RFK Jr., SSRIs and Scientology: Where Does the Evidence End and the Anti-Psychiatry Narrative Begin?
Today, at the beginning of the episode, Asif and Ali discuss the recent passing of Irish singer Glen Hansard. Then based on recent “Popular Information” articles, Asif and Ali discuss Scientology, their war on psychiatry and SSRI’s and the connection to RFK Jr.
The guys start by discussing L. Ron Hubbard, the pulp and science-fiction writer who developed Dianetics in 1950, introducing concepts such as the “reactive mind,” “engrams,” and “auditing.” They then explore how Dianetics evolved into Scientology, including the E-meter, the concepts of “Clear” and “Operating Thetan,” and the more esoteric teachings surrounding the intergalactic warlord Xenu and “body thetans” (as seen on South Park). Then they examine why Scientology developed such a profound opposition to psychiatry and psychiatric medications—and how that campaign continues today through organizations such as the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). They also do a deep dive into the controversy surrounding Tom Cruise, Brooke Shields and Matt Lauer on the “Today Show”.
They then turn to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his repeated criticism of SSRIs, including his controversial comparison of antidepressant discontinuation to “withdrawal” and his suggestions that SSRIs may contribute to violence and school shootings. Asif separates legitimate concerns—such as antidepressant side effects, discontinuation symptoms, appropriate prescribing, and the need for careful monitoring—from claims that go beyond the available evidence. They also examine the striking overlap between Kennedy's rhetoric and longstanding Scientology talking points, Scientology's public support for some of Kennedy's initiatives, and Kennedy's disclosed financial relationship with the law firm Wisner Baum, which has pursued litigation involving psychiatric medications.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
Contact us at doctorvcomedian@gmail.com
Follow us on Social media:
Twitter: @doctorvcomedian
- RFK Jr., Scientology, and the war on antidepressants: https://popular.info/p/rfk-jr-scientology-and-the-war-on
- Going Clear: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_Clear_(film)
- Scientology: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-scientology
- What Scientologist Actually Believe: https://www.southparkstudios.com/video-clips/54abfk/south-park-what-scientologist-actually-believe
- Scientology and Psychiatry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_and_psychiatry
- Tom Cruise's Heated Interview With Matt Lauer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFgF1JPNR5E
- No, Antidepressants Do Not Cause Mass Shootings: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/mass-shootings-antidepressants-rfk-conspiracy-theory/
- Kennedy’s Push to Curb Antidepressants Has Shaken Psychiatry: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/24/science/rfk-jr-antidepressants-ssri-psychiatry.html
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
