

Paging Dr. Warsh: A Pediatrician Parents Can Trust
Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh is a board‑certified pediatrician practicing in Studio City, Los Angeles. In this conversation, Joel and Nathan riff on vaccines, rebuilding trust between the medical establishment and our clientele, and the role of pediatricians.
* 00:09:50 - Hepatitis B Vaccine Parental Decisions
Joel and Nathan discussed the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly its administration to newborns, and the challenges parents face when deciding whether to vaccinate their infants. Joel explained the public health rationale for the vaccine and its effectiveness in preventing hepatitis B, but noted that parents often question the risks and benefits due to limited long-term safety data. Nathan agreed, highlighting the lack of comprehensive research on the cumulative effects of multiple vaccines given in early childhood. They emphasized the importance of providing parents with balanced information about both vaccine-preventable diseases and potential vaccine side effects, acknowledging that parents must make informed decisions based on the available evidence.
* 00:015:00 - Vaccine Decision-Making and Public Trust
Joel and Nathan discussed the complexities of vaccine decision-making, emphasizing the need for informed consent and the importance of considering both benefits and risks. Joel highlighted the necessity of educating oneself by consulting multiple sources and encouraged open discussions about vaccine research and potential side effects. They also addressed the decline in public trust in medicine, particularly following the COVID-19 plandemic, and agreed that honest communication and voluntary recommendations, rather than mandatory actions, are crucial for regaining trust.
* 00:028:00 - Vaccine Safety Research Challenges Pertaining to Vaccine Injuries
Joel and Nathan discussed the challenges and limitations of vaccine research, particularly regarding the relationship between vaccines and conditions like autism. Joel emphasized the need for prospective studies rather than relying on epidemiological data, which can be manipulated, and highlighted the importance of transparency in research. Nathan shared a personal story about a patient whose child was severely affected after vaccinations, illustrating the potential risks and unknown long-term effects of vaccines. Both agreed that while vaccines are beneficial, further research is needed to address concerns about their safety. Joel and Nathan discussed the importance of studying vaccinated versus unvaccinated children to better understand potential vaccine-related health issues.
* 00:37:36 - RSV and RSV Vaccine Discussion
Joel emphasized that while vaccines are generally safe, dismissing anecdotal evidence of adverse reactions is short-sighted. They also talked about the RSV vaccine, with Joel noting its potential benefits but expressing concerns about the lack of long-term data and previous safety signals in trials. Nathan and Joel agreed that while RSV is a serious concern, it is less risky than COVID-19, and they considered how to have more responsible conversations about vaccines in everyday life.
* 00:42:05 - “Safety and Efficacy” Discussion and the Story of Chickenpox
Nathan and Joel discussed vaccine ingredients and safety, with Nathan sharing his experience as a pediatrician about the minimal amounts of ingredients like aluminum in vaccines. They explored how the argument that "it's just a small amount" is not fully convincing when it comes to injected substances, particularly given historical examples like mercury in vaccines. They also discussed chickenpox vaccination, with Joel explaining that while it's not universally required in all countries, it helps reduce severe cases and is effective at eliminating the disease at a community level, though individual benefits may be limited.
* 00:51:32 - Pediatrician Visits and Vaccine Discussions
Nathan and Joel discussed the necessity of pediatrician visits, with Joel explaining that while regular check-ups aren't always needed, having an established relationship with a trusted doctor is important for catching potential issues early. They addressed concerns about vaccine incentives, with Joel clarifying that while there are financial motivations at an organizational level, individual doctors are not primarily motivated by vaccine revenue. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the emotional impact of vaccinations on children, with Joel acknowledging that while short-term pain may be necessary for long-term health, some children may experience significant trauma during vaccinations.Find Joel Warsh on Instagram. Buy his book, Between a Shot and a Hard Place
References from the show:
* Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics: The Manipulation of Public Opinion in America, by Michael Wheeler
* Retracted paper by Paul Thomas, MD, et al comparing vaccinated versus non-vaccinated children
* Just the Inserts (direct to consumer information on each individual vaccine collated from the FDA’s package inserts)
* The Vaccine-Friendly Plan, by Paul Thomas, MD
* INTERVIEW: The real science from real practitioners on the safety of childhood vaccines with retired pediatrician Paul Thomas, MD
* INTERVIEW: Mary Holland, JD, and Kim Mack Rosenberg, JD: Unveiling Litigation on HPV Vaccine Injuries
* INTERVIEW: James Thorp, MD: The unspoken truth, a highly credentialed OB-GYN's concerns on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
This episode was sponsored by Born Free Method.
The Born Free Method digital playground includes over 60 hrs of pre-recorded lessons (w/ slides) spread out over 180+ lessons when you enroll. You will also be invited to a Zoom call (recorded) every other week hosted by me, Sara, and both. We also often have guest speakers, and you will have access to recordings for all 100+ of our past calls/interviews.
* 12-month access is $750
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* Fertility Deep Dive ($499) if you just want to focus on pre-conception planning and fertility, but this content is included in both of our other offerings above.
We have payment plans available for the lifetime package, and we have discounts available for any of our programs for students and birthworkers. Just shoot Nathan and Sara an email: support@bornfreemethod.com .
Notes for this episode are found on Substack
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