Taste the Science: The 253rd Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying

The podcast discusses the use of a feed additive called 'Bovi' to reduce methane emissions from cows, arguing that while it may appear to be a simple solution to climate change, it could have unintended consequences for the health of the cows and the quality of their meat and dairy products. The hosts also discuss the BBC's recent attempt to label their podcast as spreading misinformation, questioning the validity of such claims and the potential bias inherent in the BBC's approach.

Bovi Feed Additive

• 00:14:13 The podcast begins with a discussion about 'Bovi', a feed additive that aims to reduce methane emissions from cows. The additive is described as a scientifically proven solution and is being trialed in the UK and other countries.

• 00:17:11 The hosts question the assumption that reducing methane production is the most effective approach to addressing climate change, considering the potential tradeoffs for the cows and the human consumers of their products.

• 00:18:32 The hosts explore the process of methane production in ruminants, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between cows and the methanogenic bacteria in their stomachs.

• 00:28:23 They argue that interfering with this natural process could lead to unintended consequences, such as an increased carbon footprint and a decrease in the health and nutritional quality of meat and dairy products.

• 00:33:46 The hosts predict that cows will likely develop drug tolerance and require increasing doses of 'Bovi' to maintain the desired reduction in methane emissions.

• 00:44:31 They suggest that there will be no way to distinguish between meat and dairy products from cows that have been treated with 'Bovi' and those that haven't, further compromising informed consent and consumer choice.

• 00:55:00 The hosts criticize the lack of comprehensive system analysis by 'Bovi' manufacturers, arguing that focusing solely on methane reduction ignores the complex and interconnected effects of this intervention.

• 00:58:00 The hosts highlight the difference between complicated and complex systems, emphasizing that reductionist approaches fail to account for the intricate feedback loops inherent in biological systems.

BBC Misinformation

• 01:05:31 The hosts discuss an email they received from a BBC journalist accusing them of spreading misinformation on the 'Diary of a CEO' podcast. The journalist claims that their statements could lead to patient harm.

• 01:09:01 The hosts find this accusation ridiculous, arguing that they were engaging in a responsible and well-researched discussion of heterodox ideas.

• 01:15:22 The hosts question the BBC's right to define truth and declare certain ideas as misinformation, particularly when their own sources of information are questionable.

• 01:17:01 The hosts point to the fact that the BBC's claims regarding the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines and the effectiveness of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are based on flawed data analysis and statistical manipulation.

• 01:18:16 They criticize the BBC's attempt to censor dissenting voices and stifle open discussion about controversial topics.

• 01:26:26 They suggest that the BBC's attack is a form of punishment for Steven Bartlett, the host of the 'Diary of a CEO' podcast, for allowing them to present their views to a wider audience.

Climate Change

• 01:21:11 The hosts address the BBC's claim that they spread climate change conspiracies. They acknowledge the validity of the Arrhenius equation, which predicts a warming effect from increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.

• 01:22:54 However, they express skepticism about the field of climate science's ability to provide an accurate and honest accounting of climate change, highlighting the potential for bias and suppression of dissenting voices.

• 01:23:11 The hosts argue that focusing solely on anthropogenic climate change ignores other potential threats to humanity, such as the release of methane from melting permafrost in the Arctic.

Thanksgiving

• 01:35:01 The podcast concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and understanding between people with differing political views.

• 01:37:01 The hosts observe a double standard in how the media portrays Thanksgiving depending on which political party is in power, suggesting a bias that favors the Democratic Party.