Best Forrest Walker Podcasts (2025)

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45: Uninvited Intruders 32:48

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19h ago32:48

32:48

In tonight’s dead letter, a listener recounts a childhood filled with unexplained phenomena in their 1940s Michigan home. From persistent footsteps and unsettling noises like dragging chains and hammering to a menacing presence in their bedroom, the haunting escalated over the years, driving them to seek refuge upstairs. But even then, the activity…

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Amazon's Kelly MacLean on How the eCommerce Giant Built a Killer DSP 21:28

4d ago21:28

21:28

🔖Chapters: [00:01:12] - Kelly's Background: From Soccer to Ad Tech [00:03:22] - Making the Move from Meta to Amazon [00:04:44] - Amazon DSP's Evolution from Single to Multi-Purpose [00:06:10] - Adapting to the Streaming TV Revolution [00:07:31] - Technical Differentiators and Competitive Positioning [00:13:30] - AI Integration and the "Crystal Box"…

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Mystery Solved! AMA 2025 2:39:47

4d ago2:39:47

2:39:47

Alright Astonishing Legends listeners, buckle up! In this special AMA episode, Scott and Forrest are answering your burning questions! We're diving headfirst into everything from the implications of sentient Tesla bots inheriting fortunes (and causing chaos) to the latest updates on the search for Amelia Earhart's lost plane. We’re also exploring l…

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44: The Beginning that Never Ended 39:23

8d ago39:23

39:23

In tonight’s dead letter… Listener, Isla recalls a childhood park trip in Australia where she and a friend went exploring after her mom’s car broke down in the bush. They wandered too far from the car and observed a void-like, spear-bearing figure on the bank. The bush fell silent and the wind carried songs in an ancient language as they fled back …

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Dazn's Walker Jacobs on Lessons From Streaming Global Sports Events, and What YouTube in for with its First NFL Game 33:26

11d ago33:26

33:26

🔖Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and DAZN Overview 01:12 - DAZN's Global Sports Streaming Scale 03:58 - Creating the FIFA Club World Cup Tournament 07:43 - Managing Complex Global Live Streaming 14:26 - The State of Sports and Streaming Industry 18:40 - Lessons from Amazon's Thursday Night Football Launch 27:30 - DAZN's US Growth Strategy and Origin…

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43: Tracked 34:23

15d ago34:23

34:23

In tonight’s dead letter… Listener, Scott recounts a series of unexplained howls heard in the woods near his Alabama home. Night after night, he and his family would sit on the porch and listen, noticing patterns in the sounds. This progresses later to him being stalked by something he could not see. Alabama Bigfoot Website (via Wayback Machine) Mo…

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Introducing: CONSPIRACY THEORIES, CULTS, AND CRIMES 8:07

21d ago8:07

8:07

From Jonestown to Heaven’s Gate, to the Octopus Murders and the Waco Siege, the world is full of deception, manipulation, and destruction. Listen to Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes every Wednesday as we explore the real people at the center of the world’s most shocking secrets and nefarious organizations. Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crim…

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Dead Letter Office Special Announcement 0:14

24d ago0:14

0:14

This week’s Dead Letter Office is cancelled, but the show will return next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding!By Astonishing Legends Productions

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Why Creators Like Kai Cenat are Playing Dodgeball for $500K 23:05

25d ago23:05

23:05

Next in Media spoke with Drew Muller, VP and General Manager of House of Highlights, about how the Warner Discovery-owned property is looking to bridge sports fandom with top creators' content via the Creator League. The event, founded in 2023, features top creators such as Kai Cenat, Jesser and FaZe Rug playing a series of tournaments in sports su…

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42: A Gathering of Shadows 36:03

29d ago36:03

36:03

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Jerri-Kay recounts a story from her childhood when her mother witnessed multiple shadow figures entering their bedroom in broad daylight. Later that night, while seemingly half-asleep, when her mom enters her room she yells that she's not her mother and points to lights that only she can see in the room, leaving t…

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The Hatem Files 2 1:47:11

1M ago1:47:11

1:47:11

This week, Scott and Forrest welcome back Richard Hatem of Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf to Astonishing Legends! Join us as we delve into Richard's unique insights on paranormal literature, including odd details in famous experiences like Whitley Strieber's book, Communion and others. We'll explore Rich’s favorite episodes and get a sneak pe…

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41: The Fisherman's Ghost and the Homunculus 33:31

1M ago33:31

33:31

In tonight’s dead letter, we hear from our listener Sam, who shares two spooky stories. The first involves two hauntings at an aquarium in the UK. An old lady ghost with a penchant for floral perfume, and as one might expect…a fisherman. While the second features a mysterious, hunched-over shadow figure lurking in a South Carolina home. Sometimes t…

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How Tubi is Embracing Creators - and Trying to Shake up Streaming 27:08

1M ago27:08

27:08

Next in Media chatted with Rich Bloom, GM, Creator Programs & EVP, Business Development at Tubi, about the Fox-owned streamers new creator program, which has quickly expanded for five to 50 participants. Bloom also talked about Tubi's overall growth, Gen Z misconceptions, and whether TV needs to adopt more YouTube-like qualities. 💡Takeaways: 🎬 Crea…

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40: Skinwalkers in Iraq 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

In tonight’s dead letter listener Henry, a marine, recounts his experiences on guard duty in Iraq, where his platoon was stationed at an abandoned hotel near the Jordanian border. During a late-night watch, he and another marine hear footsteps in the stairwell, but a search of the building yields nothing but an unsettling encounter with glowing eye…

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Ad Tech Forrest Gump Ari Paparo on his New Book, and Whether the Feds Should Have Nailed Google Sooner 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

Next in Media spoke with Marketecture CEO Ari Paparo, author of the new book "Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance" about how Google was able to build a monopoly on programmatic ads, despite so many people in the ad industry shouting about it for years - and whether we can stop the next one. 💡Takeaways: 🏛️ T…

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Creators, Campaigns, and Cannes: Navigating the Evolving Media Ecosystem 10:41

2M ago10:41

10:41

Next in Media spoke with WPP Media's Jessica Brown and Spark Foundry Worldwide's Kelly Metz, focusing on YouTube's growing role in the TV marketplace, the shift towards holistic video measurement, the increasing importance of AI and streamlined approaches in media buying, and the evolving challenges and opportunities in creator partnerships and cro…

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39: The Hat Man Takes a Seat 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

In tonight’s dead letter… Josh shares a chilling encounter with a being we’ve discussed on the show numerous times. The Hat Man. For Josh he appears as a shadowy figure sitting in his bedroom in the middle of the night. What would you do in this situation? It’s easy to answer that until you’re confronted with it yourself. Josh gave into paranormal …

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What Happens to Retail Media When Agents Start Taking Over Shopping? 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

This episode is brought to you by Walmart Connect. From homepage to home improvement. Win Carts and Minds with Walmart Connect. Next in Media spoke with Sarah Hofstetter, chairwoman of Profitero, a division of Publicis, about the haves and have nots in retail media, whether the big players TV presence is going to cause a bifurcation in the market, …

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Are You Ready for Gen Alpha? Insights from Razorfish CEO Dani Mariano 10:12

2M ago10:12

10:12

In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields interviews Dani Mariano, CEO of Razorfish, about their research into Gen Alpha, highlighting this generation's unique media consumption habits, brand maturity, and influence on household purchasing decisions, as well as Razorfish's "creator collab" program designed to meet the evolving demands of creat…

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38: A Gray Walks in LA 33:27

2M ago33:27

33:27

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Renee shares a strange encounter in Los Angeles. Late one night, while walking her dog, she saw what appeared to be a gray alien. After a moment of shock, she looked again and saw a middle-aged African-American woman. Renee was left wondering if she had seen a psychic mask slip or if it was just a trick of the lig…

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Snap's CMO Grace Kao: Beyond Social Media - Connecting Audiences, Brands & Developers 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

Grace Kao, CMO of Snap, discusses Snapchat's unique position as a platform focused on authentic connection and creativity, highlighting its diverse audience (consumers, B2B, developers) and innovative features like Promoted Places on the Snap Map and opportunities for brands in Chat, emphasizing the platform's ease of use and its appeal to a genera…

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Where do the Rockets stack up in the West? w/ Dan Favale 1:16:19

2M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Dan Favale (@DanFavale) discuss: -Cam Whitmore traded to the Wizards. -Reacting to the details for Dorian-Finney Smith’s contract -Why the DFS signing and the Cam Whitmore trade should be viewed as one big transaction -Will Houston regret trading Whitmore? -Where does Houston stack up in the Western Conference? -Is OK…

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The Green Monster of Flatwoods 2:21:45

2M ago2:21:45

2:21:45

On September 12th, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, five boys witnessed a fiery object slowly descend from the sky and land nearby, seemingly under intelligent control. What followed became one of the strangest UFO encounters in American history. Joined by a 32-year-old mother and a National Guard member, the group were allegedly pursued by a tow…

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Kasha Cacy, Known CMO: Navigating YouTube's "Other" Category for Advertisers 5:33

2M ago5:33

5:33

Chief Media Officer at Known, Kasha Cacy, discusses YouTube's growing prominence against traditional television, despite challenges for brands regarding content predictability and measurement. Cacy, also touches on the evolving landscape of big creators acting as media companies and the current economic outlook from a business perspective. 💡Takeawa…

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37: Jacob City Miners 38:34

2M ago38:34

38:34

In tonight’s dead letter, Cody shares a chilling experience from a trip to Jacob City, a ghost town in Utah. While camping with friends and their dogs, they captured eerie EVPs, including one that called out Cody’s name. As the night grew darker, the dogs became unusually frightened, and a sudden, strong wind forced them to pack up and leave before…

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How to Bring Creators and Commerce Together Without Alienating Your Audience 17:49

2M ago17:49

17:49

Next in Media discusses the evolving role of influencers in marketing with Megan Pagliuca, Chief Product Officer at Omnicom Media Group, and Khurrum Malik, Head of Marketing for Walmart Connect, focusing on how data and new strategies are integrating influencers into broader media plans to drive sales and brand building. 💡Takeaways: 🛒 Retail Data f…

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Can the Rockets compete with the Thunder now? w/ Forrest Walker 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) recap the Rockets known free agency moves. Topics include: -Could anyone have seen this summer coming for the Rockets? -Thoughts on the Jabari Smith extension -Does Smith still possess All-Star potential? -Reacting to the Dorian Finney-Smith contract -Does Cam Whitmore have a future in Houston…

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36: Chips, Salsa and UFOs 41:15

2M ago41:15

41:15

In tonight’s dead letter, Jordan recalls a strange encounter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she spotted nearly a dozen silver crafts hovering over the Sandia Mountains. These objects appeared to be linked and moved in unison, with one larger craft seemingly in charge. A large black helicopter sped off in the direction of the crafts after they di…

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Retail Media's Future with Anne Harrell of Pacvue in Cannes 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

In this episode of Next in Media, Mike Shields interviews Ann Harrell, Head of Product Enablement at Pacvue, about the evolving landscape of retail media. Harrell explains the challenges of data availability and cross-channel attribution in retail media, highlighting the role of data clean rooms and the blurring lines between retail, social, and tr…

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Junk Drawer 26 - Main Feed Edition! 1:52:07

2M ago1:52:07

1:52:07

This week, we revisit a favorite Patreon Junk Drawer episode featuring Max Kelso's unsettling experiences at a Boy Scout camp in the heart of Ohio. We explore Max's first encounter as a young scout when he saw a shadowy figure watching him through the window of his cabin late one night. Years later, during a game at the same camp, Max experiences s…

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A Tale of Two TV Upfronts 11:01

3M ago11:01

11:01

As part of its exclusive series on the YouTube Ecosystem, Next in Media spoke with John Terrana, President, Americas at VaynerMedia, about why most clients aren't racing to lock up much inventory beyond sports this year, and the 'weirdo' spot YouTube still finds itself in. 💡Takeaways: 🏈 Sports Media Dominance: Live sports, particularly NFL and NBA,…

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35: Black Eyed Driver 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

In tonight’s dead letter, Scott and Forrest share Arthur’s story. He recounts a frightening encounter in the Bronx in 1998 when while stopped at a red light he saw something, or someone that didn’t seem right. The person in the car next to him had pale skin, completely black eyes, and an impossible smile. But that’s really just the beginning of thi…

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Can Spotify Become a Bigger (Video) Ad Player? 14:09

3M ago14:09

14:09

Next in Media sat down with Chloe Wix, Head of Global Product & Commercial Growth at Spotify at the company's beach venue in Cannes, to talk about AI-generated audio ads, why Spotify is leaning more into monetizing non-subscribers, and whether the 'background' medium can graduate into the video ad market. 💡Takeaways: 🎧 Shifting Perception of Spotif…

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Reacting to the KD Trade w/ Forrest Walker 45:32

3M ago45:32

45:32

Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) and Forrest Walker (@DUNOTS) react to the Houston Rockets’ stunning acquisition of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Topics include: -Initial reactions to the trade -Grading the deal for both teams -Short and long-term ramifications for the team -How does Kevin Durant fit in Houston? -Will KD and Fred VanVleet get extended s…

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Walmart Connect's Ryan Mayward on Pushing Beyond Retail Media 12:34

3M ago12:34

12:34

Next In Media spoke with Ryan Mayward, SVP of Retail Media Sales for Walmart Connect, about the company's expansion of its retail media capabilities beyond its own platforms. Walmart Connect is focusing on off-platform strategies through partnerships in CTV (NBC Universal, Disney, Paramount Plus), social media (Meta, TikTok, Pinterest), and new int…

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Google's Sean Downey on YouTube Playing Matchmaker Between Creators and Brands 17:07

3M ago17:07

17:07

Next in Media and Sean Downey of Google discuss YouTube's evolving role in connecting brands with creators, highlighting new platforms like Brand Connect and "Peak Points" to foster authentic partnerships and drive full-funnel outcomes for advertisers. They also touch on YouTube's expansion into live events like the NFL's global broadcast and the g…

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34: The Black Cloud Hanging Over Me 29:49

3M ago29:49

29:49

In tonight’s dead letter, Scott and Forrest read a dead letter from a woman with ties to the Otoe-Missouria tribe in Oklahoma. She recounts a terrifying experience driving on Highway 60 at night when a dark fog hit the truck she was in, causing a flat tire. The story delves into local legends, the importance of oral traditions, and the listener’s t…

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The Stratford Poltergeist 1:44:16

3M ago1:44:16

1:44:16

In 1850, the quiet town of Stratford, Connecticut was shaken by a bizarre and terrifying haunting that gripped the world’s attention. Reverend Eliakim Phelps and his family were tormented by objects falling from nowhere, cryptic messages, and strange effigies crafted from household items. As the phenomena escalated—turning violent and targeting the…

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Should Paypal be building an ad business? 22:10

3M ago22:10

22:10

Next in Media spoke with Dr. Mark Grether SVP & General Manager, PayPal Ads, on why he thinks the company's 'transaction graph' may be even more powerful than some retailers' data for advertising, and why there's nothing to worry about with a company that has so many people's banking information to use that data for ad targeting. 💡Takeaways: 🌐 The …

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33: Scare Bear 28:57

3M ago28:57

28:57

In tonight’s Dead Letter, Kaleb recounts a few paranormal experiences, starting with a childhood memory of a stuffed bear that seemed to turn its head on its own, but for some bizarre reason didn't frighten him. Years later, he experienced a potent wave of fear in a dark basement, reminding Scott of his experience at the Sallie House. Forrest and S…

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Mike and Emily Riley talk media agency paralysis, Amazon vs Trade Desk, Paramount Drama and Sydney Sweeney Soap 19:53

3M ago19:53

19:53

Mike and Emily Riley talk media agency paralysis, Amazon vs Trade Desk, Paramount Drama and Sydney Sweeney Soap. 💡Takeaways: 📉 Agency Turmoil and Risk Aversion: Ad agencies are experiencing significant internal issues, including layoff fears, client shifts, and restructuring (e.g., WPP). 🤝 Innovation Through Established Channels: While direct sales…

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Should Brands Care More about Sports, Creators, or Creators Who Care About Sports? 33:08

3M ago33:08

33:08

Canvas CEO Paul Woolmington on why everyone needs the NFL, and why brands need to weigh the value of running ads in live games vs. becoming part of the religion of sports fandom - with creators' help. 💡Takeaways: Sports Dominance & Cultural Anchor: Sports have become a dominant force in media, serving as a critical aspect of live content and a shar…

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32: Great Balls of Fire 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

In tonight’s dead letter, Forrest and Scott read a submission from Misael, who recalls a bizarre childhood encounter involving a blue ball of fire that appeared while he and his sister were playing basketball. The strange sphere, which seemed to be made of stone and engulfed in flames, hovered near them before shooting off toward a neighbor's light…

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Emily and Mike talk about the ad world's new obsession with models, and whether brands are too trusting of AI ad buying 21:05

3M ago21:05

21:05

Emily and Mike talk about the ad world's new obsession with models, and whether brands are too trusting of AI ad buying. 💡Takeaways: The resurgence of Marketing Mix Models (MMMs) is a significant topic in Ad Tech, with varying opinions on their effectiveness, especially when pitted against AI-driven tools from major platforms like Meta and Google. …

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31: The Tipping Point 37:00

4M ago37:00

37:00

In tonight’s dead letter, listener Barry talks about the strange phenomenon of table tipping. He recounts an experience from 25 years ago, when he and a friend attempted to raise a heavy coffee table through meditation, with unexpected results. This leads to a larger discussion about EVPs and Forrest shares an anecdote from a recent ghost hunt at a…

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The Pascagoula Abduction with Philip Mantle Part 2 1:57:43

4M ago1:57:43

1:57:43

We are once again joined by investigator Philip Mantle to dive back into the Pascagoula Abduction with Part 2 of our series, peeling back layers of a story that stretches far beyond one night in 1973. While skeptics cite a silent bridgetender, fresh eyewitness accounts —from shipyard workers to families at home — suggest something far stranger was …

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Why Ad Tech Might Finally Get a Piece of That Creator $ 25:47

4M ago25:47

25:47

Next in Media spoke with Conor McKenna, partner at Luma Partners, about what's held ad tech back from exploiting the creator economy, and why creators themselves - along with a new competitive dynamic among the tech platforms - may lead the industry in a whole new direction. 💡Takeaways: Creator Economy's Spending Gap 🤯: Despite excitement and incre…

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30: The Glowing Visitor 27:05

4M ago27:05

27:05

In tonight’s dead letter, a scientist recounts an eerie experience from his teenage years on Long Island. A self-proclaimed skeptic, he describes waking up one night to see a glowing, humanoid figure in his sister's room. The story takes an even stranger turn when he mentions a family get-together where his sister and father recall their own unsett…

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Mike and Emily do a post upfront breakdown, mourning Xandr while debating whether Amazon is out ad teching Google 20:05

4M ago20:05

20:05

The ad industry is seeing major shifts, with Microsoft stepping back from Xandr amidst the rise of AI and the complexities of CTV advertising at the forefronts. Meanwhile, the value of local advertising is in question, as it struggles to keep up with the evolution of digital platforms and measurement. 💡Takeaways: Microsoft Exits Ad Tech (Again): 📉 …

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The Pascagoula Abduction with Philip Mantle Part 1 1:47:31

4M ago1:47:31

1:47:31

In October 1973, as the Vietnam War waned and Watergate filled headlines, two friends in Pascagoula, Mississippi—Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker—had an encounter that would shake them for life and baffle the world. While fishing after work, they claimed to be abducted by strange beings from a hovering craft, describing elephant-skinned entities w…