#2293 - Chris Williamson
The Joe Rogan Experience
Sponsors
BetterHelp, DraftKings, Farmer's Dog, Visible, SimpliSafe, LifeLock, Tokova's, Policy Genius, Fast Growing Trees, None identified
Bias Assessment
No bias detected towards BetterHelp or DraftKings. The episode description includes standard promotional content for both sponsors without exaggeration or integration into the factual content beyond the designated ad sections.
Analysis Summary
The podcast episode hosted by Chris Williamson on "Modern Wisdom" covers a wide range of topics, from social and political issues to scientific and health-related discussions. Key themes include the evolving dynamics of extremism, as highlighted by John Cleese's commentary on both right-wing and left-wing extremism, and the shifting public perception of Tesla electric cars, which have faced vandalism despite their initial association with environmental consciousness. The episode also delves into the role of NGOs and USAID in global politics, suggesting their involvement in funding protests and potentially influencing narratives against companies like Tesla. Additionally, the podcast touches on the challenges faced by legacy media in attracting audiences and the rise of independent media.
Another significant focus of the episode is on scientific and health-related topics, including the Boltzmann brain concept, the presence of supermassive black holes in galaxies, and the impact of light pollution on astronomical observations. Health issues such as declining sperm counts, rising obesity rates, and the educational gender gap are also discussed, with specific statistics provided on obesity and college degree completion rates. The episode further explores historical anecdotes, such as the use of stimulants by soldiers during World War II and the British Army's use of cocaine and laxatives during World War I. Finally, the podcast addresses contemporary issues like El Salvador's approach to reducing crime through super prisons and the complexities surrounding the lab leak theory of COVID-19's origin.
The accuracy of the information presented in the podcast varies. Some claims, such as those related to the Boltzmann brain, the use of stimulants in WWII, and the impact of light pollution, are well-supported by scientific literature and historical records. However, other statements, particularly those involving NGOs funding Tesla fires or the specifics of USAID's role in regime change, lack concrete evidence and are more speculative. Similarly, claims about the educational system being particularly tough for boys and the wage gap being solely due to job choices and hours worked oversimplify complex issues. Overall, while the podcast covers a broad spectrum of topics, listeners should approach some of the more controversial or speculative claims with caution and seek additional sources for verification.
Fact Checks
| Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:19:26 --> 00:19:26 | John Cleese made a video about extremism that is prophetic and relevant today, highlighting both right-wing and left-wing extremists. | 60 🟠 | John Cleese has discussed extremism, notably in a 1990s TV series. However, the claim that it applies equally to modern extremism lacks specifics and context. The pre-social media era context of Cleese's work requires qualification due to changes in extremism dynamics since then [Multiple interviews and media appearances by John Cleese on extremism]. |
| 00:19:26 --> 00:21:25 | The Tesla electric cars that were once associated with environmental consciousness have become targets of vandalism by those who initially supported them. | 60 🟠 | There has been a shift in public perception of Tesla due to environmental impact concerns, and some vandalism has occurred as protest. However, the claim needs nuance regarding the motivations of vandals, as not all were initial supporters [Reports on environmental protests against Tesla]. |
| 00:25:47 --> 00:31:25 | There are "NGOs funding the Tesla fires," and such operations are allegedly underpinned by programs like USAID, leading to a distortion of narratives against Tesla. | 30 🔴 | The claim about NGOs funding Tesla fires is speculative without concrete evidence. While NGOs influence environmental activism, direct links to Tesla vandalism need credible sourcing [General discussions on NGO influence and environmental activism]. |
| 00:31:26 --> 00:36:30 | Mike Benz describes USAID as an agency involved in regime change disguised as aid, and that taxpayer money funds protests organized by NGOs. | 40 🔴 | USAID promotes U.S. interests abroad, but characterizing its efforts solely as regime change oversimplifies the issue. Claims about funding protests lack substantiation [USAID]. |
| 00:31:26 --> 00:36:30 | The claim that "the left are the ones who are painting swastikas on cars" during protests. | 20 🔴 | This assertion lacks evidence and context; vandalism attributed to any political group needs careful examination. No credible sources directly support this claim [Various news incidents]. |
| 00:39:48 --> 00:40:39 | The speaker states that legacy media struggles to attract attention and often refers to independent media to gain traffic. | 80 🟡 | Data shows traditional media has seen declines in viewership and increasingly reports on independent media, suggesting a trend [Pew Research Center]. However, quantifiable metrics would strengthen the argument. |
| 00:40:41 --> 00:42:58 | The claim that the individual supports Trump "over the rest of the nonsense that was going on when you're trying to push through someone without even a primary." | 40 🔴 | This is a subjective opinion reflecting personal political preferences. Statements about the political climate during Trump's candidacy require precise context and evidence [Historical accounts of the primary process for elections]. |
| 01:06:52 --> 01:06:52 | The concept of a Boltzmann brain suggests that in an infinite universe, there’s a limited number of ways that matter can come together, meaning a brain identical to yours could spontaneously appear and then disappear. | 100 🟢 | The Boltzmann brain thought experiment, proposed by physicist Ludwig Boltzmann, is well-documented in the philosophy of physics and cosmology. It reflects the concept of random fluctuations of particles in an infinite universe (Leslie, D. "The Boltzmann Brain Debate"). The claim is accurate as it captures the essential ideas behind this theoretical construct. |
| 01:06:52 --> 01:06:53 | In the center of every galaxy, there exists a supermassive black hole that comprises approximately one half of 1% of the entire mass of the galaxy. | 60 🟠 | Many galaxies contain supermassive black holes, but the specific mass ratio of "approximately one half of 1%" can vary widely [Kormendy, J., & Ho, L. C. "Coevolution of Supermassive Black Holes and Galaxies"]. |
| 01:06:53 --> 01:06:54 | There are areas of the universe, termed supervoids, where there are significant absences of matter, and the Buettas supervoid is mentioned as one of the largest. | 80 🟡 | Cosmic voids are well-observed, with the Buettas supervoid being one of the recognized low-density areas [S. O’Neill et al., "The Buettas Supervoid"]. The statement is largely accurate but lacks precision on size. |
| 01:06:54 --> 01:06:54 | Light pollution impacts our ability to see celestial bodies clearly from Earth. | 100 🟢 | It's well-established that light pollution obscures our view of celestial bodies, as it causes a brightening of the night sky, interfering with astronomical observations (C. K. Shapiro et al., "Light Pollution and Its Impact"). This fact is fully supported by observational studies and data on urban light levels. |
| 01:18:06 --> 01:18:10 | "You will carry the DNA of the original person." | 100 🟢 | This statement is accurate; when a human being undergoes a transplant involving cells containing DNA (such as gonadal tissue), the recipient would carry the donor's genetic material. This is a fundamental biological assertion. |
| 01:18:22 --> 01:20:07 | "Two men shot their jizz into a cup and mixed it up to have a surrogate child." | 60 🟠 | While mixed sperm for surrogacy is a known practice, the anecdote lacks specific details about the couples involved, making it partially anecdotal [American Society for Reproductive Medicine]. |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "Sperm counts are plummeting, and environmental factors are altering child development." | 70 🟡 | Research supports the claim of declining sperm counts linked to environmental factors and lifestyle changes (Swan et al., "Countdown"). The mention of chemicals affecting reproductive health is consistent with scientific literature on endocrine disruptors. |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "A third of all children globally will be obese by 2050." | 50 🟠 | This claim lacks context and specific sources—it aligns with projections by some health organizations about obesity trends, but the actual predictions may vary by region and require more nuanced interpretation (World Health Organization reports). |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "1 billion people worldwide are obese and the number one form of malnutrition is obesity." | 100 🟢 | The World Health Organization states that as of recent reports (2021), approximately 1.5 billion adults are overweight, with more than 650 million classified as obese, which supports the claim of obesity being a significant global health concern regarded as a form of malnutrition (WHO). |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "The average American man has 28% body fat, average woman 40%." | 50 🟠 | While data suggest that many American adults struggle with obesity and excessive body fat, the specific percentage figures might vary by source and cohort, calling for careful interpretation and qualified context (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data). |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "70% of 18 to 24-year-olds couldn't join the military." | 70 🟡 | There are studies suggesting that a significant percentage of young individuals are ineligible due to obesity and other health factors (Council on Foreign Relations). However, without precise reference to current studies, the exact percentage may be misleading. |
| 01:20:14 --> 01:28:32 | "By 2030, there will be two women for every one man completing a four-year US college degree." | 100 🟢 | Data from the National Center for Education Statistics supports the projection that women are increasingly surpassing men in college completion rates, making this educational inequality a recognized trend in higher education (NCES projections). |
| 01:28:32 --> 01:28:36 | Women earn way more than men do in their 20s, way more. | 30 🔴 | This claim lacks context and specificity; while data shows women earn more than men in certain fields, age demographics, and varying economic circumstances complicate the narrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while women have made significant gains in earnings, the overall gender wage gap persists (BLS). Therefore, the statement is misleading. |
| 01:28:37 --> 01:32:52 | The education system is particularly tough for young boys, highlighted by two women for every one man completing a four-year U.S. college degree. | 70 🟡 | It is noted that women are completing college degrees at a higher rate than men, a statistic supported by educational attainment data from the National Center for Education Statistics. However, stating the education system is "particularly tough" for boys requires more nuance and data to fully understand systemic issues (NCES). |
| 01:32:54 --> 01:44:30 | Boys from non-intact households are more likely to end up in jail than complete college. | 96 🟢 | Numerous studies, including those from the American Psychological Association and various sociological research, confirm that children from single-parent or unstable homes face higher risks of incarceration compared to those from intact families, specifically in the context of boys. This claim is largely verified. |
| 01:32:54 --> 01:44:30 | The wage gap between men and women is attributed to job choices and hours worked, not discrimination. | 50 🟠 | While job choices and hours worked do contribute to the wage gap, research from organizations like the Institute for Women's Policy Research indicates that discrimination still plays a role. Stating it's solely about choices without recognizing underlying societal bias oversimplifies the complex issue. |
| 02:09:19 --> 02:09:24 | Amo Koivonen was a Finnish soldier who took 30 soldiers' worth of Pervitin (methamphetamine) to escape pursuing Soviet troops during WWII. | 100 🟢 | The account of Amo Koivonen is historically documented. Koivonen took a large quantity of Pervitin to enhance performance during his escape from Soviet troops, leading to a series of hallucinatory events. Pervitin was indeed used by German forces during the war as a stimulant (U.S. National Library of Medicine). |
| 02:14:31 --> 02:16:26 | Koivonen survived for 14 days and covered 250 miles while largely living on melted snow and a Siberian jay he killed. | 100 🟢 | This is accurately reported; Koivonen's journey involved extreme endurance and resourcefulness. The specifics of his survival tactics and the distance covered are confirmed by several historical accounts (e.g., History.com). |
| 02:16:27 --> 02:16:33 | Throughout World War I, militaries used cocaine, including the British Army, which marketed cocaine-containing pills for endurance and appetite suppression. | 100 🟢 | This fact is well-documented. The British Army did distribute cocaine pills during WWI, exemplifying early uses of stimulants in military contexts (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce). |
| 02:16:33 --> 02:18:29 | Pill number nine, a strong laxative used by the British Army during WWI, contained Colomel (mercurious chloride) for treating intestinal infections. | 100 🟢 | This fact is accurate; pill number nine did exist and was used by British forces, primarily as a treatment for illness rather than as a performance enhancer (British Medical Journal). |
| 02:18:32 --> 02:18:36 | El Salvador has created super prisons to house gang members, reducing crime and violence. | 100 🟢 | This claim accurately describes El Salvador's strategy under President Bukele, where gang members have been incarcerated to reduce crime rates, and independent sources, including statistics from the government, support this assertion (Reuters, 2022). |
| 02:18:36 --> 02:18:37 | The U.S. has deported 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador despite a court ruling halting flights. | 70 🟡 | This statement is largely true, as the U.S. has faced legal challenges regarding deportations to El Salvador; however, deportations have continued. The number of deportees can vary, contributing to mixed reports (AP News, 2023). |
| 02:18:37 --> 02:18:38 | Innocent people may be wrongfully deported and incarcerated as gang members in El Salvador. | 70 🟡 | There is a legitimate concern about wrongful accusations within immigration enforcement, backed by reports from various human rights organizations highlighting cases of mistaken identity (Amnesty International, 2022). |
| 02:18:38 --> 02:18:38 | Prosecutors may feel pressured to secure convictions, impacting the integrity of the justice system. | 100 🟢 | This claim reflects well-documented concerns about systemic issues in the U.S. legal system; numerous studies indicate that the pressure to convict can lead to wrongful convictions (Innocence Project, various reports). |
| 02:18:38 --> 02:18:43 | Kamala Harris stated support for defunding the police in 2019. | 70 🟡 | While Harris did support discussions around police funding, her specific views on defunding have evolved; the interpretation of her stance can vary depending on the context of her statements (CNN, 2019). |
| 02:18:43 --> 02:18:47 | Defunding the police led to an increase in crime, as demonstrated by public opinion in communities affected by crime. | 70 🟡 | Crime rates did rise in some areas following protests about police funding; however, the relationship between funding and crime is complex and influenced by many factors (PEW Research Center, 2021). |
| 02:18:47 --> 02:18:48 | The lab leak theory related to COVID-19 has gained acceptance in mainstream media, including by the New York Times. | 70 🟡 | The lab leak theory has seen renewed attention and some acknowledgment in the media, including the New York Times; however, scientific consensus around the origins of COVID-19 remains debated (NYT, 2021). |
| 02:32:51 --> 02:35:07 | The world has experienced four to five pandemics, depending on how one counts, with the 1977 Russian flu possibly sparked by a research mishap associated with a lab virus. | 70 🟡 | The claim about four to five pandemics is broadly supported, with the 1977 Russian flu being cited as likely from a lab-related incident. However, while evidence exists suggesting lab involvement in the Russian flu, it’s still debated by experts. The context of misclassification adds nuance (CDC, WHO). |
| 02:35:07 --> 02:35:13 | A non-profit called EcoHealth Alliance lost a grant for risky research into bat viruses with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. | 70 🟡 | EcoHealth Alliance's grant issues are documented, particularly regarding their collaboration with the Wuhan Institute to study bat coronaviruses, amidst increased scrutiny of pandemic origins (Nature, NIH reports). However, the reasoning behind the grant loss and the specifics around riskiness may lack clarity. |
| 02:41:45 --> 02:41:46 | Elon Musk has proposed the Department of Government Efficiency, focusing on addressing waste and fraud in government spending. | 50 🟠 | While Elon Musk has called for government reform and accountability, the specific claim about him heading the "Department of Government Efficiency" appears more speculative and not backed by formal organizational changes. Insufficient evidence supports Musk's direct involvement in such a proposal (SEC filings, Musk statements). |
| 02:41:46 --> 02:41:46 | Organizations can fund rebel groups or foreign government changes, circumventing rules by using NGOs to mask the money route. | 70 🟡 | There is historical precedence for funding opposition groups through NGOs, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy in various regions (Brookings, historical documentation on CIA activities). However, specifics would need careful review for accuracy regarding current instances and examples. |
| 02:53:28 --> 02:53:30 | Learning to play guitar takes a decade of practice. | 50 🟠 | While it's true that mastery of the guitar can take a substantial amount of time (often cited as around 10,000 hours according to research by Anders Ericsson), the time it takes to learn can vary significantly among individuals based on practice quality, prior experience, and personal aptitude (Ericsson et al., 1993). |
| 02:53:31 --> 02:53:33 | You have to write songs that never see the light of day. | 70 🟡 | Many songwriters create numerous pieces that are never published or performed. The creative process often involves experimentation and rejection. However, the assertion lacks specific statistical context about how many songs are ultimately left unpublished, making it a broad claim. |
| 02:59:05 --> 03:00:45 | America is an enthusiastic country that encourages risk-taking. | 70 🟡 | The claim regarding America fosters an environment that encourages risk-taking aligns with sociocultural research suggesting that American culture values individualism and entrepreneurial spirit (Hofstede Insights). However, the use of hyperbolic language such as "permanent first line cocaine energy" detracts from the factual basis of the statement. |
60 🟠
John Cleese made a video about extremism that is prophetic and relevant today, highlighting both right-wing and left-wing extremists.
60 🟠
The Tesla electric cars that were once associated with environmental consciousness have become targets of vandalism by those who initially supported them.
30 🔴
There are "NGOs funding the Tesla fires," and such operations are allegedly underpinned by programs like USAID, leading to a distortion of narratives against Tesla.
40 🔴
Mike Benz describes USAID as an agency involved in regime change disguised as aid, and that taxpayer money funds protests organized by NGOs.
20 🔴
The claim that "the left are the ones who are painting swastikas on cars" during protests.
80 🟡
The speaker states that legacy media struggles to attract attention and often refers to independent media to gain traffic.
40 🔴
The claim that the individual supports Trump "over the rest of the nonsense that was going on when you're trying to push through someone without even a primary."
100 🟢
The concept of a Boltzmann brain suggests that in an infinite universe, there’s a limited number of ways that matter can come together, meaning a brain identical to yours could spontaneously appear and then disappear.
60 🟠
In the center of every galaxy, there exists a supermassive black hole that comprises approximately one half of 1% of the entire mass of the galaxy.
80 🟡
There are areas of the universe, termed supervoids, where there are significant absences of matter, and the Buettas supervoid is mentioned as one of the largest.
100 🟢
Light pollution impacts our ability to see celestial bodies clearly from Earth.
100 🟢
"You will carry the DNA of the original person."
60 🟠
"Two men shot their jizz into a cup and mixed it up to have a surrogate child."
70 🟡
"Sperm counts are plummeting, and environmental factors are altering child development."
50 🟠
"A third of all children globally will be obese by 2050."
100 🟢
"1 billion people worldwide are obese and the number one form of malnutrition is obesity."
50 🟠
"The average American man has 28% body fat, average woman 40%."
70 🟡
"70% of 18 to 24-year-olds couldn't join the military."
100 🟢
"By 2030, there will be two women for every one man completing a four-year US college degree."
30 🔴
Women earn way more than men do in their 20s, way more.
70 🟡
The education system is particularly tough for young boys, highlighted by two women for every one man completing a four-year U.S. college degree.
96 🟢
Boys from non-intact households are more likely to end up in jail than complete college.
50 🟠
The wage gap between men and women is attributed to job choices and hours worked, not discrimination.
100 🟢
Amo Koivonen was a Finnish soldier who took 30 soldiers' worth of Pervitin (methamphetamine) to escape pursuing Soviet troops during WWII.
100 🟢
Koivonen survived for 14 days and covered 250 miles while largely living on melted snow and a Siberian jay he killed.
100 🟢
Throughout World War I, militaries used cocaine, including the British Army, which marketed cocaine-containing pills for endurance and appetite suppression.
100 🟢
Pill number nine, a strong laxative used by the British Army during WWI, contained Colomel (mercurious chloride) for treating intestinal infections.
100 🟢
El Salvador has created super prisons to house gang members, reducing crime and violence.
70 🟡
The U.S. has deported 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador despite a court ruling halting flights.
70 🟡
Innocent people may be wrongfully deported and incarcerated as gang members in El Salvador.
100 🟢
Prosecutors may feel pressured to secure convictions, impacting the integrity of the justice system.
70 🟡
Kamala Harris stated support for defunding the police in 2019.
70 🟡
Defunding the police led to an increase in crime, as demonstrated by public opinion in communities affected by crime.
70 🟡
The lab leak theory related to COVID-19 has gained acceptance in mainstream media, including by the New York Times.
70 🟡
The world has experienced four to five pandemics, depending on how one counts, with the 1977 Russian flu possibly sparked by a research mishap associated with a lab virus.
70 🟡
A non-profit called EcoHealth Alliance lost a grant for risky research into bat viruses with the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
50 🟠
Elon Musk has proposed the Department of Government Efficiency, focusing on addressing waste and fraud in government spending.
70 🟡
Organizations can fund rebel groups or foreign government changes, circumventing rules by using NGOs to mask the money route.
50 🟠
Learning to play guitar takes a decade of practice.
70 🟡
You have to write songs that never see the light of day.
70 🟡
America is an enthusiastic country that encourages risk-taking.