Ep 13. Hypnosis

In season 2 episode 13 of Penn and Teller Bullshit, the duo takes on the topic of hypnosis. Many people believe that hypnosis can help with weight loss, smoking cessation, and even pain management, but Penn and Teller are skeptical. They set out to deconstruct the myth of hypnosis and explore what's really going on.

The episode begins with Penn and Teller attending a hypnosis show where audience members are brought up on stage and put into a trance. They make the point that the people who volunteer are likely already open to the idea and highly suggestible. They also point out that many of the suggestions given during the show are fairly innocuous, like feeling warm or experiencing a tingling sensation. They question whether these suggestions are really doing anything at all.

Next, Penn and Teller visit a hypnotist who claims to use hypnosis for weight loss. The hypnotist puts Teller into a trance and suggests that he will no longer crave junk food. However, Penn and Teller note that Teller wasn't really craving junk food to begin with, and that the suggestion might not be all that effective after all. They also speak with a psychologist who explains that hypnosis might be effective in helping people with anxiety or phobias, but that it's not a cure-all.

The duo then takes on the topic of hypnosis in the medical field. They visit a dentist who uses hypnosis instead of anesthesia during procedures like extractions. Penn and Teller admit that this is an area where hypnosis could be effective, but they question whether it's ethical to use it instead of traditional anesthesia, which has been proven effective.

Finally, Penn and Teller explore the world of stage hypnotism. They attend a show where audience members are brought on stage and put into a trance. However, this time, they note that some of the suggestions seem to be more extreme, including having people act out certain scenarios. They question whether it's ethical to use hypnosis in this way and highlight the potential dangers.

Throughout the episode, Penn and Teller use their trademark humor to poke fun at the idea of hypnosis. They make the point that a lot of what people believe about hypnosis is based on pseudoscience and that there's no real evidence to support many of the claims made by hypnotists. They also highlight the potential dangers of using hypnosis, including the possibility of creating false memories.

Overall, season 2 episode 13 of Penn and Teller Bullshit is an entertaining and informative exploration of the world of hypnosis. It raises important questions about the use of hypnosis in various fields and challenges viewers to think critically about the science behind it. Whether you're a believer in hypnosis or a skeptic, this episode is sure to make you think twice about the power of suggestion.