A story straight out of science fiction has landed in the middle of American politics—and it involves disaster response, a diner chain, and a claim that’s left a lot of people scratching their heads.

A story straight out of science fiction has landed in the middle of American politics—and it involves disaster response, a diner chain, and a claim that’s left a lot of people scratching their heads.

In this episode of The Ebone Zone, Ethan dives into the bizarre controversy surrounding FEMA official Gregg Phillips, who once claimed he experienced a supernatural event that transported him roughly 50 miles to a Waffle House in Rome, Georgia. The claim surfaced from a past podcast interview and has since sparked scrutiny, jokes online, and serious questions about leadership in federal disaster response.

According to reporting highlighted by The New York Times, Phillips described the experience as a sudden and frightening moment where he and his car were mysteriously transported without explanation. But when reporters went looking for answers, employees and regulars at the Rome locations of the diner chain said they had never seen him—and none reported anything remotely supernatural happening that day. 

Phillips has framed the experience in religious terms and has said some of the comments came during a period when he was undergoing treatment for cancer and believed he might be dying. Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether such claims raise concerns about credibility for someone overseeing major disaster response operations. 

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#DiscardedFightClubRules

Other Interesting Things

Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Post on Facebook

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In this episode, Ethan dives into the story of a soccer superfan willing to make a massive personal sacrifice for the love of the game. One devoted England supporter is putting his second home on the market so he can afford to follow his team across North America during the 2026 World Cup. 

The retired teacher plans to spend roughly seven weeks traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada to attend as many matches as possible, starting with England’s opener in Dallas. 

But the story raises bigger questions than just fandom. With travel, lodging, and ticket prices climbing into the thousands, following a team through the tournament has become an expensive commitment that many fans simply can’t afford. 

So where’s the line between passion and excess? Is this the ultimate example of dedication… or proof that the cost of global sports is spiraling out of control?

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#ImNotAGoodActorBut

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Part two continues last week's conversation with Aaron Swain, shifting into the experiences that have come along the way. From favorite songs that have left a lasting impact to stories from the road, Aaron gives insight into life as a traveling Gospel singer. The conversation blends reflection and real-life moments, offering a look at the highs, challenges, and unforgettable encounters that come with the journey.

Listen to Part One 

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SOUTHERN GOSPEL FORWARD

YouTube

Website 

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Aaron’s First Episode

OTHER RESOURCES

Absolutely Gospel

Singing News 

Gospel Music Showcase 

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 In part one of this two-part conversation, Aaron Swain of The Justified Quartet goes beyond the music and into what defines him at his core. From his beginnings in Gospel music to the moments that shaped his calling, Aaron shares how his path has been guided by faith from the very start. He opens up about his personal relationship with Christ and delivers a powerful testimony that reveals the foundation behind both his life and his voice. This episode sets the stage with honesty, purpose, and the deeper meaning behind the music. 

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ARTISTS AND SONGS THAT WERE MENTIONED

Right on Time - McKameys

I Stand Redeemed - Ron and Shelly Hamilton

Trust Me – Wilds Christian Camp

I Am the Water – The Perrys  

The Longest Time – Billy Joel

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In this episode of The Ebone Zone, Ethan dives into one of the strangest crime stories making headlines this year — a robbery attempt that relied on an unlikely accomplice: a translation app.

Police say a man walked into an Ecuadorian restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, ordered a cup of coffee, then used Google Translate on his phone to announce a robbery and threaten the cashier. When the employee ran away from the register, the suspect reportedly tried to pull the entire register out himself — but failed — before throwing his coffee and fleeing the scene. 

What followed was a bizarre mix of technology, assumptions, and human error. The suspect allegedly translated his demand from English to Spanish, apparently assuming the restaurant staff wouldn’t understand him otherwise — even though the cashier spoke English. 

In this episode, Ethan breaks down the story, how a translation app became part of a crime attempt, and what it says about the increasingly strange ways technology intersects with everyday life — even when things go completely wrong.

From digital tools in the real world to criminals who clearly didn’t think their plan through, this episode explores a moment where modern technology and human judgment collided in the most awkward way possible.

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#OddThingsToPutInAPie

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In this episode of The Ebone Zone, we dive into what may be one of the most surreal crime stories of the year: two British tourists allegedly staged a fake kidnapping in the Spanish resort city of Benidorm in an effort to extort £725 from a relative — reportedly to prolong their holiday. What began with chilling videos and threats spiraled into a full-scale police mobilization involving Interpol and specialist anti-kidnap units, only to be unraveled when the “hostage” and supposed captor were seen walking out of their hotel together, relaxed and unbound. We unpack not just the details of the bungled plot, but what it says about desperation, perception, and the absurd lengths some will go to for cash and convenience.

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#WhyIForgotAboutTheAnniversary

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Public service isn’t a job you clock in and out of—it’s a life you grow into.

In this episode of The Ebone Zone, Ethan sits down with Brandon Absher—former Sheriff’s Deputy, longtime volunteer firefighter, and candidate for Wilkes County Commissioner—for a conversation rooted in duty, family, and community.

Brandon reflects on his upbringing in Wilkes County and the values that shaped him long before he ever wore a badge or turnout gear. 

But beyond the uniform, this is a conversation about the man behind the service. Brandon opens up about how becoming a husband and father changed his perspective, sharpened his priorities, and grounded his sense of responsibility.

Now, as he seeks elected office, he explains how every chapter of his life—from childhood to the front lines—has shaped his campaign, his leadership philosophy, and his vision for the future of Wilkes County.

This isn’t just about politics.

It’s about how a life of service prepares someone for their next calling.

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In this episode of The Ebone Zone, we break down one of the strangest crime stories to come out of Florida this year — a case that begins with thousands of dollars in stolen meat and ends with heartbreak, impulse, and a decision that made the entire crime meaningless.

Authorities say a 30-year-old man stole nearly $4,000 worth of beef, lamb, pork, and other items from two grocery stores in a matter of minutes, only to discard most of it after discovering his girlfriend cooking with another man. 

We explore what happened that night, how emotions turned a calculated theft into a pointless act, and the fallout of the man’s decision. 

This isn’t just a story about theft. It’s about reaction. It’s about ego. And it’s about what happens when emotion overrides logic.

Because sometimes, the real story isn’t the crime itself — it’s what comes after.

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#WhenThereAreNoMovies

Other Interesting Things

The Bunny Song – VeggieTales

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What does it take for a cold case to go from crime scene to confession? In this week’s Ebone Zone, we unravel one of the most surreal crime stories of the year: a Milwaukee man allegedly committed a murder — then calmly went home, finished doing his taxes, and only after that turned himself in to authorities. Tune in for a deep dive into a case where “death and taxes” collided in the most unexpected way.

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#CouldBeThePerfectCrime

Other Interesting Things

Fire Juggling Unicyclist Performs for Busy Traffic 

Join the Circus!

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In this episode, we explore one of the most bizarre cultural flashpoints of 2026: a University of Alaska Fairbanks student who literally ate another student’s AI-generated artwork as an act of protest — and was subsequently arrested. We’ll break down what happened on January 13 when film and performing arts major Graham Granger tore down and chewed up dozens of images from an AI-assisted art installation in a campus gallery, calling it both protest and performance art. Prosecutors charged him with fifth-degree criminal mischief after he destroyed an estimated 57 of 160 prints and spent several hours in the Fairbanks Correctional Center before being released on bail.

This Week’s Featured Hashtag

#OtherUsesForBubbleWrap

Other Interesting Things

·  Article: “Alaska Art Student Arrested for Eating Another Student’s AI-Generated Art in Protest” 

·  UAF student eats AI art in gallery protest — The Sun Star / KUAC 

·         “AI-Induced Psychosis: Exploring the Mental Health Risks of Conversational AI”-Psychiatry Online

·         “Her” Starring Joaquin Phoenix – Trailer

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