Podcast Summary: "It Went Completely Viral" Brett Cooper Talks Internet Drama & The Pendragon With Michael Knowles

Podcast: The Michael Knowles Show
Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Michael Knowles (A)
Guest: Brett Cooper (B)

Overview

In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Michael Knowles is joined by Brett Cooper, former Daily Wire host and actor in the new epic series Pendragon Cycle. Their conversation dives into Cooper's recent viral post about marijuana-induced psychosis in her family, critiques of long-held cultural attitudes toward cannabis, and insights from behind the scenes of Pendragon Cycle. The dialogue moves seamlessly from deeply personal stories to media criticism and the joy (and pitfalls) of creative work outside of Hollywood.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brett Cooper’s Viral Tweet and the Marijuana-Psychosis Debate

• [00:34–13:15]
  • Brett’s tweet responding to a New York Times editorial admitting the paper’s previous errors regarding the safety of marijuana use goes viral.
  • Brett shares a deeply personal account: Her brother’s schizophrenia was most likely triggered by years of cannabis use as a form of self-medication following family tragedy.
  • She emphasizes that while her brother endured trauma, many studies show marijuana-induced psychosis affects people without such backgrounds.
  • Brett and Michael note the cultural dogma that marijuana is harmless, contrasting it with how society openly discusses the risks of alcohol.
  • The New York Times’ reluctant admission of being “wrong” on marijuana is dissected—both hosts see their equivocation as emblematic of larger issues in mainstream media.

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Cooper ([02:14]):

  "There are this connection between cannabis and psychosis is now very well established ... The NIH was saying, hey, there is a risk here. There's a connection between cannabis and psychosis. We knew that in 2008, and they basically shoved all of that down and said, 'Oh my gosh, it's harmless.'"

• Michael Knowles ([06:49]):

  "Not one regular marijuana user has ever in the history of vegetation admitted that maybe it could possibly be a problem. There's so much cope. There's so much denial."

• Brett Cooper ([08:33]):

  "There is a study that just came out in 2024 that says 41.3% of young men who have a psychotic episode due to their cannabis usage—within three years, that turns into full-blown schizophrenia."

• Michael Knowles ([09:43]):

  "I've never seen anyone benefit from habitual marijuana use... The fact that you even mention your brother self-medicating because of this trauma, that of course tells you your brother would have been much better for him had he had talk therapy or had he been able to speak to a priest."

Memorable Moment:

• Brett recounts her brother witnessing his twin’s death in adolescence, which precipitated increased marijuana use before psychosis onset ([04:59]).

2. Why the Topic is So Triggering, and Culture’s Double Standards

• [06:31–12:48]
  • Both highlight the disproportionate anger and denial that erupts whenever marijuana risks are mentioned online.
  • Brett notes: "People are so angry... they get so triggered." She decries the lack of honest dialogue and the way vulnerable young people are misled.
  • Michael draws a parallel to how society treats alcohol, pointing out, "We talk about it as we're drinking the margaritas. We know that it is poison. But why is it when we just try to have that same conversation and lay that foundation with cannabis that we all just get screamed at?"

3. Behind the Scenes of Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Pendragon

• [14:46–19:22]
  • Michael transitions to lighter fare with enthusiasm for Pendragon Cycle, airing on Daily Wire.
  • They discuss the unique nature of a major historical fantasy series being created by conservatives outside the mainstream industry.
  • Brett reflects on the empowering atmosphere of the set in Hungary, the passion of a mostly unknown cast, and the bonds formed during production.
  • She shares appreciation for the opportunity to revisit storytelling without the toxic, unstable Hollywood environment she left behind.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Knowles ([15:38]):

  “Can they pull it off? And I think it landed... Even from people who don't like Daily Wire...they're saying, you know, it's good!”

• Brett Cooper ([16:55]):

  “They were saying, and we have to acknowledge the people on the right who are doing this because it is good and it has great substance...I grew up acting, and had not really dipped my toe back into it...and it reminded me why I love storytelling and why I love filmmaking.”

Memorable Moment:

• Brett mentions her deep friendship with Rose Reed, a writer on the show ([18:16]), and the thrill of seeing Joe Rogan discuss the series ([16:44]).

4. The ‘Acting Bug,’ Family, and the Realities of Creative Careers

• [19:22–24:12]
  • Brett reflects on why she moved away from acting: prioritizing autonomy, family, and not wanting to be beholden to Hollywood’s demands.
  • She relates her experience to country singer Cody Johnson’s story of choosing one vocation while always feeling the “itch” for another.
  • Brett savors the fulfillment of her current work—balancing creative outlets, storytelling via her show, and her new family—without sacrificing what matters most.
  • Michael echoes this, sharing anecdotes from his time in theater and from a Dante scholar’s advice about being “the real thing.”

Notable Quotes:

• Brett Cooper ([22:27]):

  “There's very little that I love more than storytelling, and that would be having a family and having control over my life.”

• Michael Knowles ([24:12]):

  “I used to be an actor. Now I am the real thing. And I thought it was such a beautiful [idea]...In a way, you’re kind of the real thing.”

Memorable Moment:

• Brett’s “Dear Rodeo” analogy about persistent creative longing ([20:56]).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:34 — Introduction and viral tweet context
• 02:14 — Brett’s brother’s story and pot/psychosis connection
• 06:31 — Why marijuana is a “trigger” online
• 08:33 — Recent study showing risk from cannabis use
• 09:43 — Societal double standards: alcohol vs. cannabis
• 14:46 — Pendragon Cycle trailer and production discussion
• 16:55 — Reception of the show and right-wing creative projects
• 19:22 — Acting, family life, and stepping away from Hollywood
• 24:12 — Philosophical reflections on art, vocation, and fulfillment

Notable Quotes (Consolidated with Timestamps)

• Brett Cooper ([02:14]): "This connection between cannabis and psychosis is now very well established... We basically indoctrinated and lied to an entire society about this."
• Michael Knowles ([06:49]): "Not one regular marijuana user has ever in the history of vegetation admitted that maybe it could possibly be a problem."
• Brett Cooper ([08:33]): "41.3% of young men who have a psychotic episode due to their cannabis usage—within three years, that turns into full-blown schizophrenia."
• Michael Knowles ([15:38]): "Can they pull it off? And I think it landed... they're saying, you know, it's good!"
• Brett Cooper ([22:27]): “There's very little that I love more than storytelling, and that would be having a family and having control over my life.”

Tone and Style

The conversation is earnest, open, sometimes humorous, with Michael injecting wry observations and playful jabs (“the lady Ben Shapiro has been gone”). Brett brings layered personal experience and humility, particularly regarding her family’s struggles and her career choices. Both share a measured skepticism of mainstream media narratives, a passion for telling substantive stories, and an appreciation for the new avenues of creative independence.

Summary

This episode stands out as a heartfelt and engaging exchange tackling real consequences of drug culture, the need for open dialogue about risks, and the triumphs and struggles of forging a creative life aligned with one’s values. Michael and Brett showcase the importance of integrity, candor, and community—on screen and off.