The Disinfo Detox

Nolan Higdon

Disinfo Detox is the podcast that cuts through the lies and scrubs propaganda from public discourse. Each episode, we break down major news stories, exposing the spin, omissions, and distortions that mainstream media won’t tell you about. With expert guests from journalism, academia, and media criticism, we dig deep into the legal battles, political maneuvering, and corporate influence shaping the news. Whether it’s government cover-ups, media bias, or the latest disinformation campaigns, we bring you the critical context you need to see through the noise.

  1. 5d ago

    Parasites in California, CDC Cover-Ups, and the Landmark AI Data Center Ban

    Watch: https://youtu.be/sWDiQ5_su9Q Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: ⁠https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox⁠ Learn more at: ⁠https://www.NolanHigdon.com⁠ Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return for the week of 7/15 to unpack a wild week of high-stakes confirmation hearings, corporate media meltdowns, and landmark state legislative battles. From a Senate vetting process featuring glaring nominee slips to unprecedented moves to limit artificial intelligence and combat Hollywood consolidation, we follow the money, power, and media narratives shaping the national conversation. We dive deep into a rising public health crisis hitting California and the quiet regulatory rollback behind it, while tracking dramatic backroom geopolitical courting in the Middle East. Plus, we look into a family-held Senate seat, a hilariously awkward corporate news anchor moment, and the comedy of political memoirs hitting the shelves. Inside This Episode: The Senate Confirmation Spectacle: The Trump administration’s nominees are facing intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill, leading to high-profile clashes and slip-ups. Acting Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche commits to ending mail-order abortion pills while accidentally slipping that he is still Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. Meanwhile, Intel Chief nominee Jay Clayton dodges direct questions on the 2020 election and First Amendment subpoenas, and CDC nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz breaks ranks with RFK Jr. on mRNA vaccine safety. Source: Blanche slips in hearing - NBC News | Clayton grilled on 2020 election - CNN | Schwartz defends mRNA vaccines - ABC News Parasites in California & The CDC’s Quiet Scale-Back: A major foodborne intestinal parasite outbreak has officially reached California, leaving consumers vulnerable. We connect this outbreak to the CDC's quiet, under-the-radar decision to scale back its surveillance programs for foodborne illnesses. Source: Parasite Outbreak Reaches California - NBC San Diego | CDC Scales Back Surveillance - NBC News New York's Landmark AI Data Center Ban: In an unprecedented move to curb massive energy and resource consumption, New York has become the first state in the nation to pass a ban on new AI data centers. We break down the policy fight and what this means for the future of Big Tech. Source: NY Bans AI Data Centers - CNBC The Hollywood Antitrust War: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is taking a stand against media monopolization, filing a massive lawsuit to block the proposed mega-merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. We look at how California is testing its antitrust muscles in the entertainment capital. Source: WGA Sues to Block Merger - Deadline | CA Antitrust in Hollywood - Politico Israel’s Wild Post-Regime Iran Strategy: Incredible new intelligence reports reveal that Israel's Mossad actively courted Iran’s former hardline president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for a "post-regime" role. We look at this strange geopolitical outreach and why Senate Democrats are blocking a key defense funding bill over Middle East provisions. Source: Israel Courted Ahmadinejad - The Guardian | Senate Democrats Block Defense Bill - Al Jazeera Mitch McConnell's Freeze & Jake Tapper's Media Script: Another freezing incident from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has onlookers questioning his health yet again. Meanwhile, we react to a hilariously scripted media moment from CNN's Jake Tapper, dissect the news of a Senate seat destined for next-of-kin, and look forward to the comedy of Joe Biden's upcoming post-midterm memoir, "Promise Me, America." Source: McConnell Freezes - CSPAN | Biden Midterm Memoir - AP News #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #ToddBlanche #JayClayton #EricaSchwartz #CDC #AIDataCenterBan #WGA #ParamountWBDMerger #Ahmadinejad #MitchMcConnell #JakeTapper #FoodborneIllness

    Parasites in California, CDC Cover-Ups, and the Landmark AI Data Center Ban

  2. 6d ago

    The Epstein Files, Iran, and Why the Media Fails to Expose Global Elites | Jason Pack

    Watch: https://youtu.be/7CbtU1jFsYcSubscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we break down the volatile realities of modern geopolitics, media failure, and the covert mechanics driving global conflict. Joining Nolan Higdon is Jason Pack—Senior Analyst at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)—to dissect how mainstream news organizations misdirect the public when covering disinformation, the limits of corporate media censorship, and the hidden networks connecting global elites. For decades, the public has relied on traditional news pipelines to make sense of international relations, but today's media landscapes often reduce complex global scandals to superficial headlines while ignoring deeper structural collusion. Jason joins Nolan to look past the surface-level narratives. We examine the conflicting justifications surrounding the conflict with Iran, the systemic corruption buried within the Epstein files, and the modern realities of international espionage. This episode pulls back the curtain on why mainstream outlets fail to convince the public of political deception, the lack of institutional accountability in the U.S., and the professionalization of state-sponsored intelligence operations in 2026. #NolanHigdon #TheDisinfoDetox #JasonPack #RUSI #Disinformation #Geopolitics #IranConflict #EpsteinFiles #MediaCriticism #InternationalEspionage #GlobalDisorder #PoliticalDeception

    The Epstein Files, Iran, and Why the Media Fails to Expose Global Elites | Jason Pack

  3. Jul 9

    Is McConnell Brain Dead? + Platner, Epstein, & House Investigates CIA Mind Control

    Watch: https://youtu.be/s188ENwYFgE Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: ⁠https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox⁠ Learn more at: ⁠https://www.NolanHigdon.com⁠ Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return for the week of 7/8 to unpack a wild week of bizarre congressional hearings, shifting foreign policy threats, and high-stakes election battles. From a chaotic House hearing diving straight into CIA mind control to mounting questions surrounding Mitch McConnell’s true medical condition, we follow the money, power, and media narratives shaping the national conversation. We dive deep into Donald Trump's latest waves at the NATO summit—ranging from shifting stances on Ukraine and Iran to renewed threats about Greenland and withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe. Plus, we look into the anniversary of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking network inquiries, the Department of Justice’s controversial crackdown on local election officials, and the deep divisions stalling the GOP's legislative agenda. Inside This Episode: Is Mitch McConnell "Brain Dead"?: Speculation is reaching a fever pitch on Capitol Hill after weeks of absence from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. As his office dodges direct questions about his cognitive status, his wife Elaine Chao has finally broken her silence regarding her highly controversial trip to China while he remains hospitalized.Source: Elaine Chao Breaks Silence - People | McConnell Office Dodges Questions - The New Republic NATO Summit Shocker: Trump’s Greenland & Troop Threats: Donald Trump has set off alarms across Europe at the latest NATO summit, renewing his infamous threats to acquire Greenland and warning that the U.S. could pull its troops out of Europe. We look at the five major takeaways from the summit, including his sudden rhetorical shift toward Iran and Ukraine.Source: Trump's NATO Summit Takeaways - The Hill | Trump Renews Greenland Threats - CNBC The CIA MKULTRA Hearing Goes Off the Rails: In one of the strangest congressional spectacles in recent memory, Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna led a House hearing on CIA mind control. We break down how an investigation into whether USAID was used to further MKULTRA quickly devolved into a chaotic shouting match over COVID-19 conspiracies.Source: CIA Mind Control Hearing Goes Off the Rails - Mother Jones The Election Monitoring War & The SAVE Act Collapse: Ahead of the upcoming midterms, the Department of Justice is facing massive blowback after warning state officials of criminal penalties over noncitizen voting and announcing plans to deploy federal monitors to Michigan. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s signature SAVE Act legislation is being publicly mocked by members of his own party.Source: DOJ Warns Election Officials - ABC News | Detroit Clashes with DOJ - Detroit News | Senator Shuts Down SAVE Act - The New Republic Trump’s Long-Shot Supreme Court Rehearing Bid: Following a monumental legal setback, Donald Trump is launching a desperate, long-shot bid to force the Supreme Court to rehear his challenge to birthright citizenship. We analyze the legal reality of this move and how it plays into the broader 2026 midterm strategy.Source: Trump Supreme Court Birthright Bid - CNBC The Epstein Anniversary & The DOJ Cover-Up: As the House Oversight Committee’s inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network approaches a critical milestone, the Justice Department is aggressively defending its decision to keep key files heavily redacted. We examine what the government is still trying to hide from the public.Source: Maine Senate & Platner Updates - NBC News / DropSite News | DOJ Defends Withholding Epstein Files - The Hill #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #MitchMcConnell #ElaineChao #Trump #NATO #Greenland #MKULTRA #CIA #AnnaPaulinaLuna #SAVEAct #DOJ #Election2026 #BirthrightCitizenship #SupremeCourt #EpsteinFiles

  4. Jul 7

    Punching Down or Punching Lines? The New Frontiers of Satire with Mary Houlihan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VV-hVECJ_M0 Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we break down the rapidly evolving intersection of comedy and politics during a major transitional phase for the entertainment industry. Joining Nolan Higdon is comedian, writer, and animator Mary Houlihan—host of The Mary Houlihan Show—to dissect the collapse of traditional late-night television pipelines, the influence of digital algorithms on performance, and the cultural forces reshaping modern humor. For decades, landing a spot on a major network late-night show was the ultimate peak for a comedian, but today's creators are bypassing traditional media entirely to build global brands through podcasts and independent online shorts. Mary joins Nolan to look past the surface-level laughs. We examine the corporate network shakeups driving this shift, the rise of alternative comedy hubs, and the delicate balance between pushing creative boundaries and falling into the trap of cheap internet outrage. This episode pulls back the curtain on the mechanics of modern satire, the reality of the new comedy gatekeepers, and the struggle to protect authentic artistic wit from algorithmic control. Inside This Episode:The Late-Night Evolution: Tracking the death of traditional network late-night career paths and how comedians are successfully utilizing podcasts and digital clips to sell out tours independently. Bill Maher and the Algorithm: Analyzing Maher's career trajectory following his Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and how prominent media figures get trapped arguing with online caricatures just to feed the engagement machine. The Austin Scene & The "Manosphere": A critical look at Joe Rogan and Tony Hinchcliffe’s Texas comedy incubator, the formulaic nature of Kill Tony, and why shock-value humor often struggles to find lasting traction in broader markets. True Satire vs. Shock Value: Celebrating how legendary outlets like The Onion continue to dominate the political news cycle—especially with their real-world takeover of InfoWars—by prioritizing sharp social commentary over easy algorithmic clicks. The Art of the Roast: Breaking down the mechanics of high-profile celebrity roasts, the recent backlash against mean-spirited humor, and how comedians can punch hard and push boundaries without losing the comedy entirely. #NolanHigdon #TheDisinfoDetox #MaryHoulihan #TheMaryHoulihanShow #PoliticalComedy #LateNight #BillMaher #AustinComedy #JoeRogan #KillTony #TheOnion #Satire #StandUpComedy #MediaAlgorithms

    Punching Down or Punching Lines? The New Frontiers of Satire with Mary Houlihan

  5. Jul 2

    Is Mamdani the New Kingmaker? Plus: Trump's Crypto Millions & RFK Jr.’s Left-Hook to Libertarians

    Watch: https://youtu.be/QFjpoECb1LA Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: ⁠https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox⁠ Learn more at: ⁠https://www.NolanHigdon.com⁠ Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return for the week of 7/1 to dissect a massive wave of political shakeups, landmark legal shifts, and new financial realities hitting millions of Americans. From the Supreme Court’s latest bombshell ruling to Donald Trump’s massive new crypto windfalls, we peel back the layers on how power, policy, and money are colliding in real time. We break down the sweeping new student loan rules taking effect, the progressive wave continuing to roll through Colorado’s Democratic primaries, and how the establishment is scrambling to adapt. Plus, we look into the shocking leaked audio surrounding RFK Jr.’s true political operations and his battle with the FDA over medical regulations. Inside This Episode: The Birthright Citizenship Ruling: In a monumental legal decision, the Supreme Court has delivered a historic ruling on birthright citizenship, sparking intense dissents from the bench. We analyze what this means for the Constitution and the future of civil rights in America.Source: Supreme Court Birthright Citizenship - AP News The Establishment’s Ass-Whooping Continues: The progressive wave didn't stop in New York. Recent Colorado primary results show a surge of progressive strength, proving that the Democratic establishment’s headache is far from over.Source: Colorado Democratic Primary Results - Axios Denver Mamdani: The Dem’s New Kingmaker?: In the wake of major progressive victories, Vice President Kamala Harris is already reaching out to Zohran Mamdani and pro-Palestinian activists as the party eyes the road to 2028. We look at the data behind this sudden power shift.Source: Harris Reaches Out to Mamdani - Axios RFK Jr.: The Loyal Republican?: Newly leaked audio has exposed RFK Jr.’s covert push against Libertarian candidates, raising major questions about whether he has been helping the Republican party all along. Plus, we look at the double standard in his ongoing fight with FDA scientists over peptide regulations.Source: Leaked Audio Ties RFK Jr. to Anti-Libertarian Push - MSN | RFK Jr. Peptide Debate - NBC News Inside Trump’s Billion-Dollar Crypto Windfall: Financial disclosures reveal that Donald Trump made over a billion dollars from cryptocurrency ventures during his first year back in office. We break down the massive ethical and political questions surrounding this unprecedented corporate payout.Source: Trump Cryptocurrency Disclosures - CNN Politics Higher Ed Financing: New Student Loan Rules Take Effect: As of July 1st, major new student loan rules are officially live. We break down exactly what borrowers need to know and how these changes will impact higher education financing moving forward.Source: New Student Loan Changes July 1 - CBS News #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #StudentLoans #RFKJr #SupremeCourt #BirthrightCitizenship #ColoradoPrimary #Mamdani #KamalaHarris #Trump #Cryptocurrency #FDA #Peptides #MediaLiteracy

    Is Mamdani the New Kingmaker? Plus: Trump's Crypto Millions & RFK Jr.’s Left-Hook to Libertarians

  6. Jun 25

    Fetterman Fumes as the "Dirtbag Left" Surges + Thiel's Secret Society Leaked!

    Watch: https://youtu.be/AHdTyiw9S1Y Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: ⁠https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox⁠ Learn more at: ⁠https://www.NolanHigdon.com⁠ Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return for the week of 6/24 to unpack a massive wave of political shakeups, high-level tech leaks, and a shocking legal crackdown on the left. From Donald Trump’s chaotic legislative stunts to a secretive tech billionaire society exposed to the public, we peel back the layers on how power, tech, and the legal system are being weaponized in real time. We break down the historic sudden collapse of the UK government, a progressive surge taking over New York primaries, and a certain Senator's colorful commentary on the state of modern politics. Plus, we look at Hollywood’s shifting landscape through the eyes of Vince Vaughn, and check in on Ron's latest social media dispatch. Inside This Episode: The New Red Scare: ICE Protester Gets 30 Years: In a chilling legal precedent, an immigration protester has been handed a 30-year prison sentence. We analyze how the weaponization of a Trump-era "Antifa Decree" effectively criminalized the distribution of leftist zines in the Prairieland trial, sending shockwaves through activist communities.Source: 'New Red Scare': ICE Protester Gets 30 Years - Common Dreams Trump Nixes Bipartisan Housing Bill: Just as the House gave final approval to a sweeping, bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs for millions of Americans, Donald Trump pulled a dramatic political stunt to tank it. We examine the fallout of this legislative sabotage.Source: Trump Housing Bill Stunt - CNN | House Approves Housing Bill - HuffPost Inside Peter Thiel’s Secretive 'Dialog' Society: A massive data leak has exposed the exclusive, hidden rosters of billionaire Peter Thiel’s ultra-private 'Dialog' society. We dig into who was on that list and what it reveals about the tech elite's closed-door influence on society and surveillance.Source: Leak Exposes Thiel's 'Dialog' Society - WIRED The Fall of Keir Starmer & Global Tech Bans: In a historic geopolitical collapse, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially resigned amid a fierce global backlash over proposed hardline teenage social media bans mirroring policies in France and Australia. We track the breaking updates.Source: UK Social Media Ban - Slate | Keir Starmer Resignation Updates - AP News The 'Dirtbag Left' Sweeps New York: Democratic socialist candidates backed by Zohran Mamdani have utterly swept the New York City Democratic primaries. We look at the data behind the progressive surge—and why a frustrated Senator John Fetterman went viral for warning that "the dirtbag left is surging."Source: Mamdani-Backed Candidates Sweep NYC - Al Jazeera | Fetterman Commentary - Acyn & MK Raju via X The Hunter Biden Twitter & Hollywood Shift: We dissect the latest viral social media waves surrounding Hunter Biden, react to Ron’s latest take on X, and break down a fascinating clip of Vince Vaughn detailing exactly how Hollywood’s creative industry changed for the worse.Source: Hunter Biden Viral Social Media - Yahoo News | Ron Placone on X: https://x.com/RonPlacone/status/2069819276442357981 | Vince Vaughn Interview - YouTube #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #ICEProtester #Trump #HousingBill #PeterThiel #DialogSociety #KeirStarmer #SocialMediaBan #Mamdani #Fetterman #HunterBiden #VinceVaughn #MediaLiteracy

    Fetterman Fumes as the "Dirtbag Left" Surges + Thiel's Secret Society Leaked!

  7. Jun 24

    The Brutal Truth About the Future of the Democrats with JoJo From Jerzy

    Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we break down the current state and future trajectory of the Democratic Party during a high-stakes midterm election cycle. Joining Nolan Higdon is political commentator, digital strategist, and host Joanne Carducci—better known to millions online as JoJo From Jerzy—to cut through the mainstream media narratives, polling anxieties, and the institutional inertia shaping the American left. For years, the Democratic establishment has struggled to connect with voters outside major metropolitan hubs, often relying on outdated media strategies and failing to fully grasp the rising tide of economic populism. Joanne joins Nolan to push past the talking points. We examine recent electoral surprises, the shifting public opinion on foreign policy, and whether the party has truly learned the lessons of the 2024 election or if they are repeating the same mistakes heading into the future. This episode pulls back the curtain on the messaging battles, the new media landscape, and the internal struggle for the soul of the party. Inside This Episode:The Media vs. Reality: Dissecting the latest election results and why the corporate media remains stunned by the power of affordability messages and progressive economic populism. The Midterm Polling Puzzle: Making sense of the tight polling data. Why aren't Democrats holding a commanding lead despite the opposition facing headwinds on inflation, the economy, and immigration? The Shifting Third Rail: Analyzing how criticism of Israel is reshaping Democratic voter dynamics, moving from a political taboo to a major driver of electoral strategy. The New Media Battleground: A critical look at the Democrats' attempts to utilize podcasting and independent digital spaces. Why have prominent figures flamed out, and how are liberal creators matching up against the alternative media landscape? Looking Ahead to 2026 & 2028: Setting expectations for the upcoming midterms and identifying the rising stars and potential frontrunners who will define the future of the party. #NolanHigdon #TheDisinfoDetox #JoJoFromJerzy #JoanneCarducci #DemocraticParty #Midterms #PoliticalMedia #EconomicPopulism #NewMedia #Podcasting #IndependentJournalism #AmericanPolitics

    The Brutal Truth About the Future of the Democrats with JoJo From Jerzy

  8. Jun 22

    Havana Syndrome: Sonic Weapons, State Secrets, & Answering the Skeptics | Mark S. Zaid & Brian Karem

    Watch: https://youtu.be/Cj6r_aZhuz4 Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetoxLearn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we peel back the layers of one of the most enigmatic national security mysteries of the 21st century: Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), commonly known as “Havana Syndrome.” Joining Nolan Higdon are national security attorney Mark S. Zaid and veteran journalist Brian James Karem to navigate the intersection of classified intelligence, geopolitical warfare, and the physical reality of targeted energy attacks. For years, government officials and mainstream skeptics have dismissed reports of sudden, debilitating neurological symptoms among U.S. personnel as mass psychogenic illness or environmental anomalies. Zaid, who represents numerous AHI victims, and Karem, who has doggedly covered the administration’s shifting narratives, push past the gaslighting. We examine the chilling possibility that the U.S. and Russia are deploying directed-energy technology against diplomats and intelligence officers. This episode cuts through the official obfuscation to address the evidence, the medical consensus, and the high-stakes battle for accountability. Defining the Invisible: What exactly is an Anomalous Health Incident (AHI), and why do the symptoms—ranging from vertigo to cognitive decline—defy traditional medical explanations? The Geopolitical Shadow War: Analyzing reports of Russian involvement in directed-energy strikes and the potential for a new, silent frontier of state-sponsored aggression. The Skepticism Trap: Why the intelligence community and media have historically sidelined victims, and how institutional inertia obstructs the truth about emerging technological threats. Evidence vs. Denial: Zaid and Karem break down the credible documentation supporting these claims, contrasting rigorous scientific inquiry with government-sanctioned dismissals. Accountability in the Dark: What must be done to support those harmed in the line of duty and ensure transparency in an era of asymmetric warfare? #NolanHigdon #TheDisinfoDetox #HavanaSyndrome #AHI #MarkZaid #BrianKarem #NationalSecurity #DirectedEnergy #IntelligenceCommunity #JournalismEthics #Geopolitics Inside This Episode:

    Havana Syndrome: Sonic Weapons, State Secrets, & Answering the Skeptics | Mark S. Zaid & Brian Karem
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Disinfo Detox is the podcast that cuts through the lies and scrubs propaganda from public discourse. Each episode, we break down major news stories, exposing the spin, omissions, and distortions that mainstream media won’t tell you about. With expert guests from journalism, academia, and media criticism, we dig deep into the legal battles, political maneuvering, and corporate influence shaping the news. Whether it’s government cover-ups, media bias, or the latest disinformation campaigns, we bring you the critical context you need to see through the noise.

Information

  • Creator
    Nolan Higdon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nolan Higdon
  • Show Website
    The Disinfo Detox

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