Beyond the Human

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’DriscollPentagon’s UFO Office to Be Eliminated Under New BillAll-domain Anomaly Research OfficeDr. Jon T. KosloskiH.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 secretsTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

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 UFOsThe 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 DemonsAvi Loeb Reacts to JD Vance Believing Aliens Are Actually 'Demons' | Jesse Weber LiveCommercial Pilot Landing in Philadelphia Reports Flying Saucer to Air Traffic ControlTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

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 SocietyOhio Squatch ProjectU.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources sayThe Famed 1967 Bigfoot Film Was an 'Incredible Hoax,' Says the Director of a Groundbreaking New Documentary3I/ATLAS is Fading Away, Leaving Us to Ponder Over Its 22 Mysterious AnomaliesThe 72-second signal that made scientists ask: "Are We Alone?"

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 electionObama clarifies views on aliens after saying 'they're real' on podcastSt. Francis’ Remains, Rarely Seen, Go on Display in AssisiJoin the Search for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Within the Galileo Project!The Galileo Project - Join the Search for Unidentified Anomalous PhenomenaResearcher skeptical of ‘Havana syndrome’ tested secret weapon on himselfMichael Beck, 65, Dies; First to Report Symptoms of ‘Havana Syndrome’Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

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 DebatePentagon bought device through undercover operation some investigators suspect is linked to Havana SyndromeAnomalous Health Incidents West Haven City Council votes to fund $16K to solve mysterious hum soundMysterious loud booms and flashes of light have Bensalem residents concernedTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

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 obituaryJason Martell’s von Däniken memorial postBlack Vault CIA FOIA Response TweetAvi 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 sentenceDealers of the Dead documentary100 skulls and mummified body parts found in a Pennsylvania grave robbery case, police sayTypewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

In Episode 6 of Beyond the Human, we trace the long and strange history of winged humanoids—from Paleolithic cave art and ancient mythologies to modern cryptid encounters—through the lens of the most famous example of all: Mothman.Beginning with prehistoric depictions of winged human figures across Europe, Asia, and North America, this episode explores how beings resembling Mothman appear repeatedly in folklore, religion, and myth—from Assyrian winged genies and Greek harpies to Abrahamic angels.We then turn to the 1966–1967 sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, examining eyewitness accounts, the TNT Area encounters, and the sudden end of sightings following the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge. Drawing on the work of journalist and ufologist John Keel, we explore how Mothman became entangled with UFO encounters, Men in Black reports, and what Keel termed high strangeness.The episode also looks beyond Point Pleasant to lesser-known cases like the Van Meter Visitor, post-disaster sightings at Chernobyl and Fukushima, and contemporary reports around Chicago and Lake Michigan. Finally, we examine competing explanations—from misidentification and altered states of consciousness to cryptids and Keel’s ultraterrestrial hypothesis—asking what these recurring winged humanoid encounters might reveal about perception, mythology, and the limits of human understanding.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: (1:31) - Pre/History of Winged Humanoids (13:53) - The Mothman of Point Pleasant(46:19) - The Van Meter Visitor (58:54) - How do we explain this?Resources for additional research:Wayland, Tobias. “A Timeline of the Lake Michigan Mothman Sightings So Far.” The Singular Fortean Society. 2017.Beyond the Human. “Cryptid Compendium: Mothman.” 2025.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.

Today on Headlines from the Beyond:As interstellar object 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth, we break down the latest updates—and ask what might happen if it turned out to be more than a comet. From new images showing unusual jets and a pronounced anti-tail to the mysterious loss of contact with NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft during its Mars flyby, we explore what scientists know so far and what remains unexplained. Then we turn to the bigger question: how would humanity actually react if 3I/ATLAS were confirmed as extraterrestrial intelligence? Drawing on past anomalies, contactee narratives, anthropology, and science fiction, we consider everything from mass hysteria and economic upheaval to surprisingly muted responses where life simply goes on.Then: The teaser trailer for Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day dropped this week, igniting speculation and debate. With little revealed about the plot but a star-studded cast and heavy disclosure themes, we ask whether Hollywood is riding the current wave of extraterrestrial anxiety—and whether Disclosure Day could shape public discourse the way E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind once did.Finally: New reporting suggests that requests for exorcisms are on the rise across the United States. Drawing on recent CNN coverage and responses from Catholic dioceses nationwide, we examine what’s driving the increase, what counts as possession versus distress, and what this trend may reveal about fear, belief, and uncertainty in an age of disclosure.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:UFO Religions Explained - Religion for BreakfastWould Alien “First Contact” Destroy Religion - Religion for BreakfastCooper, Keith “New SETI Protocols: How Will Scientists Announce the Discovery of Alien Life?” Supercluster, 2025Zasky, Jason “If ET Calls, Who Answers” Failure Magazine, 2012Magee, Tamlin “The Missing PLan for Alien First Contact” BBC, 2022Carter, Justin “The Next Steven Spielberg Movie Has a Poster to Disclose.” Gizmodo, 2025.Disclosure Day teaser trailerCNN Discovers Exorcism Inquiries are on the Rise Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

Today on Headlines from the Beyond:Avi Loeb’s search for extraterrestrial intelligence doesn’t stop with 3I/ATLAS. We look at the broader scientific philosophy behind his work—why he argues we must treat anomalies seriously, and what that means for the study of interstellar visitors.Then: The Conjuring House saga gets even stranger. Between a YouTuber purchasing the property’s bank note, Jason Hawes’ ongoing fundraising efforts, and a newly filed lawsuit alleging an illegal sale, the story around one of America’s most famous haunted homes has become its own paranormal drama.Finally: SUNY Albany launches ProjectX, a major new academic initiative dedicated to rigorous scientific research on UFOs and UAPs—led by physicist Dr. Kevin Knuth and backed by a fresh endowment.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:TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd95LBhuSOkGalileo Project:https://galileo.hsites.harvard.edu/On the Possibility of an Artificial Origin for Oumuamua:https://lweb.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/Loeb_Astrobiology.pdfExtraterrestrial:https://www.harpercollins.com/products/extraterrestrial-avi-loeb?variant=39935330418722IM1 Spherules from the Pacific Ocean:https://avi-loeb.medium.com/the-im1-spherules-from-the-pacific-ocean-have-extrasolar-composition-f025cb03dec6UAlbany ProjectX: https://thedebrief.org/ualbany-project-x-how-a-team-of-new-york-physicists-is-launching-a-cutting-edge-investigation-into-aerial-mysteries/Lawsuit filed against Jason Hawes is the latest development in the sale of The Conjuring House: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/suit-filed-over-sale-conjuring-172610048.html Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

Today on Headlines from the Beyond:A new interstellar visitor, 3I/ATLAS, is raising questions in the astronomy community with unusual features that set it apart from known comets. We break down what scientists know so far and why some are watching it closely.In Pennsylvania, a driver reports a daytime Bigfoot sighting along I-80, adding a new entry to the state’s history of cryptid encounters.And nearly 5,000 newly released National Archives documents shed fresh light on early searches for Amelia Earhart after her disappearance.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:Bigfoot sighting 20 miles northeast of Penn State National Archives Amelia Earhart collectionWatch the whole Avi Loeb television interview here. Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).

What if we could study the paranormal the same way we study culture, health, or religion?In this special mini-episode of Beyond the Human, we introduce Anomalies — our newest research project from the Society for Applied Paranormal Research. This long-term study explores how people experience and interpret the paranormal and supernatural, using surveys and interviews to understand belief, stigma, and the shared human stories that shape encounters with the unknown.We break down the project’s design — from exploring mental and spiritual health to documenting experiences with UFOs, hauntings, cryptids, and psychic phenomena — and share why we think the academic world needs to take these experiences seriously.We also discuss the long-term vision for Anomalies: building a cross-cultural database of belief and experience, adding evidence archives, and creating an interactive map of where the unexplained unfolds.Whether you’re an experiencer, a skeptic, or simply curious about what connects us through mystery, this episode marks the beginning of a new way to study the extraordinary.🎧 Listen now to learn how to participate — and how your story can help shape the future of paranormal research.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠.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.

In this episode of Beyond the Human, we dive into one of the most mysterious and controversial medical conditions of the 21st century: Morgellons Disease. Characterized by skin lesions, thread-like fibers, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue, Morgellons has left patients and doctors divided—some calling it a legitimate infectious disease, others labeling it delusional parasitosis.We explore the tangled history of this condition, from 17th-century medical texts to the CDC’s highly contested 2012 study. Through an anthropological lens, we unpack why Morgellons has become a “contested illness,” how medical gaslighting pushes sufferers toward alternative explanations—including nanotechnology, chemtrails, and even extraterrestrials—and what this case tells us about power, credibility, and belief in Western biomedicine.We also unpack the leading theories behind Morgellons: Lyme disease and spirochete infections, stress and immune dysfunction, trauma, and even fringe explanations involving nanotech, chemtrails, and extraterrestrials. From fibers made of collagen and keratin to symptoms like brain fog, GI issues, and dental deterioration, the lived reality of Morgellons defies easy categorization.Whether you're a skeptic, a sufferer, or simply curious about the boundary between science and belief, this episode offers a grounded yet empathetic exploration of what it means to live—and die—with a mystery no one can explain.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:(1:47) Our Interest(8:13) What is Morgellons?(23:19) History and Origins(32:09) CDC Explanation(43:16) Alternative Explanations1:19:00 - Treatment and Community(1:23:21) The Human CostResources for additional research:Etmuller’s DrawingAbout the USPHS Syphilis StudySkin Deep: The Battle Over MorgellonsPi Ware, FilmmakerThe Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease FoundationMorgellons: The Legitimization of a DiseaseBitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological WeaponsLab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Germ LaboratoryHealing LymeCDC Study: Pearson, M. L., Selby, J. V., Katz, K. A., Cantrell, V., Braden, C. R., Parise, M. E., Paddock, C. D., Lewin-Smith, M. R., Kalasinsky, V. F., Goldstein, F. C., Hightower, A. W., Papier, A., Lewis, B., Motipara, S., Eberhard, M. L., & Unexplained Dermopathy Study Team (2012). Clinical, epidemiologic, histopathologic and molecular features of an unexplained dermopathy. PloS one, 7(1), e29908. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0029908Fagen, J. L., Shelton, J. A., & Luché-Thayer, J. (2023). Medical Gaslighting and Lyme Disease: The Patient Experience. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 12(1), 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12010078Middelveen MJ, Martinez RM, Fesler MC, Sapi E, Burke J, Shah JS, Nicolaus C, Stricker RB. Classification and Staging of Morgellons Disease: Lessons from Syphilis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:145-164 https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S239840Middelveen, M. J., Mayne, P. J., Kahn, D. G., & Stricker, R. B. (2013). Characterization and evolution of dermal filaments from patients with Morgellons disease. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 6, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S39017Campfire 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.

Anthropology of the Paranormal - What Can Culture Teach Us About the Unknown?In this premier episode of Beyond the Human, anthropologists Chris and Ryan introduce a bold new approach to the paranormal - one grounded in academic inquiry, lived experience, and cultural context. Why do so many people across time and place report strange encounters? What happens when scholars take these stories seriously?We unpack what anthropology is and how the anthropological perspective offers a unique lens for exploring supernatural and anomalous beliefs and experiences from ghost sightings and UFO encounters to spirit possession and contested illness. This episode lays the foundation for thinking critically and compassionately about the “paranormal” through cultural relativism and cross-cultural comparison while emphasizing the importance of participation to gain a thorough understanding and be able to empathize with others who haveexperienced the unknown or unknowable.Through an anthropological lens, we explore how the paranormal is defined, experienced, and made meaningful across different societies. Rather than dismissing these experiences as irrational or unscientific, we examine them as important expressions of belief, identity, and the limits of conventional knowledge. We don’t try to “prove” or “debunk” the paranormal - we ask what these stories reveal about what it means to be human.Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just curious, this episode invites you to rethink the boundaries of reality - and academia.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:(0:00) Intro(1:35) Meet Chris and Ryan(6:41) Why We Started This Podcast(10:30) What is Anthropology?(19:09) How to Think Like an Anthropologist(34:57) Anthropology Meets the Paranormal(43:57) What’s coming on Beyond the Human Resources for additional research:A Haunting in Connecticut specialNever Whisper at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction AnthologySubscribe to our Patreon to never miss an episode! 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.