Spectral Skull Session

Chris and Dane discuss three wintery tales that weave through the uncertain space between fact and fantasy. First, Chris discusses the Indian army's alleged modern-day Yeti encounters in the Himalayas. Second, Dane recounts the strange case of Oliver Lerch's disappearance into the skies of Indiana on Christmas eve, 1890. Next, the duo discusses H.P. Lovecraft's mastery of mythic horror. Finally, Chris reads "The Festival," Lovecraft's story about a holiday homecoming that becomes a nightmarish encounter with the ancient and eldritch.

The episode begins with an international news round-up of UFOs and otherworldly visitations from the USA, France, and Israel. Next, Dane outlines French scientist & UFOlogist Jacques Vallée's arguments against the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Finally, Chris and Dane confront their growing suspicions that there is a, possibly sinister, story of manipulation and control behind UFO phenomena.

Was the classical world bound together by a potent hallucinogen? Chris and Dane discuss Brian C. Muraresku's New York Times best-selling book, "The Immortality Key: The Secret History of The Religion With No Name." Muraresku argues that the Hellenistic world orbited around a mystery cult whose central ritual involved hallucinogenic beer. After assessing the evidence for ritualistic narcotic usage by the ancient Greeks, Chris and Dane shift the conversation to the nature of psychoactive spirituality and the possibility that America's increasingly permissive attitude towards psychedelics could herald an imminent spiritual revival.

Great evil has taken place in the southeastern corner ofMassachusetts. The swamps have been the site of brutal combat and staggeringbetrayal. Violent cults have stalked the forests. It should come as no surprisethat this is one of North America's most haunted places. Chris and Daneoutline the region with a constellation of stories about phantom hitchhikers,giant snakes, thunderbirds, UFOs, pukwudgies, ghostly fires, and nativespirits. What is taking place in the Massachusetts wilderness? Is this simplya case of bad memories yet to be forgotten? Or is it something more sinister?

We are made of star stuff, orbiting a star, and dependent on that star. Does it not follow that stars rule our destiny? To explore that question, Chris and Dane unpack the case for astrology. After the team delves into the fundamentals of drawing up your horoscope, Chris discusses the possible role of seasonal change in explaining astrological signs. Dane speculates that astrology originated with ancient warring interplanetary civilizations.

Recent reports of giant birds and humanoid creatures over Northern Illinois have startled journalists into talking of the 'Chicago Mothman.' Is this the same cryptid that famously terrorized Point Pleasant, West Virginia, from 1966-67? Are these manifestations an ill portent for the windy city? Chris and Dane explore the possibilities in this Mothman-haunted episode!

The most commonly encountered cryptid is also one of the most terrifying. Chris and Dane discuss true stories of encounters with shadow people from Jason Offutt’s book “Darkness Walks: The Shadow People Among Us.” After that, we interview Jamie, a Connecticut woman who has been haunted by the shadow people for years.

A quick trip to the Church bathroom turns into deliverance; a Don Juan forms an unholy alliance of sorts; grandma's haunted bedroom. Chris and Dane map the possible explanations for exorcisms in this hell-raising episode!

When U.S. naval pilots began capturing video confirmation of Unidentified Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the early 21st century, the U.S. government mobilized to assess the apparent threat to America’s military operators. Could UAVs be software glitches, terrestrial drones, a Pentagon disinformation campaign, or something even more sinister? Chris & Dane comprehensively review the past three years of public news and declassified intelligence about the military’s growing interest in the UAV phenomena. Critically evaluating every possibility, we present the best evidence available in human history that shows there is something seriously strange happening in America’s skies.

When a respected psychologist published a series of studies supporting extra-sensory perception, he set the academic world ablaze. Cornell professor, Daryl Bem's article "Feeling the Future" has enraged some, delighted others, and cast doubt on the scientific foundation of psychology itself. Taking sides in the controversy, Chris and Dane square off in a debate over the infamous Bem experiments.