Ep. 177 Slim Fast with Burkey

Burkey returns for his sixth episode burdened with a little case of "empathy fatigue", i.e. when you exhaust your capacity to tolerate minor inconveniences. We had no useful advice or sympathy for him but did briefly discuss which affects us more, the virus itself or fear of it, and how one goes about vetting information should s/he refuse to take it at face value. After highlighting the difference between asking for permission and asking for information, which is an important distinction and one we are rarely able to self-monitor, Burkey accurately described 2020 by declaring, "it's about power, they need to do it willingly."

A discussion about the NXIVM cult leads to comparisons with the federal government ... I mean, why wouldn't it? Because, when someone else — someone in a leadership position, elected, self-appointed or otherwise — tells you what is information and what is misinformation, well, then you don't have to bother thinking for yourself. Wait, this podcast MUST be disinformation because we are encouraging you to think for yourself.

When the conversation finally turns to diet, Michael declares that it has nothing to do with science, that it is unknown and unknowable ... as mysterious as religion or the universe itself and yet, people "know enough to be ashamed" (of their behavior) but clearly don't care because, "they still drink SlimFast™."

Rabbit holes in this episode include Australia, the War on Drugs, marketing and shitty incentives, decision-fatigue, censorship, and raw milk.