Taste the Science: The 253rd Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying

In this 253rd in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we talk about the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.

In this week’s episode, we follow the science to fewer cow farts. Bovear, an FDA approved product that is fed to cattle to reduce their production of methane, is the result of yet more reductionist, metric-heavy research that conflates complex systems with complicated ones. Bill Gates approves, though, so what could go wrong? We discuss ruminant biology, the actual Carbon impact of grazing cattle, and some other great new products from the makers of Bovear, including “the world’s first-ever flavor created by artificial intelligence.” Then: why is the BBC’s disinformation wing concerned about what Bret said on Diary of a CEO? What happened to journalism? Finally: it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow. Liberals are supposed to be high in openness—consider being open to the differing views of your friends and family, and have a wonderful time together.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Arla Foods introduces Bovear: https://x.com/ArlaFoodsUK/status/1861403156137030083

Bovear product info: https://www.dsm.com/anh/news/downloads/infographics-checklists-and-guides/bovaer-brochure-how-cows-can-help-us-fight-climate-change.html

Mississippi State on Ruminant Biology: http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P2503_web.pdf

McAllister, T.A. and Newbold, C.J., 2008. Redirecting rumen fermentation to reduce methanogenesis. Australian journal of experimental agriculture, 48(2): 7-13: https://www.publish.csiro.au/an/EA07218

Pershouse 2016. The Ecology of Care: Medicine, Agriculture, Money, and the Quiet Power of Human and Microbial Communities. Mycelium Books: https://www.didipershouse.com/the-ecology-of-care.html

DSM’s science and research: https://our-company.dsm-firmenich.com/en/our-company/science-research.html

MIT Technology Review on methane reduction in cows: https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/10/01/1104391/2024-climate-tech-companies-rumin8-bovine-supplements/

Diary of a CEO episode w Bret: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=BN5eVlIijaUOkyVH&v=_cFu-b5lTMU&feature=youtu.be

BBC and far-right videos: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2n8pzk7gzo.amp

Oregon Health Authority and the election: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORHA/bulletins/3c0a48e

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00:00:00 Holding Screen
00:06:09 Welcome
00:08:20 Sponsors: American Hartford Gold, ARMRA, Pique’s Nandaka
00:20:48 Methane Reduction with Arla Foods’ Bovear
00:25:23 What is Bovear and how does it work?
00:28:46 What are ruminants?
00:33:33 It’s a drug for cows to reduce methane emissions.
00:34:39 Is this sustainable?
00:40:58 Creating an Autoimmune Disorder in the Animal
00:45:01 Creating Meat & Dairy that is Less Healthy
00:49:31 There will be no way for you to know.
00:53:18 I thought cows were bad for the planet?
00:55:48 You can almost TASTE the science.
01:00:53 Classic Laboratory Bio Bulls!*t
01:16:34 Ecological vs. Evolutionary Lens
01:09:58 Welcome to Complex Systems
01:11:25 BBC’s Email to Bret on Disinformation Story
01:15:45 Diary of a CEO and Host Steven Bartlett
01:21:30 Many Truths Were Once Misinformation
01:25:13 “It is the process that matters.”
01:27:14 The Climate Narrative
01:32:07 Repent from Policing Misinformation
01:36:45 Lame Duck Administration Inflaming Nuclear Conflict
01:41:11 Media Bias and Thanksgiving Catastrophe
01:48:07 Jordan Peterson's Big Five & Liberals
01:52:23 Closing