I was excited to delve into great conversation about viruses and viral research, including gory details and critical analysis. You definitely get some of that in this podcast, to be sure, and I appreciate how they dissect publications rather than just parroting press releases. Unfortunately, what struck me the most was the host’s political vehemence. They treat a commenter dissenting on COVID origins, whose comments I thought were fair, with surprising levels of aggression. The guest lady was the only one who actually addressed the argument, because the host was all, “You’re wrong, buddy!” I know scientists and those with emotional intelligence tend to be under inverse selection pressures, but that’s why most scientists shouldn’t host podcasts. The host is directly contributing now to the decline in public trust of scientific institutions by being a jerkwad. His hatred of RFK Jr is so total and supreme that I wonder if he’s playing a political persona. Or, is he just mad that he is losing power among the people who are waking up from appeals to authority? News flash: we don’t care that you are an expert. You must carry yourself in an appropriate manner to be heard now, surfacing all assumptions where they exist, including and especially your own. Then, connect your evidence with an understanding of why people may not agree with you. That is the start of delivering quality science. It is difficult, sure, but now mandatory. Now, go have the day you think RFK Jr deserves.
