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-beverage Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Evidence Hierarchy and Conflicting Views on Masks 00:30 Cochrane Collaborative's Reviews on Masks 06:23 The Limitations of Medicine and Public Health 10:36 The Psychological Impact of Masks 19:22 The Corrupted Scientific Agency 23:21 Lack of Trust in the CDC 24:48 Conflicts of Interest in Mask Research 26:53 Political Motivations 36:08 Lack of RCTs on Masks 42:39 Protecting Reputations 49:46 Teaching People Masks Work 

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Episode 35: Paul Thacker On The Illusion of Consensus Of Masking

An independent podcast by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Rav Arora devoted to dismantling weaponized "consensus" in science. Weekly topics include Covid policy, online censorship, holistic medicine, mental health, and well-being. 

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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 / Apple Hopkins 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 

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Listen: The Truth Behind Germany’s Response to Covid-19 Ft: CJ Hopkins

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 link The Illusion of Consensus is a listener-supported podcast. Become a paid member now to receive exclusive Q+As and member-only podcast segments: 

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LISTEN NOW: Russell Brand Interview

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Hi 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…

Sneak Peek: Russell Brand Interview

Hi everyone, I’m happy to bring you the first episode — in a series of conversations — on sleep health with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, a physiologist and sleep therapist, about the importance of sleep and how to improve sleep quality. We discuss various topics including the current sleep discourse, the difference between ‘martini sleepers’ and ‘sensitive sleepers,’ the role of inner safety in sleep, and the challenges of sleeping on airplanes. Dr. Ramlakan emphasizes the need for an inside-out approach to sleep, focusing on emotional and mental well-being in addition to external factors like light and exercise. She also highlights the importance of individualized approaches to sleep and the role of somatic work in achieving better sleep. In this final part of the conversation, Nerina discusses the importance of going to bed earlier before midnight and the impact it has on mental health. She highlights the trend of young people going to the gym at night instead of getting enough sleep and the potential long-term health consequences. She also explains the connection between the circadian rhythm and the rhythms of nature, emphasizing the importance of going to bed as the light levels start to drop.  Housekeeping: Become a paid member now to receive early access and member-only segments of SEASON 2 of The Illusion of Consensus. First episode launching May 15th with Russell Brand! Listen To Sleep Podcast Now: Apple podcasts / Spotify Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 09:19 The Current Sleep Discourse 14:16 Andrew Huberman and Sleep Protocols 22:37 The Importance of Inner Safety 26:31 Somatic Work for Better Sleep 32:22 Preparing the Nervous System for Better Sleep on an Airplane 47:52 The Importance of Deep Sleep for Growth Hormone and Organ Regeneration 01:06 Going to Bed Earlier Before Midnight 01:13 Practical Tips for Improving Sleep 01:32 Dealing with Waking Up at Night Takeaways * Sleep is a complex issue that is influenced by both external factors (such as light and exercise) and internal factors (such as emotional and mental well-being). * Building inner safety and addressing emotional and mental well-being are crucial for improving sleep quality. * Somatic work, such as yoga nidra and progressive muscle relaxation, can help individuals get out of their heads and into their bodies, promoting better sleep. * Napping can be a valuable tool for rest and rejuvenation, especially in situations where it is difficult to get a full night's sleep, such as during travel. * An individualized approach to sleep is important, as different people have different sleep needs and preferences. Train your nervous system to rest and relax in waking hours to improve sleep on an airplane. * Power napping can help improve energy levels and overall sleep quality. * Specific organ systems are replenished during different phases of deep sleep. * While scientific research on these correlations is limited, observations from clinical experience support their significance. Going to bed earlier before midnight is important for mental health and overall well-being. * Practical tips for improving sleep include eating breakfast within 45 minutes of waking up, avoiding caffeine as a substitute for food, staying hydrated, going to bed earlier, and cultivating a healthier relationship with technology.  The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: 

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Ep 52: Sleep Podcast with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan (Part 1)

Hi everyone, In this episode, professor Bryce Nickels and I discuss the debate over the origin of COVID-19, specifically whether it was a lab leak or a natural spillover. We highlight the challenges faced by scientists who question the lab leak theory and the suppression of dissenting voices. We also discuss the risks and ethics of gain-of-function research and the need for transparency and public accountability in the scientific community. The conversation in this part focuses on the deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, the importance of getting the paper retracted to expose the manipulation by top funders, and the hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research. The discussion also touches on the challenges of having different perspectives during the pandemic and the need for a healthier culture of scientific debate and discussion. The Illusion of Consensus is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber: Takeaways * The scientific journals have played a role in suppressing the lab leak theory and promoting the natural spillover theory. * There is a need to reevaluate the justification for certain types of research, such as studying exotic viruses in labs, and consider the potential risks and ethical implications. There was a deliberate suppression of Jeremy Farrar's involvement in the Nature Medicine paper, which is an ethical violation that needs to be addressed. * Getting the paper retracted is important to expose the manipulation by top funders and inform the public and scientific community about the deliberate shaping of the message on the origins of the virus. * The hearing on Peter Daszak's role in gain-of-function research was a historic event that may change the future direction of the origins issue and the regulation of risky virology research. Listen Now: Apple podcasts / Spotify Sound Bites * "The debate over COVID has become something where you have to take sides and stay with everyone that's on your side on every issue." * "Biosafety Now's mission is to reduce the risks of lab-generated pandemics and push for public transparency and accountability." * "The consensus in the mainstream press and among scientists like Tony Fauci was that there was no debate about the lab leak theory." * "Nature medicine. They tried to get into nature and it went into nature medicine." * "The paper states that the work was funded by the Wellcome Trust, which is, he was the head of it. So that is a clear, I mean, that's simply just an ethical violation that's as clear as day and nobody can dispute it." * "The acknowledgement of malfeasance or misfeasance and misconduct is the most critical thing. And that paper is the one that needs to go first." A note from our 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 

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

Episode 35: Paul Thacker On The Illusion of Consensus Of Masking

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