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Jake Kozloski, founder and CEO of Keeper, joins me to explain why he believes modern dating apps are structurally broken—and how AI could radically change the way people find long-term partners. We discuss Hinge’s attempt to acquire Keeper, why the deal fell apart, the incentives keeping users swiping, and what Keeper’s data reveals about attraction, compatibility, sex, and marriage. Jake also breaks down how his AI matchmaking system works, why most dating apps optimize for quantity over quality, and whether technology could eventually become better than humans at finding our ideal partner.

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Ryan Soave for a wide-ranging conversation about addiction, obsession, anxiety, and the pressures of modern life. We discuss why addictive behaviors are often attempts to solve deeper emotional problems, the blurry line between healthy ambition and destructive obsession, why external success often fails to make us feel seen or fulfilled, and my idea of “diversifying your dopamine” by building multiple sources of meaning, pleasure, connection, and purpose. We also explore whether modern life is making us more anxious, why too much freedom can paradoxically make us less free, how virtual reality can trigger remarkably real fear responses, and why a good therapist should sometimes challenge you rather than simply validate you.

In this episode, independent journalist Rav Arora interviews Max Martin, co-founder of Enhanced Games, about the future of human performance, the role of enhancements in sports, and the societal implications of biohacking and personalized medicine. They explore the innovative approach to athletic competitions, media strategies, and the potential for enhancements to transform health and longevity. Subscribe to The Illusion of Consensus newsletter to get episodes straight to your inbox: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/

Bret Weinstein joins Rav Arora on The Illusion of Consensus to discuss dating, mating, sex, relationships, marriage, pornography, OnlyFans, dating apps and the collapse of courtship among Gen Z. Weinstein, an evolutionary theorist, author of A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century and host of The DarkHorse Podcast, explains modern romance through evolutionary biology, including male mating strategies, monogamy, mate selection and the effects of contraception. The conversation covers Valentine’s Day, sexual signals, promiscuity, long-term commitment, the rise of the “sex recession”, and new concerns around declining dating among young people. Rav and Bret also discuss Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, Andrew Tate, Nick Fuentes, The Weeknd, Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid while examining how pop culture, social media and technology shape relationships today. Subscribe to Rav’s Substack to get podcasts straight to your inbox: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/

Groundbreaking Study Reveals Psilocybin Can CRUSH Smoking Addiction | Dr Matt Johnson Psilocybin Beats Nicotine Patches in BREAKTHROUGH Smoking Trial | Dr Matt Johnson Johns Hopkins Scientist Reveals Psilocybin OUTPERFORMS Patches for Smokers | Dr Matt Johnson Matt Johnson joins Rav Arora on The Illusion of Consensus to discuss his new JAMA Network Open study on psilocybin, nicotine patches, CBT and smoking cessation. A Johns Hopkins psychiatry and behavioural sciences professor, Johnson has been central to modern psychedelic research, including work on psilocybin for addiction, depression and end of life distress. He explains why one psilocybin session paired with CBT showed higher six month smoking abstinence rates than nicotine patch treatment with CBT, and what that could mean for tobacco use disorder. The discussion also covers vaping, nicotine harm reduction, the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, addiction treatment, mystical experiences, emotional breakthrough, neuroplasticity, agency and why psychedelics may help people change entrenched behaviour. Rav and his guest examine both the promise and the risks of psychedelic therapy, including bad experiences, vulnerable patients, clinical safeguards and the future of FDA approved addiction treatments. Link to Matt’s Paper: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2846155 Subscribe to Rav’s Substack for exclusive content: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/

Mark Cuban joins Rav Arora on The Illusion of Consensus for a wide-ranging debate on DEI, wokeness, corporate hiring, race-based diversity goals, merit, quotas, and the backlash against progressive workplace policies. The billionaire entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, Dallas Mavericks minority owner, and Cost Plus Drugs co-founder argues that businesses should cast a wider net for talent while still hiring the most qualified person, as Rav challenges whether corporate diversity pledges after George Floyd and Black Lives Matter became virtue signalling or a form of discrimination. They discuss EEOC data, Starbucks, Nike, JPMorgan, Pfizer, Microsoft, United Airlines, HBCUs, minority representation, universities, DEI departments, activists such as Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo, and the Trump administration’s push to dismantle DEI programmes. The conversation also revisits their previous disagreement over Covid mandates, mRNA vaccine side effects, public health ethics, Joe Rogan, pandemic policy, and whether the response to Covid created lasting mistrust in institutions. Cuban and Arora cover how business leaders navigate culture war pressure, shareholder interests, free speech, corporate virtue signalling, political polarisation, independent media, and the future of race, merit, and fairness in American companies. Subscribe to Rav’s Substack for exclusive content: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/ 0:00 - Intro 02:29 — The Clash Begins 04:04 — Mark Cuban Defines DEI His Way 05:52 — “That’s Not What DEI Means!” 08:29 — Are Racial Quotas Real? 12:47 — Corporate Virtue Signalling Exposed 21:13 — Should Race Ever Matter in Hiring? 29:34 — Diversity vs. Meritocracy 48:04 — Do Companies Really Even Follow DEI? 57:42 — Does DEI Actually Work? 01:21:31 — Race-Based Goals vs Pure Merit-Based Hiring 01:36:45 — Final Thoughts and Common Ground 01:38:39 — Arora challenges Cuban on campus censorship 01:41:24 — Cuban on discrimination from both political sides 01:42:59 — Why Cuban required Mavericks staff vaccinations 01:43:57 — Arora disputes community benefit of mandates 01:52:57 — Cuban’s “herd immunity in three months” argument 02:05:02 — FDA internal disagreements over vaccine approval 02:05:31 — White House pressure and military mandates 02:25:00 — Comparing Covid and vaccine-induced myocarditis 02:36:23 — Infection fatality rate and serious adverse events

Kevin Sabet debates Matt Johnson on the Illusion of Consensus podcast with host Rav Arora, covering Trump’s psychedelic executive order, ibogaine, FDA approval, Right to Try, drug scheduling, and the future of psychedelic research. Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor across the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations, argues for caution around psychedelics, marijuana policy, commercial incentives, and overstated medical claims. Johnson, a leading Johns Hopkins psychedelic researcher, responds on psilocybin studies, addiction treatment, depression, safety protocols, REMS, and why accelerated research may still follow the evidence. The discussion also covers Joe Rogan, RFK Jr., Marty Makary, Jay Bhattacharya, ketamine clinics, MDMA, MAPS, cannabis rescheduling, veteran suicide, and the risks of turning experimental drugs into public policy too quickly. Subscribe to Rav’s Substack to get episodes straight to your inbox: https://www.illusionconsensus.com Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:05 - Sabet’s Objection to Psychedelics 10:00 - Matt’s Disagreement with Sabet 13:15 - Psychedelic Research Quality 21:10 - Kevin’s Rebuttal 24:00 - Was Joe Rogan Wrong On Ibogaine’s Efficacy 32:50 - Ibogaine Safety Concerns 40:50 - Could The Executive Order Go Too Far 46:10 - Rescheduling and FDA Approval

Dr Matt Johnson joins the Illusion of Consensus podcast with Rav Arora to break down this weekend’s Trump administration’s psychedelic executive order and what it means for FDA approvals, rescheduling, and veteran access to therapies. As a leading Johns Hopkins University psychiatry professor, Dr Matt Johnson shares insights from decades of research into psilocybin, addiction treatment, depression, and end-of-life care. The discussion covers the political shift driven by figures like Donald Trump, Joe Rogan, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside the growing bipartisan support for psychedelic science. Key topics include breakthrough therapy designations, right-to-try pathways, ibogaine research, and the real-world implications for mental health and veteran suicide prevention. This episode explores how emerging data and policy changes could reshape the future of psychedelic medicine in the United States. Chapters: [0:00] Intro [2:30] Joe Rogan Bashing Nixon [5:20] Rav and Matt’s Proposal [9:40] Calley Means’ Pivotal Role [13:40] Matt Johnson Reacts To The News [18:36] The DEA Bottleneck Problem [23:20] Real Risks of Psychedelics [32:19] Right to Try for Veterans [34:37] Jay Bhattacharya vs Trump [39:40] Jealousy for Rogan [43:51] Do Psychedelics Improve Lives? [49:55] Next Steps for Trump Admin [53:42] End of Psychedelic Prohibition? 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

Michael Tracey, independent journalist, and Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative, join the Illusion of Consensus podcast for a sharp breakdown of US foreign policy and the Iran conflict. Michael Tracey and Curt Mills debate Trump’s foreign policy ideology, Israel’s influence, and the shifting dynamics of the American Right from Tucker Carlson to Megyn Kelly. Subscribe to Rav's Substack: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 07:15 Critique of Media Dynamics and Podcast Culture 13:19 Discussion on Israel’s Influence in U.S. Politics 19:28 Analyzing Trump’s Foreign Policy and War Decisions 25:19 Concluding Thoughts on War and Media Responsibility 37:34 Trump’s Motivations and Historical Context 44:00 Personnel Choices and Foreign Policy 53:56 The Epstein Connection and Speculation 01:00:05 Israel’s Influence and Trump’s Ambitions 01:05:50 The Influence of Steve Witkoff on US-Israel Relations 01:11:18 The Role of the Israel Lobby in American Politics 01:17:17 Counterfactuals: Would Trump Act Differently Without Israeli Influence? 01:23:17 Voting Dilemmas: The 2024 Election Landscape 01:34:10 The Shift from Pence to Vance 01:40:30 Rethinking the Trump Coalition 01:48:07 Trump’s Foreign Policy: A New Perspective 01:58:02 The Evolving Definition of Neoconservatism 02:10:16 U.S. Foreign Policy and Military Spending 02:17:42 Nuclear Arms Control and International Treaties 02:24:11 The Influence of Israel on U.S. Foreign Policy 02:31:44 The Role of Media in Shaping Political Narratives Support The Illusion of Consensus! The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. If you support the high-quality mental health and wellness journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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

Out now for everyone: Senator Ron Johnson joins The Illusion of Consensus for a serious debate on Iran, Trump’s foreign policy, congressional war powers, and the risks of another Middle East conflict. We dig into the constitutional limits on military action, the case for and against intervention, Israeli and American strategic interests, and the political fallout this could have for Republicans and the wider MAGA movement. Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:53 Ron Johnson Voting Against Iran War Powers Resolution10:00 Was Iran Nuclear Threat Real?19:14 Iran Firing Largest Attack Onto Israel23:05 Israel vs Iran’s Goals26:10 Objectives of the Iran War30:00 Did Israel Convince USA to Wage War?35:00 Will This Negatively Affect Future Elections?40:52 CIA Hacking Tacker Carlson?46:00 Financial Concerns Regarding the War Support The Illusion of Consensus! The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. If you support the high-quality mental health and wellness journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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

Senator Ron Johnson joins The Illusion of Consensus for a serious debate on Iran, Trump’s foreign policy, congressional war powers, and the risks of another Middle East conflict. We dig into the constitutional limits on military action, the case for and against intervention, Israeli and American strategic interests, and the political fallout this could have for Republicans and the wider MAGA movement. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:53 Ron Johnson Voting Against Iran War Powers Resolution 10:00 Was Iran Nuclear Threat Real?1 9:14 Iran Firing Largest Attack Onto Israel 23:05 Israel vs Iran’s Goals 26:10 Objectives of the Iran War 30:00 Did Israel Convince USA to Wage War? 35:00 Will This Negatively Affect Future Elections? 40:52 CIA Hacking Tacker Carlson? 46:00 Financial Concerns Regarding the War Support The Illusion of Consensus! The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. If you support the high-quality mental health and wellness journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.com My Conversation with Senator Ron Johnson I just sat down with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson for a wide-ranging and, at times, contentious conversation on new Biden-era Covid documents + the war in Iran. We begin with Johnson’s investigation into newly released government documents related to COVID-19 vaccines — including claims that federal health officials d…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.illusionconsensus.com Barry Neufeld says what a lot of parents are thinking. The Canadian school trustee has been one of the most vocal critics of gender ideology in schools — and a BC human rights tribunal recently fined him $750,000 for it. That number is worth sitting with. I sat down with Barry to get into the full story for almost 90 minutes — his concerns about gender id…

I’m excited to release this new episode with Layne Norton: one of the most respectable, evidence-based thinkers in the nutrition discourse. Layne has PhD in nutrition and has appeared in podcasts with Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly, and many other familiar voices. In this conversation, we deep-dive into nutrition science, exercise, chronic disease, and the illusion of consensus shaping modern health discourse. Layne breaks down protein myths, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, vitamins, fiber, obesity, metabolic health, and the impact of Covid-era messaging on public trust in science. The episode explores how online wellness culture, government guidelines, and social media gurus collide (mentioning Gary Brecka and Paul Saladino), and why statistical thinking, risk, and probability matter more than viral anecdotes. This episode is a rigorous, practical, and highly evidence-based breakdown of modern health myths. Become a paid member to support this podcast: Links: Spotify Apple (And available on all other podcast platforms) Chapters: 00:00 Covid, Science, and Public Trust08:10 Universal Principles for a Healthy Diet18:40 Fiber, Gut Health, and Fruits vs Vegetables32:05 What Supplements Should You Take44:10 Seed Oils, Saturated Fat, and Heart Health57:20 Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar1:09:45 Intermittent Fasting and Autophagy1:21:30 Layne’s Beef With Gary Brecka and Paul Saladino 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

Dr. Robert W. Malone returns to The Illusion of Consensus podcast for a wide ranging discussion on vaccine policy, ACIP decisions, hepatitis B guidance, influenza vaccine effectiveness, cannabis rescheduling, and the future of US public health under new executive directives. Malone breaks down recent ACIP votes, media misinformation, informed consent, and why the US childhood vaccine schedule may move closer to models used in Denmark and other countries. The conversation also explores pharmaceutical influence, medical ethics, mandates versus choice, and the implications of reclassifying cannabis for research and treatment. This episode offers an in depth look at the power struggles shaping modern health policy and the data debates driving them. Links: Spotify Apple YouTube Rumble Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:46 Robert Malone Returns and Discussing Jay Bhattacharya 07:17 Hepatitis B Vote Explained 24:48 Why Hepatitis B Exploded in the USA 31:52 Changing to Denmark Vaccine Schedule 40:44 Aluminum Safety Concerns 48:14 Would the Denmark Model Work? & Dr. Jake Scott 55:50: How to Enforce Laws & Pharma Industry Exposed 01:06:04 Cannabis Rescheduling & Alex Berenson Support The Illusion of Consensus! The Illusion of Consensus is a fully reader-supported publication. If you support the high-quality mental health and wellness journalism on this site, consider becoming a paid or founding member to receive exclusive articles, early-access episodes, and ask questions for future episodes. Or support The Illusion of Consensus with a one-time donation. 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