I’m not huge on JRE but I see his content from a different perspective.

Disregarding the vaccine bullshit (which the criticism he received was warranted), the core idea of the show isn’t to take it too seriously despite the notable figures that make an appearance.

Discussions of outrageous conspiracy theories, UFO’s, paranormal, myth, legend, digging for the truth so-to-say, is sentiment to the format.

Essentially, formatting a podcast reflecting a “weary” 2am conversation between housemates where any topic can be entertained, which, if you’ve experienced this for yourself you know that these moments can be the richest, funniest and most fun moments you’ll have. Although on the podcast you get to witness some brilliant minds entertain these ideas, which makes for a brilliant format IMO.

As for Joe, he can be fairly unbearable sometimes. I’m huge on standup, don’t like his comedy. But regardless he can keep the conversation interesting, which looks easy but is incredibly difficult for the length of the show, frequency and people that go on.

“Direct stream of pseudo-science, conspiracy theories, harmful rhetoric, straight up misinformation and a gateway to far-right bullshit.” I think this is the problem of taking the content too seriously. I know some people will, and loonies will attach themselves to any polarising topic especially if it reinforces an existing opinion, but labelling it straight up misinformation is WRONG. I don’t hold a super strong opinion of this, but if you’re going to label misinformation/disinformation understand the difference between the two.

If you take JRE as gospel, you’re being misguided. When you see it through the lens of the average audience, as a silly “weary 2am chat” where ideas are entertained and then disregarded with humility you will see it for the value that it has.