Episode Overview
Podcast: Conspirituality
Episode Title: Bonus Sample: The Monetization of MAHA
Host: Derek Beres
Date: December 22, 2025
This episode investigates the murky intersection of public health, conspiracy-influenced wellness culture, and the monetization of anti-vax rhetoric through the branding strategy "MAHA" ("Make America Healthy Again"). Host Derek Beres dissects the rise of MAHA as a commercial and ideological force, its tight connections to political power (specifically RFK Jr., Trump, and associated influencers), and the profiteering layers behind the movement's public health messaging.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. CDC's Shift and the Appointment of Dr. Ralph Abraham
- (00:03–01:33)
- A ceremonial swearing-in of Dr. Ralph Abraham, introduced as a new senior CDC leader.
- Host sharply critiques Abraham's credentials and history:
- Former state Surgeon General in Louisiana, notorious for halting mass vaccination campaigns.
- Beliefs and policy stances considered anti-scientific by mainstream standards:
- ACA (Affordable Care Act) repeal support.
- Opposition to Medicaid expansion.
- Dismissal of masking, lockdowns, and vaccine requirements as "practically ineffective."
- Claims of vaccine-induced miscarriages, autism, and widespread daily vaccine injuries.
- Support for unrelated conservative causes (e.g., Keystone pipeline).
Quote:
"Pretty funny that they're refocusing on infectious diseases by announcing Dr. Ralph Abraham, considering he forced the state of Louisiana to stop promoting its mass vaccination campaign when he served as Surgeon General..."
— Derek Beres (01:33)
2. The Club Mentality & RFK Jr.’s Patronage
- (01:33–02:49)
- Beres elaborates on what he calls “the club” dynamic: if your beliefs align with RFK Jr. and the current administration, you’re rewarded with position and influence.
- Predicts that RFK Jr. will "be giving out a whole lot of gifts very soon—and then likely financially benefit from it".
- Reveals that Kennedy personally profited from MAHA trademarks ($100,000 in licensing fees) before transferring the trademark to Dell Bigtree, a known anti-vax propagandist, once gifted a federal appointment.
Quote:
"If your beliefs line up with Kennedy, you get rewarded, which is what I want to talk about today."
— Derek Beres (01:59)
3. The Web of MAHA Trademark Ownership
- (02:49–05:47)
- Explains the transfer of MAHA™ branding:
- Dell Bigtree, as controller of MAHA Worldwide, took over from Kennedy and then transferred it to MAHA™ LLC in June.
- Gavin D. Becker, a security specialist with a storied and controversial past, is now listed as the director.
- Discusses D. Becker’s history—including defending Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic scandals and substantial financial backing of RFK Jr.’s campaign for "security services."
- Explains the transfer of MAHA™ branding:
4. D. Becker’s Critique of Vaccine Campaigns
- (05:16–05:47)
- D. Becker, in a quoted exchange with Mike Rowe, characterizes the global COVID vaccination effort as "the largest and best funded persuasion campaign in the history of the world," alluding to manipulation via appeals to civic duty and fear of harming the vulnerable.
Quote:
"The persuasion campaign was probably the largest and best funded persuasion campaign in the history of the world. I'm talking about COVID vaccines, mRNA vaccines all over the planet, billions of doses. And it came at you... You'll be helping others... You'll be saving grandma..."
— Gavin D. Becker (05:16)
5. The Commercialization Scope: MAHA As a Mega-Brand
- (05:47–07:58)
- Beres analyzes the extreme breadth of the MAHA trademark filing—ten categories signaling a vast empire of products and services, not just a mere activist slogan.
- Many of Kennedy’s public statements as HHS Secretary now align with the potential scope of MAHA monetization.
- Stresses that this isn’t normal trademark or brand-building—this is an expansive, orchestrated commercial venture closely intertwined with political power and anti-vaccine activism.
Quote:
"From inception, he planned on building an empire of products and services with the name MAHA. And I'm not being hyperbolic about calling it an empire."
— Derek Beres (06:30)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------------|-------| | 01:33 | Derek Beres | "Pretty funny that they're refocusing on infectious diseases by announcing Dr. Ralph Abraham..." | | 01:59 | Derek Beres | "If your beliefs line up with Kennedy, you get rewarded, which is what I want to talk about today." | | 05:16 | Gavin D. Becker | "The persuasion campaign was probably the largest and best funded persuasion campaign in the history of the world. I'm talking about COVID vaccines..." | | 06:30 | Derek Beres | "From inception, he planned on building an empire of products and services with the name MAHA. And I'm not being hyperbolic about calling it an empire." |
Important Segment Timestamps
- 00:03–01:33 — Introduction and Dr. Ralph Abraham’s swearing-in, contextual critique
- 01:33–02:49 — The “club” dynamic; RFK Jr.'s financial connections to MAHA
- 02:49–05:16 — MAHA trademark's handoff: Kennedy → Bigtree → D. Becker; D. Becker’s background
- 05:16–05:47 — D. Becker’s vaccine campaign critique (quote with Mike Rowe)
- 05:47–07:58 — Expansive nature of MAHA trademark, the “empire” plan, and host’s analysis
Conclusion & Takeaways
- The episode powerfully elucidates how the anti-vax and conspirituality movements monetize both their messaging and policy influence at the highest levels.
- Derek Beres argues that, rather than upholding public health, new leadership at the CDC and HHS are aligned with commercial, conspiratorial, and ideological interests—centered around the lucrative MAHA brand.
- The clubbiness and gift-exchanging behind such movements further entrench their power, making it harder for evidence-based health discourse to break through.
- Listeners are left with a clear sense of how anti-science becomes big business under the guise of "wellness" and freedom.