#1646 - David Holthouse
NaN minutesEpisode #1646
David Holthouse is a writer and filmmaker whose investigation into a triple homicide in California's Emerald Triangle became the subject of the HULU documentary "Sasquatch".
Episodes with David Holthouse
Episode Timestamps
Mysterious Encounters in Mendocino County
- Introduction to the docuseries 'Sasquatch' and its origins in a chilling encounter on a dope farm
- Discussion of the eerie events witnessed by the narrator in the cabin, involving talk of mutilated bodies and Sasquatch footprints
- Collaboration between the narrator and Joshua Fay to explore a true crime story with a Sasquatch angle, shedding light on the impact of the war on drugs
Impacts of the War on Drugs and Off-Grid Living
- Insights into the harsh consequences of marijuana criminalization in the past, including lengthy prison sentences for growers
- Reflections on the modern-day implications of past drug enforcement policies and the lingering effects on individuals' lives
- Exploration of the benefits of off-grid living and reconnecting with nature for overall well-being
Impact of Legalization of Marijuana on Northern California
- Discussion on the shift in culture and environment in Northern California due to the legalization of marijuana
- Exploration of the transformation from back-to-the-land hippies to a criminal element in the marijuana industry
- Observations on the rise of corporations in the cannabis market and the challenges faced by small-time growers
Exploration of Dense Forests and Sasquatch Phenomenon
- Conversation about the dense forests of Northern California and the spooky atmosphere
- Reflections on encounters with Sasquatch hunters and the belief in Bigfoot sightings
- Anecdotes about meeting Squatchers and the popularity of the show 'Finding Bigfoot'
The Mystery of Bigfoot: Gigantopithecus and Legends
- Discussion about the history and existence of Gigantopithecus as a possible source for Bigfoot legends
- Exploration of the potential coexistence of Gigantopithecus with humans in the past
- Anecdotes about encounters and stories related to Bigfoot in various cultures
Criminal Activities and Culture in Marijuana-Growing Communities
- Insight into the dangerous work and risks involved in marijuana cultivation in remote areas
- Narratives about the impact of drug laws on the livelihoods and safety of growers
- Discussion on the socio-economic factors and motivations driving individuals to participate in illegal activities
Life in Alaska: Off the Grid Living and Embracing Nature
- Unique experiences living in Alaska, where basic survival activities like fishing and hunting are essential
- Discussion on the mental peace gained from spending time outdoors and living off the grid
- Insights into a documentary featuring Heimo Korth and his self-sufficient lifestyle in the Arctic
Exploring Danger and Unsolved Homicides in Northern Mendocino County
- The dangers faced while investigating unsolved triple homicides in Northern Mendocino County
- Fear of getting too close to dangerous individuals while pursuing investigative journalism
- Delving into risky environments and potential traps while seeking information on criminal cases
Exploring the Remote Mountain Area and Local Stories
- Journey to a remote mountain where a source had information related to past murders
- Encounter with a local woman sharing chilling stories of bodies buried along the way
- Anecdote about a terrifying incident involving two men from LA, execution, and a pit bull
Insights into Northern California Forest Grow Operations
- Description of the vast and secluded areas where illegal grow operations thrive
- Discussion on the security measures like gates to evade law enforcement
- Reflection on the culture of violence and criminal activities associated with the illegal weed business
Mike Tyson's Ranch and Personal Projects
- Discussion on Mike Tyson's ranch location in Palm Desert and his involvement in weed growing
- Speculation about the plans for a luxury hotel at Tyson Ranch in El Segundo, California
- Conversation about Tyson's podcast Hot Boxing and potential collaboration ideas with Joe Rogan
Personal Struggles, Documentary Making, and Acceptance
- Sharing personal struggles including past trauma and experiences related to criminal subcultures
- Talks about the difficulty of letting go of finished projects and self-criticism
- Reflects on going public about a dark past, creating a play, and facing legal consequences
Decision Making Process on Naming the Perpetrator
- Author deliberates whether to name the individual who raped them or not in an essay
- Author's internal struggle reflected in the last-minute decision-making process
- Importance of giving the benefit of the doubt and exploring the idea that perpetrators could be anyone
Personal Encounters with Potential Predators and Fear
- Author recounts two incidents in childhood where they were almost victimized
- Discussion on the impact of these encounters on their perception of safety and vulnerability
- Reflection on the commonality of childhood trauma leading to adult predatory behavior
Exploration of Criminality and Empathy
- Discussion on the tendency of some individuals to hurt others due to their own past traumas
- Reflections on the lack of empathy in certain individuals towards other people, including children
- Connection between personal experiences of trauma and engaging in investigative journalism, particularly related to criminal activities
Undercover Work in Investigative Journalism
- Description of the journalist's infiltration into various subcultures for immersive reporting
- Account of going undercover as a skinhead to investigate neo-nazi movements
- Insights into the organized and ideologically-driven nature of right-wing extremist groups in the US
Infiltrating Skinhead Events and Dealing with Dangerous Encounters
- Joe Rogan shares his experience of infiltrating a skinhead event in Colorado
- Discussion about the dangerous situation Joe faced when his cover was almost blown
- Insight into the interactions with the hammer skins group and the risks involved in undercover work
From White Power Symbols to Rally Encounters: Reflections on a Challenging Past
- Joe Rogan reflects on his decision to get a white power symbol tattoo and the aftermath of its symbolism change
- Anecdote about attending a rally in Knoxville, Tennessee as an undercover journalist
- Discussion about the challenges and risks involved in engaging in extreme undercover work
Understanding Fear and Psychological Dynamics
- Discussion about tapping into past experiences to manage fear in current situations
- Exploration of fear response and its impact on perception of belonging in certain circumstances
- Insight into how childhood experiences can shape psychological responses to fear and danger
Exploring Group Dynamics and Power Structures
- Analysis of intelligence and organization within extremist movements
- Discussion on the origins of hatred and recruitment into radical ideologies
- Observations on how power dynamics and desire for belonging influence group behaviors
Influence of Group Agreement and Cult-Like Behavior
- Observations on the attractiveness of people collectively agreeing to a certain belief or idea
- Discussion on cult-like behavior and the formation of groups around shared convictions
- Personal experiences with martial arts group dynamics reflecting cult-like admiration and beliefs
Ritualistic Drug Use and Escalation of Methamphetamine Consumption
- Description of a ritualistic drug consumption event involving high-grade crystal meth known as Shabu
- Discussion on the escalation of drug usage from occasional ritualistic consumption to frequent abuse
- Insights into the cycle of addiction, crashes, and relapses associated with methamphetamine use
History and Impact of Methamphetamine
- Discussion on the historical origin of methamphetamine and amphetamine
- Use of methamphetamine during World War II and its effects
- Insight into the impact of methamphetamine on different demographics like journalists and rave culture
Rave Culture, Ecstasy, and DEA Involvement
- Personal experience and involvement in rave culture and party promoting
- Comparison between self-perception and DEA's perception of activities
- Reflection on the temporary enjoyment and eventual move away from the scene
The Coffee House Encounter with Sammy the Bull Gravano
- Journalist encounters notorious figure Sammy the Bull Gravano in a coffee house in Phoenix
- Attempts to establish contact to write a story about Gravano but misses the opportunity
- Later discovers Gravano's involvement in running an ecstasy ring in Arizona
Rise of the Shiny Shirt Mafia and the Ecstasy Trafficking
- Introduction of individuals from New York, known as the Shiny Shirt Mafia, to the rave scene in Phoenix
- Rave events start getting robbed leading to a wave of violence and robberies within the community
- Subsequent control of the ecstasy market by a single source results in the end of violence and theft
The Art and Philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu
- Discussion on the strategic and mental aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and understanding over brute strength
- Insight into the intellectual nature of top Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, described as 'nerd assassins'
- Anecdote about transitioning from wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu and personal experiences with the sport
Chess, Cheating, and Collaboration in Creative Pursuits
- Exploration of a controversial chess match involving cheating and its implications
- Comparison between black belt authenticity in Jiu-Jitsu and fake credentials
- Conversation about collaborative endeavors in creative projects, such as theater productions and documentaries
Challenges in Moscow: Hotel Room Bugged and Encounter with Chechen Secret Police
- Joe Rogan shares the incident in Moscow where they were warned about potential bugging in their hotel room
- Description of encountering the Chechen secret police following them in Moscow
- Panic over the security of their interview footage and hasty departure from Moscow
Dark Stories and Personal Struggles: PTSD, Self-treatment, and Moral Quandaries
- Discussion on dealing with PTSD and finding solace in plotting a dark story as a coping mechanism
- Experience of facing legal consequences and mediation after planning a potentially harmful act
- Mixed feelings on delving into disturbing stories and the allure of working with intense subject matters