Afleveringen
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What happens when people from every culture report remarkably similar experiences while standing on the threshold of death?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore near-death experiences (NDEs) through the lenses of anthropology, psychology, medicine, and consciousness research. From out-of-body experiences and life reviews to encounters with deceased loved ones and reports of profound transformation, we examine why these extraordinary experiences have been documented across cultures and throughout history.
Drawing on the work of researchers including Raymond Moody, Kenneth Ring, Bruce Greyson, and Sam Parnia, we trace the emergence of NDEs as a legitimate field of scientific inquiry while exploring the strongest evidence and the leading biological explanations. Along the way, we discuss veridical perceptions, cross-cultural patterns, the Greyson Near-Death Experience Scale, and why these experiences continue to challenge conventional assumptions about the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Rather than arguing for a single explanation, this episode explores one of humanity's oldest questions from an anthropological perspective: what can near-death experiences reveal about consciousness, culture, and what it means to be human?
Topics discussed in this episode:
(2:40) - What are NDEs and How Common Are They?
(15:57) - What Happens During an NDE?
(26:18) - How Are NDEs Studied?
(40:33) - What is the Evidence for NDEs?
(54:26) - The History of NDEs
(1:02:23) - Distressing NDEs
(1:06:50) - Can Biology Explain NDEs?
Show Notes
International Association for Near Death Studies
Raymond Moody, Life After Life
Near-Death Experience Research Foundation
UVirginia Division of Perceptual Studies
Near-Death Experiences | Psychology Today
Oxford Forum
AWARE-AWAreness during REsuscitation-a prospective study
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Cryptozoologist Adam Thorn has shared new updates from his recent orang pendek expedition in Sumatra. Responding to questions from viewers, Thorn addresses criticism surrounding his now-viral trail camera footage before taking a closer look at the hair samples collected during the expedition. While several of the suspected hairs turned out not to be hair at all, one sample closely matches both the mysterious cinnamon-colored arm captured on camera and photographs of unidentified primate hairs from an unpublished study. Thorn says the specimen also resembles orangutan hair but not that of any other known wildlife in the region and plans to send it for expert analysis.
We also examine a string of recent celebrity claims involving the paranormal. Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi once again opens up about what she believes was an alien abduction after seeing a UFO as a teenager, while actor James Franco has sparked speculation after posting a series of cryptic TikTok videos describing an encounter with a mysterious glowing-eyed entity speaking an unknown language. Is it a genuine experience, performance art, or simply promotion ahead of his return to Hollywood? We discuss the claims—and why celebrity paranormal stories continue to capture public attention.
Finally, we look at two remarkable wildlife discoveries that serve as a reminder that our planet still holds plenty of mysteries. Scientists have officially described a new species of deep-sea ghost shark discovered off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica using both anatomical and DNA evidence, while the elusive sand cat has been documented in Libya, expanding its known range beyond what researchers previously believed. These discoveries raise an intriguing question for cryptozoology: if new vertebrate species and unexpected populations continue to be found today, what else might still be waiting to be discovered?
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Debriefing the Orang Pendek Expedition and Responding to Comments
Hair from an Orang Pendek: Hair Sample Analysis
TAKE THIS PERSONALLY - Snooki's Untold Jersey Shore Stories, Cancer Diagnosis, & Alien Abduction - The Bobby Bones Show
James Franco Returns to Social Media With Bizarre ‘Alien’ Videos
I saw something not human in my garage
Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Ghost Shark Species Off Costa Rica
‘No one believed it’: how a YouTube video accidentally proved Libya’s sand cat really does exist
Sand Cat in Libya
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has been tasked by the White House and several federal agencies with assembling a new UAP Science Advisory Council aimed at helping the government better understand the nature of unidentified anomalous phenomena. The council brings together experts from disciplines ranging from physics and computer science to psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and oceanography. We break down the council's mission, who is involved—including skeptic Michael Shermer and anthropologist Peter Skafish—and what it means that the group will operate without access to classified information while advising a larger government UAP Governance Board.
We also examine a major psychic fraud case that resulted in the indictment of a Texas couple accused of stealing more than $2.5 million from emotionally vulnerable victims. According to federal prosecutors, the pair allegedly convinced people they were suffering from curses tied to their finances and persuaded them to liquidate assets, purchase gold, and hand over large sums of money under the promise that the funds would be spiritually cleansed and returned. The case highlights the darker side of the paranormal marketplace and raises important questions about exploitation, belief, and vulnerability.
Finally, we look ahead to Litha, the Summer Solstice, which takes place this Sunday. Celebrated by many contemporary Pagans, witches, and nature-based spiritual traditions, Litha marks the longest day of the year and the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. We discuss the significance of the solstice and point listeners toward our latest Field Notes from the Beyond newsletter for a deeper look at the history, folklore, and modern celebration of this important seasonal festival.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes
More Details on the UAP Science Advisory Council
Couple arrested in ‘fortune teller fraud’ that milked $2.5m from customers for a financial ‘cleanse’
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
While much of the UFO conversation has focused on declassified files, whistleblowers, and Hollywood's growing fascination with disclosure, scientists have been quietly updating the protocols that would govern humanity's response to the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence. The International Academy of Astronautics' SETI Committee has released a revised Declaration of Principles that addresses social media, artificial intelligence, researcher safety, and the increasingly complex ways scientists search for evidence of non-human civilizations. The new guidelines also reaffirm that any response to a detected signal should only occur after international consultation and not at the discretion of individual researchers.
We also examine the surprising removal of Msgr. Stephen Rossetti as principal exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington after nearly two decades in the role. Rossetti, a priest, psychologist, author, and founder of the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, recently sparked controversy with public statements asserting that UFOs are demonic rather than extraterrestrial in origin. While Rossetti emphasized these views were his personal opinions rather than official Catholic teaching, the Church's decision has generated discussion about the intersection of religion, exorcism, and modern UFO beliefs.
Finally, we check in on the current state of the disclosure movement following a new press conference held near the U.S. Capitol. Featuring lawmakers, journalists, filmmakers, and whistleblower David Grusch, the event renewed calls for greater government transparency regarding UAPs and alleged non-human intelligences. We discuss where the movement stands after years of investigations, congressional hearings, declassified documents, and competing narratives—and why the growing debate over figures like Luis Elizondo, AARO, and the future of disclosure may leave even longtime followers struggling to keep up.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes
Beyond Disclosure Day: The Real-World Protocols
Position Paper on Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) – (2026 Update)
St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal
Rossetti’s video
‘OF COURSE SOMETHING IS GOING ON’: Congress Dodges Questions on Missing Scientists at UFO Transparency Push
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Did cryptozoologist Adam Thorn capture evidence of the elusive orang pendek? During a recent expedition to Sumatra, Thorn collected environmental DNA samples, possible hair specimens, and deployed camera traps throughout the jungle. In footage recently shared on his YouTube channel, something appears to smear mud across one camera's lens before a cinnamon-colored limb briefly comes into view. Thorn stops short of calling it proof, but says he's unsure what known animal could have produced the footage. With long-term camera traps still operating in the region, the investigation is far from over.
We also review the results of this year's annual Loch Ness Monster hunt in the Scottish Highlands. Armed with sonar systems, underwater drones, and even an autonomous submarine designed to map the loch's depths, researchers spent several days searching for evidence of Nessie. While no new discoveries were announced, the hunt comes during a year that has already produced six reported sightings, including a recent claim from an American tourist who says he captured footage of a large object breaking the surface of the water.
Finally, we break down the latest development in the ongoing Conjuring House ownership dispute. A Rhode Island judge has issued a restraining order against YouTuber Elton Castee, ruling that paranormal investigator Jason Hawes has presented sufficient evidence supporting his claim to ownership of the infamous property. The judge also found that Castee had trespassed on the property multiple times since the disputed transfer of ownership, describing the entire case as "a huge mess."
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes
Judge issues restraining order in battle over Conjuring House
New drone could solve mystery of the Loch Ness monster
Loch Ness Monster sightings for 2026 now stand at six after Nessie-spotting USA tourist on Highland tour bus spies ‘large, dark object’ breaking the surface of the loch in the Great Glen, near Inverness.
Orang Pendek Expedition 2: Sumatra's Sasquatch Caught on Camera
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Welcome to our new listeners!
We’ve had a lot of new followers since launching our TikTok and 250 Years of American High Strangeness series, so for those just joining us: Headlines from the Beyond is our (mostly) weekly series covering the paranormal, unexplained, and strange stories that caught our attention this week.
This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
After months of hearings and intense local opposition, East Vincent Township officials have denied Pennhurst Holdings LLC’s controversial proposal to build a massive data center complex on the grounds of the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital property. The expanded plan included nearly 1.9 million square feet of development, gas-powered generators, battery storage fields, and multiple data center buildings along the Schuylkill River. Residents, firefighters, farmers, and preservation advocates raised concerns about environmental impacts, noise pollution, fire risks, and the future of one of Pennsylvania’s most infamous historic sites. Developers have already announced plans to challenge the decision in court.
We also explore Ohio’s proposed House Bill 821, a bipartisan effort to officially recognize the legendary Loveland Frogman as the state’s official cryptid. Sightings of the frog-like humanoid date back to the 1950s along the Little Miami River near Loveland, including reports from police officers and witnesses who claimed the creature walked upright—and in one case, carried a wand that emitted sparks. If passed, the bill could make Ohio the first state to formally recognize an official cryptid through legislation.
Two stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes
East Vincent rejects Pennhurst data center proposal; developer plans to take fight to court
This mysterious creature could become Ohio's official cryptid
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What happens when cultures around the world interpret illness, suffering, and altered states of consciousness as spiritual possession?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore exorcism as a cross-cultural phenomenon, examining how different religious traditions understand spirits, possession, healing, and the supernatural.
Rather than treating exorcism as simply horror movie material, this episode approaches it through anthropology, religious studies, and the study of lived spiritual experience.
Drawing on ethnographic research and religious texts, we examine Catholic exorcism and the Roman Ritual, Muslim ruqya practices involving djinn possession, and Korean Buddhist rituals used to heal spirit-related illness and troublesome ghost encounters.
Along the way, we discuss why possession experiences across cultures often share strikingly similar features: altered states of consciousness, unusual strength, personality changes, physical symptoms, and experiences interpreted as contact with non-human entities.
From Catholic priests and Muslim raqis to Buddhist ritual specialists and spirit mediums, this episode asks a broader question: what do exorcism and possession reveal about the ways humans understand suffering, healing, evil, and the unseen world?
Rather than offering definitive answers, this episode explores the intersection of religion, anthropology, medicine, and the paranormal—and why experiences of possession continue to challenge the boundaries between belief, psychology, and reality.
Topics discussed in this episode:
(2:14) - The Anthropology of Possession and Exorcism
(17:52) - Ruqya, Muslim Exorcism
(30:15) - The Roman Ritual
(1:11:45) - Exorcism in Buddhist Korea
(1:28:42) - Why Consider Exorcism and Possession
Show Notes:
Divine Horsemen
A Balinese Trance Seance
Oparin, D. (2020). Possession and exorcism in the Muslim migrant context. Ethnicities, 20(4), 731-751.
Ayah Al-Kursi
Living with the Invisibles (available to stream on Alexander Street Press)
The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel, Felicitas Goodman
Deliver Us (Kanopy, but available on other streaming services)
Archbishop of Milwaukee Jeffrey Grob’s dissertation on Catholic exorcism:
https://www.scribd.com/document/326664328/Grob-Thesis
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Will a new expedition to Sumatra finally uncover definitive evidence of the mysterious orang pendek?
Cryptohominid researcher Adam Thorn has returned to the jungles of Sumatra with a much more ambitious investigation into the legendary “little person” of Indonesian folklore. Using long-term trail camera deployment, environmental DNA sampling, footprint analysis, and primate vocalization experiments, Thorn’s new expedition represents one of the most scientific attempts yet to investigate reports of this elusive cryptohominid.
We also remember legendary Japanese horror author Koji Suzuki, the creator of Ringu and one of the pioneers of modern J-horror, whose work reshaped supernatural horror around the world.
Finally, we break down the newest developments in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the sale of the infamous Conjuring House to paranormal investigator Jason Hawes, including the dismissal of the lawsuit that temporarily halted the sale.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Orang Pendek: Methods for Finding Sumatra’s Sasquatch
I Went in Search of the Orang Pendek, Sumatra's Sasquatch
Orang Pendek Expedition: The DNA Results, My Theories, the Footprints and More
Biothorn Primate Discovery Unit
Koji Suzuki, Whose Horror Novels Inspired ‘Ring’ Movies, Dies at 68
Judge dismisses lawsuit blocking sale of ‘The Conjuring’ house
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three major paranormal and unexplained stories shaping the conversation right now.
A new publication from the International Association for Near-Death Studies proposes a bold scientific framework for studying near-death experiences (NDEs) and other end-of-life phenomena. Drawing on decades of clinical observations, one researcher estimates that millions of Americans report near-death experiences, shared death experiences, and deathbed visions each year. Could a national database and a willingness to study consciousness beyond the body transform how science understands life, death, and what may come after?
Next, a new bill introduced by Tim Burchett aims to defund the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), the office tasked with investigating unidentified aerial phenomena. If passed, the legislation would dismantle centralized UAP oversight and redistribute responsibilities across the Department of Defense. What would this mean for transparency, disclosure efforts, and the future of UFO research?
Finally, internet investigators are drawing connections between a series of recent disappearances and deaths involving scientists, military personnel, and defense contractors—including the ongoing case of missing Air Force General William Neil McCasland. From NASA researchers to national security officials, the clustering of these cases has fueled speculation about whether these incidents are coincidental—or part of something larger.
From the science of near-death experiences to government oversight of UFOs and emerging conspiracy theories, we’re tracking the stories shaping the strange, the uncertain, and the unexplained.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
O'Driscoll, Jeff. "A New Scientific Model for Studying Near-Death Phenomena." Journal of Near-Death Studies 42, no. 3 (2024).
Dr. Jeff O’Driscoll
Pentagon’s UFO Office to Be Eliminated Under New Bill
All-domain Anomaly Research Office
Dr. Jon T. Kosloski
H.R.8197 - To terminate the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.
Missing nuclear official becomes TENTH person tied to dark pattern surrounding US secrets
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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What happens when lived religious experience challenges how we define the paranormal?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we’re joined by Andrew Chesnut, one of the leading scholars on Santa Muerte, for an in-depth conversation on devotion, healing, and the realities behind one of the fastest-growing religious movements in the world.
Building on our previous episode, we go beyond history and symbolism to explore lived experiences of devotion to Santa Muerte through the voices, practices, and reported miracles of her devotees.
Drawing on his book Devoted to Death, Dr. Chesnut discusses how Santa Muerte devotion has evolved since he began his research in 2009, including its rapid growth in the United States, its spread beyond Hispanic communities, and its place within broader political and cultural conversations around immigration and identity.
We also explore Santa Muerte's role in healing—examining how practitioners understand supernatural illness, protection, and healing in ways that often fall outside Western scientific frameworks.
In one of the most compelling parts of the conversation, Dr. Chesnut reflects on the reports of miracles among Santa Muertistas, from physical healing to protection in life-threatening situations, and why it’s essential for scholars to take these experiences seriously, even when they challenge conventional explanations
From anthropology and religious studies to the broader question of how we define the paranormal, this episode pushes the boundaries between belief, experience, and reality.
Topics discussed in this episode:
(0:35) - Welcoming Dr. Chesnut and the State of Santa Muerte Devotion
(18:00) - Santa Muerte as Healer
(24:39) - Gender and Santa Muerte
(35:32) - Santa Muerte and the Paranormal
(41:00) - Military and Law Enforcement Devotion
(43:56) - Studying Anomalous Phenomena
(47:21) - Dr. Chesnut's Upcoming Work
Show Notes:
Instagram - @drdeathanddivinity
Threads -@drdeathanddivinity
X - @AndrewChesnut1
Facebook - Andrew Chesnut
Devoted to Death, 3rd Edition
Campfire ambience: “Campfire at night soundscape (louder fire, quieter animals)” by SilverIllusionist, via Freesound (CC BY 4.0).
Music: “Backwoods BBQ” by Chris Haugen, via the YouTube Audio Library.
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three major stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.
The UFO community is mourning the loss of Nick Pope, one of the most recognizable figures in modern UFO research. Known for his work on the UK Ministry of Defence’s “UFO desk” and later as a prominent media voice on shows like Ancient Aliens, Pope’s legacy spans decades of investigation, public engagement, and advocacy for serious study of unexplained aerial phenomena. Following his passing after a battle with cancer, we look back at his impact on UFO discourse—and why he was often called the “real-life Fox Mulder.”
Next, Vice President JD Vance weighs in on extraterrestrials, offering a perspective that reframes UFO encounters not as alien—but potentially demonic. His comments add fuel to a growing divide between scientific and religious interpretations of the phenomenon. We break down his statements, responses from researchers like Avi Loeb, and what this debate reveals about how people interpret the unknown.
Finally, a commercial airline pilot reports a possible UFO sighting while landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Describing a “flying disc” overhead, the report raises familiar questions: what was seen, how fast was it moving, and why couldn’t air traffic control confirm it? We examine what we know—and what remains unexplained.
From the legacy of one of UFO research’s most influential figures to new political theories and fresh eyewitness accounts, we’re tracking the stories shaping the conversation around extraterrestrials and the unexplained.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
JD Vance says aliens are ‘demons’ and details obsession with UFOs
The Benny Show - JD Vance | Saving Western Civilization by Fighting Demons, Will We Survive?
Avi Loeb Comments on Vice President JD Vance’s Remarks that UFOs Might be Demons
Avi Loeb Reacts to JD Vance Believing Aliens Are Actually 'Demons' | Jesse Weber Live
Commercial Pilot Landing in Philadelphia Reports Flying Saucer to Air Traffic Control
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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What if some of the most powerful paranormal experiences aren’t found in ghost stories—but in religion?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore the rapidly growing devotion to Santa Muerte, also known as Holy Death, the Skeleton Saint, or La Flaca. With millions of devotees across Mexico, the United States, and Central America, Santa Muerte has been called one of the fastest-growing new religious movements in the world.
This episode examines Santa Muerte not just as a cultural or religious figure, but as a supernatural phenomenon—one that challenges how we define belief, experience, and the unexplained.
From protection and healing to love, vengeance, and even ensuring a “good death,” Santa Muerte occupies a space that most religious figures—and most paranormal frameworks—avoid.
Join us as we dive. into the history, characteristics, and devotion to Santa Muerte and ask big questions like why do we often separate religion from the supernatural?
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Topics discussed in this episode:
(2:14) - Religion and the Supernatural
(10:49) - History and Origins of Santa Muerte
(26:25) - Who is Santa Muerte?
(35:14) - What is Santa Muerte like?
(44:32) - What does Santa Muerte do?
Resources for additional research:
Dr. Andrew Chesnut
Devoted to Death, 3rd Edition
Death and the Idea of Mexico
Campfire ambience: “Campfire at night soundscape (louder fire, quieter animals)” by SilverIllusionist, via Freesound (CC BY 4.0).
Music: “Backwoods BBQ” by Chris Haugen, via the YouTube Audio Library.
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering four major paranormal and unexplained stories making headlines right now.
In northeast Ohio, a wave of recent sasquatch sightings has researchers calling it the latest Bigfoot “flap.” Multiple witnesses across Portage and Trumbull Counties report encounters with large, hair-covered figures, strange vocalizations, and possible footprints. What’s behind this sudden surge—and how seriously are investigators taking it?
Next, new reporting on Havana Syndrome—now referred to as anomalous health incidents—suggests the U.S. government may know more than previously acknowledged. A newly described device capable of emitting targeted electromagnetic waves, along with ongoing investigations and reported incidents near high-security locations, raises new questions about what’s really happening to affected individuals.
Then, a new documentary premiering at SXSW is reigniting debate around one of the most famous pieces of cryptid evidence ever captured: the Patterson-Gimlin film. With claims of newly uncovered footage and insider testimony, could this film finally settle the question of whether the iconic Bigfoot footage was real—or an elaborate hoax?
Finally, we revisit 3I/ATLAS as it passes beyond Jupiter and exits the solar system. From unusual trajectory patterns to chemical anomalies and potential technosignatures, we break down the most compelling—and controversial—interpretations of this interstellar object and what it might reveal about the possibility of non-natural origins.
From Bigfoot sightings and UFO-adjacent technology to cryptid controversies and interstellar mysteries, we’re tracking the stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.
Four stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the unexplained.
Show Notes:
The Ohio Bigfoot Flap - Bigfoot Society
Ohio Squatch Project
U.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources say
The Famed 1967 Bigfoot Film Was an 'Incredible Hoax,' Says the Director of a Groundbreaking New Documentary
3I/ATLAS is Fading Away, Leaving Us to Ponder Over Its 22 Mysterious Anomalies
The 72-second signal that made scientists ask: "Are We Alone?"
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three strange stories making headlines right now.
Authorities in Albuquerque are searching for retired U.S. Air Force General William Neil McCasland after he was reported missing in late February. An accomplished aerospace engineer and former director of major Air Force research programs—including work connected to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base—McCasland’s name has circulated in UFO disclosure circles since a leaked email linked him to Tom DeLonge’s To the Stars Academy. What do we know about the search so far, and why has his disappearance drawn attention from the UAP community?
Next, a new study suggests SETI may be missing potential alien signals because of “space weather.” Researchers say stellar activity around distant stars could distort narrowband radio signals as they travel through space, spreading them across frequencies and making them harder to detect with current search methods. If true, it could mean extraterrestrial signals are arriving at Earth differently than scientists expected.
And finally, sellers offering spiritual and occult services on Etsy say they’re facing a sudden crackdown as the platform begins enforcing long-standing rules banning supernatural services that promise real-world outcomes. With shops removed and orders canceled, some sellers are calling it a digital witch hunt—while Etsy says the policies are meant to protect buyers from scams.
From UFO-linked figures to alien signal searches and the economics of online magic, we’re tracking the stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the unexplained.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Former US Air Force general linked to UFO research goes missing in New Mexico
FBI joins search for retired Air Force major general missing for nearly 2 weeks
WikiLeaks - General McCasland
Why SETI Might Have Been Missing Alien Signals
Lazio, T. Joseph W., S. G. Djorgovski, Andrew Howard, Curt Cutler, Sofia Z. Sheikh, Stefano Cavuoti, Denise Herzing et al. "Data-driven approaches to searches for the technosignatures of advanced civilizations." arXiv preprint arXiv:2308.15518 (2023).
Etsy Witches Say Spell Casting Is No Longer Welcome on the Platform
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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Today on Headlines from the Beyond:
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump make headlines over UFOs, UAPs, and extraterrestrial life. In a viral podcast appearance, Obama joked that “aliens are real,” before clarifying that while life likely exists somewhere in the vast universe, he saw no evidence of extraterrestrial contact during his presidency. Days later, Trump responded aboard Air Force One, accusing Obama of revealing classified information and later announcing plans to direct federal agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to UAPs, UFOs, and alien life. With ambiguity surrounding what, if anything, will actually be released, we examine what these statements mean for disclosure, public perception, and the ongoing debate about non-human intelligence.
Then: Nearly 400,000 Catholics are traveling to Assisi, Italy, as the bones of St. Francis of Assisi go on public display for the first time since 1978, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. As pilgrims venerate the remains of the patron saint of ecology and founder of the Franciscan order, we explore the role of relics in Catholic tradition—first-, second-, and third-class relics—the theology behind reported healings, and why physical remains continue to matter in modern religious life.
Next: Avi Loeb’s Galileo Project is expanding its search for anomalous objects in Earth’s atmosphere—and they’re asking for public help. With observatories now operating in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, the project uses AI systems to analyze aerial data for unusual flight characteristics. But distinguishing drones, birds, aircraft, and atmospheric phenomena from true anomalies requires human volunteers to help train the system. We explain how you can participate in UAP research and what the project is actually looking for.
Finally: A Norwegian scientist attempting to debunk microwave weapon theories reportedly built and tested a device on himself—only to experience symptoms eerily similar to Havana Syndrome, or Anomalous Health Incidents. Though the case occurred in 2024, it has only recently come to light, drawing attention from Pentagon and White House officials. As questions persist about classified devices, foreign adversaries, and years of government uncertainty, we examine what this new report adds to the ongoing mystery.
Four stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Brian Tyler Cohen - Barack Obama BREAKS SILENCE on Trump's ape video, Bad Bunny, and 2028 election
Obama clarifies views on aliens after saying 'they're real' on podcast
St. Francis’ Remains, Rarely Seen, Go on Display in Assisi
Join the Search for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Within the Galileo Project!
The Galileo Project - Join the Search for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
Researcher skeptical of ‘Havana syndrome’ tested secret weapon on himself
Michael Beck, 65, Dies; First to Report Symptoms of ‘Havana Syndrome’
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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This week on Headlines from the Beyond, we’re covering three major paranormal news stories making waves right now.
The Varginha UFO incident, often called the “Brazilian Roswell," is back in the spotlight 30 years later, following a National Press Club briefing featuring eyewitness testimony, medical claims, and renewed interest from members of Congress. Why is this case resurging now and what new details are being discussed?
Next, a camera placed in Loch Ness in 1970 has finally been recovered from the lake floor and restored. Did one of the earliest Nessie surveillance experiments capture anything after more than 50 years underwater?
And in New York’s Hudson Valley, local researchers are investigating multiple reports of large sasquatch footprints, including long stride patterns and sightings tied to a region with decades of Bigfoot activity.
From UFO disclosure debates to cryptid evidence and legendary monster hunts, we’re tracking the stories shaping paranormal conversation right now.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Landmark Brazilian UFO Case Reaches Capitol Hill as Varginha Incident Turns 30
‘Varginha UFO Incident’ Takes Center Stage at Press Club Press Conference
James Fox UFO press conference on Varginha, Brazil case
Eerie Images Recovered From Loch Ness Monster Camera Trap Lost Underwater For 55 Years
Loch Ness Monster camera restored by Repair Shop experts
Cryptid Compendium: Nessie
Did Bigfoot Visit Dutchess County? Local Researchers Share New Track Photos
Bigfoot Researchers of the Hudson Valley
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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Today on Headlines from the Beyond:
Reports of a possible Marian apparition in Rwanda draw large crowds, intense debate, and official investigation. Two children in the Musanze District claim to have seen the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus—first appearing on a utility pole, then later in a nearby tree. While local officials have dismissed the reports as rumor, the Diocese of Ruhengeri has confirmed it is investigating the claims. With only 18 Marian apparitions officially recognized by the Catholic Church out of more than 1,500 reported cases—and only one, Our Lady of Kibeho, approved in Africa—what would recognition of a second African apparition mean, and how long might that process take?
Then: New reporting reveals the Pentagon purchased an “eight-figure” device that may be connected to Havana Syndrome. Homeland Security Investigations acquired the device during the final months of the Biden presidency, and investigators believe it produces pulsed radio waves long suspected to be behind the anomalous health incidents reported by U.S. officials since 2016. We examine what’s known about the device, the discovery of Russian components, years of government denials, and why victims say they were ignored—or actively gaslit—for nearly a decade.
Next: Residents in Connecticut and Pennsylvania are searching for answers as unexplained hums, booms, and flashes disrupt daily life. In West Haven, Connecticut, officials have approved a $16,000 acoustic study after residents reported a persistent hum impacting sleep and mental health—some say for years. In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, loud bangs and flashes captured on home security cameras defy easy explanations, with no corresponding utility outages or infrastructure failures. We look at what investigators know so far—and what remains unexplained.
Finally: A former Bank of England financial security analyst is urging global financial institutions to prepare for the possibility of extraterrestrial disclosure. In a letter to the Bank of England’s governor, Helen McCaw warned that confirmation of non-human intelligence responsible for UAPs could trigger ontological shock, market volatility, and a crisis of confidence in how assets are valued. We connect these concerns to our previous discussion of first contact scenarios—and what disclosure could mean not just psychologically, but economically.
Four stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Show Notes:
Alleged Virgin Mary Apparition in Northern Rwanda Draws Crowds, Reignites Church Debate
Pentagon bought device through undercover operation some investigators suspect is linked to Havana Syndrome
Anomalous Health Incidents
West Haven City Council votes to fund $16K to solve mysterious hum sound
Mysterious loud booms and flashes of light have Bensalem residents concerned
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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If humans were to encounter extraterrestrial life, how would we begin to understand it?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore xenoanthropology—a theoretical extension of anthropology concerned with understanding non-human intelligences, their social systems, and their possible cultures. Rather than asking whether extraterrestrial life exists, we ask what it might be like if it does—and how humans could attempt to learn about it.
Anthropology teaches us that even among humans, ideas about communication, embodiment, medicine, gender, privacy, and social organization vary widely. Xenoanthropology pushes this insight further, asking how radically different biology, environments, and evolutionary histories might shape extraterrestrial societies in ways that challenge human expectations.
As part of this exploration, we examine contact and abductee narratives as accounts of encounters that describe recurring types of non-human beings—such as Greys, insectoids, reptilians, and so-called Nordics. These narratives are treated not simply as symbolism, but as descriptive claims that offer examples of what extraterrestrial cultures, hierarchies, technologies, and modes of interaction might look like, if such encounters are occurring. Patterns within these accounts—such as differentiated roles, apparent social stratification, telepathic communication, or collective intelligence—are used to think through how non-human societies could plausibly be organized.
Finally, we confront the ethical stakes of extraterrestrial ethnography. Anthropology’s history—including its entanglement with colonialism and military power—raises serious questions about who would study whom, for what purpose, and with what consequences. Xenoanthropology forces us to reckon with human assumptions: that we would recognize extraterrestrial intelligence, survive contact, be worthy of attention, or even be capable of understanding what we encounter.
Rather than offering answers, this episode uses xenoanthropology to open a space for more careful, less human-centered thinking about extraterrestrial life—and about what our assumptions reveal about ourselves.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.Topics discussed in this episode:
(3:06) - What is xenoanthropology?
(26:14) - Would we be able to understand ETs?
(34:14) - What alien cultures might exist?
(1:05:52) - What are the ethics of extraterrestrial ethnography?
(1:16:04) - What do we assume about extraterrestrial life?
Resources for additional research:
Can Anthropologists Propel Astronauts Toward Mars?
How to Host an Extraterrestrial
Extraterrestrial Species Almanac
David Michael Jacobs Wesbite
John Mack Institute
Human Terrain: War Becomes Academic
Pluribus
Campfire ambience: “Campfire at night soundscape (louder fire, quieter animals)” by SilverIllusionist, via Freesound (CC BY 4.0).
Music: “Backwoods BBQ” by Chris Haugen, via the YouTube Audio Library.
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Today on Headlines from the Beyond:
The world of the unexplained loses one of its most influential figures. We remember the life and legacy of Erich von Däniken, the author who popularized ancient astronaut theory and challenged generations of readers to rethink humanity’s past. From Chariots of the Gods? to decades of public debate, we look at why his work mattered—regardless of where you stand on his conclusions.
Then: A CIA response to a recent FOIA request about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS raises new questions. Why would the possible existence of records about a supposedly natural comet be classified? We break down the “neither confirm nor deny” response, Avi Loeb’s interpretation, and what this might suggest about government concern over rare “black swan” events as 3I/ATLAS continues its journey through the solar system.
Finally: Pennsylvania finds itself at the center of two disturbing cases involving the illegal collection of human remains. From a multi-state body parts trafficking network to the shocking discovery of nearly 100 sets of human bones taken from a historic cemetery, we examine what investigators know so far—and what remains deeply unclear.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Official (German) Erich von Däniken obituary
Jason Martell’s von Däniken memorial post
Black Vault CIA FOIA Response Tweet
Avi Loeb’s Medium post - If 3I/ATLAS is a Comet, Why Would the CIA “Neither Deny, Nor Confirm” the Existence of Records on It?
PA man who sold stolen human remains appeals 6-year sentence
Dealers of the Dead documentary
100 skulls and mummified body parts found in a Pennsylvania grave robbery case, police say
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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Today on Headlines from the Beyond:
Big news from Capitol Hill and beyond: the U.S. federal government has launched a probe into Cold War-era biological research involving ticks and tick-borne diseases. Signed into law as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the amendment directs the Government Accountability Office to review Department of Defense projects from 1945–1972 to determine whether ticks were ever studied or weaponized, whether research ventured outside military facilities, and whether relevant documents were destroyed—raising questions for people impacted by Lyme disease and Morgellons alike.
Then: A group of Peruvian shamans gathered at the end of last year to make predictions for 2026. Some were ambitious—calling for a change of leadership in Venezuela and an end to the war in Ukraine—and while not all have come to pass, a few early forecasts are already prompting conversation about cultural prophecy, indigenous worldviews, and how traditional spiritual authorities engage with global events.
Finally: Newly unsealed British Ministry of Defence files reveal that in the 1990s the UK military tasked intelligence officers with investigating unidentified aerial phenomena and actively considering whether to acquire unidentified technology reported in sightings. The files show that reports of unusual craft, including cases like the Rendlesham Forest incident, were taken seriously enough to prompt strategic discussion about defense implications—offering a fresh archival angle on government interest in UAPs and the long path toward disclosure.
And as a New Year's bonus, an update on our ongoing Anomalies research project.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on Instagram and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on Substack.
Show Notes:
Tick Weaponization to be Investigated
Peru shamans foretell illness for Trump, Maduro's exile in 2026
MoD ordered officers to find UFO technology, secret files reveal
Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).
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