Topic: Placebo Effect

Placebo Effect comes up in 26 chapters across 24 episodes of The Higherside Chats Free Show, from September 2012 to August 2025.

September 2012 August 2025

Related topics

Dr. Kelly Brogan | Full Spectrum Health, Conspiracy Parenting, & Your Metaphysical Narrative
• 16:59 - 25:22

Dr. Kelly Brogan | Full Spectrum Health, Conspiracy Parenting, & Your Metaphysical Narrative

Dr. Joe Dispenza and the Power of Belief in Physical Healing

Greg Carlwood shares a listener's suggestion regarding Dr. Joe Dispenza's retreats for healing hearing loss, leading to a discussion on Dispenza's documented cases of reversing stage 4 cancer and regrowing tissue. Dr. Kelly Brogan connects these results to the work of her late mentor, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, emphasizing that faith and belief fields are primary drivers of medical outcomes. They explore the "placebo effect" not as a statistical nuisance, but as a legitimate mechanism for accessing the body's vital power.

joe dispenzanicholas gonzalezplacebo effectspontaneous remissionlynn mctaggartcancer recovery
Daniel Roytas | The Vitamin Deficiency Deception, Food Synergy, & Can You Catch A Cold?
• 1:07:57 - 1:10:24

Daniel Roytas | The Vitamin Deficiency Deception, Food Synergy, & Can You Catch A Cold?

Analysis of Historical Contagion Experiments

Greg Carlwood reviews the data from 203 historical contagion experiments cited in Daniel Roydas's book. He notes that in studies where healthy people were exposed to sick donors through coughing, sneezing, and shared items, only 12% became ill. Furthermore, 10% of control groups developed symptoms after receiving an inert placebo, suggesting that the nocebo effect and psychological expectation play a significant role in respiratory illness.

contagion experimentsplacebo effectnocebo effectmedical historyflu studies
Whistleblower “Grey” |  Bloodline Families, Eclipse Rituals, Project Monarch, & The GATE Program Conspiracy
• 8:06 - 13:13

Whistleblower “Grey” | Bloodline Families, Eclipse Rituals, Project Monarch, & The GATE Program Conspiracy

Ritual Scripts, Near Death Experiences, Astral Projection

The guest explains how ritual scripts are tailored to individuals using Ericksonian hypnotherapy to ensure the subject's psyche accepts the conditioning. Gray describes being forced into near-death experiences to facilitate out-of-body travel and astral projection into the eclipse. This process is framed as a method for the practitioners to use children as conduits for communication with non-human entities.

ericksonian hypnotherapynear death experienceastral projectiontrauma bondingplacebo effect
Dr. Roger McFillin | The Chemical Imbalance Myth, Predatory Psychiatry, & Mood Management Industry
• 16:15 - 19:45

Dr. Roger McFillin | The Chemical Imbalance Myth, Predatory Psychiatry, & Mood Management Industry

FDA Approval Process and the Failure of Long-Term Safety Studies

The FDA approval process for antidepressants is criticized for requiring only two positive studies while allowing companies to hide numerous failed trials through publication bias. Most clinical trials for these drugs last only six to eight weeks, failing to account for the long-term consequences of manipulating brain chemistry. The "serotonin deficiency" theory is described as an unproven hypothesis sold to doctors and the public to justify treating depression like diabetes.

fdaclinical trialspublication biasserotonin deficiencyplacebo effect
Free Plus Show: Ben Joseph Stewart | Esoteric Agendas, Cosmic Colonization, & The Mud Flood
• 1:55:39 - 1:58:57

Free Plus Show: Ben Joseph Stewart | Esoteric Agendas, Cosmic Colonization, & The Mud Flood

Psychedelics, MKUltra, and the Placebo Effect

The hosts discuss the "psychedelic revival" and its potential links to a modern MKUltra-style program. Ben Joseph Stewart argues that the pharmaceutical industry's primary competitor is the "placebo effect," or human consciousness itself. He expresses concern that the medicalization of substances like MDMA and ketamine by institutions like Johns Hopkins is a way to "technify" and control the spiritual experience.

Tom Kenyon | Song Of The New Earth, Hathor Sound Codes, & Psychoacoustic Portal Tech
• 45:02 - 49:14

Tom Kenyon | Song Of The New Earth, Hathor Sound Codes, & Psychoacoustic Portal Tech

Sound Codes as Facilitators for Physical Healing

The application of sound technology for physical ailments is discussed through the story of a woman who reportedly stopped a gallbladder attack using Kenyon's psychoimmunology recordings. Kenyon clarifies that the music itself does not heal, but rather facilitates a state shift in the nervous system that reduces stress and allows the body to engage its natural self-healing mechanisms. The power of belief and the placebo effect are acknowledged as significant factors in this process.

psychoimmunologygallbladderplacebo effectstress reductionself-healing
Dan Xuisoko | The Hollow Earth, The Lunar Wave, & Alchemical Eternal Youth
• 49:20 - 52:27

Dan Xuisoko | The Hollow Earth, The Lunar Wave, & Alchemical Eternal Youth

Keys of Solomon and the Power of Manifestation

Zusoko presents a hand-painted seal from the Lesser Key of Solomon, explaining that such occult tools require specific planetary hours and colors to be effective. He compares the efficacy of magic to the placebo effect in medicine, suggesting that belief and focused intent can manifest physical changes or medical remissions. References are made to Paramahansa Yogananda and the idea that astrology affects individuals regardless of their belief, though conscious study can mitigate negative impacts.

Nick Pineault | EMF Exposure Research, Health Effects, & Telecommunications Industry Capture
• 1:04:43 - 1:12:02

Nick Pineault | EMF Exposure Research, Health Effects, & Telecommunications Industry Capture

Practical EMF Mitigation and the Efficacy of Harmonizing Products

Pino provides practical advice for reducing exposure, such as unplugging chargers, disabling 4G LTE when not needed, and using ferrite beads on wired headphones to reduce dirty electricity. He remains skeptical of "harmonizing" chips, pendants, and pyramids sold on Amazon, warning that they may provide a false sense of security or a masking effect while biological damage continues. He emphasizes distance and reduced usage over supplemental products.

ferrite beadsomar millerdirty electricityplacebo effectmitigation
Clive De Carle | Tesla’s Healing Device, The Secret Health Club, & Urine Therapy
• 27:49 - 30:35

Clive De Carle | Tesla’s Healing Device, The Secret Health Club, & Urine Therapy

Placebo Effect, Belief, and Spontaneous Healing

An anecdote regarding a guest named Crow, who regained movement in a "trigger finger" using magnesium and vitamin C, leads to a discussion on the power of the mind. DeCarle admits to once achieving a "perfect" healing result with a client only to realize the machines were never actually turned on. This highlights the significant role of belief and the placebo effect in the healing process.

Joshua Cutchin & Timothy Renner | Bigfoot, High Strangeness, & Odd Folklore
• 57:16 - 59:49

Joshua Cutchin & Timothy Renner | Bigfoot, High Strangeness, & Odd Folklore

Consciousness and Relics, The Placebo Effect in Paranormal Encounters

The speakers explore the role of human consciousness in paranormal encounters, comparing the power of relics to the placebo effect. They argue against the false dichotomy of "real vs. not-real," suggesting that internal archetypes can project into the physical world and leave tangible traces.

Greg Carlwood’s Coronavirus Comments & Concerns
• 16:13 - 17:07

Greg Carlwood’s Coronavirus Comments & Concerns

Consciousness and the Power of Positive Intention

Beyond the political and conspiratorial aspects of the crisis, the importance of consciousness and intention is emphasized. The placebo effect is cited as evidence that positive thoughts and focused intention can impact reality. Engaging in exercises such as meditation or prayer is suggested as a way to maintain mental health and influence outcomes.

Dawn Lester & David Parker | What Really Makes Us Ill, Germ Theory, & The Four Factors
• 38:38 - 41:05

Dawn Lester & David Parker | What Really Makes Us Ill, Germ Theory, & The Four Factors

Placebo Effect and the Power of Belief in Illness

The authors explore the power of belief, noting that the placebo effect is a recognized phenomenon in medical trials. They suggest that people can develop real symptoms simply because they believe they have been exposed to a germ. This "reverse placebo" effect is presented as a significant factor in how illnesses appear to spread through social groups.

placebo effectbelief systemssugar pillsdrug trialspsychosomatic
Marion Nestle | Food Politics, Industry-Funded Research, & The Unsavory Truth
• 17:44 - 20:08

Marion Nestle | Food Politics, Industry-Funded Research, & The Unsavory Truth

CBD Edibles and Marketing to Children

Nestle expresses skepticism regarding the wide-ranging health claims of CBD edibles, noting a lack of rigorous research due to its Schedule 1 classification. She raises concerns about the marketing of CBD products that resemble candy or cookies, which has led to increased emergency room visits for children. The discussion questions whether the perceived benefits are real or a result of the placebo effect.

cbdcannabidiolediblesplacebo effectpediatric safety
Dr. Dana Cohen | Quench, Structured Water, & Optimum Hydration
• 35:25 - 38:39

Dr. Dana Cohen | Quench, Structured Water, & Optimum Hydration

DNA Hydration Spines and the H3O2 Equation

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a "spine of hydration" around DNA, supporting the theory that water exists in multiple density forms at room temperature. While Dr. Gerald Pollack identifies this structured phase as H3O2 based on shared electrons, the scientific community remains divided on the exact molecular equation. Dr. Cohen also notes that understanding the science behind these processes can enhance the placebo effect, strengthening the mind-body connection during healing.

Jim Elvidge | Digital Consciousness, Decoding Reality, & Unpacking The Paranormal
• 52:35 - 56:09

Jim Elvidge | Digital Consciousness, Decoding Reality, & Unpacking The Paranormal

Mechanisms of Manifestation and the Placebo Effect

Jim Elvidge explains manifestation as the ability of conscious intent to influence a flexible, software-based reality. He introduces the concept of "competing intent," explaining that personal goals like health or skill improvement are easier to manifest because they do not conflict with the collective intent of others. This framework is used to provide a scientific basis for the placebo effect, the power of positive thinking, and visualization techniques.

Michael Wann | Conspiracy Magic, Cycle Management, & Crafting Culture
• 19:46 - 22:41

Michael Wann | Conspiracy Magic, Cycle Management, & Crafting Culture

O'Hare Airport UFO Sighting, 400-Day Completion Cycle

A search for events occurring exactly 12 years prior to the Thousand Oaks shooting reveals a major UFO sighting at O'Hare Airport on November 7, 2006. The segment also addresses the 404-day gap between the Las Vegas and Thousand Oaks events, linking it to the symbolic number 400 representing completion.

o'hare airportufo sightinggoogleplacebo effectcompletion cycle
Dr. Dean Radin | Real Magic, Parapsychology, & The Lab Tested Results
• 28:40 - 34:46

Dr. Dean Radin | Real Magic, Parapsychology, & The Lab Tested Results

The Sheep-Goat Effect and the Role of Belief

The "sheep-goat effect" describes how a participant's prior belief in psychic phenomena significantly influences the outcome of parapsychological experiments. In laboratory settings, "sheep" (believers) typically produce positive results, while "goats" (skeptics) often produce null or significantly negative results. Dr. Dean Radin notes that while this resembles the placebo effect, the modulation of results occurs even in double-blind conditions where participants are unaware of their specific test group.

sheep-goat effectplacebo effectbeliefparapsychologyprinceton pear lab
Dr. William Bengston | Intention & Energy Healing: Data & Results
• 58:35 - 1:01:39

Dr. William Bengston | Intention & Energy Healing: Data & Results

Addressing Criticisms of Sociology and Placebo Effects

Dr. Bill Bengston addresses the critique that his background in sociology implies his work is merely a study of the placebo effect or social belief. He counters this by pointing to the objective cures in mice, who are not susceptible to the placebo effect. He notes that his results are often disruptive to the worldviews of his volunteers, who sometimes become angry when their skepticism is challenged by successful outcomes.

Alain Nu | Mentalism, Manifestation, Strange Experiences, &  Improving Your Psychic Ability
• 1:14:30 - 1:20:58

Alain Nu | Mentalism, Manifestation, Strange Experiences, & Improving Your Psychic Ability

Outro, Higher Side Chats Plus Promotion

Greg Carlwood wraps up the interview with Alon Nu, reflecting on the potential of the human mind and the spoon-bending exercise. He previews upcoming topics for Plus members, including neurofeedback, psychedelics, and synchronicity. The show concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe to the Higher Side Chats Plus for extended episodes, forum access, and an ad-free experience.

THC 99: Alexx Bollen | Occultism, Chaos Magick, & The THC Tarot Forecast
• 29:57 - 32:25

THC 99: Alexx Bollen | Occultism, Chaos Magick, & The THC Tarot Forecast

Flow States and the Utility of Ritual

The speakers discuss the "flow state" or "the zone" as a modern manifestation of tapping into the ether for creative inspiration. Alex Boleyn argues that the objective reality of a deity is less important than the results achieved through ritual, such as overcoming writer's block. Whether the effect is psychological (placebo) or spiritual, the utility of the practice remains the primary focus for the practitioner.