Intriguing. Perhaps you understood intuitively that the world has come slightly off the rails and this film will shed light on how current thought patterns take shape. More or less a modern Impossible Dream, with the windmills looming in the deep background.
Double or Nothing sounded like something I would enjoy so I immediately watched it and I am happy to say that I absolutely loved it! The story is terrific and the nefarious real life main characters are more intriguing than anyone you could dream up. Additionally there are unexpected twists that definitely add intrigue. How great is it to have a few wacky (and a bit marginal) friends who are great subject matter for a movie? Well done John - you are endlessly brilliant and talented!!
I’ll have to see this film. Here’s my bet with myself. Andy figures all the rest of the field will have taken the shots … but not Andy. The rest will drop out (or die) midway. Andy can safely walk the route!
If I’m right, I binge on chocolate covered macadamias from Hawaii. OMG they are good.
This is so disgusting, John. At this substack I often see Peter McCullough, a consummate professional, reciting the most recent publications on some issue of concern. And here, on that same substack, I see a promo for some piece of something, the first image of which is a young girl with a naked buttocks - there it is, her rear end right in my face. There's something wrong with this picture, John. There is something wrong with your perception about how women should be portrayed. And I find myself saying, "would I trust a doctor who associates with someone who sees women as pieces of meat?" Oh, and I forgot the prominent cleavage further into the promo piece. Thanks for sharing your worldview with all of us.
Waikiki Beach is a setting of the true story. I'm surprised that the spectacle of a young woman in a bikini on Waikiki Beach is so offensive. As I mentioned, the story was a diversion from my primary work as an investigative author. Regards, John
Come on, John, even our friend Robert below has, unwittingly, called it out for what it is - bait for the intellectually challenged. The strategy is as old as the world's oldest profession. I am truly saddened that you are surprised that the images are offensive. I believe even another who has commented on your promotion has called it lewd. Are you that desensitized to moral decency?
In any event, my point was not only about your judgment. What seems to have been lost on all, is my surprise that the promotion for this endeavor of yours would appear on the substack of a prominent medical professional who is obviously concerned about maintaining impeccable credibility. McCullough has, by virtue of his affiliation with you on this substack, endorsed what you have done, and has associated the images with his name. To call it bad taste is to be charitable.
For the record, I have written over a thousand pieces of investigative and historical scholarship for this newsletter. Over a two year period I posted a 2 brief announcements about one true crime book that I wrote and 2 about my documentary film. Please feel free to delete posts that are written by me. My name is clearly displayed as the author in the email notices. Best regards, John Leake
I subscribed to this Substack yo learn the truth about COVID, etc but John is a big reason I have stayed interested, as COVID gets tiring after a while. John also seems interested in learning and sharing truth, so he fits right in. I suspect that sexy women were part of his childhood friend's gambling world (anyone just walking through a Vegas casino would know that). So I imagine that an accurate documentary (i.e., not white-washed fiction) would involve that as part of the story and setting. If you find it disgusting, I respect you wishing not to see the image, but I am surprised you clicked on the buttocks image to see the cleavage video!
Thanks for your kind words, Robert. Indeed, I just told the this true story as it is. Thank you for subscribing to our Substack and reading my work. Best regards, John.
How nice that you respect my response. I was hoping you would approve, even as I wrote it! I am, however, sorry that standard protocol surprises you - before one comments on material, it is customary, in my profession, to review all available material, so as not to make an uninformed comment. Maybe next time when someone else does the same thing, you will understand why. You're welcome.
Thank you, also, for explaining that John is a big reason that you remain interested in McCullough's substack. Yes, I understand your point. Even based on your short comment above, I can see that you would be the type of person who would find medical reports tedious. You must be at your wit's end thinking about the mental effort that will be required to follow the bird-flu epidemic, following so closely, as it is, on the heels of Covid. So John does, indeed, know his target audience - men who need to have their information spiced up a bit with some semi-naked women because they get bored with too many facts.
JP, keep digging! Your insights are hilarious so please don't set your shovel down! Oh, but one thing will help: When you post your information filled comments, would you mind spicing them up a bit? Thanks!!
Well this is all you see at my local beaches these days. I don’t like young women letting it all hang out like this, but this is the new normal. What’s real interesting is when they are playing beach volleyball! A favorite local for the older men crowd. I guess you haven’t been lately or maybe you live nearer to a cold windswept coast?
This is quite interesting - a substack string where others make my points for me. Clearly, John has captured what these gawkers want to see, as even those commenting here seem to be drooling over the imagery. The promo video is actually worse than I have described, with the shots and how they are focused. You attract a particular type of crowd when you make a "documentary" like this - like cockroaches coming out of the woodwork. If this is what Leake and McCullough want to do with their image, that's their prerogative. But you can't draw a line and compartmentalize. We are all integrated personalities. You can't pander and then legitimately call what you say a "courageous" discourse. Hardly.
I think I understand your point? Maybe there will be those watching just for the flesh peeks - and you’re disappointed he would stoop so low and cheapen his documentary just to get viewers? I got the impression from the preview, he was capturing the culture and this guys world tho. The images don’t disturb me in the same way they do you most likely because I’m constantly exposed to it in my daily beach life and I’m not a guy but an older female - so I’m not “drooling”. I am very disappointed and concerned that young women are exposing themselves to this extent as a new norm (for my own various reasons) but it’s a way of life here now - their choice and one I’m not thrilled with observing on a daily basis! I may change my impression of his intent if I do watch the full doc tho! Appreciate your observation and drawing attn to a subject that concerns and frustrates me.
Thank you for your comment, Swish. As both you and another person commenting here have said, this is our culture. We cannot direct what culture will be. And nothing is wrong with cultural commentary. However, it IS possible to engage in cultural commentary in a dignified manner. I know of many important films that have been produced with moral integrity.
I once knew a man who was highly regarded in his field - only to discover that his "hobby" was making low-budget pornographic films. And he would tell me, "It's just entertainment. Nobody takes it seriously." He really believed that on some level, although I suspect what he did was an outgrowth of his addiction to porn. He didn't just do it, he couldn't give it up, even though he didn't need the money - by a long stretch. And so he descended, on a regular basis, from his penthouse, to make these films and surround himself with genuinely sleazy people. My only point is - the duality happens, but it reveals true character. And I am not calling John a pornographer. But John attempts to pass this off as just a diversion, entertainment suitable for a social gathering. That is a mischaracterization. It is not the kind of social gathering I or anyone I know would attend - and I'm talking about professionals, not a group of fundamental Christians at a potluck dinner (no insult intended for them, but I can see the response coming from someone here).
The trailer contains gratuitous suggestive imagery, including what I would assume is a big splash of what is portrayed as cocaine powder on the screen (apologies if I am wrong, I'm no expert, but why would there be a big splash of table salt?). If it is cocaine, that sends a message, which means it is important to ask, not does it trigger me, but does it trigger someone else? Frames like this have long been viewed by experts in the field as having the power to communicate subliminal messages. We all know that by now.
And frankly, I was shocked as I played the trailer frame-by-frame in response to comments here. The graphic imagery in the trailer (the pole dancer, the woman with the splashing water, the cleavage-in-your-face) is not necessary to make a journalistic point, nor is it necessary for a healthy diversion from day-to-day routines. Or will it be claimed that the medical freedom movement needs men who are drawn to this sort of thing to further the cause? I can do without them. I can do without the moral degradation. And to address an important point you make - the women who dress in this manner are hardly innocent - but they're not writing a substack that discusses matters of public health policy, either.
I ran the question past a friend of mine with a Ph.D. in anthropology and asked if imagery like this in a trailer would impact their perception of a physician who put the material on their substack. The answer was that it would impact their view of them even more fundamentally, as a PERSON, and they asked if I actually knew this man. That's what critics see, who have no incentive to applaud the medical freedom movement.
Too much has been written on how the progressive moral degradation we see around us leads to the softening of a society, making it incapable of defending itself against hostile actors and their techniques of psychological manipulation. The arguments are compelling. So in the end, what do we have? Pandering to those who find these images appealing, and a whitewash for those who aren't particularly drawn to them, but who are reluctant to take a stand, and so applaud what is being done.
Frustration isn't necessary, because we each choose our own position, and that is the only thing that we are responsible for, in the end. In that, we have peace, because we control what we do, what we approve of, those with whom we associate, and we can keep our hands clean. Again, thank you for a civil comment.
Hey J.P., you seem cranky as hell and I gotta tell you, all you did with your low class rant is make me wanna see this documentary all the more. Oh no! Just now I combined "want" and "see" and made it "wanna" which is such improper english! If I were you I'd go OFF on me, and if I were you I'd know I DESERVE it! But I am not you, and so you should see the smile on my face, bro!
Just watched the trailer and it immediately caught my interest. I wish the trailer was a bit longer! I’m not sure what ‘networks’ you want us to share this with….I have no ‘in’ with any entity that might assist in promoting this film that I can think of….?????
John, best wishes to you and the success of the documentary.
Intriguing. Perhaps you understood intuitively that the world has come slightly off the rails and this film will shed light on how current thought patterns take shape. More or less a modern Impossible Dream, with the windmills looming in the deep background.
Yes, the use of video to misrepresent reality is a major theme.
Done!
Thank you!
Looks like it's so well done and I can't wait to see it and will definitely share! You go, John !
Thank you, very kind!
I could use a divertimento about now...
Double or Nothing sounded like something I would enjoy so I immediately watched it and I am happy to say that I absolutely loved it! The story is terrific and the nefarious real life main characters are more intriguing than anyone you could dream up. Additionally there are unexpected twists that definitely add intrigue. How great is it to have a few wacky (and a bit marginal) friends who are great subject matter for a movie? Well done John - you are endlessly brilliant and talented!!
Thanks so much Teri! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind remarks about the film. And thank you for watching it!
Wild sounding story. Will watch. Sounds like a movie my husband will like too. Good for you! Hope it's a hit.
Just added to my watchlist! If it’s as well done as your books, it will be time well spent!
I watched this. I enjoyed it except for the bad language. So, do you think he cheated and did G-man pay?
Happy to pass on.
Good luck, John.
Love to watch it and hope your efforts are successful.
I’ll have to see this film. Here’s my bet with myself. Andy figures all the rest of the field will have taken the shots … but not Andy. The rest will drop out (or die) midway. Andy can safely walk the route!
If I’m right, I binge on chocolate covered macadamias from Hawaii. OMG they are good.
This is so disgusting, John. At this substack I often see Peter McCullough, a consummate professional, reciting the most recent publications on some issue of concern. And here, on that same substack, I see a promo for some piece of something, the first image of which is a young girl with a naked buttocks - there it is, her rear end right in my face. There's something wrong with this picture, John. There is something wrong with your perception about how women should be portrayed. And I find myself saying, "would I trust a doctor who associates with someone who sees women as pieces of meat?" Oh, and I forgot the prominent cleavage further into the promo piece. Thanks for sharing your worldview with all of us.
Waikiki Beach is a setting of the true story. I'm surprised that the spectacle of a young woman in a bikini on Waikiki Beach is so offensive. As I mentioned, the story was a diversion from my primary work as an investigative author. Regards, John
Come on, John, even our friend Robert below has, unwittingly, called it out for what it is - bait for the intellectually challenged. The strategy is as old as the world's oldest profession. I am truly saddened that you are surprised that the images are offensive. I believe even another who has commented on your promotion has called it lewd. Are you that desensitized to moral decency?
In any event, my point was not only about your judgment. What seems to have been lost on all, is my surprise that the promotion for this endeavor of yours would appear on the substack of a prominent medical professional who is obviously concerned about maintaining impeccable credibility. McCullough has, by virtue of his affiliation with you on this substack, endorsed what you have done, and has associated the images with his name. To call it bad taste is to be charitable.
For the record, I have written over a thousand pieces of investigative and historical scholarship for this newsletter. Over a two year period I posted a 2 brief announcements about one true crime book that I wrote and 2 about my documentary film. Please feel free to delete posts that are written by me. My name is clearly displayed as the author in the email notices. Best regards, John Leake
I subscribed to this Substack yo learn the truth about COVID, etc but John is a big reason I have stayed interested, as COVID gets tiring after a while. John also seems interested in learning and sharing truth, so he fits right in. I suspect that sexy women were part of his childhood friend's gambling world (anyone just walking through a Vegas casino would know that). So I imagine that an accurate documentary (i.e., not white-washed fiction) would involve that as part of the story and setting. If you find it disgusting, I respect you wishing not to see the image, but I am surprised you clicked on the buttocks image to see the cleavage video!
Thanks for your kind words, Robert. Indeed, I just told the this true story as it is. Thank you for subscribing to our Substack and reading my work. Best regards, John.
How nice that you respect my response. I was hoping you would approve, even as I wrote it! I am, however, sorry that standard protocol surprises you - before one comments on material, it is customary, in my profession, to review all available material, so as not to make an uninformed comment. Maybe next time when someone else does the same thing, you will understand why. You're welcome.
Thank you, also, for explaining that John is a big reason that you remain interested in McCullough's substack. Yes, I understand your point. Even based on your short comment above, I can see that you would be the type of person who would find medical reports tedious. You must be at your wit's end thinking about the mental effort that will be required to follow the bird-flu epidemic, following so closely, as it is, on the heels of Covid. So John does, indeed, know his target audience - men who need to have their information spiced up a bit with some semi-naked women because they get bored with too many facts.
Thank you so much for engaging with my post.
JP, keep digging! Your insights are hilarious so please don't set your shovel down! Oh, but one thing will help: When you post your information filled comments, would you mind spicing them up a bit? Thanks!!
Well this is all you see at my local beaches these days. I don’t like young women letting it all hang out like this, but this is the new normal. What’s real interesting is when they are playing beach volleyball! A favorite local for the older men crowd. I guess you haven’t been lately or maybe you live nearer to a cold windswept coast?
This is quite interesting - a substack string where others make my points for me. Clearly, John has captured what these gawkers want to see, as even those commenting here seem to be drooling over the imagery. The promo video is actually worse than I have described, with the shots and how they are focused. You attract a particular type of crowd when you make a "documentary" like this - like cockroaches coming out of the woodwork. If this is what Leake and McCullough want to do with their image, that's their prerogative. But you can't draw a line and compartmentalize. We are all integrated personalities. You can't pander and then legitimately call what you say a "courageous" discourse. Hardly.
I think I understand your point? Maybe there will be those watching just for the flesh peeks - and you’re disappointed he would stoop so low and cheapen his documentary just to get viewers? I got the impression from the preview, he was capturing the culture and this guys world tho. The images don’t disturb me in the same way they do you most likely because I’m constantly exposed to it in my daily beach life and I’m not a guy but an older female - so I’m not “drooling”. I am very disappointed and concerned that young women are exposing themselves to this extent as a new norm (for my own various reasons) but it’s a way of life here now - their choice and one I’m not thrilled with observing on a daily basis! I may change my impression of his intent if I do watch the full doc tho! Appreciate your observation and drawing attn to a subject that concerns and frustrates me.
Thank you for your comment, Swish. As both you and another person commenting here have said, this is our culture. We cannot direct what culture will be. And nothing is wrong with cultural commentary. However, it IS possible to engage in cultural commentary in a dignified manner. I know of many important films that have been produced with moral integrity.
I once knew a man who was highly regarded in his field - only to discover that his "hobby" was making low-budget pornographic films. And he would tell me, "It's just entertainment. Nobody takes it seriously." He really believed that on some level, although I suspect what he did was an outgrowth of his addiction to porn. He didn't just do it, he couldn't give it up, even though he didn't need the money - by a long stretch. And so he descended, on a regular basis, from his penthouse, to make these films and surround himself with genuinely sleazy people. My only point is - the duality happens, but it reveals true character. And I am not calling John a pornographer. But John attempts to pass this off as just a diversion, entertainment suitable for a social gathering. That is a mischaracterization. It is not the kind of social gathering I or anyone I know would attend - and I'm talking about professionals, not a group of fundamental Christians at a potluck dinner (no insult intended for them, but I can see the response coming from someone here).
The trailer contains gratuitous suggestive imagery, including what I would assume is a big splash of what is portrayed as cocaine powder on the screen (apologies if I am wrong, I'm no expert, but why would there be a big splash of table salt?). If it is cocaine, that sends a message, which means it is important to ask, not does it trigger me, but does it trigger someone else? Frames like this have long been viewed by experts in the field as having the power to communicate subliminal messages. We all know that by now.
And frankly, I was shocked as I played the trailer frame-by-frame in response to comments here. The graphic imagery in the trailer (the pole dancer, the woman with the splashing water, the cleavage-in-your-face) is not necessary to make a journalistic point, nor is it necessary for a healthy diversion from day-to-day routines. Or will it be claimed that the medical freedom movement needs men who are drawn to this sort of thing to further the cause? I can do without them. I can do without the moral degradation. And to address an important point you make - the women who dress in this manner are hardly innocent - but they're not writing a substack that discusses matters of public health policy, either.
I ran the question past a friend of mine with a Ph.D. in anthropology and asked if imagery like this in a trailer would impact their perception of a physician who put the material on their substack. The answer was that it would impact their view of them even more fundamentally, as a PERSON, and they asked if I actually knew this man. That's what critics see, who have no incentive to applaud the medical freedom movement.
Too much has been written on how the progressive moral degradation we see around us leads to the softening of a society, making it incapable of defending itself against hostile actors and their techniques of psychological manipulation. The arguments are compelling. So in the end, what do we have? Pandering to those who find these images appealing, and a whitewash for those who aren't particularly drawn to them, but who are reluctant to take a stand, and so applaud what is being done.
Frustration isn't necessary, because we each choose our own position, and that is the only thing that we are responsible for, in the end. In that, we have peace, because we control what we do, what we approve of, those with whom we associate, and we can keep our hands clean. Again, thank you for a civil comment.
Hey J.P., you seem cranky as hell and I gotta tell you, all you did with your low class rant is make me wanna see this documentary all the more. Oh no! Just now I combined "want" and "see" and made it "wanna" which is such improper english! If I were you I'd go OFF on me, and if I were you I'd know I DESERVE it! But I am not you, and so you should see the smile on my face, bro!
Hope it is a BIG hit!
Just watched the trailer and it immediately caught my interest. I wish the trailer was a bit longer! I’m not sure what ‘networks’ you want us to share this with….I have no ‘in’ with any entity that might assist in promoting this film that I can think of….?????