Conspirituality Podcast: Bonus Sample Episode - "Natural" Snake Oil?

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Hosts: Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker

Episode Overview

In this bonus episode titled "Natural" Snake Oil?, Derek Barras delves into the recent activities of the Modern Agriculture and Health Advocates (MAHA), a group heavily involved in promoting natural ingredients and attacking synthetic additives in the food industry. The discussion critically examines MAHA's purported victories, the effectiveness of their initiatives, and the underlying motivations of their prominent supporters.

MAHA's Recent "Victories"

Derek begins by highlighting a White House announcement showcasing MAHA's list of 15 victories. Notable among these are:

• Steak 'n Shake replacing seed oils with 100% beef tallow.
• Skittles eliminating titanium dioxide from their flagship product.
• Nestlé removing all petroleum-based food dyes.

He notes the enthusiasm from MAHA activists and influential figures:

• RFK Jr. retweeted the announcement, emphasizing Steak 'n Shake now offering Coca-Cola with real cane sugar (referred to as Mexican Coke) (00:30).
• Vani Hari ("Food Babe") appeared on News Nation, advocating for the removal of high fructose corn syrup from Coke, although she clarified that it’s only being added as a new option later in the fall.

Critique of MAHA's Focus

Derek expresses skepticism about the significance of these changes:

"None of these foods are healthy, and removing inconsequential dyes will shift the goalposts zero feet when it comes to combating chronic disease" (07:45).

He argues that MAHA's focus on eliminating certain additives is superficial and diverts attention from more substantial issues like supply chains, infrastructure, and food deserts—which are critical for addressing chronic health problems.

Analysis of Public Health Claims

The podcast scrutinizes claims made by MAHA supporters regarding public health improvements:

• Callie Means, an advisor to RFK Jr., tweeted about Kyle Diamantis's successes at the FDA, citing the move to natural colorings in ice cream as a major win.
• Means also lauded the removal of soda and candy from SNAP benefits as a significant public health achievement.

Derek counters these points by highlighting the broader context:

"Removing soda and candy from SNAP isn't going to make recipients more healthy" (15:20), asserting that such moves are more performative than impactful.

Hypocrisy in MAHA's Advocacy

A significant portion of the episode addresses the hypocrisy among MAHA's champions regarding the use of petroleum-based products:

"Many of MAHA's main champions use it in the exact same manners as it's used in the creation of food dyes, and none of them have the humility to ever own up to it" (22:10).

Derek points out that while MAHA advocates vehemently oppose petroleum-based additives, their supporters often incorporate similar substances without acknowledging the inconsistency.

Impact on Public Discourse and Health

The episode underscores how MAHA and similar movements contribute to a landscape of misinformation and misplaced priorities:

• By focusing on minor ingredient changes, MAHA diverts attention and funding away from more pressing health issues.
• The alignment with figures and tactics reminiscent of extremist movements like QAnon blurs the lines between health advocacy and conspiracy theories.

Derek warns that this trend not only hampers genuine public health efforts but also transforms spirituality and wellness movements into platforms for spreading paranoia and disinformation.

Conclusion

Derek Barras concludes the episode by emphasizing the need for a more grounded and effective approach to public health. He urges listeners to look beyond performative changes and address the foundational elements that contribute to chronic diseases and health disparities.

Notable Quotes:

• Derek Barras [07:45]: "None of these foods are healthy, and removing inconsequential dyes will shift the goalposts zero feet when it comes to combating chronic disease."

• Derek Barras [15:20]: "Removing soda and candy from SNAP isn't going to make recipients more healthy."

• Derek Barras [22:10]: "Many of MAHA's main champions use [petroleum-based products] in the exact same manners as it's used in the creation of food dyes, and none of them have the humility to ever own up to it."

Final Thoughts

This bonus episode of Conspirituality provides a critical lens on the intersections of wellness activism and conspiracy-driven narratives. Derek Barras effectively dismantles the superficial victories touted by MAHA, revealing deeper issues of hypocrisy and misaligned priorities within the movement. For listeners seeking a nuanced understanding of the current trends in wellness and public health advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights and provocative commentary.

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