#1918 - John Reeves, from The Boneyard Alaska
NaN minutesEpisode #1918
John Reeves is an Alaskan gold miner who first came to public prominence on the 2012 National Geographic docu-series "Goldfathers." More recently, his ongoing search for gold uncovered the remains of thousands of Ice Age animals lying beneath the permafrost on his property. The discovery is featured in the 2019 documentary "Boneyard Alaska" and popular Instagram account @theboneyardalaska.
www.fairbanksgoldco.com
Episodes with John Reeves
Episode Timestamps
From Florida Swimming Champion to Alaska Adventures
- John shares his upbringing on an Indian mound in North Florida and his early interest in swimming and treasure hunting.
- Recruitment to University of Florida as a swimmer after setting the American record in 50 yard freestyle.
- Drifting towards Alaska after a coach's jest, dropping out of college, getting arrested as a misunderstanding, and ultimately finding work and trying gold mining in Alaska.
Entrepreneurial Journey in Alaska: From Gold Mining Aspirations to Air Freight Success
- Transitioning from failed gold mining attempts to seizing an opportunity in the air freight business in Alaska.
- Securing a significant contract to handle air freight for the LA Escobar pipeline and witnessing rapid financial success.
- The challenges of sudden wealth, extravagant spending, and the change in lifestyle during Alaska's pipeline boom.
Early Ventures in the Oil Industry, Mining in Alaska, and Transition to Gold Mining
- Narrative of entering the oil industry with a pipeline project that spiraled into unexpected costs
- Transition into mining in Alaska, early experiences with farming in Costa Rica, and initial forays into gold mining
- Acquisition of a gold dredge, turning it into a tourist attraction, and subsequent sale to Carnival Cruise Lines
Evolution into a Mining and Land Management Company, Discoveries of Ancient Bones
- Growth from a mining company to a land management entity with multiple mines managed
- Discovery and excavation of ancient bones, particularly mammoth tusks, in the Alaska area
- Description of the excavation process using a floating barge with hydraulic monitors to extract bones from permafrost
Discovery of Bones in Unusual Quantity and Unexplained Origin
- Uncovering ancient bones frozen for thousands of years in a muck bench
- Discussion on the mystery surrounding the abundance of bones in the area
- Paleontologists astonished by the sheer quantity of bones found
Theories on Mass Extinction Events and Uncovering Ancient Species
- Speculations on the cause of mass animal deaths and the area's significance
- Introduction to the Younger Dryas Impact Theory and its implications on the extinction event
- Discoveries of ancient species like short-faced bears and discussions on prehistoric mammal behaviors
Megafauna Extinction and Climate Change Impact
- Discussion on burnt bedrock and charcoal indicating past fires and climate change impact
- Exploration of rising sea levels leading to the submerging of land bridges and rapid changes in ecosystems
- Impact of quick environmental changes on megafauna population and their inability to adapt
Discoveries of Extinct Animals and Fossil Collection Controversy
- Unearthing of extinct animals like dire wolves and Roosevelt elk in Alaska
- Issues with the collection of scientifically important bones and lack of research reporting
- Initiation of a 'bone rush' to reclaim and document the abandoned fossil bones
Discovery of Mammoth Tusks in East River
- Discussion about a report on Early Man in Eastern Beringia and the recovery of artifacts and fauna from Fairbanks Mining District, Alaska
- Revelation about the dumping of valuable bones like mammoth tusks in the East River, specifically at the location near 65th Street, New York City
- Exploration of the value and potential for excavation of the mammoth tusks found in the East River, with mention of offers reaching up to $485,000 for a pair
Value of Paleontological Discoveries and Response to Criticisms
- Joe Rogan reflects on his unconventional bone-collecting endeavor and the importance of preserving paleontological findings
- Acknowledgment of criticisms and controversies surrounding environmental concerns like climate change and impact on permafrost due to mining activities
- Encounter with extreme weather conditions in Alaska and Alberta, showcasing the challenges and uniqueness of the region
Paleontological Discoveries and Unearthing Extinct Animals
- Discussion about the discovery of extinct animals like step bison, short face bears, and American lions
- Anecdote about finding a skull and lower jaws of an American lion in a boneyard
- Conversation about uncovering an array of different animal bones including a mummified caribou and horses
Hunting Moose, Wildlife Encounters, and Wildlife Management
- Dialogue about moose hunting and the process of bagging a moose
- Stories about encounters with large wildlife such as moose and bears in the wild
- Insight into wildlife management, the impact of grizzlies on ecosystems, and public attitudes towards hunting particular wildlife species
Life in the Wild: Wolves, Lynx, and Bear Behavior
- Discussion on managing wild animal populations for human safety and ecosystem balance
- Encounters with wolves, lynx, and bears in the wilderness
- Insights on hunting practices, encounters, and experiences with bears and other wildlife
Wildlife Management and Land Use
- Exploration of interactions with remote wildlife like wolves and bears
- Considerations of land use, conservation, and being a responsible land manager
- Insights on utilizing land for purposes like construction debris landfill and its implications
Discoveries of Ancient Animals on Land
- Discussion about the significant discoveries of ancient animals on a particular land
- Importance of the discoveries and their historical significance
- Anecdote about the unconventional approach to finding these ancient animals
Excitement and Challenges of Unearthing Fossils
- Conversation about the lack of recognition from scientists despite the remarkable findings
- Discussion on the challenges and expenses associated with proper fossil research
- Anecdote about the unique approach to excavating and the intense process of finding fossils
Eating Mammoth and Cold Water Swim in Alaska
- Discussion about eating woolly mammoth meat with a group of people
- Anecdote of swimming in cold Alaskan glacier water to get 'cobwebs out'
- Interactions with law enforcement officer after swimming and subsequent successful meeting
CrossFit, Cold Plunges, and Hardy Alaskan Lifestyle
- Engagement in CrossFit workouts and use of unique workout equipment like woolly mammoth tusks
- Mention of daily cold plunges and benefits of such practices
- Conversation about Alaskan lifestyle, including interactions with wild animals and resilient individuals like Sue Aikens
Discovery of Rare Skulls and Specimens
- Uncovering two short-faced bear skulls and a saber-tooth tiger skull while mining
- Anecdote about a unique saber-tooth tiger skull taken to England but never returned
- Speculations on the whereabouts of the missing specimens and their potential value
Utilization of Mammoth Ivory for Artifacts
- Discussion on creating artifacts like pipes and guitar picks from mammoth ivory
- Sharing of artifacts with famous individuals like Kelly Slater and Eddie Vedder
- Exploration of ethical concerns around using ancient materials for contemporary items
Discovery of Rare Blue Feather and Speculation on Ice Age Avian Species
- Uncovering a blue feather within a mammoth tusk prompts intrigue and bafflement
- Discussion on the challenges of fossilization and the rarity of the fossil record
- Speculation on the potential existence of large aerial creatures during the Ice Age with bird-like bone structures
Fossils, Animals, and the Changing Environment: Insights from Alaskan Excavations
- Exploration of the diverse fauna, including micro fossils, found in excavations in Alaska
- Consideration of the environmental shifts from grasslands to forests and the migration of animal species
- Reflections on the significance of ongoing scientific discoveries and the challenges in funding and preserving archaeological findings
Discovery of Archaeological Artifacts on Property
- Conversation about finding archaeological artifacts like weapon points and tools on the property
- Discussion about a scapula with a point tip stuck in it, possibly from a spear or arrow
- Exploration of various spear points and arrowheads uncovered on the grounds
Ownership and Importance of the Historical Site
- Explanation of the unique historical significance of the property and its findings
- Discussions on ownership rights and the value of the collection
- Reflection on the discovery and the potential insurance value of the collection
Exploration and Discovery of Fossilized Bones and Ancient Tools
- Discussions about finding mammoth ivory, bones, and ancient artifacts
- Exploration of geological features and discussions on potential mass extinctions
- Discovery of unique artifacts like dire wolf skulls and stone tools not native to Alaska
Contributions to Science and National Security
- Conversations on the partnership with private companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX for rocket range use
- Exploration of the regulatory hurdles in paleontological and scientific research on federal lands
- Importance of the discoveries in enhancing historical knowledge and debunking previous misconceptions
Testing the Bunker Buster Weapon in Alaska
- Introduction to a group of acoustic engineers studying improvements for the bunker buster weapon
- Discussion about testing the weapon in Alaska's permafrost for penetrating capabilities
- Negotiation for using the property for testing in exchange for a letter of appreciation from the Air Force
Contributions to National Security and Comedic Anecdotes
- Receiving a letter of appreciation from the Air Force for contributions to national security
- Anecdotes about finding an ancient flint tool and humorous interactions with guests
- Reflections on war, political decisions, and the importance of meaningful projects for the country
Immigration System and National Division
- The nation is divided on opinions regarding a long-term fix to the immigration system
- Challenges in the asylum system highlighted due to increasing numbers of migrants
- Discussion on the consequences of providing asylum to individuals without rigorous background checks
Alaska's History and Bone Discovery
- Exploration of Alaska's statehood transition and internal dynamics
- Narrative around retrieving bones from a collection held in New York back to Alaska
- Discovery of bones in the East River leading to a potential bone rush and documentary venture
Discovery of Late Pleistocene Horse Species
- Scientists recognized a new species of late Pleistocene horse with three distinct lineages in the Americas
- The Kaba line horses likely included the predecessor of modern domesticated horses
- Recent studies debunked the assumed relationship between New World Stilt Legged Horses and Asiatic wild horses
Interview Wrap-Up and Future Plans
- Discussion about the dryest Impact Theory and potential future collaboration or visits
- Acknowledgment and appreciation for the interview process and the host's communication skills
- Promotion of related channels and websites including Boneyard Alaska and family members' online platforms