The Illusion of Consensus

Hi everyone, In this episode, professor Bryce Nickels and I discuss the debate over the origin of COVID-19, specifically whether it was a lab leak or a natural spillover. We highlight the challenges faced by scientists who question the lab leak theory and the suppression of dissenting voices. We also discuss the risks and ethics of gain-of-function research and the need for transparency and public accountability in the scientific community. The conversation in this part focuses on the deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, the importance of getting the paper retracted to expose the manipulation by top funders, and the hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research. The discussion also touches on the challenges of having different perspectives during the pandemic and the need for a healthier culture of scientific debate and discussion. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * The scientific journals have played a role in suppressing the lab leak theory and promoting the natural spillover theory. * There is a need to reevaluate the justification for certain types of research, such as studying exotic viruses in labs, and consider the potential risks and ethical implications. There was a deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, which is an ethical violation that needs to be addressed. * Getting the paper retracted is important to expose the manipulation by top funders and inform the public and scientific community about the deliberate shaping of the message on the origins of the virus. * The hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research was a historic event that may change the future direction of the origins issue and the regulation of risky virology research. Listen Now: Apple podcasts / Spotify Sound Bites * "The debate over COVID has become something where you have to take sides and stay with everyone that's on your side on every issue." * "Biosafety Now's mission is to reduce the risks of lab-generated pandemics and push for public transparency and accountability." * "The consensus in the mainstream press and among scientists like Tony Fauci was that there was no debate about the lab leak theory." * "Nature medicine. They tried to get into nature and it went into nature medicine." * "The paper states that the work was funded by the Wellcome Trust, which is, he was the head of it. So that is a clear, I mean, that's simply just an ethical violation that's as clear as day and nobody can dispute it." * "The acknowledgement of malfeasance or misfeasance and misconduct is the most critical thing. And that paper is the one that needs to go first." A note from our podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, In this interview I talk to Debbie Lerman, an investigative journalist, about the key players and decision-making processes behind the pandemic response in the United States. She reveals that the National Security Council (NSC) took over as the lead policy group, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) becoming the lead federal agencies. This shift in power sidelined the CDC and HHS, which were traditionally responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks. Debbie also explores the appointment of Deborah Birx as the head of the White House Task Force and questions the involvement of Matt Pottinger, a China expert, in the decision-making process. The conversation explores the role of the government and public health officials in the COVID-19 response. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways: * The National Security Council (NSC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over as the lead policy and federal agencies, respectively, in the pandemic response. * Deborah Birx was appointed as the head of the White House Task Force, but the involvement of Matt Pottinger in the decision-making process is questionable. * The decision-making process behind the lockdowns and the development of vaccines was influenced by the defense industry and lacked democratic participation. * There is a need to restructure pandemic response plans to ensure that the right people with reasonable training and the right temperament are in charge. * Revoking emergency declarations and promoting democratic participation are essential to maintain trust in public health and prevent a bioterrorism-like response in the future. Watch: Apple / Spotify Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Debbie Lerman's Investigative Journalism on the Pandemic 04:48 The Key Players: National Security Council and Department of Homeland Security 10:02 Sidelining the CDC and HHS in the Decision-Making Process 26:10 Deborah Birx's Controversial Appointment 29:34 Questioning the Involvement of Matt Pottinger 31:27 Deborah Birx and the Non-Traditional Approach to Public Health 34:50 The Decision-Making Process Behind the Lockdowns 41:04 The Development of Vaccines and Operation Warp Speed 47:47 The Ineffectiveness of Contact Tracing 52:23 Treating COVID-19 as a Bioterrorism Crisis 59:33 Restructuring Pandemic Response Plans and Promoting Democratic Participation A note from our podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, In this conversation, I interview psychologist Dr. Matt Johnson about the current state of mainstream pharmaceutical solutions for mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety. A bit about Matt: he has lead groundbreaking research in psychedelic therapy at Johns Hopkins University over the past two decades. We aimed to discuss that but ended up spending the whole podcast discussing the staggering limits of current pharmaceutical interventions. As an expert in the intersecting field of psychopharmacology — studying the psychological effects of various drugs — he was the perfect person to discuss this with. As Matt humbly admitted, psychopharmacology faces challenges in finding effective treatments for complex psychological problems. Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines have limitations in terms of long-term efficacy and side effects. Meanwhile, the use of psychedelics and related compounds, such as ketamine, have shown promise in providing relief for depression and anxiety. However, the field of psychopharmacology still lacks major breakthroughs and relies on medications that may not fully address the complexity of psychological issues. The new development of non-psychedelic compounds that mimic the effects of psychedelics without the visionary experience may not be as effective. The conversation highlights the need for innovative approaches to mental health treatment. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * Mainstream pharmaceutical solutions for mental health issues like ADHD, depression, and anxiety have limitations and potential harms. * Overuse of ADHD stimulant medications is a concern, and the narrative of depression being caused by low serotonin levels is overly simplistic. * Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders and depression. * Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety but can have negative long-term effects and should be used with caution. Psychopharmacology struggles to find effective treatments for complex psychological problems. * Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines have limitations in terms of long-term efficacy and side effects. Sound Bites * "There are major issues with some traditional medications" * "The narrative of depression being caused by low serotonin is overly simplistic" * "Psychedelic therapy offers the potential for long-term benefits" * "Psychopharmacology medications for the mind don't seem to work the same way as other classes of medicine." * "There's a real danger associated with being on benzodiazepines chronically."‘ Watch now: Apple link / Spotify Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 09:20 Mainstream Pharmaceutical Solutions for Mental Health 32:00 Exploring the Root Causes of Mental Health Disorders 46:30 The Limitations of Psychopharmacology 57:43 The Complexity of Mental Health and Treatment 01:08 Debunking the Serotonin Model of Depression 01:29 The Limitations of Medications for Anxiety 01:58 Closing Remarks and Future Directions Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, In this bonus, member-only podcast episode, I interview our resident cardiologist Dr. Anish Koka about two recent major studies on cardiac risks associated with the mRNAs: Pfizer’s long-awaited subclinical myocarditis analysis and the CDC’s sudden cardiac death study. We start the conversation with a heartbreaking update (yikes, that adjective had to come to my mind first) on the case of a 38-year-old law enforcement member who developed vaccine myocarditis over two years ago. I interviewed him in a Substack piece at the time and just checked back in. Bad news. So much for “mild” and “transient” myocarditis assured by CDC and FDA talking-heads. As promised to our loyal paid members, you will have access to bonus conversations every month. This is one of them. There is a free preview accessible to everyone for the first 10 minutes. Takeaways * Dr. Anish Koka has been vocal about the vaccine myocarditis issue and has provided critical analysis of the data throughout the pandemic. * The case of a 38-year-old law enforcement member who developed vaccine myocarditis highlights the ongoing symptoms and complications that can arise from this condition. * The subclinical myocarditis study by Pfizer and the CDC study on post-vaccine sudden cardiac death in adolescents are important in shaping the discourse around the risks and benefits of the COVID vaccine. * There is a need for comprehensive data on the rate of sudden cardiac deaths after vaccination, especially in different age groups and with long-term follow-up. * Alternative treatments, such as stem cell therapy, are being explored for vaccine injuries. Further investigation is needed to understand the potential harm caused by mRNA vaccines on the heart, particularly in young individuals. Sound Bites: * "mRNA vaccines are harming the heart, that there's some kind of mechanism that we need to understand better and investigate better." * "I think we should hold everyone to the same level of rigor." * "Given the numbers we're talking about here, some people are gonna have actual, you know more significant stuff than than what you're seeing here." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:46 The Severity of Vaccine Myocarditis 11:14 Recommendations for Treatment 16:06 Concerns and Questions about Long-Term Effects 30:17 The Importance of Rigorous Research 38:34 Introduction and Background 41:10 The Delayed Recognition of Vaccine-Related Myocarditis 43:12 Study Design and Limitations 55:05 Conflicts of Interest and Interpretation of Results 01:01:20 The CDC Study on Post-Vaccine Sudden Cardiac Death 01:05:52 Conclusion and Considerations 01:06:11 Pfizer's Study on the Vaccine-Myocarditis Link The Illusion of Consensus is a citizen-funded podcast. To receive exclusive podcasts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, In this episode I interview Laura Powell, a lawyer who fought against a law in California that restricted doctors from discussing their opinions with patients. The law, known as AB 2098, aimed to silence doctors who were expressing views that went against the mainstream narrative. Laura discusses the unconstitutional nature of the law and the chilling effect it had on doctors' free speech rights. She also discusses the role of various organizations, such as the California Medical Association and the No License for Disinformation group, in pushing for the law. Despite facing personal blowback, she is proud of the work she has done and the friendships she has formed. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * AB 2098 was a law in California that restricted doctors from discussing their opinions with patients, particularly on topics that went against the mainstream narrative. * The erosion of trust in public health institutions has contributed to the skepticism towards mainstream narratives and the importance of allowing doctors to prioritize their patients' interests over public health agendas. * The victory in the Hoeg v. Newsom case highlighted the importance of protecting doctors' free speech rights and ensuring that laws are narrowly tailored and not overly vague. Laura Powell started Californians for Good Governance before the case because she saw a lack of opposition to the California law that would have restricted doctors' free speech rights. * She testified in front of the California legislature and received a positive response from the judge, who granted a preliminary injunction against the law. Listen Now: Spotify / Apple podcasts Sound Bites * "It's just frustrating because we actually weren't paid and people were telling lies in order to as an ad hominem attack against us to say we're only doing this because we're getting money." * "It's a great free speech victory. * "Nobody else was doing this." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:23 AB 2098: The Unconstitutional Law 10:47 The Role of the California Medical Association 35:06 The Fight for Free Speech Rights for Doctors 44:43 The Erosion of Trust in Public Health Institutions 53:57 The Hoag v. Newsom Case: A Victory for Free Speech 01:00:56 Challenging Unconstitutional Laws 01:06:33 The Need to Stand Up for Free Speech This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, I’m pleased to release this interview I recorded on Monday with vice presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan. We discuss her background in law and her investments in science, particularly in reproductive longevity. We delve into the need to restore free speech in science and the detrimental effects of suppressing dissenting voices. We highlight the inefficiency and high cost of the American healthcare system, particularly in addressing chronic diseases. Shanahan suggests investing in public health systems, rethinking agriculture practices, and ensuring access to clean water as preventive measures for chronic diseases. The conversation highlights the need for preventative healthcare and a shift away from relying solely on drugs to manage symptoms. We also discuss the influence of capitalism on healthcare and the importance of addressing conflicts of interest in the industry. The failures of regulatory bodies like the FDA and CDC are examined, with a focus on the need for screening for conflicts of interest and community-based input. We hope you enjoy this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 10:03 Free Speech in Science 25:40 Addressing the Root Causes of Chronic Disease 29:31 Restoring Free Speech and Scientific Debate 30:22 Shifting Towards Preventative Healthcare 33:43 Corporate Capture in the Healthcare Industry 36:48 Failures of the FDA, NIH, and CDC 56:02 The Impact of the Pandemic on Education 57:58 Prioritizing the Well-being and Development of Children Sound Bites * "Investing in science for the sake of information and not for the sake of a commercial outcome." * "A vast effort by the federal government to suppress the speech of scientists who disagreed with government scientists." * "Scientists do not feel comfortable publishing the paper they actually want to publish." * "We need preventative healthcare... healthcare professionals who aren't playing whack-a-mole with symptoms and their only tool being prescribing new drugs to patients." * "If sick people are being viewed as business opportunities, there's no incentive to reduce the numbers of needy people." * "The CDC, the FDA, the NIH, all have failed in pretty fundamental ways." This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, This episode was scheduled for public release in a week, but I got too many messages and emails asking when this will be released to everyone. Here it is! In this episode, I interview Dr. Adeel Khan, a leading innovator and clinician in the regenerative medicine space. He runs Eterna Health where he’s treated people like Tony Robbins, Jordan Peterson, and Israel Adesanya. While the focus of the conversation was initially about the fundamentals of regenerative medicine, we had to discuss vaccine injuries since before we started rolling, Dr. Khan told me how he’s successfully treated hundreds of vaccine-injured patients. Dr. Adeel Khan explains that stem cell therapy can help regulate and restore the immune system by reprogramming white blood cells to send the right signals. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammation, such as those with myocarditis. Stem cells can interact with the heart muscle and help reduce inflammation. Dr. Khan acknowledges that the stem cell industry is full of shady clinics, but his clinic is focused on research and pushing the field forward. He is confident in his protocols and believes he can successfully treat most vaccine injuries and psychosomatic long COVID cases. He emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the need for more awareness and options for patients. (NOTE: I am not endorsing any particular treatment or product here. I only gave Dr. Khan a platform to delineate the remarkable success he’s seen at his clinic. I was skeptical in the conversation and pushed him on what seems to be “too good to be true” but Dr. Khan stood his ground and presented a compelling rationale for his clinical protocols. I encourage everyone to go in with an open mind and consider this as a *potentially* highly effective alternative to the current failures in the medical system to treat vaccine-injured patients.) The Illusion of Consensus is a citizen-supported podcast. To receive exclusive posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of a nuanced approach to vaccination and the need to explore alternative treatments for COVID, such as peptides and lifestyle interventions. * He highlights the potential risks and benefits of mRNA vaccines, including the use of lipid nanoparticle vectors and the potential for offsite targets and immunogenicity. * Stem cell therapy can regulate and restore the immune system by reprogramming white blood cells to send the right signals. * Stem cells can interact with the heart muscle and help reduce inflammation in individuals with myocarditis. * He is confident in his protocols and believes he can successfully treat most vaccine injuries and long COVID cases. * There is not comprehensive, robust RCT evidence on stem cell therapies but they have shown incredible efficacy in various clinical settings. Dr. Khan believes they should be presented as viable alternative or option on the table rather than a magic bullet which can cure all diseases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Adeel Khan and Regenerative Medicine 02:27 Shift in Focus to COVID Vaccines and Vaccine Injuries 14:47 Vaccine Mandates and the Lack of Nuanced Approach 23:57 The mRNA Platform and its Issues 39:55 Connecting the Issues with mRNA Vaccines to Vaccine Injuries 41:31 Lack of Transparency and Downplaying by Regulatory Bodies 44:33 The Limitations and Risks of Psychiatric Drugs 53:40 Treating Vaccine Injuries: A Holistic Approach 01:01:16 Restoring Immune and Heart Function with Stem Cells 01:08:57 Addressing the Underlying Causes of Health Issues 01:18:16 Regulating the Immune System and Controlling Inflammation 01:19:06 Retraining the Immune System with Stem Cell Therapy 01:19:55 Treating Myocarditis and Restoring Heart Function 01:21:15 Investing in Research and Legitimizing Stem Cell Therapy 01:22:22 The Importance of Large Clinical Trials and Safety 01:32:46 Restoring...

In this unique, new conversation, I talk to professor Toby Green, and professor Reginald Oduor about the impact of lockdown policies on the global South. We also discuss the WHO treaty and its potential impact on the sovereignty of countries in the global South. Prof. Reginald Oduor raises several issues, including the ideology of treating the health of individuals, the environment, and everything equally, the problem of misinformation and disinformation, emergency use authorization of pharmaceutical products, centralization of medical care, and the imposition of a Western approach to disease management. They both argue that the treaty undermines the sovereignty of poorer countries and perpetuates neocolonialism. They criticize the elitism and narrow focus of Western experts and the imposition of Western medicine on the global South. The conversation concludes with a call for a more inclusive and equitable approach to global health. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:02 The Catastrophic Impact of Lockdowns in the Global South 06:33 The Cruelty of Lockdown Policies in India 08:57 The Global South's Experience of Lockdowns 11:36 The Violation of the Implicit Promise of Globalization 21:51 The Impact of Propaganda and Fear of Death 26:13 Opposition to the WHO Treaty and Neo-Colonial Imposition 31:07 Impact on the Sovereignty of the Global South 34:05 Ethical Issues with Vaccine Policies 39:35 Xenophobia and Movement Restrictions 46:23 Imposition of Western Medicine and Knowledge 51:05 Critique of Neoliberalism and Colonialism 51:58 Maintaining Integrity in the Face of Pandemic 53:23 Closing Remarks Our sponsor Alcami Elements: Our new blend uses high-quality, organic Peruvian cacao, enhancing the delicious flavour of our original mix. True raw cacao is high in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium which also can have calming effects. Illusion of Consensus readers can get 10% off their first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusionconsensus” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.com Hi everyone, Suffice it to say I had my mind blown yesterday when I had on Dr. Adeel Khan — founder of the cutting-edge regenerative medicine clinic Eterna Health — to discuss stem cell therapy, peptides, vagus nerve re-set shots for restoring chronic back, knee, and other musculoskeletal, as well as mental health, issues. I saw him on Jordan Peterson’s p…

In this episode, Aaron Kheriaty and I discuss our involvement in the Murthy v. Missouri case, which challenges the government's censorship pressures on social media companies. We discuss the censorship we personally experienced and the discovery of government involvement in online censorship. We also discuss the media blackout surrounding the case and the role of legacy media in supporting censorship. The episode concludes with a discussion of the Supreme Court oral arguments and the justices' positions. The conversation delves into the Supreme Court oral arguments in the case challenging government censorship on social media platforms. We generally express optimism that the case will result in a significant victory for free speech. Sound Bites: * "The government had essentially set up what he called an Orwellian ministry of truth." * "This is the worst free speech violation in United States history." * "Throttle everything that's positive about Great Barrington Declaration." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Censorship 06:15 The Scope and Impact of Censorship 10:27 The July 4th Ruling and Constitutional Violations 13:17The Circuit Court's Ruling and Third-Party Censorship 16:46The Appeals Court and Preliminary Injunction 17:26Media Coverage and Economic Interests 20:03The Supreme Court Case and Expectations 24:55 The Twitter Files and Reporting 26:52 The Role of Legacy Media and Censorship 28:59 The ACLU and Professional Medical Societies 32:33 The Supreme Court Experience and Observations 36:21 Reading the Tea Leaves: Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson 39:16 Concerning Justices and Compelling State Interest 41:46 The Purpose of the First Amendment 46:00 Government's Spread of Misinformation 46:47 Illusion of Consensus 47:29 Government's Right to Free Speech 48:56 Censorship vs. Speech 49:26 Government's Misinformation 53:24 Section 230 and Liability Protection 58:27 Potential Supreme Court Ruling 01:00:48 Impact of Winning or Losing 01:07:31 Importance of Free Speech This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

In this conversation, AJ Kay discusses her early experiences with writing about COVID-19 and the backlash she faced for challenging the mainstream narrative. She shares how her essay on Medium, titled 'The Curve is Already Flat,' was censored and demonetized, leading to the formation of the Rational Ground group. AJ also talks about the impact of school closures on her children, particularly her daughter with autism and her other daughter with special needs. She highlights the loss of services and support that these children relied on and the detrimental effects of isolation and disrupted routines. The conversation highlights the importance of early intervention and support for children with special needs. They express concern for children diagnosed in 2020 who did not receive in-person help for three years, emphasizing the critical period of neuroplasticity in early childhood. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:16 Early COVID Essays 06:37 Censorship on Medium 08:03 Formation of Rational Ground 22:30 Motivation to Speak Out 25:49 Transition to Zoom School 31:32 Impact on Children with Special Needs 34:16 Lack of In-Person Help for Children with Special Needs 39:51 The Effect on College Students 45:36 The Purpose of Life and the Importance of Relationships 52:55 The Great Barrington Declaration and Consent 58:29The Critique of the Great Barrington Declaration 01:00:54 The Inhumane Treatment in Nursing Home Takeaways * AJ K. faced censorship and deplatforming for challenging the mainstream narrative on COVID-19. * The Rational Ground group was formed as a response to the censorship and aimed to provide a platform for independent writers and researchers. * School closures had a significant impact on children with special needs, depriving them of essential services and support. * The isolation and disrupted routines caused by the pandemic had detrimental effects on the mental health and well-being of children. Early intervention and support are crucial for the development of children with special needs. * The period of neuroplasticity in early childhood is finite, and the lack of in-person help during the pandemic may have long-term consequences for children's outcomes. * College closures and isolation measures have had negative effects on young adults' socialization and well-being. * The trade-off between safety and the loss of important relationships and experiences raises questions about the purpose of protection. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, I’m excited to bring you this conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Roger McFillin. His content on X and Substack is incredibly thought-provoking and challenges the popular medical consensus on mental health. McFillin challenges the efficacy of antidepressants and stimulants, pointing out that the placebo effect plays a significant role in their perceived effectiveness. He also emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting the chemical imbalance theory of depression and the potential negative consequences of long-term use of psychiatric drugs. We also discuss the potential harm caused by antidepressants, including an increased risk of suicide, self-injury, and permanent sexual dysfunction. The third theme is the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical guidelines and research, leading to biased and distorted information. He explains how major medical organizations in the United States are funded by biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as nonprofits that are pushed by pharma. He highlights the focus on drugs as healthcare in the allopathic medical model and the lack of emphasis on diet interventions and addressing root causes of poor health. Dr. McFillin also criticizes the overdiagnosis of psychiatric conditions like ADHD and the role of schools in promoting the use of medication. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported podcast. To receive exclusive posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * The pharmaceutical industry has a significant influence on the mental health field, leading to overprescription and misrepresentation of scientific data. * There is a lack of evidence for the efficacy and safety of psychiatric drugs, and the long-term consequences are often not fully understood. * The concept of a chemical imbalance as the cause of mental illness is not supported by scientific evidence. Pharmaceutical companies often have a significant influence on research, including ghostwriting and biased reporting. * Medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association, receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, leading to conflicts of interest. * The FDA's analysis of studies and approval of drugs may not always consider the risks and adverse effects. * The overprescription of ADHD medications is influenced by the mass indoctrination in education and the desire for obedience in classrooms. ADHD is a spectrum of attentional challenges, rather than a disorder. Watch Now: Apple podcasts Time-stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19Awakening to the Flaws in Mainstream Mental Health Approaches 05:09 Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry on Mental Health Field 08:57 Lack of Efficacy and Safety of Psychiatric Drugs 12:16 Prevalence and Problems with SSRIs and Stimulants 28:30 Meta-Analysis on SSRIs and Suicide Risk 40:21 Conflict of Interest in Research 43:13 Ghostwriting and Pharmaceutical Influence 45:21 Corruption in Medical Organizations 48:55 Lack of Proper Analysis by FDA 56:06 Overprescription of ADHD Medications 01:01:48 Mass Indoctrination in Education 01:10:38 The Rise of ADHD Diagnoses 01:21:25 The Power of Behavioral Interventions 01:26:28 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry and Labeling 01:32:19 Understanding ADHD as a Spectrum 01:43:00 The Value of Unique Skills and Abilities 01:50:13 The Normalization of Attentional Challenges 01:59:18 Cultivating Inner Reality and Expectations 01:56:24 Depathologizing Mental Health 01:59:44 The Challenges of Achievement and More 02:01:06 The Value and Limitations of Labels 02:03:15 Understanding ADHD on a Spectrum 02:04:23The Spectrum of Trauma and PTSD 02:08:10 The Mismatch Between Evolution and Modern Society 02:19:19The Value and Danger of Labels 02:28:39 Cultural Factors and Changing the Culture 02:29:12 Future Discussions: Trauma and Treatments Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami...

Hi everyone, In this new episode of The Illusion of Consensus podcast, I interview Charles Rixey, a member of the group DRASTIC, which has been investigating the origins of the COVID-19 virus. They discuss the efforts by scientific leaders, such as Tony Fauci, to suppress the lab leak theory and create an illusion of consensus around the natural origin theory. DRASTIC, a group of citizen scientists, uncovered evidence that challenged the natural origin narrative, including deleted sequences from the Wuhan lab's viral database. The conversation emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth and restoring trust in science and medicine. Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:12 Unscrupulous Scientific Leaders and Motives 11:02 The Importance of Furin Cleavage Site 12:30 The Significance of ACE2 Receptor and Furin Cleavage Site 15:50 Debate Among Molecular Geneticists 25:57 Formation and Work of DRASTIC 29:46 Access to Wuhan Lab Sequences 40:53 The Michael Warby Paper and Flaws 43:52 Questioning the Accuracy of Chinese Data 48:44 The Lancet Commission and Jeffrey Sachs 55:31 Evidence of a Lab Leak: The Diffuse Proposal 01:02:12 History of Gain-of-Function Research 01:15:10 The Implications for Future Pandemic Preparedness 01:20:15 The Collapse of Trust in Science Consider helping us fund our podcast expansion as we seek to hire a producer and video editor: https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

This 3-hour long conversation is with Philadelphia cardiologist Dr. Anish Koka. He is one of the few brave voices in the cardiology community that changed his views in real time and spoke out against mass Covid vaccination absent any reliable safety and efficacy data for cardiac outcomes in particular. Myocarditis happens to be the most common severe adverse event associated with the mRNA vaccines — concentrated in young, healthy men — and instead of honestly discussing the risks and benefits, the CDC and FDA gaslit the public and harmed untold numbers of young people who no conceivable reason to benefit. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Anish Koka and I discuss how he came to regret vaccinating young, healthy people at his clinic and his comprehensive analysis of the relevant vaccine myocarditis data. We need more clinicians and scientists like Dr. Koka. This podcast may offer a glimmer of hope. Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage Quotes from the podcast: “Me running around saying it's ‘safe and effective,’ and giving it to 17-year-olds, given that most of the patients that were in the vaccine studies weren't 17-years-old — I wasn't technically correct.” “This is a very cardioactive vaccine” “I would not give it to low risk people again…That was a mistake on my part.” Takeaways * The data suggests that COVID-19-related myocarditis is different from vaccine-related myocarditis, with the latter showing higher troponin levels and a higher likelihood of scar formation. * Myocarditis should not be characterized as a mild condition, as it can have significant consequences and requires hospital care and follow-up. * Higher troponin levels indicate more severe heart muscle damage and a higher risk of long-term impacts. Higher cardiac biomarkers indicate more heart muscle damage and a higher chance of long-term impacts * The smallpox vaccine had side effects, leading to its discontinuation despite its effectiveness against smallpox. * The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 have shown a higher risk of myocarditis in young men. Myocarditis is more commonly seen with the Moderna vaccine compared to the Pfizer vaccine, likely due to the higher mRNA dose in the Moderna vaccine. * The initial vaccine trials had limitations, and the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants is uncertain. Interpreting studies and data related to COVID-19 requires epistemic humility and careful consideration of the baseline risk of viral infections. * A study from Korea found severe cases of vaccine myocarditis, highlighting the importance of understanding the severity of adverse events. Time-stamps: 02:21 Evolution of the COVID Vaccine Conversation 08:09 Myocarditis and Previous Vaccines 26:39 Discussion on Vaccine Efficacy 35:22 Uncertainty about Vaccine Benefit 40:25 Limitations of Vaccine Recommendations 43:54 Risk of COVID-19 in Healthy Children 48:10 Granularity and Humility in Public Health 57:31 Differences Between COVID-19 Myocarditis and Vaccine Myocarditis 01:03 Misconceptions about COVID-19 Myocarditis 01:08 Misleading Comparisons of Myocarditis Rates 01:21:36Troponin Levels in Myocarditis Cases (Note: our podcast editing software was not able to generate full time-stamps for the whole 3 hour show. We apologize for this and aim to contact tech support to ameliorate this) If you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube (we would like to hire a producer and purchase professional theme music and graphics when we are financially able!),...

Hi everyone, I have just recorded my first thoughts on the Murthy v. Missouri case, which involves the foundational First Amendment rights of Americans. I delve into the history of the case and the concerns about the Biden administration’s censorship regime. Also, I go into some detail about the preliminary injunction and Judge Terry Doughty's ruling, as well as the appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This is the first part of our exclusive Murthy v. Missouri coverage. Rav and I will be recording a podcast next to discuss the implications further. Moreover, we will be recording episodes with my co-plaintiff Aaron Kheriaty and Jenin Younes (an attorney on the case). The Illusion of Consensus is a citizen-funded podcast. Please consider supporting us by becoming a paid member: Takeaways: * The Murthy v. Biden case involves the First Amendment rights of Americans and concerns about censorship by the Biden administration. * There is a pattern of social media censorship, with the government directing social media companies to censor speech on various topics. * The preliminary injunction in the case ruled that the Biden administration was violating First Amendment rights, but the case is still ongoing. * The Supreme Court's decision in this case will have significant implications for the protection of free speech and the role of the government in censorship. Listen now: Apple: Spotify: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Murthy v. Missouri Case 01:00 Concerns about Censorship by the Biden Administration 04:00 Role of the Government in Censorship 06:03 Preliminary Injunction and Judge Terry Doughty's Ruling 08:13 Appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals 09:39 Limitations of the Preliminary Injunction 10:34 Stanford University's Involvement 12:02 Government as the Source of Misinformation 16:20 Supreme Court Hearing: Standing and Traceability 21:45 Traceability and Coercion by the Government 24:35 First Amendment and its Application 26:33 Government's Argument for Censorship 28:30 Analogies and Differences with Traditional Media 31:27 Coercion vs. Persuasion by the Government 35:12 Restrictions on Social Media Companies 39:05 Hypotheticals and the First Amendment 43:19 Stakes and Importance of the Supreme Court Decision If you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube, you may donate to us here. Your support is greatly appreciated: https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill, a specialist physician in Ontario, faced tremendous backlash for advocating against lockdowns and speaking out about the broader health impacts of COVID-19 policies. She was labeled as an anti-vaxxer and faced multiple complaints to her professional regulator. Despite her strong scientific background and advocacy for evidence-based medicine, she was targeted by powerful entities in the Canadian media and medical communities. Dr. Gill filed a defamation lawsuit to clear her name. The court procedural/motion decision and the cost order were both appealed, ultimately leading to a costs order of nearly $300K ordered in late February 2024 with just weeks to pay. She is now facing financial hardship and may have to declare bankruptcy. In our 35 minute special podcast episode, we discuss all of this. Please donate to Kulvinder’s legal fund to help support her: https://www.givesendgo.com/kulvinder Follow her on X: https://twitter.com/dockaurG Takeaways * Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill faced backlash and persecution for advocating against lockdowns and speaking out about the broader health impacts of COVID-19 policies. * She was labeled as an anti-vaxxer and faced multiple complaints to her professional regulator, despite her strong scientific background and advocacy for evidence-based medicine. * Powerful entities in the Canadian media and medical communities targeted Dr. Gill, leading to a defamation lawsuit. However, the court ruled against her and ordered her to pay $1.2 million in costs. * Dr. Gill is now facing financial hardship and may have to declare bankruptcy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:17Advocacy for Health and Concerns for Marginalized Communities 03:14 Backlash and Labeling as an Anti-Vaxxer 06:32 Advocacy Against Lockdowns and Focus on Immunity 11:42 Persecution and Attacks on Reputation 28:49 Court Ruling and Financial Burden 32:01 Implications and Give Send Go Campaign 34:22 Recognition and Gratitude This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

I am extremely pleased to bring you this new conversation with my friend and Great Barrington Declaration colleague Dr. Martin Kulldorff. Martin is an epidemiologist and biostatistician by training and I hold him with the highest respect due to his willingness to challenge unquestionable orthodoxy on all sides of the scientific debate. In this critical conversation we discuss a number of hot topics, most crucially Martin’s firing from Harvard for his opposition to vaccine mandates. He has broken the silence on this tragic issue and we are happy to host his first public conversation on the matter. We also discuss Martin’s firing from the CDC over the J&J vaccine and Harvard’s generally unscientific response to the pandemic. The conversation concludes with a discussion on decentralizing and reforming the scientific community. - Jay Bhattacharya Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 14:12 Early Thoughts on the Pandemic 30:36 Meeting at the White House 48:46 The Great Barrington Declaration 52:40 Challenges and Attacks 58:25 Assessing the Vaccine Trials 01:01:48 The CDC's Pause on the J&J Vaccine 01:04:39 The Need for Exemptions and Accommodations 01:09:49 Harvard's Vaccine Mandate and Firing 01:14:47 Martin's Experience with COVID-19 01:18:24 Harvard's Treatment of Martin 01:27:06 Assessing Harvard's Response to the Pandemic 01:31:17 The Need for Reform in the Scientific Community 01:35:46 Bright Spots and Moving Forward If you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube (we intend on hiring a producer when we are financially able!), you may donate to us here. Your support is greatly appreciated: https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

This conversation with esteemed journalist Paul Thacker explores the evidence hierarchy and the conflicting views on the effectiveness of masks. It discusses the Cochrane Collaborative's reviews on masks, which found insufficient high-quality evidence to support their effectiveness The conversation concludes with a reflection on the need for critical thinking and questioning in the face of political alignment. Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Evidence Hierarchy and Conflicting Views on Masks 00:30 Cochrane Collaborative's Reviews on Masks 06:23 The Limitations of Medicine and Public Health 10:36 The Psychological Impact of Masks 19:22 The Corrupted Scientific Agency 23:21 Lack of Trust in the CDC 24:48 Conflicts of Interest in Mask Research 26:53 Political Motivations 36:08 Lack of RCTs on Masks 42:39 Protecting Reputations 49:46 Teaching People Masks Work This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

The conversation covers the different policies on handling the pandemic in Denmark and the United States, the empirical data on school closures, the CDC guidelines and masking in schools, the politicization of scientific studies, and the side effects of COVID vaccines. Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg discusses her concerns about myocarditis as a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in young males. She explains how she started monitoring reports from Israel and noticed an unexpected rate of myocarditis in young males following the Pfizer vaccine. Dr. Høeg highlights the importance of accurately identifying cases of myocarditis using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and consulting with cardiologists. She also discusses the ethics of vaccine mandates, emphasizing the need for individual choice and informed decision-making. Dr. Høeg shares her personal experiences of facing backlash and losing her job due to her research findings and involvement in the urgency of normal movement. Our exciting first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage Chapters 00:00 Different Policies in Denmark and the United States 03:41 Empirical Data on School Closures 07:57 Study on School Reopening in Wisconsin 11:19 CDC Guidelines and Masking in Schools 15:21 Study on Mask Effectiveness 23:09 Debate on Masking in Schools 25:23 Study on Mask Mandates in North Dakota 34:39 Myocarditis as a Side Effect of Vaccines 35:10 Concerns about Myocarditis 38:16 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) 40:12 Comparing Myocarditis Rates 43:22 Ethics of Vaccine Mandates 53:27 Personal Costs of Research 59:33 Loss of Job at UC Davis 01:07:15 Negative Reaction to Urgency of Normal This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Our first podcast sponsor: Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress. Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here: https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage --- Hi everyone, I’m very excited to release this eye-opening episode. While only an hour, this felt like three or four because my special guest Dr. Pamela Kryskow — a psychedelic researcher and medical doctor — presents a powerful model for collective healing of psychological issues such as depression and PTSD. As someone interested in new solutions for mental health crises, I was quite moved by her community-oriented model where healing is not individual but communal — and uses the incredible power of psychedelic medicines. Dr. Kryskow shares her experience working with end-of-life patients and the positive results she has seen. She emphasizes the importance of doing the necessary work alongside psychedelic therapy and the need for ethical therapists. She also highlights the time and effort required for healing and the importance of creating a safe, ceremonial space for psychedelic sessions. She emphasizes the value of progressing at one's own pace and the benefits of having a community that holds individuals accountable to their healing. Dr. Kryskow also explores the potential for healing in relationships and the generational impact of psychedelic therapy. She explains the process of accessing psychedelic therapy through referrals and Health Canada approvals. The effectiveness of ketamine for PTSD is discussed, along with the role of psychedelics in trauma healing. The importance of timing and safety in psychedelic experiences is highlighted, as well as the need for a solid therapeutic team. Dr. Kryskow distinguishes between challenging experiences and bad trips, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Palliative Care 07:31 Results of Psychedelic Therapy for End-of-Life Patients 14:59 The Role of Psychedelics in Holistic Healing 16:10 Understanding the Limitations of Psychedelic Therapy 23:38 The Importance of Ethical Therapists 26:18 The Time and Effort Required for Healing 32:17 The Roots to Thrive Program and Protocols 36:31 The Importance of a Solid Ceremonial Space 36:51 Integration and Community Support 39:02 Healing in Relationships 41:03 Accessing Psychedelic Therapy 43:11 Effectiveness of Ketamine for PTSD 44:09 Psychedelics and Trauma Healing 47:46 Choosing the Right Medicine for Healing 49:50 Timing and Safety of Psychedelic Experiences 55:26 Building Safety and Readiness for Psychedelic Therapy 59:11 Challenging Experiences vs. Bad Trips This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe