The Illusion of Consensus

In part two of my podcast with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a world-renowned neuroscientist, we explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating mental health disorders and how it relates to findings in Robin’s brain imaging studies. We specifically focus on Robin’s revolutionary neuroscientific theories such as the “entropic brain hypothesis” which posits that psychedelics increase the complexity and unpredictability of brain activity, disrupting hardened neural pathways correlated with mental illness such as depression and OCD. We also discuss Robin’s famous research finding that psychedelics dysregulate or desynchronize the “default mode network” (the ego hub in the brain), which is different from the early media-popularized narrative that psychedelics lower activity in the default mode network. We also spend a fair amount of time discussing the psychology of psychedelics and how people are able to break free from toxic self-beliefs (such as “I’m unworthy”) at the heart of many mental health disorders such as anorexia and fibromyalgia through psychedelic therapy in Robin’s clinical studies. Broadly, we explore this fascinating relationship between order and chaos as it pertains to neuroscience, psychology, and our lived experience of the world as we try to make sense of the bizarre, complex situation we are all in as Homo sapiens in a technologically modernized society.This is one of my favourite conversations so I hope you enjoy it!Chapters:00:00 Efficacy and Side Effects of Psychedelic Therapy06:49 Exploring Brain Imaging Work in Psychedelic Research23:31 Exploring the Default Mode Network and Ego Dissolution33:27 Interdependent Arising and the Illusion of Self38:48 Causation vs. Determinism: The Free Will Debate44:33 Psychedelics and the Entropic Brain Hypothesis01:00:06 The Dynamics of Brain Activity Under Psychedelics01:09:10 Understanding the Entropic Brain Hypothesis01:25:05 Psychedelics and Their Impact on Eating Disorders01:32:47 Understanding the Paradox of Addiction01:37:55 Unlearning Toxic Beliefs01:45:43 Integration and the Impact of Psychedelics01:55:58 Future Directions in Psychedelic ResearchPodcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day!https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSIONSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. I need your support now more then every as I launch the new season of the show this week. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation.https://www.illusionconsensus.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

In part one of my in-depth conversation with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, we explore the political and cultural forces shaping the resurgence of psychedelic therapy. We critique the dominant psychiatric paradigm, which has long reduced mental illness to purely neurochemical dysfunction (leading to the rise of SSRIs), ignoring the psychological, social, and spiritual roots of psychological suffering. Carhart-Harris highlights how this narrow framework has failed to address rising rates of depression, PTSD, and OCD. We also discuss the historical reluctance of institutions like the NIH to fund psychedelic research, despite mounting evidence of its therapeutic potential. Under the previous leadership, psychedelic science was sidelined—but with new NIH leadership and a shifting political climate, there is fresh hope for meaningful support. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more holistic, integrative approach to mental health—one that values inner healing, human agency, and the transformative power of psychedelic experiences.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy12:48 The Political Landscape of Psychedelics19:12 The Shift in Mental Health Paradigms36:55 Understanding the Unique Power of Psychedelics48:38 Interconnectedness of Psychology, Biology, and Ethics56:11 Integration After Psychedelic Experiences01:04:10 Critique of NIH and Funding Challenges01:26:20 Psychedelics: Beyond Pharmacological Solutions01:31:35 Expectations and Their Impact on Therapy01:37:23 Efficacy and Side Effects of Psychedelic TherapyPodcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day!https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSION This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comEarly access to my 2-hour podcast with Robert Malone is now available!We went deep into some of the debates surrounding MAHA and the newly reformed health agencies. We discussed key individuals in some of the intra-MAHA conflicts like Calley Means, Naomi Wolf, Mary Bowden, and others.This is good timing as Dr. Mary Bowden’s episode with Joe Rogan just d…

Podcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day! https://www.alcamielements.com/ Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSIONIn this episode, Rav is joined by journalist and author Mia Hughes (The WPATH Files) for a wide-ranging conversation on the rise of gender dysphoria, particularly among adolescent girls. They explore the psychological and cultural forces driving this trend, including trauma, social contagion, and the influence of online communities. Mia shares her personal journey and offers a critical perspective on gender-affirming care, the phenomenon of autogynephilia, and the concept of diagnostic overshadowing—where gender identity becomes the sole focus of treatment at the expense of underlying mental health conditions. Together, they reflect on the ethical dilemmas within the trans rights movement, the medicalization of nonconforming identity, and the growing cultural shift toward victimhood over resilience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Gender Affirming Care02:02 Mia Hughes' Journey and Background05:20 The WPATH Files and Medical Scandal07:49 Statistics and Social Contagion in Gender Dysphoria12:55 Counterarguments: Transgender Identification vs. Homosexuality15:45 The Nature of Gender Dysphoria21:16 Understanding Autogynephilia27:26 The Impact of Trans Rights Movement33:01 Comparing Autogynephilia and Homosexuality40:23 Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Implications44:04 The Debate on Gender-Affirming Care50:29 Demographics of Gender Dysphoria58:49 The Role of Trauma in Gender Dysphoria01:12:32 Causation vs Correlation in Gender Identity01:14:58 Understanding Mental Health: Symptoms vs. Explanations01:18:47 The Role of Trauma in Mental Health01:21:35 The DSM and the Nature of Psychiatric Diagnoses01:24:29 The Impact of Labels on Mental Health01:27:48 Mindfulness and Mental Health01:32:23 The Utility of Diagnoses in Self-Discovery01:36:34 Navigating ADHD and Attention Issues01:42:11 The Paradox of Modern Life and Mental Health01:45:53 Victimhood Culture and Mental Health Perspectives This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Watch part two of the debate on Covid mandates exclusively on The Illusion of Consensus Substack:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/p/mark-cuban-debate-part-2-covid-mandatesPodcast sponsors:1) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day! https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSION2) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.In this conversation, Mark and Rav delve into the complexities of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, exploring the implications of virtue signaling by companies, the internal versus external goals of diversity hiring, and the historical context of discrimination in hiring practices. They discuss the challenges of achieving true diversity in the workforce, the impact of political climates on DEI efforts, and the importance of meritocracy in hiring decisions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comThis was easily the most contentious, heated podcast I’ve ever done. I challenged Mark Cuban on his Dallas Mavericks Covid vaccine mandate unlike anyone has before. I pushed him hard and would not let any fallacies (of which there were many) slide.Enjoy the podcast.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comThat was the most intense, heated 3 hours of my life, but I enjoyed it.Mark Cuban and I went deep into DEI/racial quotas AND Covid mandates and mRNA vaccine side effects. I’ll have more thoughts on the debate to share next week.I’ve cut the podcast in half. This is the first 90 minutes. Full-release for everyone next week.Enjoy - and let me know your th…

In this new podcast, I interview Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada, discussing key issues in the upcoming federal Canadian election (April 28). Max was arrested in 2021 for attending an anti-authoritarian rally in Manitoba in 2021. He has been an ardent defender of civil liberties and free speech throughout the pandemic.We delve into economic policies, taxation, trade wars, government spending, immigration, and the party's vision for Canada in our conversation. Bernier emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility, a reduction in mass immigration, and a focus on Canadian values and individual freedoms. Bernier argues for a clearer Canadian identity that promotes unity over diversity, while still valuing the contributions of various cultures. Bernier explains here why the Conservative party of Canada is weak, unprincipled, and ultimately powerless in undermining the Liberal Party.Rumble podcast link:https://rumble.com/v6shb45-maxime-bernier-on-canadas-economic-cultural-and-political-trajectory.html?e9s=src_v1_ucpUpgrade to paid membership now to watch the exclusive preview of this critical conversation:Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the People's Party of Canada03:04 Economic Policies and Their Impact06:02 Taxation and Wealth Creation08:58 Trade Wars and Tariffs11:55 Supply Management and Consumer Impact15:12 Government Spending and Inflation17:51 Defining the People's Party of Canada20:48 Social Safety Nets and Crime23:53 Immigration Policies and Economic Feasibility26:57 Cultural Dynamics of Immigration30:09 International Students and Employment33:02 Conclusion and Future Directions40:55 STEM Immigration and Job Market Dynamics46:49 Moratorium on Immigration: A Necessary Pause50:43 Economic Implications of Mass Immigration54:53 Cultural Integration vs. Multiculturalism01:04:40 Defining a Canadian Identity01:12:56 Revisiting Multiculturalism in CanadaTakeaways:* Mass immigration is not solving the aging population issue in Canada.* Government spending during COVID-19 has contributed to inflation.* The People's Party of Canada promotes individual freedom and personal responsibility.* Crime rates have doubled under Trudeau's leadership.* A moratorium on immigration is necessary to address current economic challenges.* International students should not have the right to work while studying. They should apply for immigration through proper channels. Mass immigration is a pressing issue in Canada.* A moratorium on immigration is necessary to address current challenges.* The job market is affected by the influx of low-skilled immigrants.* Cultural integration is crucial for societal cohesion.* Multiculturalism policies may hinder immigrant integration.* A clear Canadian identity is needed to unite diverse populations.* Economic growth does not equate to improved living standards for all.* Housing shortages are exacerbated by mass immigration.* High-skilled immigrants are welcomed, but low-skilled immigration needs to be controlled.* The federal government should not promote multiculturalism.Quotes:* "We must have 0% inflation."* "We need to stop that mass immigration."* "We must promote what unites us."* "Diversity is killing our country."* "We must not promote multiculturalism."Become a paid member now to gain access to this exclusive interview: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Rumble LINK: https://rumble.com/v6s6o15-ayurvedic-psychiatrist-dr.-aruna-tammala-on-holistic-health-philosophy-and-.html?e9s=src_v1_uppIn this episode of The Illusion of Consensus, Dr. Aruna Tammala shares her journey from conventional psychiatry to an integrative medical approach blending Ayurveda, functional medicine, and modern science. She discusses the mind-body connection, trauma, environmental toxins, and the importance of detoxification, gut health, and diet—especially in addressing issues like acid reflux.The conversation explores nervous system regulation, emotional health, and the therapeutic role of meditation, spirituality, and psychedelics in activating one’s inner healer. Dr. Tammala emphasizes personalized health strategies through functional testing, hormone balance, and supplements like vitamin D, omega-3s, and NAC. She also reflects on self-love, cooking as a healing practice, and the importance of listening to one’s intuition when navigating health decisions.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribeChapters:00:00 Introduction to Holistic Psychiatry05:46 Contrasting Psychiatric Practices: India vs. USA12:03 Understanding Mind-Body Connection18:09 The Interconnectedness of Body Systems23:55 The Role of Trauma and Stress in Health29:46 Environmental Toxins and Their Impact37:04 Detoxification and Diet's Role in Health43:30 Nervous System Regulation and Its Impact on Health49:25 Meditation, Spirituality, and Self-Love55:46 Psychedelics and Their Role in Healing01:01:15 The Inner Healer and Personal Growth01:11:18 Addressing Negative Thinking and Emotional Regulation01:17:52 Key Supplements for Mental Health01:24:48 The Benefits of Ghee and Dietary Fats01:31:28 Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Healing01:39:50 Listening to Your Inner Intuition01:46:01 The Importance of Balance in Healing01:51:59 Personal Choices and Internal Barometers01:57:12 The Connection Between Food and Well-Being02:05:03 The Nutritional Value of Seafood and Poultry02:12:00 The Interconnectedness of Food and Life02:22:12 Holistic Health Perspectives02:31:48 Integrative Medicine and Patient CareLink to Aruna’s medical practice for those interested:https://trinergyhealth.com/team/aruna-k-tummala-md/Aruna’s Substack:https://arunatummala.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Here are my initial thoughts on former Illusion of Consensus podcast co-host Jay Bhattacharya confirmed as NIH director (as well as Marty for FDA!).I’ll be writing more about this in the coming week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe