:
“She must have found a way to make some money there … there’s got to be a monetary incentive there.” — [22:00]
China’s Trade Moves and Rare Earths
[24:00]
- China tightens exports on rare earth materials, affecting markets worldwide.
- Adams notes the “Trumpian” approach of creating and leveraging bargaining chips:
“Trump is the champion of creating something out of nothing and then trading the nothing away for something. And that looks like what China just did.” — [25:00]
Government Shutdown and Political Strategy
[29:00]
- Suggests Democrats might favor a government shutdown to boost turnout at planned protests ("No Kings" rally).
- Describes protest organizers’ struggle to balance outrage and fun:
“You just can’t do those same things at the same time. … Watching how artificial and fake it is…” — [32:00]
Letitia James Bank Fraud Case
[34:00]
- Reviews legal analysis (cited from @SMB_Attorney) on classifying properties for mortgages.
- Warns listeners about the “documentary effect”—persuasive power of hearing only one side:
“That’s the documentary effect because you only heard one side of an argument.” — [37:00]
Nobel Peace Prize and Venezuela
[39:00]
- Maria Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize, calls Trump to thank him.
- Adams lauds her savvy:
“Talk about the best way you could get him on your side. … That was so smart.” — [40:00]
Melania Trump’s Diplomatic Success
[42:00]
- Melania is credited with getting Ukrainian children released via direct talks with Putin.
- Persuasion insight:
“The fact that [Putin’s] playing so nice with Melania is just more of that. … He buys a whole bunch of goodwill for nothing.” — [44:00]
Breakthroughs in Science and Medicine
-
Japanese scientists claim new brain scan detects long COVID—Adams is skeptical:
“I’m not even sure long COVID is real.” — [46:00]
-
Multiple cancer vaccine trials underway, but real breakthroughs are likely years off.
“Maybe there’s something there … I’ll see if I can last long enough to get to the vaccines.” — [59:00]
-
MIT develops a gene editing tool with 60x fewer mistakes, possibly revolutionizing bio-medicine.
“You might get yourself a new head. ... That new head you’ve been wanting, it’s getting closer.” — [1:05:00]
Media, Politics, and Misinformation
- Antifa is being labeled “imaginary” by media figures; Adams counters with comparative group sizes, calling out the narrative.
- Police in Portland requesting federal help, while others minimize violence.
Trump, Pharma, and Pricing
[54:00]
- Trump claims AstraZeneca will offer “most favored nation” pricing; Adams questions the feasibility and details.
Newsom & Rogan
[56:00]
- Gavin Newsom tries to bait Joe Rogan into a podcast debate by insulting him.
“Does it seem to you that cursing and insulting Joe Rogan is how you get him to invite you on the show?” — [57:00]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Withholding Compliments:
“Withholding a compliment is almost immoral... It’s free and it will be highly valuable to the person who received it.” — Scott Adams [06:00]
-
On Psychedelics:
“Is there anything that psychedelics can’t do? Not that I know of.” — [12:00]
-
On Trump’s Trade Style:
“Trump is the champion of creating something out of nothing and then trading the nothing away for something.” — [25:00]
-
On Reframing Self-Improvement:
“The old frame used to be ‘be yourself.’ Terrible advice. … Become a better version of yourself.” — [1:08:00]
-
On Media Narrative about Antifa:
“They were saying it’s not like the Proud Boys or the Patriot Front … those are real organizations, not like Antifa, that’s just totally imaginary.” — [1:01:00]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [05:10] Compliments and “thank you” in relationships
- [09:30] Psychedelics and brain inflammation
- [13:30] Tim Burchett & UFO debate
- [17:00] Gut health links to mental health
- [19:00] Trump, COVID boosters, and legacy
- [22:00] Hillary Clinton commends Trump on Gaza
- [24:00] China, rare earths, and trade negotiations
- [29:00] Government shutdown and protest strategy
- [34:00] Letitia James bank fraud analysis
- [39:00] Nobel Peace Prize and Maria Karina Machado
- [42:00] Melania Trump’s diplomacy with Putin
- [46:00] Skepticism of long COVID brain scans
- [54:00] Trump, big pharma, and drug pricing
- [56:00] Newsom’s antics with Joe Rogan
- [59:00] Cancer vaccine trials update
- [1:05:00] Gene editing breakthrough at MIT
- [1:08:00] Reframe of the day: “Be better than yourself”
Reframes & Life Advice
From “Reframe Your Brain”
- On Compliments: Don’t withhold compliments; it’s almost immoral to do so.
- On Personal Growth:
“If anybody ever tells you the key to success is be yourself, you’re getting some bad advice. Be better. Just be better.” — Scott Adams [1:08:00]
Adams encourages listeners to consistently strive for self-improvement rather than resting on the idea of authenticity for its own sake.
Tone & Style
- Conversational, humorous, and skeptical
- Focus on persuasion, framing, and human psychology
- Regularly reframes daily events into practical life lessons
For a deeper dive on any single issue, see specific timestamps above for that topic’s full discussion.