#1918 - John Reeves, from The Boneyard Alaska

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Journey from Swimming Champion to Alaskan Gold Miner

  • The speaker shares their background as a swimmer and college dropout.
  • An unexpected twist leads to a life-changing adventure in Alaska.
  • Networking with influential figures shaped the speaker's athletic and career path.
• 00:10:05

  Entrepreneurial Journey from Air Freight to Gold Mining

  • Started with air freight contracts leading to unexpected wealth and opportunities.
  • Transitioned from trucking to mining, exploring various ventures in Alaska and Costa Rica.
  • Acquired a gold dredge, capitalizing on the gold rush and tourism potential.
• 00:20:16

  Mining Discoveries Uncover Ancient Bones in Alaska

  • A mining company shifted focus to land management and fossil discovery.
  • Thousands of ancient bones have been unearthed during mining operations.
  • The melting permafrost reveals significant archaeological findings from the Ice Age.
• 00:27:39

  Paleontologist Unveils Insights on Massive Bone Discovery

  • Paleontologist Dick Moll shares insights about a significant bone discovery site.
  • The boneyard contains an unprecedented number of mammoth remains.
  • Discussion explores theories surrounding the extinction event and animal migration.
• 00:34:16

  Exploring Pelicans, Extinct Megafauna, and Ancient Catastrophes

  • Discussion of pelicans' feeding habits reveals their predatory nature.
  • The Younger Dryas impact theory proposes a significant extinction event.
  • Recent discoveries of dire wolf remains showcase ongoing paleontological intrigue.
• 00:47:22

  Exploring Potential Woolly Mammoth Bones in East River

  • Discussion revolves around the possible discovery of mammoth tusks in East River.
  • The speaker hints at a treasure hunt for valuable paleontological finds.
  • Historical context of bone collection and the value of discoveries is emphasized.
• 00:59:01

  Exploring Wildlife, Climate Change, and Paleontological Discoveries

  • Discussion on wildlife interactions highlights the brutal realities of nature.
  • Climate change is humorously debated alongside significant paleontological findings.
  • Mention of various extinct species reveals the richness of past ecosystems.
• 01:06:42

  Hunting Adventures and Wildlife Management Insights

  • Hunting experiences shared highlight the challenges and rewards of wildlife management.
  • Discussion on the impact of hunting bans on local ecosystems and communities.
  • Personal anecdotes illustrate the balance between human activity and wildlife conservation.
• 01:16:02

  Discussion on Black Bear Hunting and Wildlife Management

  • New Jersey faces increased human-bear encounters after banning bear hunting.
  • Wildlife management includes controversial practices like hunting and trapping beavers.
  • The conversation touches on the ecological balance and local wildlife interactions.
• 01:23:37

  Exploring Paleontology: Discoveries and Adventures in Alaska

  • A paleontologist shares his fascinating finds in Alaska's Ice Age landscape.
  • Documentaries highlight the significance of ancient animal discoveries in Alaska.
  • Humorous anecdotes reveal the wild experiences of paleontologists in the field.
• 01:32:31

  Woolly Mammoth Meat: An Unusual Dining Experience

  • A group of friends ate meat from a 20,000-year-old woolly mammoth.
  • The experience was both thrilling and bizarre, involving a campfire cooking method.
  • A humorous encounter with a police officer followed a glacier swimming adventure.
• 01:38:10

  Discussion on CrossFit, Alaska, and Community Life

  • Participants share their experiences with CrossFit and fitness routines.
  • Alaska's community, weather, and geography are humorously discussed.
  • Comparison made between Alaska's size and other states like Texas.
• 01:43:19

  Exploring the Unique Stories of Alaskan Wildlife and Fossils

  • Sue Aikens exemplifies resilience after surviving a bear attack in Alaska.
  • The discovery and loss of saber-toothed tiger skulls reveals issues in scientific preservation.
  • Woolly mammoth ivory is crafted into legal products, highlighting unique Alaskan resources.
• 01:50:49

  Exploring the Ethics of Using Extinct Animal Materials

  • Discussion on the use of mammoth ivory and its implications.
  • Concerns raised about the ethics of carving from extinct species.
  • Mention of unique products made from mammoth and walrus ivory.
• 01:57:16

  Fascinating Discoveries in Paleontology and Fossil Records

  • Significant paleontological finds, including a blue feather inside a mammoth tusk.
  • Discussion on the fossilization process and its rarity in the record.
  • The potential existence of flying lizards in historical contexts is explored.
• 02:04:33

  Exploring Ice Age Discoveries and Environmental Changes

  • Discussion on significant archaeological finds from permafrost and Ice Age remains.
  • Exploration of ecological changes post-Ice Age affecting local fauna and flora.
  • Emphasis on the importance of understanding historical environments for future insights.
• 02:16:20

  Exploring the Value of Rare Fossils and Historical Discoveries

  • Discussion centers around the value of rare fossils and artifacts found.
  • Miner's unexpected find leads to conversations about historical significance and insurance.
  • The conversation touches on the implications of private ownership of historical sites.
• 02:24:01

  Exploring Alaska's Geological Riches and Permitting Challenges

  • Discussion on Alaska's geological features and mining opportunities.
  • Challenges faced with federal permits for excavation and discoveries.
  • Insights into the intersection of technology, science, and resource extraction.
• 02:36:46

  Air Force Research and Cultural Insights from Alaska

  • Air Force research project in Alaska aims to enhance nuclear monitoring capabilities.
  • Cultural discussions include the significance of historical tools and artifacts.
  • Controversial topics like military operations and energy projects are briefly touched upon.
• 02:43:15

  Discussion on U.S. Immigration Policy and Government Spending

  • Exploration of Title 42 and its implications on U.S. immigration policy.
  • Critique of government spending and corruption affecting taxpayer funds.
  • Insights on the historical context of Alaska's statehood and governance.
• 02:54:29

  Exciting Discoveries in Paleontology at Boneyard Alaska

  • Scientists are uncovering significant fossils in the Boneyard Alaska area.
  • New species of horses from the Pleistocene era are being identified.
  • The potential for a major fossil discovery rush is currently underway.