In this engaging discussion, Peter McCullough, a controversial public health figure, joins media personality Drew Pinsky to explore misinformation around mpox. Mikki Willis compellingly applies storytelling to health narratives, while Russell Brand and Bret Weinstein delve into conspiratorial perspectives, suggesting a government agenda. They critically address the dangerous blend of health misinformation and commercial interests, shedding light on how public health measures are often overlooked in favor of sensational claims.
The podcast reveals that misinformation about monkeypox's transmission history is being propagated by influential figures, undermining established public health facts.
It highlights the exploitative tactics used by wellness companies to profit from vaccine disinformation, paralleling past COVID misinformation campaigns.
Deep dives
Misinterpretation of Monkeypox Transmission History
The discussion highlights significant inaccuracies presented regarding the transmission history of monkeypox, particularly by figures like Peter McCullough. Contrary to claims suggesting that human-to-human transmission was first observed in 2022, documented cases date back to 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Historical data shows that by the 1990s, a substantial percentage of monkeypox cases in Congo were attributed to human transmission, with 27.5% recorded shortly after the virus was identified in humans. This reveals how misinformation can distort established facts, as the virus has been recognized for over five decades, further emphasizing the need for accurate information in public health discussions.
Monetization of Vaccine Disinformation
The episode scrutinizes the tactics used by some individuals and companies in capitalizing on vaccine disinformation, particularly in the context of recent health concerns like monkeypox. An example is provided through McCullough's association with a wellness company that promotes medical kits containing ivermectin and other medications, accompanied by sensational claims about monkeypox dangers. There is concern that this strategy mirrors prior COVID misinformation campaigns, where fear was leveraged to drive sales of unverified products. This underscores the problematic intersection of health misinformation and profit motives, raising awareness about the exploitation of public health crises for commercial gain.
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The Evolution of Monkeypox and the Next Wave of Misinformation
Peter McCullough recently shared a ton of misinformation about mpox while speaking to Drew Pinsky; both men work for The Wellness Company, a supplements company that weaponizes anti-vax misinformation to sell products. Mikki Willis uses the Hero's Journey as a guide to dealing with mpox—and falsely represents Joseph Campbell's work. Russell Brand and Bret Weinstein claim mpox is a government psyop and nothing more.
Derek looks at the conspiritualist fervor bubbling up around what's turning out to be another dangerous virus by men who do everything but point to sound public health measures.