On this, our 307th Evolutionary Lens livestream, we discuss short form video (SFV), advertisers coming for our dreams, and a review of where we are, and where we are headed. Short form video has negative impacts on both cognitive capacity and mental health in youth and adults; in the context of recent research, we discuss laugh track, philosophy of science, and how tiny actions that appear to have no harm can be very harmful in the aggregate. Then: humans have a long history of accessing our hypnogogic states—between waking and sleep—for creative or spiritual purposes. Now, most companies surveyed are looking into “targeted dream incubation” as a way to change consumer behavior, including Burger King with their 2018 green-bunned “Nightmare King” burger. How do we resist? Finally: an intercalary period is when the absence of an even number of days in the year catches up with our calendars, and we add things like leap days. The mismatch between the solstice, Christmas, and new year’s may point to this reality, and we seem to be living in a metaphorical one. We can’t predict what comes next; the political landscape is in chaotic motion; Silver’s rise in price may set off market collapse—so what can you do? Spend time in person with real people; develop real relationship; and become comfortable in solitude. Treasure your privacy, and both time alone, and time together.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Nguyen et al 2025. Feeds, feelings, and focus: A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the cognitive and mental health correlates of short-form video use. Psych Bull 151(9):1125: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-89350-001.pdf
Marlan 2023. The Nightmare of Dream Advertising. Wm & Mary Law Rev 65: 259: https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmlr/vol65/iss2/2/
Crawford 2016. The World Beyond Your Head: https://www.amazon.com/World-Beyond-Your-Head-Distraction/dp/0374535914
Timestamps:
00:07:01 New Years Eve in Hong Kong
00:20:25 Study on Short-Form Video
01:13:13 Nightmare of Dream Advertising
01:35:43 2025 Wrap-Up
01:49:54 2026 Words of Caution
Will European wheat have an effect on Bret Weinstein? This is Part II of his European experiment, the results.
Watch Part I: https://rumble.com/v6pns8o-is-bret-allergic-to-european-wheat.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp
Dr. Bret Weinstein is running an experiment on himself. After a decade of avoiding wheat he has tried eating it while in Spain. In this update video he explains how he has been feeling and answers common questions around glyphosate and dry fasting.
Watch more on the topic of glyphosate and dry fasting from Bret and Heather:
It’s not Complicated: The 230th Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying https://rumble.com/v52it2i-the-230th-evolutionary-lens-with-bret-weinstein-and-heather-heying.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp
Think Fast: The 252nd Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying https://rumble.com/v5rcks8-the-252nd-evolutionary-lens-with-bret-weinstein-and-heather-heying.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp
No live stream today, instead Bret is running an experiment from Spain.
Do you have a wheat allergy? Have you been able to eat wheat in Europe without the symptoms you experience in America? After a decade without intentionally eating wheat, Bret Weinstein is running an experiment while visiting Spain - will the European wheat cause the same symptoms he experiences when stateside?
Watch more on the topic of allergies and vaccines from Bret and Heather:
Mr. Jones and Me: Nathan Jones on DarkHorse
https://youtu.be/anC_au3HhdA?si=rNhk6_SUzF0lsgI1&t=1781
Bret and Heather 180th DarkHorse Podcast Livestream: Allergies, Adjuvants, & Affirmative Action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5Ra_qW470w?si=G9BTq7Nv3WusHR2-&t=1968
Joe Rogan Experience #2198 - Bret Weinstein https://youtu.be/iOQdjgdRcfA?si=d-hVtgZ54MZ96Jdn&t=5664
Bret talks to Russell Brand in the wake of his Baptism.
Find Russell on X: @rustyrockets (https://x.com/rustyrockets)
Find Russell on Rumble: https://rumble.com/russellbrand
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Happy New Year my Dark Horse friends! Wishing one and all tons of health, love, and prosperity in 2026
I ushered in the new year with two of my favorite women in the world, my mom and youngest daughter. We made these candles, one for each of us, and then a yellow one as the fourth as a collaborative 😊. Yellow signifies wealth and abundance. 2026 here we come 😊
