Today I open the X-Files with author Marc Hartzman. We dive into all things extraterrestrial, from outer space to the outer limits. We discuss shaved monkeys, frozen brains, and interdimensional beings. We explore the idea of visitations to ancient Egypt, as well as the possibility of an alien Atlantis. We discuss remote viewing (ESP) and my dream about Keanu Reeves being my boss at a bookstore. Somehow it all connects to produce one of the most fun interviews I've done yet. Marc has written 10 books on the bizarre and unknown, from ghosts to sword swallowers. Check him other at:  https://www.marchartzmanbooks.com

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

I speak with filmmaker Chris Wilcha about the themes of his new film, "Flipside." In the film, Chris tells his career story beginning as a young, idealistic filmmaker who sets out to become a documentarian but finds himself later in life as a commercial director with hard drives full of unfinished films. Ironically, many of the films are about artists and characters with unrealized dreams of their own. In an act of self-realization, Chris stitches all of these films together to make (and finish) his opus - "Flipside." Check it out on Amazon Prime, Criterion, Apple, and on most Delta domestic flights.

Flipside Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d410kvow8Vg

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

To follow up last week's conversation on the robot hordes I talk with authors and podcasters, Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna about AI hype. The two argue in their new book The AI Con, that there is nothing intelligent about machine learning and that the technology is nothing more than "souped-up autocomplete." They discuss the ways in which we, as humans, have been duped into thinking that AI is going to either save us or devour us when, in reality, the results show there is no actual intelligence occurring. With a success rate barely better than 20%, Emily and Alex warn us against relying on machine learning for important tasks and jobs, like replacing air traffic controllers? Just like the tech boom of the '90s, they predict an AI bubble is forming. A very fun and, in the opinion of this luddite, hopeful message.

The AI Con - https://www.amazon.com/AI-Fight-Techs-Create-Future/dp/0063418568

Mystery AI Hype Theater - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mystery-ai-hype-theater-3000/id1690426042

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

AI and data analytics have created some miraculous efficiencies over the last couple of years. AI helps me stay organized and assists with research and interview prep. Sometimes, you just need a mindless automaton. That said, when it comes time to buy my groceries, I want to talk to a clerk. I want my hair cut by my barber, Chuck—the same guy I’ve been going to for the last 50 years. I need that human connection to maintain my sanity. Every day, we hear about new ways technology is making our lives easier. But are we losing something in the process? Are you ready for AI therapy or AI schoolteachers? Today, I talk with Johns Hopkins University professor Allison Pugh about what gets lost when we reduce the human connections we once took for granted.  Now I will run this through ChatGPT to edit for grammar and spelling.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

I recently read a New York Times article titled "The Gen X Career Meltdown," which discussed how GenXers are aging out of the workforce early due to technology and the collapse of the creative industries. It reminded me of an old friend, journalist and literary editor, Jim Thomsen. Jim writes on Substack about the bittersweet journey of chasing his dream job for most of his professional life—only to find himself, in his late 50s, broke and unemployable. Forced to figure things out, Jim gets a job at the US Postal Service and, in doing so, finds creative renewal by restructuring his life. As Robert Townsend said in Hollywood Shuffle, “There’s always work at the post office.”

Jim Thomsen Substack - https://jimthomsen.substack.com
New York Times, "The Gen X Career Meltdown" - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/28/style/gen-x-creative-work.html

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

Author JW Ocker is a man who has devoted himself to the study and research of bizarre cultural phenomena. In his book Cult Following: the Extreme Sects that Capture our Imagination - And Take Over our Lives, he sets his sights on cults. This week on A Fresh Face in Hell, JW joins me to discuss cults, their origins, belief systems, paradigms, recruitment techniques, and their sometimes fiery ends. We'll delve into some strange shit this week. Listener discretion is advised. 

https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Following-Extreme-Capture-Imaginations_and/dp/1683694120

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

Today we hear stories from the road with rock n' roll tour manager Danny Bland. After decades of playing in bands like Cat Butt, Best Kissers in the World, and The Dwarves, Danny used his experience to become a legendary tour manager. From Dave Alvin, Willie Nelson, John Doe to the Blasters and the Supersuckers, Danny operates as a referee, therapist, and coach to many road-weary rockstars. He gathers food, negotiates with club owners, and he can tell you the best book store in every major American city. He hates the sun, he's on the road for 300 days a year, AND he's never heard a Beatles song to completion. He is a rock n' roll road warrior. Danny is the author of "In Case We Die", available at your local bookstore.

https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/in-case-we-die?srsltid=AfmBOoruLvyqPVKCSVYIqFHZ0xoDGd2zc8qogT-1bazLnPPLIw_x-jCH

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

When doing research for my novels, I often consult historians, scholars, and professionals to create more nuanced profiles for my characters. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some truly fascinating people in incredible careers. Today, I want to tap into that by bringing on one of my favorites—a talented ER nurse named Lexi. Having spent many hours in emergency rooms myself, I’ve always found this environment endlessly fascinating. The ER is both the grease trap of the American medical system—Lexi has been spat on and even strangled by her patients—and a vital, life-saving part of every community. She’s witnessed strange occurrences, embarrassing foreign objects, countless deaths, and thousands of grateful patients—all in just three twelve-hour shifts each week.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

Been going down a CRISPR rabbit hole lately and wanted to talk to someone that is up to date on the world's most powerful gene editing technology. Kevin Davies is an Oxford trained science journalist and the author of Editing Humanity: The CRISPR Revolution and the New Era of Genome Editing. CRISPR is an enzyme that is found in bacteria that scientists have repurposed to surgically replace pieces of DNA for a myriad of purposes, like curing Sickle Cell Disease. The future potential of this technology is incredible, cure for cancer?  A replacement for antibiotics. Fixing food chains and even global warming. The technology is also rife with moral conundrums including difficulties in regulating experimentation and DIY biohacking. A fascinating conversation about bio-futurism, for better or worse.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/

Humans are not the only species who have devised complex languages. How do their languages differ from ours? What can we learn from their languages? Do Spanish dogs understand Japanese dogs? How can our own knowledge of animal language help us in the realm of Xenolinguistics, and the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life? 

Today I rap with Cambridge zoologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum about animal language. Arik is the Author of Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication.  

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzj0CG30y8
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreshFacePod_Evison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfacepod.evison/