Best Wendy Orent Podcasts (2025)

1
Prasad, McCary, and the Booster Backpedal 1:21:30

7d ago1:21:30

1:21:30

When the loudest critics of COVID mitigation take power, their tune changes—but not for the better. In this episode, Jonathan and Wendy unravel the contradictions and consequences of new booster guidelines championed by Drs. Makary and Prasad. Once RCT absolutists, they now admit boosters are vital for the elderly—but block access for the rest, cit…

1
The Hypocrisy of the New Medical Establishment 58:36

14d ago58:36

58:36

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent unpack the deep ironies and ethical contradictions behind recent appointments at the NIH and FDA. From once-demanded randomized controlled trials now deemed “not always necessary,” to the political operatives now at the helm of America’s public health infrastructure, the duo explores how power rewrites principles…

1
AI Approvals for Drugs, But RCTs for Vaccines? 1:19:31

19d ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent examine the alarming elevation of wellness influencer Casey Means as Surgeon General nominee, despite lacking a medical license or conventional medical credibility. They delve into Vinay Prasad’s appointment as head of vaccine regulation, scrutinizing his past critiques of RCT deficiencies—and the impossible stan…

1
RFK Jr., COVID Vaccines & the Assault on Public Health 1:03:35

25d ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent return to discuss the alarming direction of U.S. public health, focusing on RFK Jr.’s misinformation campaign about vaccines, the threat of COVID booster access disappearing under political pressure, and the erosion of CDC authority. They critique the hypocrisy of figures like Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad who no…

1
Soft Eugenics and the New Normal of Public Health 1:22:04

1M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

In this episode, Jonathan and Wendy reunite to unpack an overwhelming cascade of public health failures. From the misuse of "soft eugenics" rhetoric to justify vaccine hesitancy, to the measles outbreaks being minimized and blamed on migrants and past COVID policies, they trace the unraveling of scientific integrity under the new administration. Th…

1
The Day the NIH Fired 1200 Scientists 1:08:09

2M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

On this week's episode of We Want Them Infected, Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dive into the apocalyptic headlines coming out of U.S. public health agencies. From mass firings at the NIH and FDA, to the appointment of anti-vaccine ideologues like Jay Bhattacharya and Marty Makary, this episode chronicles the rapid unraveling of institutional scie…

1
CDC Collapse in Real Time 1:41:40

2M ago1:41:40

1:41:40

In their most urgent and emotionally charged episode yet, Dr. Jonathan Howard and science journalist Wendy Orent confront the accelerating unraveling of public health institutions in the United States under the RFK Jr. administration. They open with a flood of disturbing headlines: Peter Marks, the nation’s top vaccine expert, has been ousted. Meas…

1
Misguided Theories & Missing Data: Revisiting the GBD’s Legacy 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

This episode critically examines In COVID's Wake by Princeton professors Steven M. and Francis Lee, focusing on their defense of the Great Barrington Declaration. Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent argue that the authors downplay the catastrophic errors of the GBD architects, who pushed for herd immunity through mass infection while opposing vacci…

1
RFK Jr. Wanted to “Study” Vaccines—Now a Child Is Dead 1:13:46

2M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

In this episode of Therapy Time with Jonathan and Wendy, hosts Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dive into the growing measles outbreak in the U.S. and how it exposes the deadly consequences of RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda. With 259 cases in Texas alone, including 34 hospitalizations and two deaths, the hosts discuss how this outbreak was entire…

1
Measles Outbreak Exposes His Anti-Vaccine Legacy 1:14:20

3M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent analyze the confirmation of Jay Bhattacharya to the NIH, lamenting the Senate’s failure to scrutinize his history of COVID misinformation. They discuss RFK Jr.’s unexpected pro-vaccine article in response to the Texas measles outbreak, highlighting how real-world responsibility has forced him into an awkward position…

1
No Flu Shots Next Year? RFK Jr. Cancels Key FDA Meeting 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the growing public health disasters under RFK Jr.’s leadership at HHS. They cover the first measles death of a child in over 30 years, the cancellation of a crucial flu vaccine advisory meeting, and the termination of funding for a promising oral COVID vaccine trial. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. moves to eliminate …

1
Mass Firings at the NIH & CDC: What Comes Next? 1:00:43

3M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the devastating consequences of public health misinformation, the rise of RFK Jr.'s influence, and the sweeping purges at institutions like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. They examine how once-dismissive medical professionals are now reckoning with the damage as funding cuts and anti-vaccine policies take hold. The h…

1
The Medical Leaders Who Refused to Stand Up 1:04:02

3M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the disastrous confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the HHS and the broader failure of medical and political leaders to confront misinformation. They highlight how figures like Adam Sifu, Jeffrey Flier, and Stanford President Jonathan Levin failed to challenge the growing anti-science movement, no…

1
The War on Science: Trump’s Purge of Public Health Experts 1:16:05

4M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

In this episode of We Want Them Infected, Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the catastrophic turn of events in public health and science policy under the Trump administration. RFK Jr. is poised to take control of the U.S. Health Department, the NIH has been gutted, and the CDC is actively censoring critical data. They examine how misinfor…

1
The Death of Scientific Integrity in the Prasad Era 1:14:04

4M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent explore the shocking contradictions of those who once claimed to defend scientific dialogue but now cheerlead for mass censorship. They dissect the hypocrisy of figures like Vinay Prasad, Jay Bhattacharya, and Marty Makary—who spent years railing against censorship but remain silent as the new administration muzz…

1
The Rise of Dr. Marty Makary 57:55

4M ago57:55

57:55

Dr. Marty Makary’s controversial positions during the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked debate over his suitability to lead the FDA. Despite his early rationality in addressing the crisis, he shifted to downplaying the virus’s impact, overstating natural immunity, and spreading dubious claims about vaccine-related myocarditis. The episode also highlig…

1
Science or Spectacle? When Doctors Play Politics with Pandemics 1:15:06

4M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent confront the troubling trend of downplaying the consequences of pandemic misinformation. They tackle RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine legacy and its normalization by influential doctors, explore the Great Barrington Declaration’s advocacy for mass infection, and critique the intellectual theater around pandemic debates. Th…

1
Rewriting Pandemic History and the Myth of Herd Immunity 46:55

5M ago46:55

46:55

In this episode, hosts Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dissect the ongoing efforts to rewrite the history of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the role of the Great Barrington Declaration. They examine Dr. Edward Livingston's recent commentary on the document, which downplays its advocacy for herd immunity through mass infection and instead prais…

1
From Semmelweis to Bhattacharya: Misguided Comparisons in Medicine 1:06:44

5M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent explore the controversial history of the Great Barrington Declaration, a document that advocated for herd immunity via natural infection, and its lasting impact on public health discourse. They critique the flawed claims made by its authors and discuss how the Declaration’s proponents have rewritten its history to al…

1
When Evidence Fails to Convince: The Fallout of Vaccine Mistrust 59:28

5M ago59:28

59:28

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent tackle two deeply troubling articles advocating for RFK Jr.’s role in vaccine oversight. They dissect claims linking Kennedy to evidence-based medicine and highlight his role in the deadly Samoa measles outbreak, where misinformation sowed distrust and fueled a public health disaster. The hosts criticize calls for im…

1
RFK Jr., Medical Misinformation, and the Fight for America's Future 59:45

5M ago59:45

59:45

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent address the rise of anti-vaccine rhetoric, focusing on RFK Jr.'s potential confirmation to a major public health position. They examine the role of high-profile doctors like Vinay Prasad and Martin Kulldorff in legitimizing RFK Jr.'s views and discuss the failure of medical leaders to challenge misinformation. Hi…

1
RFK Jr.’s Anti-Vaccine Appointments: A Dangerous Future for Public Health 36:51

6M ago36:51

36:51

This episode of We Want Them Infected delves into the implications of RFK Jr.'s recent nominations to lead major public health agencies, including his selection of anti-vaccine advocates for key roles. Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent analyze the potential resurgence of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and pertussis due to declining …

1
Fauci’s Foes: The New Era of Public Health Scapegoating" 42:45

6M ago42:45

42:45

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent trace the evolution of COVID-19 discourse from the early calls for open scientific debate to the current atmosphere of hostility and revenge. They examine the shift in tone from figures like Vinay Prasad, who initially warned against demonizing heterodox views, to now using inflammatory language that fuels public out…

1
The 5th of November: A Day of Reckoning for Public Health 26:45

7M ago26:45

26:45

The latest episode of We Want Them Infected dives into the unsettling consequences of the recent election, with RFK Jr. poised to gain significant influence over public health policy. Jonathan and Wendy lament the spread of misinformation and its role in shaping voter choices, particularly the anti-vaccine rhetoric promoted by influential figures l…

1
Election-Eve Anxiety: What RFK Jr.’s Public Health Control Could Mean for America 50:52

7M ago50:52

50:52

In this pre-election episode of We Want Them Infected, hosts Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the alarming potential of RFK Jr. assuming control over America’s key health agencies under a Trump administration. With stakes high for the election, the episode dissects the anti-vaccine rhetoric and misinformation strategies that could influence …

1
RFK Jr., Big Pharma, and Disinformation 46:18

7M ago46:18

46:18

Hosts Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent return to discuss the normalization of anti-vaccine and disinformation narratives within respected medical circles. They explore prominent doctors’ public support for RFK Jr., who has spread numerous vaccine-related conspiracy theories. The episode critiques figures like Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Dr. Marty McCar…

1
The Perils of Pandemic Revisionism: RFK Jr. and the Threat to Public Health 45:26

8M ago45:26

45:26

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dive into the dangerous world of pandemic revisionism and vaccine misinformation spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They detail RFK Jr.'s extensive history of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric and conspiracy theories, from false claims about COVID-19 targeting specific ethnic groups to his unfounded accusations linki…

1
The Lab Leak Theory and Zoonotic Diseases: Unpacking the Evidence 52:53

9M ago52:53

52:53

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent delve into the debate over COVID-19’s origins, discussing the scientific evidence behind both the lab leak and natural transmission theories. They critique the rhetoric used by some public health figures and organizations like Biosafety Now, highlighting the contradictions in how lab safety and herd immunity have bee…

1
RFK Jr.'s Controversial Moves and the Future of Anti-Vaccine Politics 40:07

9M ago40:07

40:07

In this episode, hosts Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent explore recent COVID-19 developments, including a study from JAMA examining long-term outcomes of vaccine-induced myocarditis versus COVID-19 myocarditis. They discuss the implications of these findings, contrasting the media's portrayal of vaccine myocarditis with the actual data. The conversa…

1
Dr. Prasad’s Inconsistent COVID-19 Vaccine Arguments 45:48

9M ago45:48

45:48

In this episode, the discussion centers around the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines by certain doctors, with a specific focus on Dr. Vinay Prasad. Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent critique Dr. Prasad's approach to public discourse about the pandemic, pointing out his contradictory statements and apparent disregard for scienti…

1
COVID Controversy: Are Doctors Using Tone Policing to Silence the Truth? 49:48

10M ago49:48

49:48

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent explore the harmful effects of tone policing within the medical community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They argue that tone policing is being used to protect prominent figures who have spread misleading information, such as Dr. John Ioannidis and Emily Oster, while silencing legitimate criticism. The h…

1
What If Herd Immunity Was Never Possible? 45:10

10M ago45:10

45:10

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dive into the controversial topic of herd immunity in the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore how early beliefs in natural immunity, touted by prominent figures, have been debunked by the ongoing waves of COVID reinfections and deaths. The discussion highlights how some experts have attempted to redefine herd immunit…

1
How Anti-Vax Rhetoric is Endangering Children's Lives 38:19

10M ago38:19

38:19

In this episode, Dr. Howard and Wendy discuss the troubling trend of politicizing vaccines, focusing on recent comments by Trump and JD Vance against vaccine and mask mandates in schools. They explore the misinformation spread by notable figures like Marty McCary, who falsely claimed that no healthy children have died from COVID. The episode also a…

1
COVID Vaccines vs. Routine Childhood Vaccines 1:01:25

10M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss a controversial Reuters article revealing a Pentagon-led secret anti-vax campaign aimed at discrediting China's Sinovac vaccine. They delve into the ethical implications and consequences of this campaign, highlighting the impact on public trust in vaccines. The hosts also address recent COVID-19 trends, v…

1
Fact-Checking Dr. Ioannidis' COVID-19 Statements 32:40

11M ago32:40

32:40

Jonathan Howard's latest podcast episode revisits the early COVID-19 predictions of Dr. John Ioannidis, a prominent figure known for his controversial stance on herd immunity and the pandemic's severity. Howard plays clips from Ioannidis' interviews and writings, highlighting significant discrepancies between his optimistic projections and the actu…

1
The Great Barrington Declaration's Doomed Herd Immunity Plan 57:24

11M ago57:24

57:24

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent critically examine the Great Barrington Declaration, a controversial document that proposed achieving herd immunity by allowing COVID-19 to spread among low-risk populations. They explore the impracticalities and dangers of this plan, the public's rejection of it, and the declaration's failure to protect vulnerab…

1
Doctors Who Called COVID Over Too Soon 2:02:11

11M ago2:02:11

2:02:11

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent critically examine the premature declarations of herd immunity made by various doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. They revisit statements by Dr. Marty McCary, Dr. Monica Gandhi, Dr. Lucy McBride, and others who incorrectly claimed that the pandemic was nearly over, even as new variants like Delta and Omicron emerg…

1
Scientific Debate or Public Deceit? 43:24

11M ago43:24

43:24

This episode of "We Want Them Infected" explores the early pandemic predictions made by Dr. John Ioannidis and the subsequent misinformation that spread from credible academic sources to conspiracy theorists and political figures. Hosts Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orant analyze Ioannidis's claims, such as the prediction that only 40,000 Americans wou…

1
I've Been Cancelled. Will Bari Weiss Care? 55:40

12M ago55:40

55:40

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss Jonathan's recent experience of being cancelled, censored, and silenced. Jonathan shares his story about being disinvited from speaking at a conference because his talk was considered "too political." The conference organizers, fearing backlash from powerful politicians and the potential negative impact o…

1
The Dark Truth About COVID-19 Natural Immunity Claims 47:46

12M ago47:46

47:46

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent focus on the escalating hostility towards Dr. Anthony Fauci, spurred by political rhetoric and the divisive stances of certain doctors advocating for herd immunity. They explore the history of Fauci's comments on masks, the critiques from the authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, and the broader implications o…

1
Why Using Children as Human Shields for Herd Immunity Is a Dangerous Lie 41:48

12M ago41:48

41:48

Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent dive into the pro-infection movement that supports infecting unvaccinated children to achieve herd immunity. They discuss the recent conviction of Trump and the public's reaction, highlighting the parallels between political and medical misinformation. The episode critically examines statements made by figures like D…

1
Vaccines and Variants: What Went Wrong in 2021? 53:05

1y ago53:05

53:05

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent discuss the problematic communication surrounding COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. They highlight the overly optimistic claims made by several doctors and how these statements contributed to public mistrust when vaccines did not completely eliminate transmission or provide long-term immunity. The episode critiques the …

1
The Real Cost of School Closures During COVID-19 50:04

1y ago50:04

50:04

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent tackle the contentious issue of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the narrative that school closures were merely a choice influenced by cautious politicians and unions, contrasting it with the reality that the virus itself forced many schools to shut down. The hosts discuss the devastatin…

1
Disputed Data: The Ongoing Debate Over COVID's Cardiac Effects 48:23

1y ago48:23

48:23

The episode explores the complex narrative surrounding COVID-19's impact on cardiac health and the conflicting views on vaccine-induced myocarditis. By examining the discourse and publications of medical conservatives, the hosts illustrate a significant discrepancy in how COVID-19 cardiac problems are portrayed compared to those related to the vacc…

1
Vaccine Myocarditis and Youth Risks 42:29

1y ago42:29

42:29

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent explore the concerns around vaccine myocarditis in children, emphasizing the rarity and mild nature of this side effect in the context of broader COVID-19 impacts. They provide a detailed analysis of the incidence and severity of COVID-19 among different age groups, underlining the disproportionate effects on bla…

1
Methodolatry & Madness: The Pitfalls of RCTs During a Pandemic 1:00:03

1y ago1:00:03

1:00:03

This episode of "We Want Them Infected" features a critical examination of the role and challenges of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosts Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orange discuss how the pandemic has tested the limits of RCTs, which are often considered the gold standard in medical research. They add…

1
The Evolution of Dr. Prasad's Views on Vaccines 51:36

1y ago51:36

51:36

The focus of today’s episode turned to Dr. Vinay Prasad, a once-distinguished oncologist who has become a leading advocate for the controversial pro-infection movement. Hosts Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent criticized Prasad's shift towards advocating for natural COVID-19 infection over vaccination in children, an approach they argue is both un…

1
Dr. Scott Atlas's Role in Trump's COVID Response 42:56

1y ago42:56

42:56

Dr. Jonathan Howard delves into the controversial tenure of Dr. Scott Atlas as President Trump's coronavirus advisor. Atlas, who lacked a background in infectious diseases, was a proponent of achieving herd immunity by allowing the virus to spread among low-risk populations—a strategy considered dangerous by many health experts. The podcast critiqu…

1
The Cost of COVID-19 Decisions 1:02:04

1y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

The conversation scrutinizes the advocacy for herd immunity as a response to COVID-19, highlighting the ethical and practical issues with targeting unvaccinated children and young adults for infection. It explores the aftermath of the Great Barrington Declaration, including minimized concerns for COVID-19 variants and opposition to vaccinations for…

1
Dissecting the Great Barrington Declaration 58:06

1y ago58:06

58:06

Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent engage in a comprehensive critique of the movement advocating for herd immunity through natural infection among unvaccinated populations. They dissect the flawed arguments presented in early pandemic responses, highlighting Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's controversial statements and the backlash from the scientific commu…

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