JRE #1762 – Josh Szeps

This podcast takes listeners on a journey through Josh Szeps’s perspective on Australia’s COVID-19 policies, the impact of vaccines, and the rise of misinformation in the digital age. It tackles provocative topics like government overreach, vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy theories, and the influence of social media. Szeps dives deep into the complex issue of navigating truth in a world overflowing with information, highlighting the challenges of discerning fact from fiction.

Major Topics

1. Australia’s COVID-19 Policies: A Balancing Act

   • Australia’s strict lockdown measures and border closures were initially aimed at eliminating COVID-19 and prioritizing public health.
   • The policy was a success in the early stages, but led to “overreach” in some states, with harsh enforcement of isolation rules and quarantine measures.
   • The “hermit kingdom” approach of Western Australia, with its strict border restrictions and minimal community transmission, has been controversial, but highlights the desire to protect a vulnerable population.
   • The reopening of the country, particularly New South Wales, has resulted in a surge in Omicron cases, presenting a new challenge for Australians.

2. Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation

   • Szeps addresses the “escape variant” theory, suggesting that the Omicron variant is not as dangerous as previous strains, potentially rendering vaccines less effective in preventing hospitalization and death.
   • The discussion highlights the debate surrounding the potential for vaccine injuries and the reliability of reporting systems like VAERS.
   • The podcast touches on the topic of myocarditis, a potential side effect of vaccines, and its comparison to the risk of myocarditis from contracting COVID-19 itself.
   • Szeps acknowledges that while there are legitimate concerns about vaccine safety, it’s important to consider the overall consensus of scientific evidence and rely on credible sources.

3. The Impact of Social Media and the Erosion of Trust

   • Szeps critiques the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories online, especially related to Australia’s COVID-19 policies and the treatment of indigenous populations.
   • He emphasizes the role of social media platforms like Twitter in amplifying misinformation and creating echo chambers of polarized opinions.
   • The podcast highlights the danger of “outright people” like Tim Pool and Majid Nawaz who use inflammatory language to dismiss legitimate concerns and exacerbate divisions.
   • Szeps calls for a more nuanced discussion of complex issues, urging for greater fact-checking and reliance on credible sources.

4. The Power of the Elite and the Erosion of Democracy

   • Szeps expresses concern about the undue influence of powerful elites, including politicians and those in the media, on public discourse and policy decisions.
   • He criticizes the “officious” tone of health officials who dismiss public concerns and push for unquestioning acceptance of their mandates.
   • Szeps points to instances of insider trading by members of Congress, highlighting the potential for corruption and lack of transparency in government.
   • He worries that the erosion of trust in institutions and the growing prevalence of misinformation are undermining democracy and hindering progress.

5. The Dystopian Future of Technology: A Cautionary Tale

   • The podcast explores the potential downsides of emerging technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies, warning of their potential to become addictive and socially isolating.
   • Szeps discusses the concept of the metaverse and the potential for Facebook to become a powerful, even oppressive, force through its control of virtual territories and currency.
   • He examines “play-to-earn” games like Axie Infinity, highlighting the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations who rely on these games for income.
   • The podcast raises concerns about the future of human consciousness and the potential for technology to alter our very nature, potentially leading to a dystopian future of mind control and dependence.

6. The Importance of Reason and Critical Thinking

   • Szeps emphasizes the importance of reason, critical thinking, and open dialogue in navigating a world overflowing with information.
   • He warns against the dangers of blind acceptance of authority and the allure of conspiracy theories.
   • The podcast encourages listeners to question everything, be skeptical, and to rely on credible sources of information.
   • Szeps emphasizes the need for a more balanced and nuanced approach to public discourse, fostering a culture of respectful debate and critical analysis.

7. The Mystery of Consciousness and the Search for Meaning

   • The podcast explores the fascinating question of consciousness and the nature of self-awareness.
   • Szeps discusses the potential role of psychedelics in unlocking insights about the human mind and the cosmos.
   • He delves into the theory of the “great filter,” exploring the possibility that advanced civilizations may be prevented from reaching out to others due to self-destruction, environmental catastrophe, or the presence of a predator civilization.
   • The podcast considers the potential for a future where humanity transcends its physical limitations and becomes something entirely new, perhaps even a cyborg-like species existing in a hyper-metaverse.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “Western Australia, where Perth is, has had essentially no community transmission of coronavirus, the entire time. And on February 5th, they’re gonna open up and let it let it in. So don’t but they’re they’re the ones who are the wackiest laws.” – Szeps highlights the unique approach of Western Australia in maintaining a “0 COVID” policy.
• “I think the idea of getting everybody vaccinated is a way of avoiding what you were alluding to earlier, which is like, can’t we just protect the really vulnerable people?” – Szeps expresses a common sentiment regarding vaccine mandates and the possibility of targeted protection.
• “The the kind of people that run for office enjoy power. Mhmm. They’re fucking weirdos. Mhmm. They’re not normal people, and they’re not healthy. It’s not a healthy job. to wanna tell people, you’re just gonna have to get used to COVID, you’re gonna have to get used to your vaccines, take your medicine.” – Szeps offers a cynical view of politicians’ motivations and their tendency to exert power.
• “All they want all the algorithm wants to do is to keep you there for one second longer, so they can max somewhere at the time is building on the on on the platform.” – Szeps highlights the addictive nature of social media algorithms and their impact on user behavior.
• “And if you think about what a a scientist is, It’s someone who wants to observe, but sometimes protect. Mhmm. You know, like, we protect endangered species.” – Szeps considers the potential for extraterrestrial civilizations to observe and perhaps protect humanity from self-destruction.