Playwright and political satirist CJ Hopkins discusses the draconian measures and censorship in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the suspension of constitutional rights, censorship on social media platforms, authoritarianism of the German government, demonization of the unvaccinated, and the crackdown on dissent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fighting for a free society and raising awareness about the challenges to free speech.

Hi everyone,We’re excited to release the full audio version of the podcast now - you can listen here or in the Spotify and Apple links available below.We apologize, there was another production delay as a key member on our team had to leave to his home country to address a personal emergency.The full, official video premiere will be tomorrow.For those patiently waiting, we didn’t want to disappoint you so we decided to provide the audio today at the very least.Take a listen now before the full video experience in high-definition quality with all our new graphics comes out tomorrow.Spotify link / Apple linkThe Illusion of Consensus is a listener-supported podcast. Become a paid member now to receive exclusive Q+As and member-only podcast segments: 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.comHi everyone,Here’s a sneak peak preview of our conversation with Russell Brand dropping tomorrow!Members can access this early access clip now and hear one of Russell’s signature soliloquies (does anyone do it better?)!We hope you enjoy it.Tune in tomorrow for the podcast premiere!Consider supporting our work by becoming a paid member (we need your help…

Hi everyone,I’m happy to bring you the first episode — in a series of conversations — on sleep health with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, a physiologist and sleep therapist, about the importance of sleep and how to improve sleep quality. We discuss various topics including the current sleep discourse, the difference between ‘martini sleepers’ and ‘sensitive sleepers,’ the role of inner safety in sleep, and the challenges of sleeping on airplanes. Dr. Ramlakan emphasizes the need for an inside-out approach to sleep, focusing on emotional and mental well-being in addition to external factors like light and exercise. She also highlights the importance of individualized approaches to sleep and the role of somatic work in achieving better sleep.In this final part of the conversation, Nerina discusses the importance of going to bed earlier before midnight and the impact it has on mental health. She highlights the trend of young people going to the gym at night instead of getting enough sleep and the potential long-term health consequences. She also explains the connection between the circadian rhythm and the rhythms of nature, emphasizing the importance of going to bed as the light levels start to drop. Housekeeping:Become a paid member now to receive early access and member-only segments of SEASON 2 of The Illusion of Consensus.First episode launching May 15th with Russell Brand!Listen To Sleep Podcast Now:Apple podcasts / SpotifyChapters00:00 Introduction and Background09:19 The Current Sleep Discourse14:16 Andrew Huberman and Sleep Protocols22:37 The Importance of Inner Safety26:31 Somatic Work for Better Sleep32:22 Preparing the Nervous System for Better Sleep on an Airplane47:52 The Importance of Deep Sleep for Growth Hormone and Organ Regeneration01:06 Going to Bed Earlier Before Midnight01:13 Practical Tips for Improving Sleep01:32 Dealing with Waking Up at NightTakeaways* Sleep is a complex issue that is influenced by both external factors (such as light and exercise) and internal factors (such as emotional and mental well-being).* Building inner safety and addressing emotional and mental well-being are crucial for improving sleep quality.* Somatic work, such as yoga nidra and progressive muscle relaxation, can help individuals get out of their heads and into their bodies, promoting better sleep.* Napping can be a valuable tool for rest and rejuvenation, especially in situations where it is difficult to get a full night's sleep, such as during travel.* An individualized approach to sleep is important, as different people have different sleep needs and preferences. Train your nervous system to rest and relax in waking hours to improve sleep on an airplane.* Power napping can help improve energy levels and overall sleep quality.* Specific organ systems are replenished during different phases of deep sleep.* While scientific research on these correlations is limited, observations from clinical experience support their significance. Going to bed earlier before midnight is important for mental health and overall well-being.* Practical tips for improving sleep include eating breakfast within 45 minutes of waking up, avoiding caffeine as a substitute for food, staying hydrated, going to bed earlier, and cultivating a healthier relationship with technology.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a 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

Hi everyone,In this episode, professor Bryce Nickels and I discuss the debate over the origin of COVID-19, specifically whether it was a lab leak or a natural spillover. We highlight the challenges faced by scientists who question the lab leak theory and the suppression of dissenting voices. We also discuss the risks and ethics of gain-of-function research and the need for transparency and public accountability in the scientific community. The conversation in this part focuses on the deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, the importance of getting the paper retracted to expose the manipulation by top funders, and the hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research. The discussion also touches on the challenges of having different perspectives during the pandemic and the need for a healthier culture of scientific debate and discussion.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways* The scientific journals have played a role in suppressing the lab leak theory and promoting the natural spillover theory.* There is a need to reevaluate the justification for certain types of research, such as studying exotic viruses in labs, and consider the potential risks and ethical implications. There was a deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, which is an ethical violation that needs to be addressed.* Getting the paper retracted is important to expose the manipulation by top funders and inform the public and scientific community about the deliberate shaping of the message on the origins of the virus.* The hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research was a historic event that may change the future direction of the origins issue and the regulation of risky virology research.Listen Now:Apple podcasts / SpotifySound Bites* "The debate over COVID has become something where you have to take sides and stay with everyone that's on your side on every issue."* "Biosafety Now's mission is to reduce the risks of lab-generated pandemics and push for public transparency and accountability."* "The consensus in the mainstream press and among scientists like Tony Fauci was that there was no debate about the lab leak theory."* "Nature medicine. They tried to get into nature and it went into nature medicine."* "The paper states that the work was funded by the Wellcome Trust, which is, he was the head of it. So that is a clear, I mean, that's simply just an ethical violation that's as clear as day and nobody can dispute it."* "The acknowledgement of malfeasance or misfeasance and misconduct is the most critical thing. And that paper is the one that needs to go first."A note from our 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 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,In this interview I talk to Debbie Lerman, an investigative journalist, about the key players and decision-making processes behind the pandemic response in the United States. She reveals that the National Security Council (NSC) took over as the lead policy group, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) becoming the lead federal agencies. This shift in power sidelined the CDC and HHS, which were traditionally responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks. Debbie also explores the appointment of Deborah Birx as the head of the White House Task Force and questions the involvement of Matt Pottinger, a China expert, in the decision-making process. The conversation explores the role of the government and public health officials in the COVID-19 response.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways:* The National Security Council (NSC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over as the lead policy and federal agencies, respectively, in the pandemic response.* Deborah Birx was appointed as the head of the White House Task Force, but the involvement of Matt Pottinger in the decision-making process is questionable.* The decision-making process behind the lockdowns and the development of vaccines was influenced by the defense industry and lacked democratic participation.* There is a need to restructure pandemic response plans to ensure that the right people with reasonable training and the right temperament are in charge.* Revoking emergency declarations and promoting democratic participation are essential to maintain trust in public health and prevent a bioterrorism-like response in the future.Watch:Apple / SpotifyChapters:00:00 Introduction: Debbie Lerman's Investigative Journalism on the Pandemic04:48 The Key Players: National Security Council and Department of Homeland Security10:02 Sidelining the CDC and HHS in the Decision-Making Process26:10 Deborah Birx's Controversial Appointment29:34 Questioning the Involvement of Matt Pottinger31:27 Deborah Birx and the Non-Traditional Approach to Public Health34:50 The Decision-Making Process Behind the Lockdowns41:04 The Development of Vaccines and Operation Warp Speed47:47 The Ineffectiveness of Contact Tracing52:23 Treating COVID-19 as a Bioterrorism Crisis59:33 Restructuring Pandemic Response Plans and Promoting Democratic ParticipationA note from our 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 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, In this conversation, I interview psychologist Dr. Matt Johnson about the current state of mainstream pharmaceutical solutions for mental health issues such as ADHD, depression, and anxiety. A bit about Matt: he has lead groundbreaking research in psychedelic therapy at Johns Hopkins University over the past two decades. We aimed to discuss that but ended up spending the whole podcast discussing the staggering limits of current pharmaceutical interventions. As an expert in the intersecting field of psychopharmacology — studying the psychological effects of various drugs — he was the perfect person to discuss this with.As Matt humbly admitted, psychopharmacology faces challenges in finding effective treatments for complex psychological problems. Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines have limitations in terms of long-term efficacy and side effects. Meanwhile, the use of psychedelics and related compounds, such as ketamine, have shown promise in providing relief for depression and anxiety. However, the field of psychopharmacology still lacks major breakthroughs and relies on medications that may not fully address the complexity of psychological issues. The new development of non-psychedelic compounds that mimic the effects of psychedelics without the visionary experience may not be as effective. The conversation highlights the need for innovative approaches to mental health treatment.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways* Mainstream pharmaceutical solutions for mental health issues like ADHD, depression, and anxiety have limitations and potential harms.* Overuse of ADHD stimulant medications is a concern, and the narrative of depression being caused by low serotonin levels is overly simplistic.* Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders and depression.* Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety but can have negative long-term effects and should be used with caution. Psychopharmacology struggles to find effective treatments for complex psychological problems.* Medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines have limitations in terms of long-term efficacy and side effects.Sound Bites* "There are major issues with some traditional medications"* "The narrative of depression being caused by low serotonin is overly simplistic"* "Psychedelic therapy offers the potential for long-term benefits"* "Psychopharmacology medications for the mind don't seem to work the same way as other classes of medicine."* "There's a real danger associated with being on benzodiazepines chronically."‘Watch now:Apple link / SpotifyChapters00:00 Introduction and Background09:20 Mainstream Pharmaceutical Solutions for Mental Health32:00 Exploring the Root Causes of Mental Health Disorders46:30 The Limitations of Psychopharmacology57:43 The Complexity of Mental Health and Treatment01:08 Debunking the Serotonin Model of Depression01:29 The Limitations of Medications for Anxiety01:58 Closing Remarks and Future DirectionsOur 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-beverageThe Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a 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

Hi everyone,In this bonus, member-only podcast episode, I interview our resident cardiologist Dr. Anish Koka about two recent major studies on cardiac risks associated with the mRNAs: Pfizer’s long-awaited subclinical myocarditis analysis and the CDC’s sudden cardiac death study. We start the conversation with a heartbreaking update (yikes, that adjective had to come to my mind first) on the case of a 38-year-old law enforcement member who developed vaccine myocarditis over two years ago. I interviewed him in a Substack piece at the time and just checked back in. Bad news. So much for “mild” and “transient” myocarditis assured by CDC and FDA talking-heads.As promised to our loyal paid members, you will have access to bonus conversations every month. This is one of them. There is a free preview accessible to everyone for the first 10 minutes. Takeaways* Dr. Anish Koka has been vocal about the vaccine myocarditis issue and has provided critical analysis of the data throughout the pandemic.* The case of a 38-year-old law enforcement member who developed vaccine myocarditis highlights the ongoing symptoms and complications that can arise from this condition.* The subclinical myocarditis study by Pfizer and the CDC study on post-vaccine sudden cardiac death in adolescents are important in shaping the discourse around the risks and benefits of the COVID vaccine.* There is a need for comprehensive data on the rate of sudden cardiac deaths after vaccination, especially in different age groups and with long-term follow-up.* Alternative treatments, such as stem cell therapy, are being explored for vaccine injuries. Further investigation is needed to understand the potential harm caused by mRNA vaccines on the heart, particularly in young individuals.Sound Bites:* "mRNA vaccines are harming the heart, that there's some kind of mechanism that we need to understand better and investigate better."* "I think we should hold everyone to the same level of rigor."* "Given the numbers we're talking about here, some people are gonna have actual, you know more significant stuff than than what you're seeing here."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:46 The Severity of Vaccine Myocarditis11:14 Recommendations for Treatment16:06 Concerns and Questions about Long-Term Effects30:17 The Importance of Rigorous Research38:34 Introduction and Background41:10 The Delayed Recognition of Vaccine-Related Myocarditis43:12 Study Design and Limitations55:05 Conflicts of Interest and Interpretation of Results01:01:20 The CDC Study on Post-Vaccine Sudden Cardiac Death01:05:52 Conclusion and Considerations01:06:11 Pfizer's Study on the Vaccine-Myocarditis LinkThe Illusion of Consensus is a citizen-funded podcast. To receive exclusive podcasts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: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-beverage 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,In this episode I interview Laura Powell, a lawyer who fought against a law in California that restricted doctors from discussing their opinions with patients. The law, known as AB 2098, aimed to silence doctors who were expressing views that went against the mainstream narrative. Laura discusses the unconstitutional nature of the law and the chilling effect it had on doctors' free speech rights. She also discusses the role of various organizations, such as the California Medical Association and the No License for Disinformation group, in pushing for the law. Despite facing personal blowback, she is proud of the work she has done and the friendships she has formed.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways* AB 2098 was a law in California that restricted doctors from discussing their opinions with patients, particularly on topics that went against the mainstream narrative.* The erosion of trust in public health institutions has contributed to the skepticism towards mainstream narratives and the importance of allowing doctors to prioritize their patients' interests over public health agendas.* The victory in the Hoeg v. Newsom case highlighted the importance of protecting doctors' free speech rights and ensuring that laws are narrowly tailored and not overly vague. Laura Powell started Californians for Good Governance before the case because she saw a lack of opposition to the California law that would have restricted doctors' free speech rights.* She testified in front of the California legislature and received a positive response from the judge, who granted a preliminary injunction against the law.Listen Now:Spotify / Apple podcastsSound Bites* "It's just frustrating because we actually weren't paid and people were telling lies in order to as an ad hominem attack against us to say we're only doing this because we're getting money."* "It's a great free speech victory.* "Nobody else was doing this."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 AB 2098: The Unconstitutional Law10:47 The Role of the California Medical Association35:06 The Fight for Free Speech Rights for Doctors44:43 The Erosion of Trust in Public Health Institutions53:57 The Hoag v. Newsom Case: A Victory for Free Speech01:00:56 Challenging Unconstitutional Laws01:06:33 The Need to Stand Up for Free Speech 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 pleased to release this interview I recorded on Monday with vice presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan. We discuss her background in law and her investments in science, particularly in reproductive longevity. We delve into the need to restore free speech in science and the detrimental effects of suppressing dissenting voices. We highlight the inefficiency and high cost of the American healthcare system, particularly in addressing chronic diseases. Shanahan suggests investing in public health systems, rethinking agriculture practices, and ensuring access to clean water as preventive measures for chronic diseases.The conversation highlights the need for preventative healthcare and a shift away from relying solely on drugs to manage symptoms. We also discuss the influence of capitalism on healthcare and the importance of addressing conflicts of interest in the industry. The failures of regulatory bodies like the FDA and CDC are examined, with a focus on the need for screening for conflicts of interest and community-based input.We hope you enjoy this conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background10:03 Free Speech in Science25:40 Addressing the Root Causes of Chronic Disease29:31 Restoring Free Speech and Scientific Debate30:22 Shifting Towards Preventative Healthcare33:43 Corporate Capture in the Healthcare Industry36:48 Failures of the FDA, NIH, and CDC56:02 The Impact of the Pandemic on Education57:58 Prioritizing the Well-being and Development of ChildrenSound Bites* "Investing in science for the sake of information and not for the sake of a commercial outcome."* "A vast effort by the federal government to suppress the speech of scientists who disagreed with government scientists."* "Scientists do not feel comfortable publishing the paper they actually want to publish."* "We need preventative healthcare... healthcare professionals who aren't playing whack-a-mole with symptoms and their only tool being prescribing new drugs to patients."* "If sick people are being viewed as business opportunities, there's no incentive to reduce the numbers of needy people."* "The CDC, the FDA, the NIH, all have failed in pretty fundamental ways." 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