Bjarte’s non-pharmaceutical solution

Bjarte prefaces the reveal of his prize by reminding Atle that the pre-show opening chat had revealed that Bjarte believes himself to be “a depressed, anxious old fart”.

As such, Bjarte says he is often on the look-out for anything that can liven his mental atmosphere. He acknowledges that doctors can prescribe pills to help, but that, for his prize, he has turned to the “industry of quacks” for something instead.

Bjarte brings in – and demonstrates – a pair of headphones that purports to help one’s mental health by shining what appears to be UV light into the user’s ears. To help with his presentation, he uses a small hand-held smoke machine to make the light more visible.

He claims that this non-pharmaceutical treatment “only” costs a few thousand kroner.

Atle awards Bjarte fourth place.

(Written by Jenny R and proofread by Karl Craven)

(Illustrations collected by Jenny R and adjusted by David Fuller)