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 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? 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 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

The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/The conversation with Molly and Ben Kingsley focuses on the government's mishandling of the pandemic and its impact on children. They discuss the government's failure to prioritize children's needs in policy-making, the systematic attacks on advocacy groups, and the unethical treatment of children during school closures. The role of local districts and central government in school closure decisions is examined, as well as the influence of unions and the media blackout on dissenting voices. The conversation also delves into the role of Pharma funding and the spread of smears and misinformation. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the rollout of child vaccines and the ethical issues surrounding it. The conversation explores the themes of regulatory capture, ethics, and media suppression in the context of pandemic policies.Buy Molly Kingsley, Arabella Skinner and Ben Kingsley’s new book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accountability-Deficit-ministers-officials-accountability-ebook/dp/B0CNPWS79PChapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:52 Government Malfeasance and Attacks on Advocacy Groups04:05 School Closures and the Treatment of Children07:48 Role of Local Districts and Central Government in School Closure Decisions13:00 Role of Unions and Smearing Campaigns17:27 Government's Role in Censorship and Media Blackout22:12 Pharma Funding and Influence on Media28:57 Smears and Attacks on Advocates39:46 Rollout of Child Vaccines in the UK50:44 Ethical Issues and Treatment of Children52:53 Regulatory Capture58:17 Ethics and Advisory Group01:06:07 Suppression of Ethical Advice01:09:46 Media Suppression 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 Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.https://www.illusionconsensus.com/Hi everyone,Welcome to a new episode of The Illusion of Consensus podcast. Today we have on OBGYN Dr. Adam Urato who discusses the impact of prenatal antidepressant exposure on the developing fetal brain. He highlights a study that shows a significant difference in brain volumes, particularly in cerebral grey matter, in children exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. Dr. Urato emphasizes that this is not the first study to show such effects and that there is a growing body of research on the topic. He addresses the argument of confounding by indication and explains why it is not a valid critique of the literature.Follow Dr. Urato on Twitter:https://twitter.com/AdamUrato1Takeaways* Prenatal exposure to SSRIs has been shown to have significant effects on the developing fetal brain, including alterations in brain volumes and connectivity.* There is a growing body of research, including animal studies, that supports the negative impact of SSRIs on the developing brain.* Confounding by indication is often used as a critique of the literature, but it does not negate the chemical effects of SSRIs on the fetal brain.* Immediate effects of prenatal SSRI exposure include poor neonatal adaptation and behavioral changes in newborns.* Long-term consequences of prenatal SSRI exposure are still being studied, but there is evidence of potential impacts on motor skills, language acquisition, emotional regulation, and a potential link to autism and ADHD. SSRIs have been linked to adverse effects on fetal development, including an increased risk of preterm births.* There is mixed evidence regarding the connection between SSRIs and miscarriages.* Counseling for pregnant women considering SSRIs should provide accurate information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives.* The information ecosystem is corrupted by pharmaceutical industry influence, leading to a lack of transparency and misinformation.* There is a need for caution when using herbal supplements during pregnancy due to limited research and potential risks. There are many unanswered questions and mysteries surrounding the effects of different foods and diets during pregnancy.* The CDC and FDA's recommendations on COVID vaccines for pregnant women have raised concerns about the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.* Pregnant women have been portrayed as victims of misinformation when expressing concerns about vaccine safety.* We should be skeptical and informed about the risks and benefits of medications, especially during pregnancy. Synthetic chemical compounds can have consequences on fetal development and should be approached with caution.* Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, can negatively impact obstetrical outcomes in pregnancy.* Pregnant women should focus on maintaining a healthy diet and consider taking a basic prenatal vitamin. 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 just recorded a bombshell 2-hour interview with Joseph Fraiman on his experiences conducting MDMA research in mice (several years ago) and being forced to present a very specific narrative on its risks and dangers, while doing the exact opposite in a study on the pharmaceutical drug citalopram (SSRI). His story captures so much of what wen…

Hi everyone,Today’s podcast guest is Ethan Strauss from The House of Strauss Substack. Ethan and I met at a dinner in San Francisco in August and I was fascinated by his experiences in the sports industry world, having closely covered the Golden State Warriors NBA team during their winning streak. We had a great conversation on the podcast discussing the NBA, Ethan’s time following the GSW, leaving The Athletic due to various pressures and constraints, joining Substack, creating an independent model, and building a relationship with his readers.I hope you enjoy this more left-field, alternative conversation deviating from our focal topics. Stay tuned for Dr. Jay’s upcoming conversation with Mattias Desmet and our joint podcast with Vivek Ramaswamy on public health, FDA reform, and the pharmaceutical industry.— Rav AroraSubscribe to our Substack: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/ This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Welcome everybody to episode 20 of The Illusion of Consensus podcast.I'm here today with Dr. Reid Sheftall. Reid and I have got to know each other through the pandemic, mainly through a series of podcasts that Reid hosted. I think we recorded something like 20 to 24 hours of podcast together, where we discussed every aspect exhaustively about the science of the pandemic, how fast the disease spread, how deadly the disease was, the vaccines, etc.The striking thing about that was we had a really friendly agreement on many things and friendly disagreements on many other things. It was actually kind of like a scientific discussion or debate in many, many cases. I greatly enjoyed that. I've been looking forward to introduce him to The Illusion of Consensus audience.— Jay Bhattacharya 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

Welcome everyone to another episode of the Illusion of Consensus podcast with myself, Rav Arora, independent journalist based in Vancouver and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an epidemiologist at Stanford.We are really excited today to have on Jeff Childers — a very successful attorney based in Florida, who's been on the front lines in court fighting cases on vaccine and mask mandates. He's done tremendous work throughout the pandemic, fighting for our personal rights and civil liberties.Jay and him have collaborated on previous legal cases, so we're excited to get into some of that. Jeff is also the author of the fantastic Coffee and COVID newsletter, which I read every week, and I highly encourage everyone else to check it out if you haven't already. It's a great read. Jeff does an excellent job there, just as he does in his legal work. So we're excited to talk about all of it.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our Substack newsletter:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/ This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe