DarkHorse Podcast

They explore sex differences in empathy and why men and women may respond differently to wrongdoing. They examine the Minneapolis shooting, questioning how media and perception shape judgments about use of force. They dissect firearm mechanics and legal standards that affect blame. They warn about media-driven narratives that split public opinion and urge cultivated skepticism.

Del Bigtree, TV producer and health freedom advocate who leads The HighWire and ICAN, discusses the rushed Henry Ford study comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Short, punchy conversations cover why the study mattered, publication reluctance, methodological debates, institutional failures in science and media, and what medical freedom and accountability could look like.

Bret and Heather dive into the ups and downs of Trump's presidency, highlighting disappointments like military interventions and the politicization of policies. They celebrate positive changes in food policy and a renewed focus on biological sex in legislation. A critical look at The Atlantic’s predictions reveals both accuracy and exaggeration. Finally, they discuss the ramifications of foreign interventions and the complexities of Trump’s negotiating power. The conversation blends political analysis with cultural insights, creating a thought-provoking dialogue.

Dive into discussions on the tension between science and politics, as Governor Bob Ferguson champions a return to 'science' in vaccine schedules. Explore the conservative changes aligning U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with those of European countries. Unpack the complexities of biological sex and athletic advantage, sparked by recent political discourse. The conversation also touches on Broadway casting choices, notably Dylan Mulvaney as Anne Boleyn, and pays tribute to the late Scott Adams, reflecting on his evolving views on vaccines.

Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine and host of The Michael Shermer Show, dives deep into the nature of truth and skepticism. He discusses how we discern truth through expertise and fallibilism, emphasizing that scientific truth is provisional and evolves over time. Shermer critiques the influence of ideologies in academia, suggesting reforms for peer review. The conversation touches on controversial topics like vaccine safety, the simulation hypothesis, and the role of religion in modernity, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

This discussion dives into the retraction of a pivotal 2000 review on glyphosate, revealing its ties to Monsanto and serious integrity issues in scientific publishing. The hosts explore the implications of flawed peer review processes and the problem of ghost authorship in academia. They also analyze how punitive damages awarded to plaintiffs are being reduced and the significance of corporate accountability in litigation. With a focus on the impacts of glyphosate on health and the environment, the dialogue challenges regulatory norms and encourages a reevaluation of scientific standards.

Explore the alarming effects of short-form video on mental health and cognition. Delve into how advertisers are manipulating our dreams and the ethical implications of targeted dream incubation. The hosts emphasize the importance of nurturing real relationships and personal solitude in an age of AI and rapid change. They reflect on the chaotic political landscape and financial risks, urging listeners to treasure privacy. It's a thought-provoking discussion about protecting our minds and relationships amid the information overload.

In this engaging conversation, Aaron Siri, a civil rights attorney and author focused on vaccine issues, dives deep into the childhood vaccine schedule and its evolution over the decades. He discusses the dramatic increase in vaccine doses since the 1980s and critiques the lack of placebo-controlled trials for childhood vaccines. Siri also addresses concerns about the potential long-term health impacts of these vaccines and explores the implications of the 1986 liability shield on vaccine safety. Additionally, he examines historical vaccine-related controversies and the need for better transparency and informed consent.

Delve into the dynamics of modern relationships as Bret and Heather explore the unique challenges facing young men and women today. They dissect how cultural narratives can skew perceptions, touching on the risks of the 'right-to-be-right' mentality. Insights include the role of birth control in changing sexual strategies and the impact of porn on expectations. The discussion shifts to proposing community-driven dating apps, advocating for more engagement in physical activities for women, and questioning if new movements can reset mating norms. A thought-provoking book recommendation on friendship and AI rounds out the conversation.

Dive into the debate on evolution, exploring major transitions like amphibians to whales and the missing links within the fossil record. The hosts discuss lab-grown pork fat combined with plants, pondering its health risks. Predictions suggest potential carcinogenicity linked to its production methods. They also tackle the side effects of GLP-1 drugs, such as reduced libido and motivation, questioning the pharmaceutical industry's priorities. Plus, there's a thought-provoking look at how food and health innovations may be reshaping our biology and culture.