PARANOID PLANET is a podcast about conspiracy theories, paradigm shifts, and critical thinking that offers serious and lighthearted conversations with people who believe in conspiracy theories, and with the skeptics who critique them. We also explore historical, philosophical, artistic, psychological, and scientific themes related to conspiracies and the study of knowledge. Whether you are an avid conspiracy follower or a hardened skeptic, our aim is to help you become a better critical thin ...
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A tale as bizarre as it is terrifying, NATURAL SELECTION: SCOTT V. WILD BILL is the stranger-than-fiction true story of a self-made millionaire enjoying an early retirement in paradise with his wife… …Until he’s framed for murder and charged with running a ruthless international crime syndicate in Bocas del Toro, Panama. His accuser? Fellow American expat and brazen con man William “Wild Bill” Holbert…who also happens to be a cold-blooded serial killer. Narrated by retired FBI profiler Candi ...
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In the mountains of central Appalachia, blood runs as deep as these hollers and just as dark. Since before our kind knew these hills, hearts of unknowable hunger and madness have slumbered beneath them. These are the darkest mountains in the world. How dare we think we can break the skin of a god and dig out its heart without bringing forth blood and darkness? Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror-anthology podcast set in the shadows of an Alternate Appalachia, a place where digging too deep in ...
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In the spring of 1983, two men share battle scars and brotherhood in the little town of Mavisdale, VA. CW: Discussion of war, divorce, marital strife, alcohol addiction, references to domestic violence, social work issues, forest / bird sounds. Written by Cam Collins Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Narrated and performed by Steve…
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Henricus Crane confronts the ghosts of his past. CW: Family strife, death of a sibling, monster violence,train sounds. Written by Steve Shell Produced and Edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Narrated and Performed by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Intro music: “The Land Unknown (The Home is Nowhere Verses: Traditional)” written and perfo…
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Episode 9.4B: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. philosopher Matthew Newland and Physicist Rémi Poirier.
2:07:19
2:07:19
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2:07:19The one in which we assemble another panel of armchair experts aboard the starship USS Swampgass to explore, assess, quarantine, and if necessary obliterate, the 2023 National Geographic series UFOs: Investigating the Unknown, featuring Leslie Kean, Luis Elizondo, Allen Hynek, and Avi Loeb, with a little help from our friends Matthew Newland and Ré…
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Pretty Polly Barrow faces shadows of the past while upholding her end of a bargain. CW: Family strife, description of a horror/monster themed kink club, death of a child, mutilation, sounds of a building being destroyed, monster noises. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by…
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Episode 9.4A: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. science writer Michael Shermer
1:52:48
1:52:48
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1:52:48The one where we investigate the latest UAP craze and its many proponents, discuss the psychology of ufology, excavate the 1947 Roswell "crashed saucer" story, ruminate over the life and mind of “Close Encounters Man” J. Allen Hynek, and gawk at a plethora of funny lights in the sky with veteran UFO Skeptics Michael Shermer and Robert Sheaffer. Bro…
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On a mission, Polly Barrow finds an unexpected ally in the dead streets of Tourniquet. CW: Family strife, discussion of monster based kinks and the unnatural conception of a child, risk of harm by weather related motor accident. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Col…
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COMING SOON: Episode 9.4: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. UFO Skeptics Michael Shermer and Robert Sheaffer
4:52
4:52
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4:52The one where we investigate the latest UAP craze and its many proponents, discuss the psychology of ufology, excavate the 1947 Roswell "crashed saucer" story, ruminate over the life and mind of “Close Encounters Man” J. Allen Hynek, and gawk at a plethora of funny lights in the sky with veteran UFO Skeptics Michael Shermer and Robert Sheaffer. Bro…
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The second arc of Season Five begins. In the winter of 1944, sibling rivalry runs rampant in the house that Barrow built. CW: Family strife, discussion of the unnatural conception of a child, occult rituals, gore. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve …
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Meet Our Cousins: The Gentleman from Hell
28:57
28:57
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28:57Three private detectives investigate the mystery of Cold Sparrow - a town that's entire population disappeared without a trace over twenty years ago. Together, the detectives seek to unravel the town's mysteries and find the enigmatic Benjamin Veers, an eccentric billionaire who resided in the once picturesque town. Credits: Written by Mark Anzalon…
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Episode 9.3C: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath
1:53:09
1:53:09
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1:53:09The one where we investigate the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO story (and other tales of strange things in the sky) with former British Ministry of Defence UFO analyst Nick Pope, science writer and UFO sceptic Ian Ridpath, and returning guest co-host Matthew Marc. (Part 3 of 3). Brought to you by a popular 1980s electronic memory game that might also …
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The first story arc of season five comes to its inevitable conclusion. CW: Gunfire, kidnapping, fist fighting, gore, body horror, desecration of corpses, monster noises, howls, animal sounds, death of a child, ritual mutilation, death by monster, death by flora. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Sh…
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Episode 9.3B: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath
2:06:40
2:06:40
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2:06:40The one where we investigate the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO story (and other tales of strange things in the sky) with former British Ministry of Defence UFO analyst Nick Pope, science writer and UFO sceptic Ian Ridpath, and returning guest co-host Matthew Marc. (Part 2 of 3). Brought to you by a popular 1980s electronic memory game that might also …
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Each side prepares for the oncoming night. CW: Discussion of suicide, dementia, depression, death of parents via auto accident, and smoking; kidnapping, occult/religious practices, religious trauma, threat of harm to an elder, CB Radio sound effects. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced…
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Episode 9.3A: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath
1:45:48
1:45:48
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1:45:48The one where we investigate the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO story (and other tales of strange things in the sky) with former British Ministry of Defence UFO analyst Nick Pope, science writer and UFO sceptic Ian Ridpath, and returning guest co-host Matthew Marc. (Part 1 of 3). Brought to you by a popular 1980s electronic memory game that might also …
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The days grow darker in Baker’s Gap as allies from different generations meet face to face. CW: Gunfire, profanity, mentions of ritual sex magic, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, cult activity, kidnapping, hobbits, threat of harm to the elderly, depiction of the aftermath of a fist fight. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Sh…
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COMING SOON! Episode 9.3: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath
3:16
3:16
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3:16The one where we investigate the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO story (and other tales of strange things in the sky) with former British Ministry of Defence UFO analyst Nick Pope, science writer and UFO sceptic Ian Ridpath, and returning guest co-host Matthew Marc. Brought to you by a popular 1980s electronic memory game that might also have served as …
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Old enemies rise as older friends try to make peace. CW: Gore, mutilation (facial, bodily, and eye), desecration of corpses, human sacrifice, cult activities, religious overtones, quasi-church service, vomit, discussion of the death of family members, addiction, support groups, homelessness. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve …
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"Stacking the Odds" was featured in the holiday live show Family Traditions, which was originally performed at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC, in December of 2023. CW: Family strife, prophecy, mention of animal butchery, discussion of infertility, Christianity, baked goods. Written by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Narrated by Steve Shell Sound desi…
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Bonus Episode 9.2B: "Space Triangle Love Bomb", feat. journalist Tony Ortega
1:18:57
1:18:57
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1:18:57The one where we deconstruct the 1997 "Phoenix Lights" UFO sightings, chide sensationalist journalists, debunk UFO junk science, rebuke New Age space gurus, and learn a few things about telescopes, comet Hale-Bopp, and where in the world is Shelley Miscavige, with cult-busting journalist, editor, author, and amateur astronomer, Tony Ortega. Click h…
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A family receives visitors in the shadow of the passing of a loved one. CW: Reflections on the death of friends and family, funeral home, mention of bodies lying in state for viewing, injury of an elder. Written by Steve Shell Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Intro music: “The La…
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Welcome to Season Five, family. CW: Imagery of being trapped in a small town, imagery associated with the satanic panic, family strife. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Intro music: “The Land Unknown (The Home is Nowhere Verses)” written and…
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Episode 9.2 "INVASION: UFO" (part 2), feat. Historian Greg Eghigian
2:46:53
2:46:53
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2:46:53The one where we track the evolution of the modern UFO saga with science historian Greg Eghigian, reflect on what Kenneth Arnold flew past in the Washington skies back in 1947, and find out what college freshmen believe about space aliens. Brought to you by a kind little alien visitor with a big heart and even bigger stomach. Check out Greg Eghigia…
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COMING SOON! Episode 9.2 "INVASION: UFO" (part 2), feat. Historian Greg Eghigian
2:41
2:41
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2:41The one where we track the evolution of the modern UFO saga with science historian Greg Eghigian, reflect on what Kenneth Arnold flew past in the Washington skies back in 1947, and find out what college freshmen believe about space aliens. Brought to you by a kind little alien visitor with a big heart and even bigger stomach. Check out Greg Eghigia…
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Episode 9.1B: "INVASION: UFO" (Part 1), feat. profs. James Jervis and Matthew Newland
1:41:43
1:41:43
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1:41:43The one where we kick off our third season by chewing the alien fat with our favorite interdimensional oracle and space traveler, religious studies scholar James Jervis, and review Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi-horror-fairy-tale Close Encounters of the Third Kind with the help of philosophy professor Matthew Newland. Brought to you by a stellar…
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Family Meeting: Cam & Steve Talk About What’s Next Following Hurricane Helene
7:11
7:11
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7:11An update from the creators of Old Gods of Appalachia. FUNDRAISING LINKS Hurricane Helene Flood Relief Tee “Son, Hold On (Killian’s Song)” by Landon Blood Hurricane Relief by Jon Charles Dwyer Download Transcript WELCOME TO THE HOLLER As of October 25, 2024, THE HOLLER is live! If you're a new subscriber, click here to move to the Holler. If you ar…
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Episode 9.1A: "INVASION: UFO" (Part 1), feat. profs. James Jervis and Matthew Newland
1:43:30
1:43:30
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1:43:30The one where we kick off our third season by chewing the alien fat with our favorite interdimensional oracle and space traveler, religious studies scholar James Jervis, and review Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi-horror-fairy-tale Close Encounters of the Third Kind with the help of philosophy professor Matthew Newland. Brought to you by a stellar…
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COMING SOON! Episode 9.1: "INVASION: UFO" (part 1) feat. profs. James Jervis and Matthew Newland
3:56
3:56
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3:56The one where we kick off our third season by chewing the alien fat with our favorite interdimensional oracle and space traveler, religious studies scholar James Jervis, and review Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi-horror-fairy-tale Close Encounters of the Third Kind with the help of philosophy professor Matthew Newland. Brought to you by a stellar…
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BONUS: Exclusive Interview with Nick Foster
39:15
39:15
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39:15Journalist Nick Foster, whose book “The Jolly Roger Social Club” is the ultimate account of William Dathan Holbert’s reign of terror in Bocas del Toro, Panama. In this exclusive interview, Foster speaks openly about how he discovered this story, and how he hopes his reporting helps to honor the memories of Holbert’s victims. For more: Details on th…
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BONUS “AFTER BOCAS”: An Exclusive CrimeCon Panel Discussion
39:44
39:44
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39:44Our host Candice DeLong joined “Natural Selection: Scott Versus Wild Bill” producers, Lisa Ammerman and Chris Goldberg, as well as Scott McAda himself for a fascinating and very candid panel discussion at this year’s CrimeCon in Nashville. This was the first time Scott McAda ever spoke publicly about what happened to him and exactly how he was able…
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A special announcement from Cam and Steve regarding the many exciting things afoot here at Old Gods of Appalachia. Old Gods of Appalachia: Deeper Still Backerkit link: http://mymcg.info/ogoa-deeper-still Special equipment consideration provided by Lauten Audio. LEARN MORE ABOUT OLD GODS OF APPALACHIA: www.oldgodsofappalachia.com COMPLETE YOUR SOCIA…
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Scott McAda’s frantic effort to save himself from decades in a Panamanian prison – based solely on the accusations of avowed serial killer William “Wild Bill” Holbert – seems like a success. Scott stumbles on a piece of evidence that should finally vindicate him in his exhausting struggle with Wild Bill. Is Scott finally going to be exonerated? Wil…
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Bonus Episode 8.5 "This Land is Whose Land?" Feat. Nations of Canada Podcast creator, Greg Koabel.
52:50
52:50
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52:50The one where we discuss Canadian history, historical theory, historical films, a couple conspiracies, and why everyone hates Toronto, with Canadian historian and podcaster Greg Koabel. Click here to visit Greg's Nations of Canada Podcast homepage. Click here to read illustrated transcripts of Nations of Canada on Quillette. Click here to visit Gre…
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Wealthy retiree Scott McAda is feeling desperate after his courtroom showdown with serial killer William “Wild Bill” Holbert goes horribly awry. In Scott’s mind, he has only two options left: petition for a rare second courtroom faceoff, or flee Panama for the States with his wife aboard their boat. Both options are extremely risky and neither defi…
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The stakes are high for Scott McAda as he faces off against William “Wild Bill” Holbert in a Panamanian courtroom. The wealthy retiree is confident that his meticulous preparation will bring him justice and reveal he is telling the truth, not the avowed murderer in shackles sitting across the table. But, once again, Scott underestimates his nemesis…
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Episode 7.9B “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell
2:05:25
2:05:25
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2:05:25The one where we assess the credibility of the Dallas Police Dictabelt recordings that led the 1979 House Select Committee on Assassinations to conclude that President Kennedy was killed by “a probable conspiracy”. WARNING: This episode contains a brief bucketful of bad words, courtesy of actor Joe Pesci. Click here to visit Michael O'Dell's websit…
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As the body of another victim lays in a shallow grave in Bocas del Toro, serial killers William “Wild Bill” Holbert and Laura Michelle Reese flee Panama. A manhunt crisscrosses Central America, lasting weeks while the expat community in Bocas reels from the news that their friendly neighborhood barkeep was actually a cold-blooded murderer. Despite …
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Episode 7.9A “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell
1:09:53
1:09:53
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1:09:53The one where we foreshadow our study of the JFK assassination's acoustic evidence with a review of Brian DePalma’s 1981 neo-noir conspiracy thriller Blow Out, starring John Travolta. Brought to you by a somewhat healthier way to fall sleep than binging on alcohol, Rohypnol, or opium. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Opening Credits and Intro 00:11:02 Chapter …
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Not long after American fugitive William “Wild Bill” Holbert lands in Central America, he sets up shop as a “psychiatrist” catering to fellow expats, a ruse which helps him progress from con man to serial killer. As a fake therapist he hones two useful skills – building trust and feigning empathy – that he uses to his advantage while targeting peop…
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COMING SOON! Episode 7.9 “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell
3:00
3:00
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3:00The one where we assess the credibility of the Dallas Police Dictabelt recordings that led the 1979 House Select Committee on Assassinations to conclude that President Kennedy was killed by “a probable conspiracy”, and review Brian DePalma’s 1981 neo-noir conspiracy thriller Blow Out, starring John Travolta. Brought to you by a somewhat healthier w…
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One Spring evening in 2010, Scott McAda is waiting on the docks of Bocas del Toro, Panama for a friend to whisk him across the lagoon when along comes a boat with one occupant - William “Wild Bill” Holbert. Wild Bill insists on taking Scott to his destination, leaving the two men alone in the remote, open waters. Scott has no clue that months earli…
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William “Wild Bill” Holbert and his companion Laura Michelle Reese fled Costa Rica for Panama and are now running a dockside bar close to their new home called The Jolly Roger Social Club. The hangout is popular with expats, like wealthy American retiree Scott McAda, who grow accustomed to Wild Bill slinging drinks in a Viking helmet and telling ou…
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American fugitives and prolific con artists William “Wild Bill” Holbert and Laura Michelle Reese murder a man in Costa Rica, steal his suitcase full of money and dispose of his body in the yard of their rental home. Then the killers escape over the border into Panama to find their next mark. When they come upon a family selling their property in th…
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Over a year has passed since that night aboard the Natural Selection. By now, William “Wild Bill” Holbert has graduated from grifter to murderer. He is arrested (along with his faithful companion, Laura Michelle Reese) and charged with murdering six fellow ex-pats in Central America. As he awaits trial in a Panamanian prison, Wild Bill makes a shoc…
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Bocas del Toro, Panama – 2009. Scott McAda, his wife Belinda, and their son Wes are enjoying a peaceful sunset on their yacht, the Natural Selection, when a motorboat approaches. An American couple introduce themselves as Bill and Jane Cortez. Always a friend to fellow expats, Scott invites them on board for a cocktail, but after several rounds of …
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Bonus Episode 8.4B: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" (Part 2), feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin
1:54:08
1:54:08
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1:54:08The one where we review the second half of "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us.…
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Bonus Episode 8.4A: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" (Part 1), feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin
2:29:06
2:29:06
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2:29:06The one where we review "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us. TIMESTAMPS: 1. Pre…
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COMING SOON! Bonus Episode 8.4: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin
3:24
3:24
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3:24The one where we review "Who Killed JFK?", the widely-touted podcast by Hollywood director Rob Reiner, and expose its many factual inaccuracies, logical fallacies, and irrelevant claims, with the complicity of JFK researcher and conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin. Brought to you by whatever small change you're willing to throw at us. Fred's latest book…
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Marigold Underwood concludes her testimony, and Jack’s fate is decided. CW: Loud crashes, self loathing, intrusive thoughts, parental shame, psychological torment, exorcism, marital strife, gore, death by decapitation/dismemberment, otherworldly possession, sounds/language of courtroom proceedings and grief. Written by Cam Collins and Steve Shell N…
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Things are seldom as easy as they seem. CW: The feeling of being watched or stalked, mention of an older parent being injured, door knocking sounds. Written by Steve Shell and Cam Collins Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell The voice of Lee Underwood: D.J. Rogers Intro music: “The L…
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The bonds of friendship are stronger than any magic. CW: Alcohol consumption, pregnancy, discussion of racism, financial strife, marital stress. Written by Cam Collins and Steve Shell Narrated by Steve Shell Sound design by Steve Shell Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell The voice of Marigold Underwood: Stephanie Hickling Beckman The…
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