Dr. Tom Frieden has served as Director of the CDC and as Commissioner of the NYC Health Department. In the first half, he discussed public health and ways to evaluate medical advice. Reflecting on the pandemic, he acknowledged both successes and failures. "Some of the things we did prevented probably half a million, maybe even a million deaths," though there were early missteps such as prolonged school closures, which he opposed based on evidence that children were not major spreaders of COVID-19.
Frieden shared his public health formula: "See, believe, create." This approach involves recognizing invisible health threats through epidemiology, believing change is possible, and collaborating to implement solutions. He illustrated this with his tuberculosis control work in New York City, where identifying and addressing hospital-driven spread of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis led to an 80% reduction in cases and contributed to preventing 30 million deaths worldwide.
On individual health, he stressed six key areas: blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity, diet, sleep, and avoiding toxins. He singled out high blood pressure as the leading global killer, noting that "only half of people with high blood pressure have even minimally well-controlled it." He urged patients to work with clinicians to maintain optimal blood pressure. Physical activity, Dr. Frieden described as "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug," advising at least 30 minutes of exercise four days a week, such as through brisk walking. Regarding nutrition, he urged humility in interpreting research, pointing out that much of what is presented as fact online is guesswork, though he did recommend reducing one's sodium and sugar intake.
-------------
In the latter half, documentary filmmaker Dean Alioto shared insights from his extensive seven-year exploration into UFO and extraterrestrial phenomena. Unlike typical UFO documentaries focusing on human perspectives, he took a novel approach by hypothesizing the alien viewpoint, and engaging such luminaries as physicist Michio Kaku and philosopher Nick Bostrom, creator of the simulation hypothesis. Bostrom suggested aliens possibly created the human race, and that we are living inside a program they developed.
Regarding depicting alien perspectives, "the only way to really do that is to interview one of them," Alioto said. Since direct contact with aliens remains elusive, his film featured astronaut Sian Proctor, who offered a unique viewpoint as an artist who experienced Earth from space. Her reflections on the "overview effect" provided a profound interpretation of seeing our planet from an alien-like vantage point. Filming an experiencer support group, he noted the authenticity and diversity of those affected, including professionals like doctors and Homeland Security supervisors. "I have a pretty good BS meter because I worked on crime shows for 20 years, and it didn't even blip," he said, affirming his belief that "we are being visited. It's been going on for a long time."
The discussion also touched on the possibility that extraterrestrial beings might have been identified as fallen angels and other beings in ancient times. Religious studies professor Diana Pasulka, featured in Alioto's documentary Life Beyond Earth, found striking parallels between religious texts and UFO phenomena. He also shared details of a scientific analysis of exotic metal samples that might be of extraterrestrial origin.
The last half-hour featured a replay of George's 2011 interview with author Brad Steiger discussing alien mysteries.
News segment guests: Douglas Mulhall, Kevin Randle