The Illusion of Consensus

Description:ZeroHedge brings together Alex Berenson and Dave Smith with Rav Arora moderating a volatile, high-stakes clash over Holocaust accusations, Daryl Cooper, and the broader discourse shaping today’s political culture. This episode breaks down their heated exchange, the ideological fractures exposed on X, and the deeper tensions around Israel, Gaza, and media narratives. Berenson and Smith confront each other directly, forcing a raw look at evidence, rhetoric, and the boundaries of good-faith debate. Rav guides a turbulent conversation that pushes into the most contentious territory of the modern moment. This is a repost from the live debate in August for those who missed it.—Links:SpotifyApple—Chapters:00:00 – Opening Remarks & Immediate Friction03:32 – Alex References Holocaust Tweet09:58 – Holocaust Denial Accusation Emerges13:21 – Dave Challenges NYT Credibility21:17 – Genocide Framing Sparks Heated Exchange25:40 – Audience Reaction Alters the Dynamic33:50 – Escalating Fallout50:50 – Daryl’s Clarifications Discussed1:01:50 – Accusations of Bad Faith1:18:30 – Mother Jones Allegations Raised1:24:00 –Turning Toward Israel Debate1:35:00 –Dave’s Holocaust Perspective1:48:00 – Final Clash and Abrupt Ending 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

For those asking, here is the overdue podcast release of my debate with Mark Cuban on Covid mandates. We’ve been aggressively prioritizing promotion of your YouTube channel this past month — something we haven’t done before — and we unfortunately got behind on posting on podcast platforms. Moving forward, this will not be an issue. Enjoy the debate if you’d like to listen while driving or doing other activities! SummaryIn this conversation, Mark and I engage in a fiery debate about the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine mandates, and the implications of free speech in academia. We explore the complexities of public health decisions, the perceived biases in academic discourse, and the evolving understanding of vaccine efficacy and safety. Mark defends the necessity of vaccine mandates for protecting public health, while I raise concerns about the adverse effects and the risk-benefit analysis for young people.—Spotify linkApple link(also available on Overcast and other platforms)—Chapters00:00 Diversity in Hiring: Merit vs. Representation21:11 The Efficacy of Vaccines and Community Health27:10 Vaccine Policies Across Europe33:19 Community Responsibility and Vaccination39:12 Myocarditis Risks and Vaccine Decisions47:06 Accountability for Vaccine Mandates52:40 Understanding Myocarditis Risks: Infection vs. Vaccine58:42 The Role of Comorbidities in COVID Outcomes01:04:01 Analyzing Risk: Vaccination vs. Natural Infection01:09:52 Community Benefit vs. Individual Risk in Vaccination—The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber: 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

Important video message for subscribers of The Illusion of Consensus!As the founder and author of this Substack I’ve invested in some key areas to expand its reach and visibility on various platforms like YouTube and Instagram with new strategic hirees.In the last several months since Jay has left the Substack, there has been an precipitous drop in paid memberships.As I take the podcast in a new direction with focus on mental health, wellness, relationships, social health etc I hope you’ll support me in my mission of shattering mainstream consensus and providing you with the highest quality tools, knowledge, and information to improve your life (mentally, socially, relationally, spiritually etc).Upcoming guests:Bret Weinstein, Robert Malone, Mattias Desmet, Jonathan Pageau, and more.Please support us now (sale extended to Cyber Monday!):* 30% off a yearly subscription:* 50% off for 90 days of monthly subscription:Alternatively, if you’d like to make a larger, one-time donation the show, here is a link where you can do so:Thank you again for being part of this community. Wishing you a great weekend with family and friends. 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 conversation with Dr. Matt Johnson delves into a new study he co-authored examining the effects of psilocybin on religious professionals, exploring their sacred experiences and the implications for their faith and practice. The discussion covers the study’s design, participant recruitment challenges, and the psychological impacts of psychedelics on spirituality and religious beliefs.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy01:52 Exploring the Psilocybin Study05:55 Spiritual Implications of Psychedelic Experiences07:34 Exploring the Study’s Intentions08:26 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Psilocybin08:53 Study Design Overview12:54 Diversity of Religious Participants16:59 Challenges in Recruitment20:49 Experiences During Psilocybin Sessions24:41 Exploring Common Religious Experiences28:58 Study Findings and Implications43:36 Exploring Tolerance and Positive Attitudes Post-Psilocybin46:30 Behavioral Changes and the Role of Service in Clergy48:44 The Importance of Concrete Behavioral Assessments55:36 The Critical Window for Change After Psychedelic Experiences57:18 Positive Effects and Sacred Experiences from Psilocybin Sessions01:00:21 Understanding Profound Experiences and Their Impact01:05:05 Unconditional Love and Its Duration in Psilocybin Experiences01:10:18 Appreciation for Religious Diversity and Its Implications01:14:05 The Complexity of Tolerance and Belief Systems01:18:32 Ethical Oversight and Compliance in Research01:28:50 Religious Symbols and Their Impact on Research01:34:13 Diversity and Representation in Research01:40:14 Publication Delays and Ethical ImplicationsSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. 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. 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 the wake of the Charlie Kirk tragedy, as I was reflecting on what unites us amidst intense political division, I thought who better to come on to discuss this than Aubrey Marcus - a visionary podcaster, writer, and poet. Aubrey and I delve deep into what shared values we can focus on that transcend politics, religious dogma, and cultural conventions. We explore the desensitization caused by social media, the importance of recognizing shared humanity, and the dangers of labeling individuals based on their political beliefs. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue, the spectrum of values, and the potential for redemption and transformation in individuals. Ultimately, we advocate for finding common ground and uniting against anti-value ideologies while acknowledging the good intentions behind differing beliefs.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Listen Now:Spotify / Apple Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation07:13 The Charlie Kirk Assassination: Initial Reactions13:18 Understanding Humanity Beyond Politics18:16 The Dangers of Dehumanization26:46 Awakening to Shared Humanity32:59 Opportunities for Dialogue and Unity36:03 Navigating Complex Ideologies and Values44:15 The Struggle Between Good and Evil45:42 Redefining Values and Responses47:51 Unifying Against Anti-Values50:42 The Spectrum of Values55:02 Understanding Humanity and Morality01:01:08 The Complexity of Beliefs01:11:28 Universal Moral Truths and Shared Values01:23:38 Exploring Universal Spiritual Themes01:27:45 The Intersection of Eastern and Western Philosophies01:31:41 The Nature of God and Personal Gnosis01:35:41 The Role of Dogma in Spirituality01:39:24 Humility and the Evolving Nature of Belief01:51:00 Mental Health and Spiritual Practices01:55:18 Introduction to Mental Health and Psychedelics01:55:47 Exploring Future Episodes on Meditation and Therapy 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 this episode of the Illusion of Consensus podcast, Dr. Matt Johnson and I discuss the recent FDA decision regarding MDMA therapy for PTSD. The conversation covers the FDA's commitment to transparency in drug approval processes, the specific concerns raised in the rejection of MDMA therapy, and the implications for future psychedelic treatments. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the need for a fair evaluation process and the potential benefits of MDMA therapy compared to traditional SSRIs, while also addressing the importance of understanding the durability of treatment effects and the biases present in clinical trials.Chapters00:00Introduction to Psychedelic Research and FDA Transparency02:39FDA's Rejection of MDMA Therapy: Key Concerns04:55Exploring the FDA's Feedback on MDMA Therapy12:18Durability of MDMA's Effects in PTSD Treatment16:59Comparing MDMA Therapy to SSRIs for PTSD20:51Effect Sizes and Future of Psychedelic Treatments28:38MDMA Use and Treatment Efficacy32:02Pre-Screening and Selection Bias in Trials34:38Durability of Treatment Effects36:32Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of SSRIs39:29Societal Factors in Mental Health Treatment42:43The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy46:50Future of Psychedelic Therapy and FDA Regulations 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 this new podcast episode, I speak to Dave Smith about issues pressing the new independent media landscape such as the role of experts and the rise of misinformation. The podcast is structured as a kind of formalized response to Sam Harris and Douglas Murray’s recent podcast on the same subject which mentions Dave Smith throughout:Dave and I also delve into the complexities of terrorism, foreign policy, and the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. We discuss the double standards in defining terrorism, the grievances that fuel radicalization, and the implications of military actions taken by both the U.S. and Israel. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues, the importance of negotiation over military intervention, and the challenges posed Links:Spotify / Apple(Video version will be up tomorrow)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Illusion of Consensus Podcast06:01 Debate Dynamics: Gad Saad and Douglas Murray12:04 The Role of Experts in Media18:01 Civil Discourse and Respectful Engagement23:46 The Role of Joe Rogan in Public Discourse29:52 Concluding Thoughts on Current Events40:19 Debate Dynamics and Media Representation47:00 Expertise and Public Discourse53:59 Misinformation and Institutional Accountability01:04:14 The Role of Experience in Argumentation01:12:48 Debating Evidence and Claims01:18:32 Critique of Argumentation Tactics01:26:36 The Complexity of Truth and Responsibility01:35:13 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Debate01:48:47 Assertions vs. Arguments: The Debate Dynamics01:54:47 Understanding Radical Islam: A Complex Landscape02:00:08 The Impact of Foreign Policy on Terrorism02:06:39 The Nuances of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis02:19:29 Charity in Discourse: The Challenge of Misinformation02:26:04 Strawman Arguments in Foreign Policy02:32:30 Historical Context of Military Interventions02:37:51 Negotiation Strategies in Conflict Resolution02:44:29 Alternatives to Military Action02:49:50 The Complexity of Asymmetrical Warfare02:55:28 The Right to Self-DeterminationSupport 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. 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 this new conversation, Dr. Robert Malone and Rav Arora discuss the complexities surrounding vaccine authorization, the divisions within MAHA, the implications of FDA policies, and the recent MAHA Commission report. They emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of vaccine efficacy and the political dynamics influencing public health decisions. The discussion also touches on the future of vaccines, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges faced in the regulatory landscape.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Links:Spotify / Apple(Up on all video platforms in 48 hours)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:49 Exploring the SplinterNet and Video Streaming Opportunities05:52 The Dynamics of Content Creation and Monetization08:19 The State of Health Agencies and Political Landscape11:27 Challenges and Opportunities in the Maha Agenda39:37 The Evolution of the Maha Organizations42:20 Bobby Kennedy's Strategic Challenges44:58 Divisions Within the Vaccine Debate49:02 Political Strategies and Public Perception53:51 Navigating Regulatory Challenges58:23 Recent Developments in Vaccine Policy01:14:52 Insights from the Maha Commission Report01:17:39 Navigating Controversies in Health Policy01:20:27 The Role of Key Figures in Health Advocacy01:23:29 Insights from the Maha Report01:28:26 Populism and Policy Implementation Challenges01:34:57 The Future of Health Initiatives and Advocacy01:42:21 Understanding New Vaccine DevelopmentsSupport 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. 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 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 a fascinating discussion, Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a professor specializing in psychedelics at UCSF, unveils the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy in treating mental health disorders. He critiques traditional psychiatric models that overly focus on neurochemistry, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. The conversation highlights recent shifts in NIH funding dynamics that may support psychedelic research and advocates for integrating personal agency and societal context into mental health care, casting psychedelics as powerful tools for healing.