Don’t Trust the Experts? Media, Big Pharma, and Real Skepticism
October 31, 2026 · 23 min
Why listen
Neither blind trust nor reflexive doubt is honest, and this episode makes the case for something harder.
Enjoy the episode?
Subscribe to Commune with Jeff Krasno
In this episode
- How to question pharmaceutical industry incentives without dismissing medicine
- What Vioxx, OxyContin, and HIV treatment reveal about the same industry
- Why algorithms push every debate toward its most extreme voice
- A working definition of skepticism that is not just contrarianism with a flag
About this episode
Somewhere between “trust no one” and “trust the experts” is a harder and more honest position. In this episode, Jeff looks at the two sides of a growing cultural standoff. On one side are the compulsive contrarians, who distrust every institution. On the other are the contrarians to the contrarians, who defend those institutions by reflex. He argues that both have confused skepticism with ideology.
- Why questioning Big Pharma’s ad budget is fair, and calling medicine a scam is not
- What Vioxx, OxyContin, insulin, and HIV treatment tell us about the same industry
- How engagement algorithms reward the most extreme voice in the room
- A case for “discrimination” in its original sense: the ability to see distinctions
This episode is for anyone tired of being asked to choose a tribe before looking at the evidence.
This episode was made possible by:
- Stemregen: Get 20% off your first order at stemregen.co/commune with the code COMMUNEPOD.
- LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/commune.
- BIOptimizers: Go to www.bioptimizers.com/onecommune and use code ONECOMMUNE for 15% off your order.
- Vivobarefoot: Try Vivobarefoot risk-free with a 100-day return guarantee, and get 20% off your order at vivobarefoot.com/commune.
- Calocurb: Calocurb naturally activates your body’s own GLP-1 and other fullness hormones to help manage hunger and cravings. Code COMMUNE10 for 10% off at Calocurb.com.
About Commune with Jeff Krasno
The Commune Podcast is where we explore the ideas and practices that help us live healthy, connected, purpose-filled lives.
See all episodes →
