The Illusion of Consensus

Note to readers: this is a must-watch conversation. Don’t miss it! Hi everyone,In this conversation, Professor Jay Bhattacharya and Mattias Desmet discuss the psychology of totalitarianism and the Illusion of Consensus. They explore the corruption of science, the modern mechanistic worldview, and the alienation of people from each other. They also delve into the role of measurement and measurability, the impact of digital connections, and the phenomenon of scapegoating. The conversation highlights the role of leaders in mass formation and the emergence of totalitarian states. Together, they provide insights into the psychological factors that contribute to the manipulation of public opinion and the erosion of individual freedoms. The conversation explores the themes of mass formation, totalitarianism, awakening, sincere speech, and rejecting the mechanistic worldview. It highlights the impact of lonely masses and the potential for a technocratic totalitarianism. The power of sincere speech is discussed as a means to inhibit mass formation and create genuine connections. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of remaining open-minded and avoiding fanaticism in ideologies.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Takeaways* The replication crisis in science has revealed the corruption and lack of truthfulness in academic research.* The mechanistic worldview and the reliance on rational thinking have led to the alienation of individuals and the deterioration of social bonds.* Digital connections and technological communication have replaced meaningful in-person interactions, leading to increased loneliness and disconnection.* Mass formation is a psychological phenomenon that arises when individuals connect to a collective ideal, leading to the manipulation of public opinion and the emergence of totalitarian states. Lonely masses can be used as a psychological basis for totalitarian states.* Awakening from mass formation can occur when the power of the narrative weakens.* Sincere speech inhibits mass formation and creates genuine connections.* Rejecting the mechanistic worldview is essential to address mass formation.* Remaining open-minded and avoiding fanaticism is crucial in preventing mass formation.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-beverageSpotify link: Apple link: Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:13 The Corruption of Science05:12 The Mechanistic Worldview and Alienation08:25 The Alienation of People from Each Other11:58 The Paradox of Science14:28 The Role of Measurement and Measurability19:50 The Role of Digital Connections22:41 The Phenomenon of Scapegoating26:35 The Role of Leaders in Mass Formation32:26 Totalitarianism and Mass Formation38:59 Leaders and the Population in the COVID Crisis49:34 Lonely Masses and Totalitarianism52:20 Awakening from Mass Formation56:06 The Power of Sincere Speech01:03:36 Rejecting the Mechanistic Worldview01:08:44 Guarding Against Mass FormationThe 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

Our exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration.https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageGet 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion."---Hi everyone,This episode of the podcast features investigative journalist Lee Fang discussing various topics related to the Illusion of Consensus in science, public health, and public policy. The conversation covers Twitter's covert campaign to influence messaging, the role of AI firm Logically AI in censoring activists and journalists, the suppression of research on pesticides, and Moderna's surveillance and censorship efforts. The discussion also includes Jay Bhattacharya's personal experience and perspective on these issues. The conversation explores the censorship and suppression of vaccine information, the lack of media coverage on critical topics, the conflict of interest in public health, the lack of transparency in financial relationships, astroturfing and marketing tactics, the blurring of the line between corporate PR and public health, trolls and online attacks, the mobilization of healthcare professionals, the lack of disclosure and transparency, the corruption of trust in healthcare institutions, and the crisis of trust.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:46 Twitter's Covert Campaign18:16 Logically AI and Election Influence26:13 Pesticides and Suppression of Research39:35 Moderna's Surveillance and Censorship46:16 Jay Bhattacharya's Experience and Perspective47:57 Censorship and Suppression of Vaccine Information49:09 Lack of Media Coverage50:46 Conflict of Interest in Public Health51:20 Lack of Transparency in Financial Relationships52:41 Astroturfing and Marketing Tactics53:31 Blurring the Line Between Corporate PR and Public Health55:24 Trolls and Online Attacks56:15 Mobilization of Healthcare Professionals57:40 Lack of Disclosure and Transparency58:05 Corruption of Trust in Healthcare Institutions59:00 Crisis of Trust 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,I’ll keep the introduction short here. Steve and Kevin spent over 3 hours intensively discussing vaccine deaths on this podcast. The conversation was civil, friendly, and more equal-paced compared to the last. Both parties contributed more or less equally without one dominating the other. I will let you — our loyal audience — decide the outc…

Our exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration.https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageGet 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion."----In this exciting new podcast episode, I interview science journalist Gary Taubes about his new book on diabetes, titled 'Rethinking Diabetes.' We discuss the history of diabetes treatment, the role of journalists in critiquing scientific paradigms, and the misconceptions surrounding type 2 diabetes. Taubes highlights the illusion of consensus in the medical community and the harm that can result from it. He also challenges the prevailing belief that diabetes is a pancreatic deficiency disorder and explores alternative approaches to treatment. The conversation explores the flaws in medical thinking, particularly in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. We discusses the historical use of starvation diets and high-fat diets, as well as the misguided approach of calorie restriction. The conversation also highlights the influence of medical organizations, such as the American Diabetic Association, in promoting high-carb diets.Unlike other episodes, this conversation may have a direct and immediate impact on the health choices one may make. We endeavour to bring you more such episodes exploring the illusion of consensus surrounding diet, fitness, supplementation, mental health, psychotherapy, and more!----Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:06 The Role of Journalists in Critiquing Scientific Paradigms18:32 Understanding Diabetes: Types and Consequences29:09 The Historical Treatment of Diabetes: Diet and Insulin Therapy39:03 The Impact of Insulin Therapy and the Rise of Type 2 Diabetes49:36 The Misconception of Type 2 Diabetes as a Pancreatic Deficiency Disorder50:01 The Quarter Century Victory Models and the Limitations of Insulin Therapy50:38 The Flaws in Medical Thinking55:13 Starvation Diets and Insulin Therapy56:11 The Paradox of High-Fat Diets59:03 The Ineffectiveness of Calorie Restriction01:00:06 The Starvation Study by Ancel Keys01:05:18 The American Diabetic Association's Embrace of High-Carb Diets01:07:49 The Influence of Medical Organizations01:14:29 Systematic Changes to Improve Science01:15:00 Pragmatic Approach for Patients01:24:06 Fixing the Flaws in Science 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 exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration.https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageGet 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion."Hi everyone,The 3-hour vaccine death debate between Denis and Tracy has now been released! Anyone can access it now here in the Substack app/website or in the Spotify/Apple links below. I hope it helps shape your perspective on this contentious topic.Takeaways:* Tracy criticizes Denis' paper on the number of deaths caused by COVID vaccines, arguing that the estimate of 17 million deaths is implausible.* Denis defends his paper, explaining the methodology and selection of countries in the study.* The debate becomes heated as they discuss the accusation of cherry-picking countries.* Technical difficulties interrupt the discussion briefly. There are inconsistencies in estimates of excess mortality and the causal link between COVID-19 vaccines and deaths.* Methodology plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of these estimates.* Accurate information and fact-finding are essential in understanding the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on mortality.* Further discussion and analysis are needed to address the discrepancies between different studies and estimates. There is a temporal association between booster rollouts and excess mortality.* The causes of excess mortality are complex and can vary between countries and age groups.* The peak in mortality after the pandemic announcement is a significant phenomenon that requires further investigation.* Analyzing mortality data in countries without age stratification requires additional considerations.* The consistent association of excess mortality with booster rollouts suggests a potential link.* Quantifying excess mortality and the vaccine dose fatality rate can provide insights into the risk of death. The correlation between vaccine rollout and excess mortality is a topic of debate, with different interpretations and perspectives.* Communication plays a crucial role in conveying scientific findings, and the choice of words and statements can impact public perception.* Traditional methods may not always capture vaccine mortality, and there is a need for more comprehensive data and analysis.* The case of Sweden's excess mortality highlights the complexities of interpreting data and the importance of considering different factors.* Improving data collection and reporting is essential for a better understanding of the impact of vaccines and other interventions. Clear communication and agreement on recording and distribution processes are important in collaborative conversations.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-beverageSpotify link:Apple Podcast Link:Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:19 Tracy's Criticisms of Denis' Paper12:20 Denis' Response to Tracy's Criticisms27:17 Discussion on the Selection of Countries34:00 Technical Difficulties38:36 Addressing the Accusation of Cherry Picking40:18 Excess Mortality and Vaccine Rollout45:20 Cherry Picking and Projection49:48 Analyzing Denmark's Data52:30 Causality and Correlation58:03 Excess Mortality by Age Group01:03:36 Temporal Relationship between Vaccination and Mortality01:10:20 Discussion on Causality and Uncertainties01:16:01 Clarifying Statements and Limitations01:19:25 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:21:15 Inconsistencies in Estimates and Causal Link01:23:14 Discussion on Methodology and Excess Mortality01:36:19 Desire for Accurate Information and Fact-Finding01:45:45 Proposal to Show Additional Graphs and Discuss Discrepancies01:51:26 Graphs Showing Excess Mortality in Peru01:54:10 Graphs Showing Excess Mortality by Age Group01:55:01 Association between booster rollouts and excess mortality01:59:05 Exploring the causes of excess mortality02:00:09 Examining the New Zealand data02:01:10 Consistent association of excess mortality with booster rollouts02:02:35 Analyzing mortality data in countries without age stratification02:03:08 Understanding the peak in mortality in Ecuador02:04:36 Exploring the peak in mortality after the pandemic announcement02:07:40 Considering the initial vaccine rollout and booster rollout02:09:53 Comparing excess mortality in different periods02:11:45 Quantifying excess mortality and vaccine dose fatality rate02:19:14 Addressing the inconsistency in excess mortality patterns02:25:36 Examining excess mortality in Sweden02:35:29 Discussion on Vaccine Rollout and Excess Mortality02:40:17 Clarifying the Claims and Interpretations02:46:35 Debate on Communication and Provocative Statements02:53:07 Why Traditional Methods Don't Pick Up Vaccine Mortality02:59:59 Sweden's Excess Mortality and Interpretation03:04:55 The Need for Better Data and Reporting03:08:26 Debrief and Final Thoughts 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 exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration.https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageGet 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion."---In this conversation, Jay Bhattacharya and Matthew Crawford discuss the corruption of science and the challenges it faces in the modern era. They explore the transformation of science from a small-scale, individual pursuit to a large-scale, corporate enterprise. They highlight the politicization of science and the influence of external entities on scientific research. The conversation also delves into the replication crisis in science and the need for reform. They propose alternative models, such as a review culture, to encourage independent thinking and foster a healthier scientific community. Jay Bhattacharya discusses the productivity of science, the centralization of science and politics, and the potential for decentralization as a solution. He highlights the challenge of attention and pre-selection in scientific research and the markers of quality in science. Bhattacharya also explores the advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized models in science.---Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:46 The Transformation of Science11:45 The Authority of Science14:41 Science as an Authority-Giving Power18:11 The Corruption of Science23:46 The Intimidation Factor in Science26:27 Research Cartels and the Control of Resources29:57 The Replication Crisis and the Need for Reform36:38 Alternative Models: A Review Culture42:38 Analogizing Science to the Movie Industry46:03 The Role of Replication in Science50:33 The Social Nature of Science52:14 The Productivity of Science55:19 Centralization of Science and Politics56:22 Decentralization as a Solution57:32 The Challenge of Attention and Pre-Selection58:55 Markers of Quality in Science59:51 Centralized vs Decentralized Models01:00:16 Conclusion and GratitudeSubscribe to Matthew’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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comOur exciting first podcast sponsor:Alcami Elements - a premium herbal supplement for energy, focus, and concentration.https://www.alcamielements.com/products/alcami-elements-life-enhancing-beverageGet 10% off your first order or 30% off a monthly subscription using the code "illusion."---Hi listeners,We’re incredibly excited to release this bombshell new episode of The Illusion of Consensus podcast. In light of the new FOIA documents (yesterday), biologist Alex Washburne has been essentially vindicated in his lab leak paper — which generated tremendous controversy last year.In this episode, Professor Jay Bhattacharya and Alex Washburne discuss Alex's work with dangerous pathogens, his switch to studying COVID-19, and the discrepancy between public and private discussions on the origins of the pandemic.Notably, Alex and Jay discuss the evidence of a reverse genetic system in SARS-CoV-2 and the implications of this finding. They explore the methodology of DNA cloning and the use of molecular scissors in the lab. They also address the pushback on the research and the need for public involvement in scientific discussions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on preventing future pandemics and the restructuring of the scientific enterprise.— The Illusion of Consensus teamNote to subscribers: this podcast is currently behind a paywall (free 10 minute preview) till X allows us to upload full episodes with monetization on their platform. Then it will be accessible to everyone.This is a bombshell new story essentially confirming the lab leak theory and we are the first platform to publish an extended feature on this. Please consider becoming a paid member to support the hard work we are doing and to gain access to high-profile podcasts such as this one:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe?

Hi everyone,I’m delighted to have on molecular biologist and fellow freedom fighter on the podcast today. In this conversation, we discuss a new Nature paper that highlights the potential problems with the modified mRNA used in the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Rose explain the process of mRNA and protein translation, as well as the role of codon optimization. The conversation delves into the implications of N1-methyl pseudouridine and frame shifting, which can lead to the production of unintended proteins. We also discuss the unpredictability of dosing and the need for further research to understand the potential risks associated with the modified mRNA vaccines.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:05 Discussion on COVID Work08:34 Introduction to the Nature Paper09:01 mRNA and Protein Translation13:25 Modified mRNA and Protein Production29:24 N1-methyl Pseudouridine and Frame Shifting36:05 Discussion on the Nature Paper45:37 Implications and Unknowns52:04 Predictability and Dosing53:01 Codon Optimization and Slippery Sequences54:56 Codon Optimization and Protein Production55:54 Implications of Increasing GC Content56:49 Ribosomal Pausing and Frame Shifting59:08 Co-Translational Folding01:00:06 The Potential of the mRNA Platform01:01:31 The Complexity of the Human Body01:03:17 Safety and Regulatory Considerations01:05:40 Challenges of Coding Different Proteins01:07:01 The Need for Regulatory Processes01:09:21 Takeaways and Implications 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 episode of The Illusion of Consensus podcast, Adam Wilkinson and I discuss our shared mission to bridge political divides. We reflect on Adam’s conversation with Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, and the viral clip that resulted from it. We discuss the importance of open debate and the need for reform in public health decision-making. The conversation covers various topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Arizona Alliance event, answering audience questions, reconciliation between supporters and skeptics, the importance of free speech, dialogue, and debate, hindsight and recommendations for change, President Biden's mistakes and recommendations, and rebuilding trust through dialogue and acknowledging errors.Viral clip of Wilkinson and Collins discussed in the podcast”https://x.com/anish_koka/status/1740212697348870241?s=20Takeaways* Open and honest conversation is essential for bridging political divides and finding common ground.* Lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic had significant collateral harms, including economic, social, and mental health impacts.* The Great Barrington Declaration, which argued against lockdowns and for focused protection, was based on evidence and should have been part of a broader scientific debate.* There is a need for reform in public health decision-making, including checks and balances and public input.* Building trust and depolarizing society requires individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and work towards common goals. Balancing perspectives is important in conversations about the pandemic.* Open and honest discussion is crucial during times of crisis.* Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them is essential for progress.* Rebuilding trust requires dialogue and understanding.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:16 The Conversation with Francis Collins16:21 Regrets and Apologies20:20 The Illusion of Consensus28:42 The Swedish and Florida Responses32:43 The Need for Reform38:40 The Importance of Conversation46:42 Working Towards Change47:39 Continued Conversations with Francis Collins48:17 The Arizona Alliance Event52:28 Answering Audience Questions53:24 Reconciliation between Supporters and Skeptics56:27 Importance of Free Speech, Dialogue, and Debate59:41 Hindsight and Recommendations for Change01:04:19 President Biden's Mistakes and Recommendations01:07:43 Rebuilding Trust through Dialogue and Acknowledging Errors 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,Today we are releasing a very important episode featuring Dr. Kevin McKernan, a molecular biologist, who discusses the DNA contamination of mRNA vaccines. The conversation delves into the manufacturing process of the vaccine and the discovery of DNA contamination in the vials. The issue of endotoxin contamination and its potential risks is also discussed. The findings are replicated by other independent groups, confirming the presence of DNA contamination. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the SV40 promoter and its potential implications. We also explore the integration potential of DNA in the context of COVID-19 vaccines. It discusses the risks associated with plasmid chopping and the potential for DNA fragments to integrate into the genome. The concern of spike protein integration and its impact on gene expression is also examined. The conversation highlights the need for large-scale studies to investigate the correlation between DNA concentration and adverse events. It raises questions about the regulatory response to Pfizer and Moderna, including the redaction of important information and the use of different measurement tools.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:38 Dr. Kevin McKernan's Background06:03 Sequencing the Marijuana Genome08:44 Critique of the Drosten PCR Test12:08 Discovering DNA Contamination in the Vaccine19:24 Manufacturing Process of the Vaccine22:57 Cleaning the Vaccine and Endotoxin Concerns29:27 Replication of the Findings35:15 SV40 Contamination in the Vaccine39:07 Integration Potential of DNA40:22 Plasmid Chopping and Integration Risks42:09 Concerns about Spike Protein Integration43:15 Epidemiological Signal of Increased Cancer Rates44:36 Correlation between DNA Concentration and Adverse Events45:23 Need for Large-Scale Studies49:04 Regulatory Response to Pfizer and Moderna51:53 Thresholds and Guidelines for DNA Contamination56:21 Regulatory Capture and User Fees01:08 Importance of Informed Consent01:11 Transparency and Public Trust01:16 Censorship and Attacks on Dissenting Voices01:20 Final Questions and Future of Vaccines01:21 Low Uptake and Public Trust01:22 Closing Remarks 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