The Illusion of Consensus Dr. Jay Bhattacharya & Rav Arora

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."
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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:
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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