The Illusion of Consensus Dr. Jay Bhattacharya & Rav Arora

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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
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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 Immune Dysregulati