Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 964
Title: Mysterious "Drones" Spread, Media Malpractice, and How Medical Journals Became Captured
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guests: Hugh Hewitt, Dr. Asim Malhotra
Release Date: December 13, 2024
1. Introduction
Megyn Kelly opens the show by addressing the current political landscape with President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration. She highlights the media's varied reactions, referencing figures like Don Lemon and Jeff Bezos, and introduces the episode's main topics: mysterious drone sightings, media malpractice, and issues within medical journals.
2. Mysterious Drone Sightings and Federal Response
Speakers: Megyn Kelly & Hugh Hewitt
Megyn Kelly discusses recent reports of unidentified drones spotted in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland expressed his concerns, stating:
"We are being told that neither the White House, the military, the FBI, or Homeland Security have any idea what they are, where they're coming from, or who has launched or is controlling them."
[02:52] Megyn Kelly
Hugh Hewitt adds to the skepticism surrounding federal responses, questioning the credibility of official statements:
"Why would anyone at the White House expect us to believe them when they told us for two years that President Biden was spry and doing jumping jacks and backflips in the Oval Office..."
[07:54] Hugh Hewitt
The duo explores possible origins of the drones, speculating whether they could be linked to adversarial nations like China or even non-state actors, but dismiss the likelihood of hobbyist involvement due to the drones' sophisticated configuration.
3. ProPublica's Investigation of Pete Hegseth
Speakers: Megyn Kelly & Hugh Hewitt
Megyn Kelly shifts focus to ProPublica's attempted investigation into Pete Hegseth's West Point application, which ProPublica allegedly reported as false. The investigation revealed that West Point had no records of Hegseth applying or being admitted. In response, Hegseth publicly shared his acceptance letter, leading ProPublica to retract their story.
Hugh Hewitt criticizes ProPublica's journalistic integrity:
"If you get into Princeton, you will have certainly gotten into West Point, especially if you're a fit young man like Pete Exit."
[13:59] Hugh Hewitt
He further questions the motives behind ProPublica's initial attempt to discredit Hegseth, suggesting it was an effort to undermine his confirmation as Secretary of Defense.
4. Press Coverage of Trump Transition & Mar-a-Lago
Speakers: Megyn Kelly & Hugh Hewitt
The discussion turns to the challenges faced by reporters covering the Trump transition at Mar-a-Lago. Megyn quotes a New York Magazine article highlighting how reporters are being kept at a distance, unlike the more accessible press engagements during the 2016 campaign.
Hugh Hewitt expresses frustration over the reduced access:
"I can't be sympathetic because the president elect has talked to Time magazine, to NBC, and to Jim Cramer at the stock exchange. All three of those were fairly in depth."
[28:15] Hugh Hewitt
Both hosts lament the current media environment, underscoring a shift towards reduced transparency and accessibility for journalists.
5. Clarissa Ward's CNN Reporting Controversy
Speakers: Megyn Kelly & Hugh Hewitt
Megyn Kelly brings up a controversial report by CNN's Clarissa Ward, where she interviews a prisoner purportedly held by Bashar Al Assad in Syria. The report has raised questions about its authenticity, with critics pointing out inconsistencies such as the prison's cleanliness and the prisoner's seeming well-being after alleged starvation.
Hugh Hewitt draws parallels to previously staged media events, expressing suspicion:
"It's either a great scoop or a great dupe. It's one or the other."
[38:00] Hugh Hewitt
He emphasizes the need for media outlets to maintain skepticism and rigor in verifying such sensitive reports to avoid becoming unwitting tools of propaganda.
6. Discussion on COVID Vaccines, Big Pharma, and Statins with Dr. Asim Malhotra
Speakers: Megyn Kelly & Dr. Asim Malhotra
Dr. Asim Malhotra, cardiologist and creator of the documentary First Do No Farm, joins the show to discuss the influence of big pharma on healthcare, the controversy surrounding statins, and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.
Statins and Heart Disease: Dr. Malhotra challenges the conventional understanding of cholesterol's role in heart disease, citing his research that suggests:
"High cholesterol, so-called LDL, bad cholesterol, isn't really a significant risk factor for heart disease."
[54:09] Dr. Asim Malhotra
He argues that insulin resistance, driven by high sugar and processed food intake, is a more critical factor in heart disease. Dr. Malhotra advocates for lifestyle changes over medication, highlighting cases like his patient Tony, who improved his health by discontinuing statins and adopting a Mediterranean, low-carb diet.
Big Pharma and Medical Journals: Dr. Malhotra discusses the problematic relationship between big pharma and medical publishing, referencing historical cases like Merck's Vioxx scandal:
"Medical journals are essentially businesses now... drug companies will do a drug trial, publish it in a medical journal, and then it's not just about advertising."
[80:19] Dr. Asim Malhotra
He criticizes the lack of independent evaluation of drug trials and the resulting misinformation that affects patient care.
COVID-19 Vaccines Concerns: Addressing COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Malhotra expresses skepticism about their safety and efficacy, particularly mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. He claims:
"Serious harm is there... almost certainly caused by the vaccine."
[75:44] Dr. Asim Malhotra
He references analyses suggesting that the risks of vaccination may outweigh the benefits, especially in high-risk groups, and calls for a transformation in how medical information is disseminated and trusted.
7. Conclusion
Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with Dr. Malhotra's documentary, First Do No Farm, available at nofarmfilm.com. She emphasizes the importance of questioning established medical narratives and staying informed through alternative media sources.
Hugh Hewitt reiterates the need for accountability in both federal responses to national security concerns and journalistic integrity. The hosts conclude by promoting upcoming special episodes and extending their gratitude to listeners.
Notable Quotes:
-
Governor Larry Hogan on Drone Sightings:
"We are being told that neither the White House, the military, the FBI, or Homeland Security have any idea what they are..."
[02:52] Megyn Kelly -
Hugh Hewitt on Federal Credibility:
"Why would anyone at the White House expect us to believe them when they told us for two years that President Biden was spry..."
[07:54] Hugh Hewitt -
Dr. Asim Malhotra on Statins:
"High cholesterol, so-called LDL, bad cholesterol, isn't really a significant risk factor for heart disease."
[54:09] Dr. Asim Malhotra -
Dr. Asim Malhotra on Big Pharma's Influence:
"Medical journals are essentially businesses now... drug companies will do a drug trial, publish it in a medical journal, and then it's not just about advertising."
[80:19] Dr. Asim Malhotra
Disclaimer: This summary reflects the content and viewpoints presented by the hosts and guests of The Megyn Kelly Show in Episode 964. The views expressed may not represent factual consensus and should be approached with critical consideration and further research.
