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Beyond the Human

Beyond the Human

From ghost stories to alien encounters to medical mysteries, every culture holds some belief in the paranormal. But why do so many of us believe in things that science can’t explain?

On Beyond the Human, join two anthropologists as we explore the mysteries that unite us – strange experiences, supernatural beliefs, and the stories that stretch the limits of our understanding. Through global perspectives and personal insights, we dive into what these shared beliefs reveal about humanity – and what they might say about the unknown itself.

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 36 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • February 27 · 16 min

    Presidential Disclosure, St. Francis’ Skeleton, Galileo Project Volunteers, and a Havana Syndrome update

    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).

  • February 13 · 12 min

    Varginha UFO Case Resurfaces, Loch Ness Camera Recovered, Bigfoot Prints in New York

    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).

  • January 31 · 11 min

    Marian Apparitions, Havana Syndrome, Mystery Sounds, and Preparing for UAP Disclosure

    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).

  • #7
    January 22 · 1 hr 21 min

    Xenoanthropology: What Anthropology Can Teach Us About Aliens

    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.

  • January 16 · 13 min

    Erich von Däniken’s Legacy, CIA Secrecy, and Pennsylvania Body Part Crimes

    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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