Best Dan Sheaffer Podcasts (2026)

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Introducing: More Like Ancient FAILiens! 18:14

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4h ago18:14

18:14

This is an excerpt of More Like Ancient FAILiens podcast, "Relics of Roswell", 19 December 2025, hosted by Brandon R. Reynolds and Toby Ball. Have you ever gone metal detecting and found a twisted piece of wire? Well, Giorgio Tsoukalos has and it was at a skip site near Roswell, NM! I know, right? Toby and Brandon are joined by podcaster Michel Gag…

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Bonus Episode 9.2C: "Unidentified Flying Canucks", feat. Anthropologist Matthew Hayes 2:42:16

28d ago2:42:16

2:42:16

The one where we explore the history of ufology in Canada, from Project Magnet and Project Second Storey to the Falcon Lake, Shag Harbour, and Montreal Bonaventure UFO investigations, with the help of Canadian athropologist Matthew Hayes, author of Search for the Unknown: Canada's UFO Files and the Rise of Conspiracy Theory. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Pr…

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Bonus Episode 7.5B: "Kennedy good, CIA bad!" Feat. JFK Conspiracy critic Fred Litwin & Dallas tour guide Dan Evans 2:24:49

2M ago2:24:49

2:24:49

The one where JFK researcher Fred Litwin scrutinizes the conspiracy theories that claim the CIA murdered President Kennedy, and where we chat about Dealey Plaza, conspiracy tourism, Lee Harvey Oswald, General Edwin Walker, and President Lyndon Johnson with veteran Dallas tour guide Daniel Evans. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00:00 Pre-show announcement & eulogy 0:…

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Episode 9.5C “INVASION: UFO!” (Part 5), feat. The Paranoid Planet Film Review Panel 1:54:04

3M ago1:54:04

1:54:04

The one where we get visited, prodded, and probed in the middle of night by a gaggle of alien creatures as we review the autobiographical film (and book) Communion, based on the alleged abductions of horror novelist and armchair metaphysician Whitley Strieber. Brought to you by RectalAid Pro, a revolutionary new line of niche colostomy bags and acc…

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Episode 9.5B: "INVASION: UFO" (part 5), feat. Strange Arrivals podcast host Toby Ball 2:19:52

4M ago2:19:52

2:19:52

The one where we conduct a full investigation of the Travis Walton (a.k.a.: "Fire In the Sky") UFO abduction and discuss the methods, ideas, and demise of UFO abduction therapists Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, and John Mack, with the help of author, journalist, and podcaster Toby Ball. Brought to you by a fashionable new line of gastrointestinal acco…

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Episode 9.5A: "INVASION: UFO" (part 5), feat. Strange Arrivals podcast host Toby Ball 1:51:42

5M ago1:51:42

1:51:42

The one where we lay the groundwork for the UFO abduction phenomenon with guest co-host Matthew Newland and contrast the UFO abduction memories of Betty and Barney Hill with the help of author, journalist, and podcaster Toby Ball. Brought to you by a fashionable new line of gastrointestinal accoutrements. Click here to listen to Toby Ball's Strange…

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COMING SOON! Episode 9.5: "INVASION: UFO" (part 5), feat. Strange Arrivals podcast host Toby Ball 3:07

5M ago3:07

3:07

The one where we diagnose the UFO abduction claims of Betty and Barney Hill, Whitley Strieber, and Travis Walton, and evaluate the research methods of self-appointed alien abduction therapists Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, and John Mack with the help of author, journalist, and podcaster Toby Ball. Brought to you by a fashionable new line of gastroint…

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Episode 9.4C: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. veteran UFO skeptic Robert Sheaffer 2:45:57

6M ago2:45:57

2:45:57

The one where we shoot down some unidentified objects with a cross section of American East coasters, dig up the remains of the infamous 1947 Roswell crashed "flying disc", and discuss the ideas and influence of Ufologists J. Allen Hynek, Jacques Vallée, Leslie Kean, and Avi Loeb, with Science writer and veteran UFO debunker, Robert Sheaffer. (This…

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Episode 9.4B: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. philosopher Matthew Newland and Physicist Rémi Poirier. 2:07:19

8M ago2:07:19

2:07:19

The 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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Episode 9.4A: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. science writer Michael Shermer 1:52:48

9M ago1:52:48

1:52:48

The 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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COMING SOON: Episode 9.4: "INVASION: UFO" (part 4), feat. UFO Skeptics Michael Shermer and Robert Sheaffer 4:52

9M ago4:52

4:52

The 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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Episode 9.3C: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath 1:53:09

10M ago1:53:09

1:53:09

The 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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Episode 9.3B: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath 2:06:40

11M ago2:06:40

2:06:40

The 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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Episode 9.3A: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath 1:45:48

12M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

The 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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COMING SOON! Episode 9.3: "INVASION: UFO" (part 3) feat. former British MoD UFO analyst Nick Pope and Science journalist Ian Ridpath 3:16

12M ago3:16

3:16

The 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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Bonus Episode 9.2B: "Space Triangle Love Bomb", feat. journalist Tony Ortega 1:18:57

1y ago1:18:57

1:18:57

The 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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Episode 9.2 "INVASION: UFO" (part 2), feat. Historian Greg Eghigian 2:46:53

1y ago2:46:53

2:46:53

The 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

1y ago2:41

2:41

The 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

1y ago1:41:43

1:41:43

The 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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Episode 9.1A: "INVASION: UFO" (Part 1), feat. profs. James Jervis and Matthew Newland 1:43:30

1y ago1:43:30

1:43:30

The 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

1+ y ago3:56

3:56

The 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 Episode 8.5 "This Land is Whose Land?" Feat. Nations of Canada Podcast creator, Greg Koabel. 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

The 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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Episode 7.9B “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell 2:05:25

1+ y ago2:05:25

2:05:25

The 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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Episode 7.9A “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell 1:09:53

1+ y ago1:09:53

1:09:53

The 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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COMING SOON! Episode 7.9 “JFK: DOA” (part 9), feat. IT specialist Michael O'Dell 3:00

1+ y ago3:00

3:00

The 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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Bonus Episode 8.4B: "You Can't Handle the Truth!" (Part 2), feat. conspiracy skeptic Fred Litwin 1:54:08

1+ y ago1:54:08

1:54:08

The 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

1+ y ago2:29:06

2:29:06

The 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

1+ y ago3:24

3:24

The 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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Bonus Episode 8.3: “O Canatopia!" feat. public policy analyst Mark Milke 1:48:17

1+ y ago1:48:17

1:48:17

The one where we discuss grievance narratives, cancel culture, pseudo-history, moral panics, human nature, residential school abuses, Yasser Arafat, the Rwandan genocide, British imperialism and slavery, and the severed head of John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, with Canadian public policy analyst Mark Milke, PhD., author of The Vict…

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Bonus Episode 8.2: "Don't Let Your Mail Go To W.A.S.T.E." feat. Philosopher and writer Matthew Newland 2:06:35

2y ago2:06:35

2:06:35

The one where we summarize, analyze, interpret, and critique the paranoid postmodern 1966 Thomas Pynchon novel, The Crying Of Lot 49. TIMESTAMPS: 1. Part 1 (0:03:27) 2. A bit of shameless self-promotion (1:11:16) 3. Part 2 (1:18:08) (NOTE: None of these timestamps contain illicit mind-altering substances... or do they?) Question Jar (send us a text…

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Episode 8B: “Happy Trails Season 2" (Part 2), feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:32:54

2y ago1:32:54

1:32:54

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another Rodney Schpak…

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Episode 8A: “Happy Trails Season 2" (Part 1) , feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:31:43

2y ago1:31:43

1:31:43

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another Rodney Schpak…

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COMING SOON! Episode 8: “Happy Trails Season 2" , feat. teacher and filmmaker Sean Gaston 1:58

2y ago1:58

1:58

The one where we get a couple aging Presidents to sing "Happy Trails" to Season 2, discuss JFK, true crime, car crashes, Artificial Intelligence, and classic movies with teacher, documentary film-maker, and conspiracy theory critic Sean Gaston, and give birth to another fine version of our classic theme song. Brought to you by another one of Rodney…

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Bonus Episode 3.6C: "Who Would Jesus Scapegoat?" feat. Australian author, programmer, and Christian evangelist Nigel Chapman 58:55

2y ago58:55

58:55

The one where we chat about Christians and Conspiracy Theories with Nigel Chapman, chief author and editor of Who To Trust? Christian Belief in Conspiracy Theories (ISCAST, 2022). Brought to you by the number of Conspiracy Theories Jesus wants you to believe. Question Jar (send us a text message) Support the show Visit our website at www.paranoidpl…

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Episode 3.6B: "The Cultic Culture Club" (part 6B), feat. Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames 2:25:42

2y ago2:25:42

2:25:42

The one where we revisit the Cultiverse with four former members of high-demand groups and current members of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA): science writer Paul Jensen (fmr. member of the Assemblies of God), trauma therapist Jackie Johnson (fmr. Jehovah’s Witness), and Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames (fmr. leading mem…

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Episode 3.6A: "The Cultic Culture Club" (Part 6A), feat. Paul Jensen and Jackie Johnson 1:51:57

2y ago1:51:57

1:51:57

The one where we revisit the Cultiverse with four former members of high-demand groups and current members of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA): science writer Paul Jensen (fmr. member of the Assemblies of God), trauma therapist Jackie Johnson (fmr. Jehovah’s Witness), and Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames (fmr. leading mem…

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COMING SOON! Episode 3.6: "The Cultic Culture Club" (part 6), feat. Paul Jensen, Jackie Johnson, Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames 3:34

2y ago3:34

3:34

The one where we revisit the Cultiverse with four former members of high-demand groups and current members of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA): science writer Paul Jensen (fmr. member of the Assemblies of God), trauma therapist Jackie Johnson (fmr. Jehovah’s Witness), and Sarah Edmondson and Anthony "Nippy" Ames (fmr. leading mem…

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Episode 7.8C: "JFK:DOA" (part 8) feat. former Warren Commission counsel, Judge Burt Griffin 59:46

2y ago59:46

59:46

The one where we talk about the legacy of the Warren Commission, the failures of historians and conspiracists, the problem of false memory, and about who "killed the music", with retired Ohio Judge and former Warren Commission counsel Burt Griffin. Brought to you by a great opportunity for the certifiably stupid to make a fresh start. Click here to…

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Episode 7.8B: "JFK:DOA" (part 8), feat. former Warren Commission Counsel, Judge Burt Griffin 1:29:36

2y ago1:29:36

1:29:36

The one where we talk about the Warren Commission, Lee Harvey Oswald, General Edwin Walker, Jack Ruby, and Cupid's magic arrow with former junior counsel for the Warren Commission and retired Ohio Judge, Burt Griffin. Brought to you by a great opportunity for the certifiably stupid to make a fresh start. Click here to VIEW/ORDER JUDGE GRIFFIN'S BOO…

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Episode 7.8A: “JFK: DOA” (part 8), feat. independent filmmaker James K. Lambert 1:11:52

2y ago1:11:52

1:11:52

SPECIAL 3-PART JFK ASSASSINATION 60th ANNIVERSARY EPISODE: The one where we talk about propaganda and conspiracism with independent filmmaker James K. Lambert, consider how honest witnesses can be totally wrong, and argue for the defense of the Warren Commission with retired judge and former Warren Commission junior counsel Burt Griffin. Brought to…

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COMING SOON! Episode 7.8: “JFK: DOA” (part 8), feat. former Warren Commission junior counsel Burt Griffin 4:50

2y ago4:50

4:50

The one where we talk about propaganda and conspiracism with independent filmmaker James K. Lambert, consider how honest witnesses can be totally wrong, and argue for the defense of the Warren Commission with retired judge and former Warren Commission junior counsel Burt Griffin. Brought to you by a great opportunity for the certifiably stupid to m…

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Bonus Episode 7.7D: "The Butler Did It!" (part 2), feat. former death row attorney Andrew Hammel 2:34:20

2y ago2:34:20

2:34:20

The one where we talk about "true crime" media and its similarities with conspiracy theories, do a lightning review of several true crime programs, and submit our verdict on the highly publicized murder trials of Adnan Syed and Jens Soering with German-American law professor, translator, crime blogger, and former Texas death row defense attorney An…

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Bonus Episode 7.7D: "The Butler Did It!"(part 1), feat. former death row attorney Andrew Hammel 1:07:58

2y ago1:07:58

1:07:58

The one where we talk about "true crime" media and its similarities with conspiracy theories, do a lightning review of several true crime programs, and submit our verdict on the highly publicized murder trials of Adnan Syed and Jens Soering with German-American law professor, translator, crime blogger, and former Texas death row defense attorney An…

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COMING SOON! Bonus Episode 7.7D: "The Butler Did It!" feat. former death row attorney Andrew Hammel 3:12

2y ago3:12

3:12

The one where we talk about "true crime" media and its similarities with conspiracy theories, do a lightning review of several true crime programs, and submit our verdict on the highly publicized murder trials of Adnan Syed and Jens Soering with German-American law professor, translator, crime blogger, and former Texas death row defense attorney An…

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Bonus Episode 7.7C: "Paranoid Pupils" 39:47

2+ y ago39:47

39:47

The one where we talk to Michel's students to see if taking a class on conspiracy thinking has had any impact on their lives, and consider the subtle art of pre-bunking. Brought to you by an aborted walk in the woods. TIMESTAMPS: Chapter 1: Students Say the Darndest Things (05:53) Chapter 2: Essay on Prebunking (17:55) A word from our sponsor (23:1…

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Bonus Episode 7.7B: “The Other 9/11”, feat. political scientist Pablo Policzer 1:55:00

2+ y ago1:55:00

1:55:00

The one where we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the September 11, 1973, coup in Chile and discuss its causes and consequences with Chilean-Canadian political scientist Pablo Policzer. Brought to you by a couple of well-meaning but somewhat misguided patriots. TIMESTAMPS: Chapter 1: Allende's Last Speech (00:04:27) Chapter 2: Interview with Pab…

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Episode 7.7: "JFK: DOA" (part 7), feat. historical journalist Max Holland 2:50:58

2+ y ago2:50:58

2:50:58

The one where we run a full autopsy of The Parallax View, Allan J. Pakula’s classic post-Watergate conspiracy thriller, and discuss the Warren Commission, President Johnson, Lee Oswald, missing bullets, the Zapruder film, the CIA, Russian fake news, and Watergate whistleblower "Deep Throat" with historical journalist and JFK expert Max Holland. Bro…

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COMING SOON! Episode 7.7: "JFK: DOA" (part 7) featuring historical journalist Max Holland 2:57

2+ y ago2:57

2:57

The one where we run a full autopsy of The Parallax View, Allan J. Pakula’s classic post-Watergate conspiracy thriller, and discuss the Warren Commission, President Johnson, Lee Oswald, missing bullets, the Zapruder film, the CIA, Russian fake news, and Watergate whistleblower "Deep Throat" with historical journalist and JFK expert Max Holland. Bro…

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Episode 7.6: "JFK:DOA" (part 6), feat. Journalist Jefferson Morley 2:39:44

2+ y ago2:39:44

2:39:44

The one where we tackle the term "official story" with guest co-host (and Skeptoid podcast host) Brian Dunning, explore Lee Harvey Oswald’s possible motive for killing JFK, investigate the CIA’s suspicious activities in Mexico City and New Orleans, and consider whether--and how--the CIA might have been involved in the JFK assassination with veteran…

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COMING SOON! Episode 7.6: “JFK: DOA” (part 6), feat. Journalist Jefferson Morley 2:45

2+ y ago2:45

2:45

The one where we tackle the term "official story" with guest co-host Brian Dunning, explore Lee Harvey Oswald’s possible motive for killing JFK, explore the CIA’s suspicious activities in Mexico City and New Orleans, and consider whether and how the CIA might have been involved in the JFK assassination with veteran journalist and leading Kennedy bu…