The Illusion of Consensus

In this conversation, AJ Kay discusses her early experiences with writing about COVID-19 and the backlash she faced for challenging the mainstream narrative. She shares how her essay on Medium, titled 'The Curve is Already Flat,' was censored and demonetized, leading to the formation of the Rational Ground group. AJ also talks about the impact of school closures on her children, particularly her daughter with autism and her other daughter with special needs. She highlights the loss of services and support that these children relied on and the detrimental effects of isolation and disrupted routines. The conversation highlights the importance of early intervention and support for children with special needs. They express concern for children diagnosed in 2020 who did not receive in-person help for three years, emphasizing the critical period of neuroplasticity in early childhood.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:16 Early COVID Essays06:37 Censorship on Medium08:03 Formation of Rational Ground22:30 Motivation to Speak Out25:49 Transition to Zoom School31:32 Impact on Children with Special Needs34:16 Lack of In-Person Help for Children with Special Needs39:51 The Effect on College Students45:36 The Purpose of Life and the Importance of Relationships52:55 The Great Barrington Declaration and Consent58:29The Critique of the Great Barrington Declaration01:00:54 The Inhumane Treatment in Nursing HomeTakeaways* AJ K. faced censorship and deplatforming for challenging the mainstream narrative on COVID-19.* The Rational Ground group was formed as a response to the censorship and aimed to provide a platform for independent writers and researchers.* School closures had a significant impact on children with special needs, depriving them of essential services and support.* The isolation and disrupted routines caused by the pandemic had detrimental effects on the mental health and well-being of children. Early intervention and support are crucial for the development of children with special needs.* The period of neuroplasticity in early childhood is finite, and the lack of in-person help during the pandemic may have long-term consequences for children's outcomes.* College closures and isolation measures have had negative effects on young adults' socialization and well-being.* The trade-off between safety and the loss of important relationships and experiences raises questions about the purpose of protection. 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

Hi everyone,I’m excited to bring you this conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Roger McFillin. His content on X and Substack is incredibly thought-provoking and challenges the popular medical consensus on mental health.McFillin challenges the efficacy of antidepressants and stimulants, pointing out that the placebo effect plays a significant role in their perceived effectiveness. He also emphasizes the lack of scientific evidence supporting the chemical imbalance theory of depression and the potential negative consequences of long-term use of psychiatric drugs. We also discuss the potential harm caused by antidepressants, including an increased risk of suicide, self-injury, and permanent sexual dysfunction. The third theme is the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical guidelines and research, leading to biased and distorted information. He explains how major medical organizations in the United States are funded by biotech and pharmaceutical companies, as well as nonprofits that are pushed by pharma. He highlights the focus on drugs as healthcare in the allopathic medical model and the lack of emphasis on diet interventions and addressing root causes of poor health. Dr. McFillin also criticizes the overdiagnosis of psychiatric conditions like ADHD and the role of schools in promoting the use of medication. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported podcast. To receive exclusive posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways* The pharmaceutical industry has a significant influence on the mental health field, leading to overprescription and misrepresentation of scientific data.* There is a lack of evidence for the efficacy and safety of psychiatric drugs, and the long-term consequences are often not fully understood.* The concept of a chemical imbalance as the cause of mental illness is not supported by scientific evidence. Pharmaceutical companies often have a significant influence on research, including ghostwriting and biased reporting.* Medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association, receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, leading to conflicts of interest.* The FDA's analysis of studies and approval of drugs may not always consider the risks and adverse effects.* The overprescription of ADHD medications is influenced by the mass indoctrination in education and the desire for obedience in classrooms. ADHD is a spectrum of attentional challenges, rather than a disorder.Watch Now:Apple podcastsTime-stamps:00:00 Introduction and Background03:19Awakening to the Flaws in Mainstream Mental Health Approaches05:09 Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry on Mental Health Field08:57 Lack of Efficacy and Safety of Psychiatric Drugs12:16 Prevalence and Problems with SSRIs and Stimulants28:30 Meta-Analysis on SSRIs and Suicide Risk40:21 Conflict of Interest in Research43:13 Ghostwriting and Pharmaceutical Influence45:21 Corruption in Medical Organizations48:55 Lack of Proper Analysis by FDA56:06 Overprescription of ADHD Medications01:01:48 Mass Indoctrination in Education01:10:38 The Rise of ADHD Diagnoses01:21:25 The Power of Behavioral Interventions01:26:28 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry and Labeling01:32:19 Understanding ADHD as a Spectrum01:43:00 The Value of Unique Skills and Abilities01:50:13 The Normalization of Attentional Challenges01:59:18 Cultivating Inner Reality and Expectations01:56:24 Depathologizing Mental Health01:59:44 The Challenges of Achievement and More02:01:06 The Value and Limitations of Labels02:03:15 Understanding ADHD on a Spectrum02:04:23The Spectrum of Trauma and PTSD02:08:10 The Mismatch Between Evolution and Modern Society02:19:19The Value and Danger of Labels02:28:39 Cultural Factors and Changing the Culture02:29:12 Future Discussions: Trauma and TreatmentsOur exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress.Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here:https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageSubscribe to Dr. McFillin’s Substack: 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

Citizen scientists investigate lab leak theory of Covid-19, challenge natural origin narrative. Uncovering deleted sequences from Wuhan lab database. Unveiling efforts to suppress truth in scientific community. Importance of transparency and restoring trust in science discussed.

This 3-hour long conversation is with Philadelphia cardiologist Dr. Anish Koka. He is one of the few brave voices in the cardiology community that changed his views in real time and spoke out against mass Covid vaccination absent any reliable safety and efficacy data for cardiac outcomes in particular.Myocarditis happens to be the most common severe adverse event associated with the mRNA vaccines — concentrated in young, healthy men — and instead of honestly discussing the risks and benefits, the CDC and FDA gaslit the public and harmed untold numbers of young people who no conceivable reason to benefit.In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Anish Koka and I discuss how he came to regret vaccinating young, healthy people at his clinic and his comprehensive analysis of the relevant vaccine myocarditis data.We need more clinicians and scientists like Dr. Koka. This podcast may offer a glimmer of hope.Our exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress.Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here:https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageQuotes from the podcast:“Me running around saying it's ‘safe and effective,’ and giving it to 17-year-olds, given that most of the patients that were in the vaccine studies weren't 17-years-old — I wasn't technically correct.”“This is a very cardioactive vaccine”“I would not give it to low risk people again…That was a mistake on my part.”Takeaways* The data suggests that COVID-19-related myocarditis is different from vaccine-related myocarditis, with the latter showing higher troponin levels and a higher likelihood of scar formation.* Myocarditis should not be characterized as a mild condition, as it can have significant consequences and requires hospital care and follow-up.* Higher troponin levels indicate more severe heart muscle damage and a higher risk of long-term impacts. Higher cardiac biomarkers indicate more heart muscle damage and a higher chance of long-term impacts* The smallpox vaccine had side effects, leading to its discontinuation despite its effectiveness against smallpox.* The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 have shown a higher risk of myocarditis in young men. Myocarditis is more commonly seen with the Moderna vaccine compared to the Pfizer vaccine, likely due to the higher mRNA dose in the Moderna vaccine.* The initial vaccine trials had limitations, and the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants is uncertain. Interpreting studies and data related to COVID-19 requires epistemic humility and careful consideration of the baseline risk of viral infections.* A study from Korea found severe cases of vaccine myocarditis, highlighting the importance of understanding the severity of adverse events.Time-stamps:02:21 Evolution of the COVID Vaccine Conversation08:09 Myocarditis and Previous Vaccines26:39 Discussion on Vaccine Efficacy35:22 Uncertainty about Vaccine Benefit40:25 Limitations of Vaccine Recommendations43:54 Risk of COVID-19 in Healthy Children48:10 Granularity and Humility in Public Health57:31 Differences Between COVID-19 Myocarditis and Vaccine Myocarditis01:03 Misconceptions about COVID-19 Myocarditis01:08 Misleading Comparisons of Myocarditis Rates01:21:36Troponin Levels in Myocarditis Cases(Note: our podcast editing software was not able to generate full time-stamps for the whole 3 hour show. We apologize for this and aim to contact tech support to ameliorate this)If you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube (we would like to hire a producer and purchase professional theme music and graphics when we are financially able!), you may donate to us here. Your support is greatly appreciated:https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 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

Hi everyone,I have just recorded my first thoughts on the Murthy v. Missouri case, which involves the foundational First Amendment rights of Americans. I delve into the history of the case and the concerns about the Biden administration’s censorship regime. Also, I go into some detail about the preliminary injunction and Judge Terry Doughty's ruling, as well as the appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This is the first part of our exclusive Murthy v. Missouri coverage. Rav and I will be recording a podcast next to discuss the implications further. Moreover, we will be recording episodes with my co-plaintiff Aaron Kheriaty and Jenin Younes (an attorney on the case). The Illusion of Consensus is a citizen-funded podcast. Please consider supporting us by becoming a paid member:Takeaways:* The Murthy v. Biden case involves the First Amendment rights of Americans and concerns about censorship by the Biden administration.* There is a pattern of social media censorship, with the government directing social media companies to censor speech on various topics.* The preliminary injunction in the case ruled that the Biden administration was violating First Amendment rights, but the case is still ongoing.* The Supreme Court's decision in this case will have significant implications for the protection of free speech and the role of the government in censorship.Listen now:Apple:Spotify:Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Murthy v. Missouri Case01:00 Concerns about Censorship by the Biden Administration04:00 Role of the Government in Censorship06:03 Preliminary Injunction and Judge Terry Doughty's Ruling08:13 Appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals09:39 Limitations of the Preliminary Injunction10:34 Stanford University's Involvement12:02 Government as the Source of Misinformation16:20 Supreme Court Hearing: Standing and Traceability21:45 Traceability and Coercion by the Government24:35 First Amendment and its Application26:33 Government's Argument for Censorship28:30 Analogies and Differences with Traditional Media31:27 Coercion vs. Persuasion by the Government35:12 Restrictions on Social Media Companies39:05 Hypotheticals and the First Amendment43:19 Stakes and Importance of the Supreme Court DecisionIf you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube, you may donate to us here. Your support is greatly appreciated:https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 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

Hi everyone,Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill, a specialist physician in Ontario, faced tremendous backlash for advocating against lockdowns and speaking out about the broader health impacts of COVID-19 policies. She was labeled as an anti-vaxxer and faced multiple complaints to her professional regulator. Despite her strong scientific background and advocacy for evidence-based medicine, she was targeted by powerful entities in the Canadian media and medical communities.Dr. Gill filed a defamation lawsuit to clear her name. The court procedural/motion decision and the cost order were both appealed, ultimately leading to a costs order of nearly $300K ordered in late February 2024 with just weeks to pay. She is now facing financial hardship and may have to declare bankruptcy.In our 35 minute special podcast episode, we discuss all of this.Please donate to Kulvinder’s legal fund to help support her:https://www.givesendgo.com/kulvinderFollow her on X:https://twitter.com/dockaurGTakeaways* Dr. Kulvinder Kaur Gill faced backlash and persecution for advocating against lockdowns and speaking out about the broader health impacts of COVID-19 policies.* She was labeled as an anti-vaxxer and faced multiple complaints to her professional regulator, despite her strong scientific background and advocacy for evidence-based medicine.* Powerful entities in the Canadian media and medical communities targeted Dr. Gill, leading to a defamation lawsuit. However, the court ruled against her and ordered her to pay $1.2 million in costs.* Dr. Gill is now facing financial hardship and may have to declare bankruptcy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:17Advocacy for Health and Concerns for Marginalized Communities03:14 Backlash and Labeling as an Anti-Vaxxer06:32 Advocacy Against Lockdowns and Focus on Immunity11:42 Persecution and Attacks on Reputation28:49 Court Ruling and Financial Burden32:01 Implications and Give Send Go Campaign34:22 Recognition and Gratitude 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

I am extremely pleased to bring you this new conversation with my friend and Great Barrington Declaration colleague Dr. Martin Kulldorff. Martin is an epidemiologist and biostatistician by training and I hold him with the highest respect due to his willingness to challenge unquestionable orthodoxy on all sides of the scientific debate.In this critical conversation we discuss a number of hot topics, most crucially Martin’s firing from Harvard for his opposition to vaccine mandates. He has broken the silence on this tragic issue and we are happy to host his first public conversation on the matter.We also discuss Martin’s firing from the CDC over the J&J vaccine and Harvard’s generally unscientific response to the pandemic. The conversation concludes with a discussion on decentralizing and reforming the scientific community.- Jay BhattacharyaChapters00:00 Introduction and Background14:12 Early Thoughts on the Pandemic30:36 Meeting at the White House48:46 The Great Barrington Declaration52:40 Challenges and Attacks58:25 Assessing the Vaccine Trials01:01:48 The CDC's Pause on the J&J Vaccine01:04:39 The Need for Exemptions and Accommodations01:09:49 Harvard's Vaccine Mandate and Firing01:14:47 Martin's Experience with COVID-1901:18:24 Harvard's Treatment of Martin01:27:06 Assessing Harvard's Response to the Pandemic01:31:17 The Need for Reform in the Scientific Community01:35:46 Bright Spots and Moving ForwardIf you would like to help us fund our podcast expansion to Rumble and YouTube (we intend on hiring a producer when we are financially able!), you may donate to us here. Your support is greatly appreciated:https://donorbox.org/help-fund-independent-journalism-2 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 esteemed journalist Paul Thacker explores the evidence hierarchy and the conflicting views on the effectiveness of masks. It discusses the Cochrane Collaborative's reviews on masks, which found insufficient high-quality evidence to support their effectiveness The conversation concludes with a reflection on the need for critical thinking and questioning in the face of political alignment.Our exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress.Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here:https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageChapters:00:00 Introduction: Evidence Hierarchy and Conflicting Views on Masks00:30 Cochrane Collaborative's Reviews on Masks06:23 The Limitations of Medicine and Public Health10:36 The Psychological Impact of Masks19:22 The Corrupted Scientific Agency23:21 Lack of Trust in the CDC24:48 Conflicts of Interest in Mask Research26:53 Political Motivations36:08 Lack of RCTs on Masks42:39 Protecting Reputations49:46 Teaching People Masks Work 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

The conversation covers the different policies on handling the pandemic in Denmark and the United States, the empirical data on school closures, the CDC guidelines and masking in schools, the politicization of scientific studies, and the side effects of COVID vaccines. Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg discusses her concerns about myocarditis as a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in young males. She explains how she started monitoring reports from Israel and noticed an unexpected rate of myocarditis in young males following the Pfizer vaccine. Dr. Høeg highlights the importance of accurately identifying cases of myocarditis using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and consulting with cardiologists. She also discusses the ethics of vaccine mandates, emphasizing the need for individual choice and informed decision-making. Dr. Høeg shares her personal experiences of facing backlash and losing her job due to her research findings and involvement in the urgency of normal movement.Our exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress.Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here:https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageChapters00:00 Different Policies in Denmark and the United States03:41 Empirical Data on School Closures07:57 Study on School Reopening in Wisconsin11:19 CDC Guidelines and Masking in Schools15:21 Study on Mask Effectiveness23:09 Debate on Masking in Schools25:23 Study on Mask Mandates in North Dakota34:39 Myocarditis as a Side Effect of Vaccines35:10 Concerns about Myocarditis38:16 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)40:12 Comparing Myocarditis Rates43:22 Ethics of Vaccine Mandates53:27 Personal Costs of Research59:33 Loss of Job at UC Davis01:07:15 Negative Reaction to Urgency of Normal 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

Our first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration. Alcami contains 9 high-quality adaptogens that can help regulate your nervous system and optimize energy and focus. Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help build the body’s resilience to stress.Get 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion” here:https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverage---Hi everyone,I’m very excited to release this eye-opening episode. While only an hour, this felt like three or four because my special guest Dr. Pamela Kryskow — a psychedelic researcher and medical doctor — presents a powerful model for collective healing of psychological issues such as depression and PTSD.As someone interested in new solutions for mental health crises, I was quite moved by her community-oriented model where healing is not individual but communal — and uses the incredible power of psychedelic medicines. Dr. Kryskow shares her experience working with end-of-life patients and the positive results she has seen. She emphasizes the importance of doing the necessary work alongside psychedelic therapy and the need for ethical therapists. She also highlights the time and effort required for healing and the importance of creating a safe, ceremonial space for psychedelic sessions. She emphasizes the value of progressing at one's own pace and the benefits of having a community that holds individuals accountable to their healing.Dr. Kryskow also explores the potential for healing in relationships and the generational impact of psychedelic therapy. She explains the process of accessing psychedelic therapy through referrals and Health Canada approvals. The effectiveness of ketamine for PTSD is discussed, along with the role of psychedelics in trauma healing. The importance of timing and safety in psychedelic experiences is highlighted, as well as the need for a solid therapeutic team. Dr. Kryskow distinguishes between challenging experiences and bad trips, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Palliative Care07:31 Results of Psychedelic Therapy for End-of-Life Patients14:59 The Role of Psychedelics in Holistic Healing16:10 Understanding the Limitations of Psychedelic Therapy23:38 The Importance of Ethical Therapists26:18 The Time and Effort Required for Healing32:17 The Roots to Thrive Program and Protocols36:31 The Importance of a Solid Ceremonial Space36:51 Integration and Community Support39:02 Healing in Relationships41:03 Accessing Psychedelic Therapy43:11 Effectiveness of Ketamine for PTSD44:09 Psychedelics and Trauma Healing47:46 Choosing the Right Medicine for Healing49:50 Timing and Safety of Psychedelic Experiences55:26 Building Safety and Readiness for Psychedelic Therapy59:11 Challenging Experiences vs. Bad Trips 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