The Illusion of Consensus

This conversation with Dr. Matt Johnson delves into a new study he co-authored examining the effects of psilocybin on religious professionals, exploring their sacred experiences and the implications for their faith and practice. The discussion covers the study’s design, participant recruitment challenges, and the psychological impacts of psychedelics on spirituality and religious beliefs.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy01:52 Exploring the Psilocybin Study05:55 Spiritual Implications of Psychedelic Experiences07:34 Exploring the Study’s Intentions08:26 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Psilocybin08:53 Study Design Overview12:54 Diversity of Religious Participants16:59 Challenges in Recruitment20:49 Experiences During Psilocybin Sessions24:41 Exploring Common Religious Experiences28:58 Study Findings and Implications43:36 Exploring Tolerance and Positive Attitudes Post-Psilocybin46:30 Behavioral Changes and the Role of Service in Clergy48:44 The Importance of Concrete Behavioral Assessments55:36 The Critical Window for Change After Psychedelic Experiences57:18 Positive Effects and Sacred Experiences from Psilocybin Sessions01:00:21 Understanding Profound Experiences and Their Impact01:05:05 Unconditional Love and Its Duration in Psilocybin Experiences01:10:18 Appreciation for Religious Diversity and Its Implications01:14:05 The Complexity of Tolerance and Belief Systems01:18:32 Ethical Oversight and Compliance in Research01:28:50 Religious Symbols and Their Impact on Research01:34:13 Diversity and Representation in Research01:40:14 Publication Delays and Ethical ImplicationsSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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 the wake of the Charlie Kirk tragedy, as I was reflecting on what unites us amidst intense political division, I thought who better to come on to discuss this than Aubrey Marcus - a visionary podcaster, writer, and poet. Aubrey and I delve deep into what shared values we can focus on that transcend politics, religious dogma, and cultural conventions. We explore the desensitization caused by social media, the importance of recognizing shared humanity, and the dangers of labeling individuals based on their political beliefs. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue, the spectrum of values, and the potential for redemption and transformation in individuals. Ultimately, we advocate for finding common ground and uniting against anti-value ideologies while acknowledging the good intentions behind differing beliefs.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Listen Now:Spotify / Apple Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation07:13 The Charlie Kirk Assassination: Initial Reactions13:18 Understanding Humanity Beyond Politics18:16 The Dangers of Dehumanization26:46 Awakening to Shared Humanity32:59 Opportunities for Dialogue and Unity36:03 Navigating Complex Ideologies and Values44:15 The Struggle Between Good and Evil45:42 Redefining Values and Responses47:51 Unifying Against Anti-Values50:42 The Spectrum of Values55:02 Understanding Humanity and Morality01:01:08 The Complexity of Beliefs01:11:28 Universal Moral Truths and Shared Values01:23:38 Exploring Universal Spiritual Themes01:27:45 The Intersection of Eastern and Western Philosophies01:31:41 The Nature of God and Personal Gnosis01:35:41 The Role of Dogma in Spirituality01:39:24 Humility and the Evolving Nature of Belief01:51:00 Mental Health and Spiritual Practices01:55:18 Introduction to Mental Health and Psychedelics01:55:47 Exploring Future Episodes on Meditation and Therapy 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 episode of the Illusion of Consensus podcast, Dr. Matt Johnson and I discuss the recent FDA decision regarding MDMA therapy for PTSD. The conversation covers the FDA's commitment to transparency in drug approval processes, the specific concerns raised in the rejection of MDMA therapy, and the implications for future psychedelic treatments. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the need for a fair evaluation process and the potential benefits of MDMA therapy compared to traditional SSRIs, while also addressing the importance of understanding the durability of treatment effects and the biases present in clinical trials.Chapters00:00Introduction to Psychedelic Research and FDA Transparency02:39FDA's Rejection of MDMA Therapy: Key Concerns04:55Exploring the FDA's Feedback on MDMA Therapy12:18Durability of MDMA's Effects in PTSD Treatment16:59Comparing MDMA Therapy to SSRIs for PTSD20:51Effect Sizes and Future of Psychedelic Treatments28:38MDMA Use and Treatment Efficacy32:02Pre-Screening and Selection Bias in Trials34:38Durability of Treatment Effects36:32Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of SSRIs39:29Societal Factors in Mental Health Treatment42:43The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy46:50Future of Psychedelic Therapy and FDA Regulations 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 podcast episode, I speak to Dave Smith about issues pressing the new independent media landscape such as the role of experts and the rise of misinformation. The podcast is structured as a kind of formalized response to Sam Harris and Douglas Murray’s recent podcast on the same subject which mentions Dave Smith throughout:Dave and I also delve into the complexities of terrorism, foreign policy, and the historical context of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. We discuss the double standards in defining terrorism, the grievances that fuel radicalization, and the implications of military actions taken by both the U.S. and Israel. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues, the importance of negotiation over military intervention, and the challenges posed Links:Spotify / Apple(Video version will be up tomorrow)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Illusion of Consensus Podcast06:01 Debate Dynamics: Gad Saad and Douglas Murray12:04 The Role of Experts in Media18:01 Civil Discourse and Respectful Engagement23:46 The Role of Joe Rogan in Public Discourse29:52 Concluding Thoughts on Current Events40:19 Debate Dynamics and Media Representation47:00 Expertise and Public Discourse53:59 Misinformation and Institutional Accountability01:04:14 The Role of Experience in Argumentation01:12:48 Debating Evidence and Claims01:18:32 Critique of Argumentation Tactics01:26:36 The Complexity of Truth and Responsibility01:35:13 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Debate01:48:47 Assertions vs. Arguments: The Debate Dynamics01:54:47 Understanding Radical Islam: A Complex Landscape02:00:08 The Impact of Foreign Policy on Terrorism02:06:39 The Nuances of Terrorism: A Comparative Analysis02:19:29 Charity in Discourse: The Challenge of Misinformation02:26:04 Strawman Arguments in Foreign Policy02:32:30 Historical Context of Military Interventions02:37:51 Negotiation Strategies in Conflict Resolution02:44:29 Alternatives to Military Action02:49:50 The Complexity of Asymmetrical Warfare02:55:28 The Right to Self-DeterminationSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. I need your support now more then every as I launch the new season of the show this week. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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 conversation, Dr. Robert Malone and Rav Arora discuss the complexities surrounding vaccine authorization, the divisions within MAHA, the implications of FDA policies, and the recent MAHA Commission report. They emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of vaccine efficacy and the political dynamics influencing public health decisions. The discussion also touches on the future of vaccines, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges faced in the regulatory landscape.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:Links:Spotify / Apple(Up on all video platforms in 48 hours)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:49 Exploring the SplinterNet and Video Streaming Opportunities05:52 The Dynamics of Content Creation and Monetization08:19 The State of Health Agencies and Political Landscape11:27 Challenges and Opportunities in the Maha Agenda39:37 The Evolution of the Maha Organizations42:20 Bobby Kennedy's Strategic Challenges44:58 Divisions Within the Vaccine Debate49:02 Political Strategies and Public Perception53:51 Navigating Regulatory Challenges58:23 Recent Developments in Vaccine Policy01:14:52 Insights from the Maha Commission Report01:17:39 Navigating Controversies in Health Policy01:20:27 The Role of Key Figures in Health Advocacy01:23:29 Insights from the Maha Report01:28:26 Populism and Policy Implementation Challenges01:34:57 The Future of Health Initiatives and Advocacy01:42:21 Understanding New Vaccine DevelopmentsSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. I need your support now more then every as I launch the new season of the show this week. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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 part two of my podcast with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a world-renowned neuroscientist, we explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating mental health disorders and how it relates to findings in Robin’s brain imaging studies. We specifically focus on Robin’s revolutionary neuroscientific theories such as the “entropic brain hypothesis” which posits that psychedelics increase the complexity and unpredictability of brain activity, disrupting hardened neural pathways correlated with mental illness such as depression and OCD. We also discuss Robin’s famous research finding that psychedelics dysregulate or desynchronize the “default mode network” (the ego hub in the brain), which is different from the early media-popularized narrative that psychedelics lower activity in the default mode network. We also spend a fair amount of time discussing the psychology of psychedelics and how people are able to break free from toxic self-beliefs (such as “I’m unworthy”) at the heart of many mental health disorders such as anorexia and fibromyalgia through psychedelic therapy in Robin’s clinical studies. Broadly, we explore this fascinating relationship between order and chaos as it pertains to neuroscience, psychology, and our lived experience of the world as we try to make sense of the bizarre, complex situation we are all in as Homo sapiens in a technologically modernized society.This is one of my favourite conversations so I hope you enjoy it!Chapters:00:00 Efficacy and Side Effects of Psychedelic Therapy06:49 Exploring Brain Imaging Work in Psychedelic Research23:31 Exploring the Default Mode Network and Ego Dissolution33:27 Interdependent Arising and the Illusion of Self38:48 Causation vs. Determinism: The Free Will Debate44:33 Psychedelics and the Entropic Brain Hypothesis01:00:06 The Dynamics of Brain Activity Under Psychedelics01:09:10 Understanding the Entropic Brain Hypothesis01:25:05 Psychedelics and Their Impact on Eating Disorders01:32:47 Understanding the Paradox of Addiction01:37:55 Unlearning Toxic Beliefs01:45:43 Integration and the Impact of Psychedelics01:55:58 Future Directions in Psychedelic ResearchPodcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day!https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSIONSupport The Illusion of Consensus!The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. I need your support now more then every as I launch the new season of the show this week. If you support the high-quality science and Big Pharma journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation.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

In part one of my in-depth conversation with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, we explore the political and cultural forces shaping the resurgence of psychedelic therapy. We critique the dominant psychiatric paradigm, which has long reduced mental illness to purely neurochemical dysfunction (leading to the rise of SSRIs), ignoring the psychological, social, and spiritual roots of psychological suffering. Carhart-Harris highlights how this narrow framework has failed to address rising rates of depression, PTSD, and OCD. We also discuss the historical reluctance of institutions like the NIH to fund psychedelic research, despite mounting evidence of its therapeutic potential. Under the previous leadership, psychedelic science was sidelined—but with new NIH leadership and a shifting political climate, there is fresh hope for meaningful support. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more holistic, integrative approach to mental health—one that values inner healing, human agency, and the transformative power of psychedelic experiences.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Therapy12:48 The Political Landscape of Psychedelics19:12 The Shift in Mental Health Paradigms36:55 Understanding the Unique Power of Psychedelics48:38 Interconnectedness of Psychology, Biology, and Ethics56:11 Integration After Psychedelic Experiences01:04:10 Critique of NIH and Funding Challenges01:26:20 Psychedelics: Beyond Pharmacological Solutions01:31:35 Expectations and Their Impact on Therapy01:37:23 Efficacy and Side Effects of Psychedelic TherapyPodcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day!https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSION 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.comEarly access to my 2-hour podcast with Robert Malone is now available!We went deep into some of the debates surrounding MAHA and the newly reformed health agencies. We discussed key individuals in some of the intra-MAHA conflicts like Calley Means, Naomi Wolf, Mary Bowden, and others.This is good timing as Dr. Mary Bowden’s episode with Joe Rogan just d…

Podcast sponsors:1) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.2) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day! https://www.alcamielements.com/ Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSIONIn this episode, Rav is joined by journalist and author Mia Hughes (The WPATH Files) for a wide-ranging conversation on the rise of gender dysphoria, particularly among adolescent girls. They explore the psychological and cultural forces driving this trend, including trauma, social contagion, and the influence of online communities. Mia shares her personal journey and offers a critical perspective on gender-affirming care, the phenomenon of autogynephilia, and the concept of diagnostic overshadowing—where gender identity becomes the sole focus of treatment at the expense of underlying mental health conditions. Together, they reflect on the ethical dilemmas within the trans rights movement, the medicalization of nonconforming identity, and the growing cultural shift toward victimhood over resilience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Gender Affirming Care02:02 Mia Hughes' Journey and Background05:20 The WPATH Files and Medical Scandal07:49 Statistics and Social Contagion in Gender Dysphoria12:55 Counterarguments: Transgender Identification vs. Homosexuality15:45 The Nature of Gender Dysphoria21:16 Understanding Autogynephilia27:26 The Impact of Trans Rights Movement33:01 Comparing Autogynephilia and Homosexuality40:23 Understanding Autogynephilia and Its Implications44:04 The Debate on Gender-Affirming Care50:29 Demographics of Gender Dysphoria58:49 The Role of Trauma in Gender Dysphoria01:12:32 Causation vs Correlation in Gender Identity01:14:58 Understanding Mental Health: Symptoms vs. Explanations01:18:47 The Role of Trauma in Mental Health01:21:35 The DSM and the Nature of Psychiatric Diagnoses01:24:29 The Impact of Labels on Mental Health01:27:48 Mindfulness and Mental Health01:32:23 The Utility of Diagnoses in Self-Discovery01:36:34 Navigating ADHD and Attention Issues01:42:11 The Paradox of Modern Life and Mental Health01:45:53 Victimhood Culture and Mental Health Perspectives 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

Watch part two of the debate on Covid mandates exclusively on The Illusion of Consensus Substack:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/p/mark-cuban-debate-part-2-covid-mandatesPodcast sponsors:1) Alcami Elements - a natural, adaptogenic herbal supplement to kickstart your day! https://www.alcamielements.com/Receive 10% OFF first order or 30% OFF subscription order using code: ILLUSION2) Trinergy Health offers a 6-month program for mind-body recovery and wellness. Based on the foundational framework of Diet/trauma/toxins. To schedule an intake appointment, go to https://psychiatry2.com/schedule/ or call 262-955-6601. Use code Rav10 to get 10% discount for holistic psychiatry program.In this conversation, Mark and Rav delve into the complexities of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, exploring the implications of virtue signaling by companies, the internal versus external goals of diversity hiring, and the historical context of discrimination in hiring practices. They discuss the challenges of achieving true diversity in the workforce, the impact of political climates on DEI efforts, and the importance of meritocracy in hiring decisions. 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.comThis was easily the most contentious, heated podcast I’ve ever done. I challenged Mark Cuban on his Dallas Mavericks Covid vaccine mandate unlike anyone has before. I pushed him hard and would not let any fallacies (of which there were many) slide.Enjoy the podcast.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comThat was the most intense, heated 3 hours of my life, but I enjoyed it.Mark Cuban and I went deep into DEI/racial quotas AND Covid mandates and mRNA vaccine side effects. I’ll have more thoughts on the debate to share next week.I’ve cut the podcast in half. This is the first 90 minutes. Full-release for everyone next week.Enjoy - and let me know your th…

In this new podcast, I interview Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada, discussing key issues in the upcoming federal Canadian election (April 28). Max was arrested in 2021 for attending an anti-authoritarian rally in Manitoba in 2021. He has been an ardent defender of civil liberties and free speech throughout the pandemic.We delve into economic policies, taxation, trade wars, government spending, immigration, and the party's vision for Canada in our conversation. Bernier emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility, a reduction in mass immigration, and a focus on Canadian values and individual freedoms. Bernier argues for a clearer Canadian identity that promotes unity over diversity, while still valuing the contributions of various cultures. Bernier explains here why the Conservative party of Canada is weak, unprincipled, and ultimately powerless in undermining the Liberal Party.Rumble podcast link:https://rumble.com/v6shb45-maxime-bernier-on-canadas-economic-cultural-and-political-trajectory.html?e9s=src_v1_ucpUpgrade to paid membership now to watch the exclusive preview of this critical conversation:Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the People's Party of Canada03:04 Economic Policies and Their Impact06:02 Taxation and Wealth Creation08:58 Trade Wars and Tariffs11:55 Supply Management and Consumer Impact15:12 Government Spending and Inflation17:51 Defining the People's Party of Canada20:48 Social Safety Nets and Crime23:53 Immigration Policies and Economic Feasibility26:57 Cultural Dynamics of Immigration30:09 International Students and Employment33:02 Conclusion and Future Directions40:55 STEM Immigration and Job Market Dynamics46:49 Moratorium on Immigration: A Necessary Pause50:43 Economic Implications of Mass Immigration54:53 Cultural Integration vs. Multiculturalism01:04:40 Defining a Canadian Identity01:12:56 Revisiting Multiculturalism in CanadaTakeaways:* Mass immigration is not solving the aging population issue in Canada.* Government spending during COVID-19 has contributed to inflation.* The People's Party of Canada promotes individual freedom and personal responsibility.* Crime rates have doubled under Trudeau's leadership.* A moratorium on immigration is necessary to address current economic challenges.* International students should not have the right to work while studying. They should apply for immigration through proper channels. Mass immigration is a pressing issue in Canada.* A moratorium on immigration is necessary to address current challenges.* The job market is affected by the influx of low-skilled immigrants.* Cultural integration is crucial for societal cohesion.* Multiculturalism policies may hinder immigrant integration.* A clear Canadian identity is needed to unite diverse populations.* Economic growth does not equate to improved living standards for all.* Housing shortages are exacerbated by mass immigration.* High-skilled immigrants are welcomed, but low-skilled immigration needs to be controlled.* The federal government should not promote multiculturalism.Quotes:* "We must have 0% inflation."* "We need to stop that mass immigration."* "We must promote what unites us."* "Diversity is killing our country."* "We must not promote multiculturalism."Become a paid member now to gain access to this exclusive interview: 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

Rumble LINK: https://rumble.com/v6s6o15-ayurvedic-psychiatrist-dr.-aruna-tammala-on-holistic-health-philosophy-and-.html?e9s=src_v1_uppIn this episode of The Illusion of Consensus, Dr. Aruna Tammala shares her journey from conventional psychiatry to an integrative medical approach blending Ayurveda, functional medicine, and modern science. She discusses the mind-body connection, trauma, environmental toxins, and the importance of detoxification, gut health, and diet—especially in addressing issues like acid reflux.The conversation explores nervous system regulation, emotional health, and the therapeutic role of meditation, spirituality, and psychedelics in activating one’s inner healer. Dr. Tammala emphasizes personalized health strategies through functional testing, hormone balance, and supplements like vitamin D, omega-3s, and NAC. She also reflects on self-love, cooking as a healing practice, and the importance of listening to one’s intuition when navigating health decisions.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:https://www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribeChapters:00:00 Introduction to Holistic Psychiatry05:46 Contrasting Psychiatric Practices: India vs. USA12:03 Understanding Mind-Body Connection18:09 The Interconnectedness of Body Systems23:55 The Role of Trauma and Stress in Health29:46 Environmental Toxins and Their Impact37:04 Detoxification and Diet's Role in Health43:30 Nervous System Regulation and Its Impact on Health49:25 Meditation, Spirituality, and Self-Love55:46 Psychedelics and Their Role in Healing01:01:15 The Inner Healer and Personal Growth01:11:18 Addressing Negative Thinking and Emotional Regulation01:17:52 Key Supplements for Mental Health01:24:48 The Benefits of Ghee and Dietary Fats01:31:28 Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Healing01:39:50 Listening to Your Inner Intuition01:46:01 The Importance of Balance in Healing01:51:59 Personal Choices and Internal Barometers01:57:12 The Connection Between Food and Well-Being02:05:03 The Nutritional Value of Seafood and Poultry02:12:00 The Interconnectedness of Food and Life02:22:12 Holistic Health Perspectives02:31:48 Integrative Medicine and Patient CareLink to Aruna’s medical practice for those interested:https://trinergyhealth.com/team/aruna-k-tummala-md/Aruna’s Substack:https://arunatummala.substack.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

Thanks to A MidWestern Doctor for citing my interview with Dr. Krause in his recent piece.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber (next week I will be in DC covering Jay Bhattacharya’s confirmation hearing!):This is the full video podcast of my extended discussion with Dr. Philip Krause who was the deputy director of the FDA’s Office of Vaccines Research and Review. He shares insights into the political pressures that influenced decision-making, the importance of transparency in public health, and the challenges faced in communicating vaccine safety and efficacy to the public. Dr. Krause emphasizes the need for reforms within the FDA to enhance its credibility and effectiveness in future health crises.Takeaways: * Dr. Krause resigned from the FDA due to political pressures.* The FDA's role is crucial for public health and safety.* Transparency in the FDA's processes is essential for public trust.* Emergency Use Authorization has different standards than full approval.* Vaccine safety surveillance systems need improvement.* Political influences can compromise scientific integrity.* Clear communication about vaccine risks and benefits is necessary.* The FDA must maintain its independence from political pressures.* Future reforms should focus on enhancing transparency and accountability.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Philip Krause02:36 Dr. Krause's Journey at the FDA11:03 The COVID Vaccine Development Process21:33 The Role of the FDA vs. CDC42:52 The Approval Process and Myocarditis Concerns50:46 Understanding Myocarditis Risks and Vaccine Benefits57:39 The Importance of Transparency in Vaccine Approval01:00 Pressure for Vaccine Mandates and Public Trust01:06 The Debate Over Booster Shots01:12 Leadership Challenges at the FDA01:27 Resignation and Disillusionment at the FDA01:37 Transparency and Decision-Making at the FDA01:47 Political Influences on Public Health Decisions01:56 Understanding Vaccine Authorization vs. Approval 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.comI’ve been waiting to do this interview since last February and now the wait is over! Dr. Philip Krause, former Deputy Director of the FDA's Office of Vaccine Research and Review, is a very respectable vaccine scientist who prefers to stay out of the public spotlight, but for the first time he has done a long-form interview with yours truly. His podcast …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.comThank you Zach @ Substack, Rogue Psychologist, Sandra, Peggy, Seth @ Substack, and many others for tuning into our live video with Rav Arora and Jay Bhattacharya! Join us for our next live video in the app.The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:

Hi everyone,A few days ago we released the video version of my conversation with CJ Hopkins, a playwright and political satirist living in Germany. The podcast versions are here:Spotify / AppleHopkins shares his experiences with the German authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the draconian measures implemented in Germany, the suspension of constitutional rights, and the censorship of dissenting voices and much more. The conversation emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the crackdown on dissent and fighting for a free society. The Illusion of Consensus is a listener-supported podcast. To receive exclusive segments and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber:0:00 Introduction to playwright CJ Hopkins 2:50 Covid and Draconian law in Germany 6:38 Punishment of critics of Covid protocol 11:00 CJ's story: the new normal 13.10 Censorship on Twitter 16.30 Censorship on Amazon 18:05 Authoritarianism of the German government 22:05 The swastika in political satire 14:40 The Infection Protection Act 30:19 Persecution and free speech 35:10 Elon Musk and social media censorship 38:00 One big global capitalist system 44:20 Demonization of the unvaccinated 46:45 The new "untouchables" 49:00 The RKI files, hidden scientific findings 01:00:00 The crackdown on dissent 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,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…