Podcast Summary: "Johnson & Johnson – The Biggest Medical Conspiracy in U.S. History"

Hosted by Dr. Josh Axe | Guest: Gardner Harris | Release Date: May 22, 2025

Introduction

In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Dr. Josh Axe welcomes Pulitzer-nominated investigative journalist Gardner Harris to delve deep into what they describe as one of the most significant and deadly conspiracies in American history—Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The conversation aims to uncover the alleged malpractices of J&J, exploring how the company has potentially caused or contributed to millions of American deaths through various medical products and deceptive practices.

Unveiling Johnson & Johnson's Dark Secrets

Gardner Harris begins by asserting that Johnson & Johnson orchestrates "the largest, costliest, and deadliest criminal conspiracies in American history," attributing the deaths of approximately 2 million Americans to the company's actions (00:00). He references rare grand jury documents that reveal J&J's secretive tactics, including deceptive messages sent by sales representatives to psychiatrists:

• Deceptive Messaging: Sales reps allegedly told psychiatrists:
  1. "Don't worry about killing your patients. No one will ever catch you."
  2. "If you want to hide your tracks, diagnose these patients with late-onset schizophrenia." (07:45)

Harris emphasizes that late-onset schizophrenia is a fabricated diagnosis used to mask the true harm caused by J&J's drugs.

Dr. Josh Axe's Personal Journey and Perspective

Dr. Axe shares a personal connection to the issue, recounting his mother's battle with breast cancer and the harsh treatments she endured within the traditional medical system. This experience propelled him into the field of natural medicine, seeking alternatives that offered hope and holistic healing:

• Quote: "When I saw the doctors treating my mom, it felt like stripping her of hope. There’s no faith. This is like you're a piece of machinery." (09:00)

He expresses skepticism towards the pharmaceutical industry's motives, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the industry's public image and its alleged behind-the-scenes actions.

Case Studies of Johnson & Johnson's Misconduct

1. Risperdal and Nursing Homes:

Harris details how J&J marketed Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug intended for schizophrenia, to nursing homes for treating dementia patients—a use that has been linked to severe health risks, including death:

• Quote: "Johnson and Johnson sales reps... told psychiatrists not to worry about killing patients and to use late-onset schizophrenia diagnoses to hide their tracks." (17:00)
• Impact: Current statistics show that "one in nine nursing home patients in this country are diagnosed with late-onset schizophrenia," a diagnosis that often doesn't exist, masking the true cause of patient decline. (18:53)

2. EPO and Cancer Patients:

The discussion shifts to Erythropoietin (EPO), a drug marketed by J&J to cancer patients to alleviate fatigue. Harris claims that:

• Malpractice: J&J knew EPO could promote tumor growth, counteracting chemotherapy's effects, yet continued its distribution.
• Consequences: Approximately 500,000 American deaths are attributed to EPO misuse. (21:00)

3. Tylenol Overdose and FDA Negligence:

Harris exposes J&J's handling of Tylenol doses for infants and children, leading to numerous accidental deaths:

• Critical Error: Two different strengths of Tylenol for babies caused confusion, resulting in "dozens of deaths of babies."
• Regulatory Failure: Despite multiple advisory committees urging increased warnings, the FDA did little until legislative action was necessary. (43:00)

Media Influence and Pharmaceutical Corruption

Both hosts discuss the pervasive influence of J&J in the media and regulatory bodies:

• Media Control: J&J spends billions on litigation and advertising, allowing them to "keep its image squeaky clean" despite ongoing legal issues. (13:15)
• FDA Corruption: The FDA is portrayed as being heavily influenced by industry money, compromising its ability to regulate effectively.
  • Quote: "FDA officials say the industry is their most important customer because their salaries are paid by the industry." (38:00)

Harris suggests the need for structural changes within regulatory bodies, such as creating an independent agency to oversee post-approval product monitoring, similar to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for aviation.

COVID-19 and Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine

The conversation explores J&J's role in the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Vaccine Controversy: Harris criticizes the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, alleging it contributed to deaths, especially among nursing home patients by making them more susceptible to respiratory infections. (28:00)
• Suppression of Information: Experts hesitant to speak out against J&J, fearing legal repercussions, further obscure the vaccine's alleged dangers. (30:00)

Dr. Axe adds his perspective, expressing hope that upcoming research might reveal more about vaccines' long-term effects, while acknowledging agreement and disagreement points with Harris.

Impact on Medical Professionals and Public Trust

Harris touches on the moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals who collaborate with or are influenced by pharmaceutical companies:

• Collaboration Consequences: Doctors who oppose the prevailing narratives risk losing their licenses and livelihoods, leading to a compromised medical system. (28:00)
• Public Trust Erosion: These practices contribute to widespread distrust in the medical system and experts, making it challenging for individuals to navigate their healthcare. (25:38)

Call to Action and Future Outlook

Both hosts emphasize the importance of awareness and education in combating pharmaceutical corruption:

• Book Promotion: Dr. Axe encourages listeners to read Gardner Harris's book, "No More: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson," as a resource to understand and protect themselves from medical industry misconduct. (25:38)
• Hope for Change: Despite the daunting scale of corruption, there is a semblance of hope with the rise of alternative media and increased public scrutiny, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. (50:55)

Gardner Harris concludes with recommendations for systemic changes, including restructuring the FDA's funding and oversight mechanisms, and ensuring that doctors remain independent intermediaries rather than being influenced by pharmaceutical sales.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show presents a compelling narrative against Johnson & Johnson, alleging extensive wrongdoing that has had fatal consequences for millions. Through detailed accounts and expert insights, the hosts encourage listeners to question established medical practices and seek out the truth behind major pharmaceutical companies' actions. The discussion serves as a catalyst for greater scrutiny and calls for significant reforms within the healthcare and regulatory systems.

Disclaimer: The views and statements expressed in this podcast reflect the opinions of the speakers and may contain allegations that are subject to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult reputable sources when evaluating the claims presented.