The House of Pod In The Belly of the Anti-Vax Beast
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Dec 16, 2025 Dr. Craig Spencer, an emergency physician and humanitarian known for his work with Doctors Without Borders and surviving Ebola, delves into his recent experience at a major anti-vaccine conference. He shares insights on connecting with attendees, the surprising organization behind the movement, and the importance of understanding their perspectives. Craig emphasizes the need for public health advocates to engage with skeptical voices rather than dismiss them and calls for a broader discussion on policy and trust in healthcare.
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Inside The Anti‑Vax Conference
- Craig Spencer went undercover to the Children's Health Defense conference in Austin to learn from inside the movement.
- He described the conference swag, panels, and attendees with vivid, sometimes humorous detail to illustrate the scene.
Personal Evangelists And 'Clots'
- Early in the event Craig encountered attendees with vivid claims, like an Air Force veteran showing alleged 'vaccine clots'.
- These arcade‑like personal evangelists illustrated how conference attendees felt re‑energized and purposeful.
Organization Over Chaos
- The anti‑vax movement is highly organized, political, and strategic rather than just a loose fringe.
- Craig notes they reclaim the label 'anti‑vaxxer' and avoid Q&A to control narratives and limit challenge.