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

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