#1582 - Alex Berenson
NaN minutesEpisode #1582
Alex Berenson is a journalist and award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction. His newest work, "Unreported Truths about COVID-19 and Lockdowns: Part 1: Introduction and Death Counts and Estimates", can be downloaded from Amazon and other ebook retailers.
Episodes with Alex Berenson
Episode Timestamps
Honesty About Cannabis and COVID Realism
- Discussion about the need for honesty when considering the legalization of cannabis and acknowledging its downsides
- Exploration of the potential risks and negative effects of marijuana, including cases of triggering schizophrenia
- Transition into a conversation about COVID where both guests express the belief in the reality of the virus but criticize the overreactions and consequences of lockdowns
Age-Stratified Risk Factors and Ventilator Misuse in COVID
- Insight into the stratification of COVID risks by age, emphasizing the significantly higher risk for older individuals
- Discussion on the early misuse of ventilators in treating COVID patients, leading to lung damage and high mortality rates among ventilated patients
- Critique of the initial approach to COVID treatment with ventilators and the subsequent correction of ventilation protocols
Discussion on COVID Death Counting
- Anecdote about a friend being very sick with COVID but recovering
- Exploration of the issue of classifying deaths as with COVID or from COVID
- Discussion on PCR testing cycles, viral load, and implications on COVID diagnosis and death count
Challenges in COVID Death Reporting
- Explanation of PCR testing thresholds and the amplification of virus particles
- Critique on the broad classification of deaths as COVID-related
- Debate on the impact of high PCR thresholds on case numbers and death counts
Analysis of COVID Deaths and Non-COVID Deaths
- Comparison of the number of COVID deaths and non-COVID deaths in recent times in the U.S. and Europe
- Discussion on the classification of some non-COVID deaths as COVID deaths leading to a shift in overall death statistics
- Identification of a potential increase in deaths from lockdown measures, specifically overdose-related deaths
Hospital Incentives and Mask Effectiveness Debate
- Explanation of hospital financial incentives in classifying cases as COVID for higher reimbursements
- Debunking of the conspiracy about hospitals falsely reporting COVID deaths for financial gain
- Argument regarding the effectiveness of masks, especially standard cloth or surgical masks, in preventing the spread of the virus
Effectiveness of Masks and Impact of Viral Load
- Discussion on the impact of viral load on disease transmission and the theoretical reduction through mask-wearing
- Real-world examples like the situation in California and close living quarters contributing to the spread of the disease
- Debate on the efficacy of masks based on different types of studies and the lack of conclusive evidence
Social Dynamics and Controversies of Mask-Wearing
- Exploration of the societal aspects and signaling involved in mask-wearing
- Discussion on the polarizing nature of mask mandates and the shift in societal norms within a year
- Debate on individual choice, public pressure, and the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine
Discussion on COVID-19 Vaccines and Adverse Effects
- Describes the serious side effects of vaccines, particularly focusing on a 17% rate of grade three or four adverse events
- Talks about the different adverse effects like fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting, often lasting one to three days
- Highlights the uncertainties around the new vaccine technology and its differences from traditional vaccines
Debates on Mask Efficacy and Social Media Responses
- Explores the argument for masks in reducing the viral load and potential infection rates
- Shares insights on discussions with professionals on social media, including disagreements on mask effectiveness
- Reflects on the challenges of differing opinions on lockdown measures and societal responses to non-compliance
Government Bill Analysis and Media Groupthink
- Discussion on the contents of a government bill with questionable provisions
- Critique of the strange allocations within the aid bill to foreign countries and unrelated provisions like illegal streaming penalties
- Observations on how political agendas and lobbyist influence lead to hidden clauses in bills and media groupthink on certain progressive issues
Media Influence and Censorship on COVID-19 Origin Investigation
- Examination of media silence on investigating the origin of the COVID-19 virus
- Criticism on the lack of independent investigation into the virus's origin and the stifling of dissenting views
- Explanation of the restrictions on discussing certain theories, such as lab origins, due to social media backlash and censoring
Controversies and Distorted Perceptions
- Discussion on the challenges faced due to distortions and controversies surrounding Joe Rogan's views
- Impact of distorted perceptions on public trust and image
- Addressing misconceptions and clarifying positions on sensitive topics
Political Polarization and Leadership Representation
- Exploration of the polarization caused by political figures like Donald Trump
- Comparison of leadership styles between different presidents
- Analysis of media's response to political figures and its consequences
Impact of School Closures During the Pandemic
- Discusses the impact of schools closing and the argument for keeping them open
- Debates on the transmission risks among children and their low susceptibility to severe cases
- Mentions the negative consequences of prolonged school closures on children and families
Societal Response Comparison: HIV vs. Current Pandemic
- Compares the societal response to the current pandemic with the HIV outbreak in the 80s
- Reflects on the initial fears and misconceptions surrounding HIV transmission and its impact on society
- Highlights the need for honest and targeted prevention efforts based on accurate risk assessment
Discussion on Mask-Wearing and Vaccine Side Effects
- Debate surrounding the recommendation on wearing masks and the reasoning behind it
- Concerns raised about the downplaying of side effects of the vaccine
- Different perspectives on encouraging individuals with natural immunity to get vaccinated
ICU Bed Availability and Pandemic Response
- Examination of ICU bed availability and capacity during the pandemic
- Critique of the panic-induced response in various regions and the management of ICU resources
- Discussion on the societal and political pressure for widespread vaccination
Lockdowns and Vaccination Incentives in California
- Discussion on the tight regulations in California regarding hospital beds and healthcare workers.
- Exploration of the incentive behind lockdowns and pushing for universal vaccination.
- Analysis of the controversy and necessity of lockdowns in the context of COVID-19.
Power Dynamics, Lockdowns, and Human Reaction
- Concerns raised about the distribution of power during lockdown decisions by authorities like Gavin Newsom.
- Critique on the perceived illogical nature of prolonged lockdown recommendations.
- Reflection on the impact of lockdowns on society and individuals from a human perspective.
Government Systems and Vaccine Commercialization
- Discussion on the entrenchment of corruption and influence within government systems
- Exploration of the profit motivation in vaccine commercialization by for-profit companies
- Concerns raised about the lack of transparency regarding vaccine side effects and potential consequences
Commercialization Challenges and Ethical Considerations
- Analysis of the financial incentives motivating drug companies in commercialization
- Discussion on the lack of transparency around potential vaccine side effects
- Ethical concerns regarding vaccine trial demographics and prioritization based on race or ethnicity
Ethical Dilemma and Public Opinion on Vaccine Distribution
- Exploration of the ethical considerations around vaccine distribution and the involvement of bioethicists
- Debate on prioritizing essential workers over older adults based on risk and minority status
- Discussion on the impact of racial factors in healthcare decisions and the societal implications
Fear and Panic Amongst Certain Demographics During the Pandemic
- Analysis of the fear-driven behaviors among women in middle to upper-middle-class demographics
- Observations on how social media and mainstream media influence fear and panic
- Insight into the challenges of changing initial perspectives and dispelling misunderstandings related to the pandemic
Manipulation and Fear in Media Reporting
- Discussion on manipulating information to create fear for short-term gain
- Examination of how media reporting led to public policy mistakes
- Anecdote about the overly sensationalized news regarding pediatric inflammatory syndrome
Long-term Health Impacts and Misconceptions about COVID-19
- Debate on 'long haulers' and their health issues post-COVID-19
- Exploration of the psychological aspects of post-COVID symptoms
- Analysis of potential psychosomatic influences on perceived COVID-19 related health problems
Impact of COVID on Medical Industry and Media Panic
- Discussion on the potential long-term impacts of COVID on individuals, even those with mild symptoms
- Exploration of the role of media in creating panic around medical conditions like myocarditis
- Analysis of the financial incentives driving the medical industry and media in the context of COVID
Tech Advancements and Suppression of Information
- Observations on how technological progress has enabled remote work and its implications
- Insight into the role of tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook in controlling information flow
- Discussion on the risks associated with censoring information and the importance of free speech
Discussion on Tech Companies, Dissent, and Controversy
- Exploration of the role of big tech companies like Amazon and YouTube in allowing dissent despite financial incentives
- Concerns about consequences and pushback faced by tech companies for distributing controversial content
- Analysis of societal changes due to tech influences and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic
Media Gatekeeping, Censorship, and Trust in Information
- Critique of traditional media as gatekeepers and their shift towards tech companies for control
- Distrust in mainstream media due to perceived bias, lack of transparency, and political ideologies
- Discussion on the evolving landscape of information dissemination and the challenges of accuracy and trustworthiness
Shift in Journalism: From Reporting Facts to Biases
- Discussion on the shift in journalism towards biased reporting with the rise of new generation journalists
- Concerns raised about the lack of objective truth in current journalism practices
- Impact of ideologically-driven reporting on public perception and journalistic integrity
Challenges in Modern Journalism and the Search for Objective Reporting
- Exploration of challenges faced in modern journalism with emphasis on social justice ideologies overshadowing factual reporting
- Joe Rogan's reflections on the need for a news organization dedicated to objective reality dissemination
- Critique on current platforms and their censorship practices affecting free expression and diverse viewpoints
Impacts of War and Social Media on Society
- Discussion on the consequences of war and its impact on individuals
- Exploration of how social media has changed human interaction and behavior
- Concerns about the negative effects of social media on mental health and societal interactions
Psychological Dynamics and Misguided Relationships
- Analysis of delusional relationships and the psychological factors behind them
- Examples of individuals developing romantic connections with inappropriate partners
- Observations on societal failures in emotional intelligence and rational decision-making
The Need for Trust in Basic Reality and the Role of Politicians vs. Scientists
- Importance of trust in basic reality and the lack of trust in politicians for critical decision-making
- Discussion on people's fear of science and scientists, leading to a call to understand science processes
- Dependency on scientists for complex matters like vaccines but emphasizing the need for journalists to question authority
Encouraging Critical Thinking on Vaccination Decisions and Emphasizing Responsible Reporting by Journalists
- Debate on vaccine distribution considering age and potential risks and benefits
- Urge to encourage younger people to get vaccinated for the benefit of the community
- Critique on the current approach to vaccine promotion and the importance of informed decision-making