Ep. 2619 Never Forget: Five Years Since 15 Days to Slow the Spread
Mar 16, 2025
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Hawk Jensen, the director and producer of the impactful documentary series "Follow the Science," reflects on the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the creative drive behind critiquing lockdowns and the importance of personal stories alongside data. Jensen emphasizes the need for transparency in storytelling and preserving individual experiences for future generations. The conversation also touches on shifting perspectives regarding past decisions and the necessity of supporting activist filmmaking to promote freedom and truth.
The documentary 'Follow the Science' seeks to challenge the COVID pandemic narrative by highlighting dissenting voices and their overlooked experiences.
It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding diverse opinions in media against cancel culture to promote a free society and open discourse.
Deep dives
The Purpose of the Documentary
The series titled 'Follow the Science' aims to challenge the official narratives surrounding the COVID pandemic and the lockdowns, highlighting the perspectives of those who questioned mainstream guidelines and decisions. The project was born out of the realization that crucial information was being overlooked or suppressed during the early stages of the pandemic, leading its creators to seek out individuals like Jay Bhattacharya and Clifton Duncan, who took a stand against the prevailing consensus. The series documents the evolution of public understanding and aims to counteract future historical revisionism by creating an accurate record of the experiences and consequences faced by individuals during this time. Ultimately, it seeks to preserve the truth of what transpired so that society does not forget or repeat its past mistakes.
Navigating Censorship and Professional Risks
The creators of 'Follow the Science' faced significant challenges related to censorship and backlash from the mainstream media and Hollywood, leading many contributors to remain anonymous initially due to fears of professional repercussions. As the project gained traction and its initial hypotheses were validated by subsequent events, contributors felt more comfortable revealing their identities and supporting the project openly. This shift illustrates the evolving landscape surrounding discussions of COVID policies and the growing willingness of individuals to voice their dissent against what they perceive as misinformation. The documentary highlights the importance of creating a safe space for dissenting voices, especially in an era characterized by cancel culture and censorship.
Human Stories vs. Scientific Data
The series combines personal narratives with scientific data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of lockdowns and related policies on various segments of society. By including testimonies from diverse individuals—like a restaurateur and a senior citizen—the documentary emphasizes the human side of statistics and the real-life implications of governmental decisions. This approach aims to foster a deeper emotional connection with viewers, making the data more relatable and memorable. The filmmakers hope to avoid the perception that these individuals are mere statistics and instead present their struggles and victories as integral parts of the broader COVID narrative.
The Future of Media and Public Discourse
The documentary underscores a significant shift in public sentiment regarding COVID-19 policies, particularly as past supporters of restrictions reconsider their stance. It suggests that the cancel culture which initially suppressed dissenting views is beginning to lose its grip as more individuals become critical of the prior narratives. This changing environment raises questions about the future of media and the importance of platforms that allow for a wide range of opinions to be aired and debated. The project serves as a reminder that maintaining discourse on important social issues is crucial to ensuring a free society and that a robust exchange of ideas should be protected and encouraged.
Director Hawk Jensen joins us to discuss the five-year anniversary of the Covid madness, and the release of episode one of his docuseries Follow the Science.
