5. Doctor’s Orders

Jamie sits down with Dr Aseem Malhotra, the cardiologist who reaches millions through alternative media with his claims about Covid vaccines - and who is, he says, nervous about talking to the BBC. Jamie goes through his arguments carefully, with an open mind. But the harder question isn't whether Malhotra is right or wrong. It's what it means that so many people trust him more than they trust the institutions that are supposed to tell us the truth.

Note: This episode has been edited since first broadcast. The programme discusses a peer reviewed academic paper in which the authors make clear it should not be used in support of the kinds of claims about Covid vaccine harms and benefits being made by Dr Malhotra. A statement that the authors made this clear in the paper because they were told to do so has been removed.

Presenter: Jamie Bartlett

Series Producer: Tom Pooley

Sound Design: Rob Speight

Production Coordinator: Neena Abdullah

Original music: Coach Conrad

Editor: Craig Templeton Smith

A Tempo+Talker production for BBC Radio 4.