
#961 - Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer
NaN minutesEpisode #961
Graham Hancock is an English author and journalist, well known for books such as "Fingerprints Of The Gods" & his latest book "Magicians of the Gods". Randall Carlson is a master builder and architectural designer, teacher, geometrician, geomythologist, geological explorer and renegade scholar. Michael Shermer is a science writer, historian of science, founder of The Skeptics Society, and Editor in Chief of its magazine Skeptic.
Episodes with Graham Hancock
Watch the full episode of #961 - Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer.
Episode Timestamps
Comet Impact Hypothesis: Michael Schirmer, Randall Carlson, and Graham Hancock Discuss Catastrophic Events
- The discussion revolves around the hypothesis that a comet impact caused the extinction of North American megafauna at the end of the Ice Age.
- Graham Hancock highlights a recent study interpreting Gobekli Tepe carvings as references to a comet impact approximately 12,900 years ago.
- Randall Carlson shares his insights on the complex causes of extinction, emphasizing the significant role of climate change influenced potentially by a comet impact.
Skepticism in Archaeology: Michael Schirmer Challenges Alternative Theories on Comet Impacts
- Michael Schirmer brings a skeptical view to alternative archaeological theories, focusing on the debate surrounding the comet impact hypothesis.
- He discusses the challenges of distinguishing validity among numerous alternative archaeology claims and stresses mainstream scientific rigor.
- Schirmer critiques the need for peer-reviewed backing for such hypotheses to gain credibility in the archaeological community.
Richard Hoeglen's Pyramids and Climate Consensus: A Dive into Anomalies and Evidence
- Discussion of the varied theories surrounding the pyramids, referencing Richard Hoeglen's pattern-finding methods.
- Explanation of climate consensus as a convergence of evidence from independent scientific conclusions.
- Exploration of UFO sightings and the God of the gaps argument as it relates to unexplainable phenomena.
Gobekli Tepe: The Ancient Site that Challenges Our Understanding of Civilization
- Introduction of Gobekli Tepe, a sophisticated megalithic site built 11,600 years ago, predating Stonehenge.
- Discussion of the capabilities of hunter-gatherers in constructing advanced structures, defying previous archaeological beliefs.
- Debate over the existence of lost civilizations and the evolving understanding of ancient societies through new discoveries.
Klaus Schmidt's Unveiling of Gobekli Tepe: A Revelation in Archaeology
- Klaus Schmidt was the original excavator who revealed Gobekli Tepe's significance as an ancient site.
- The site, which shows deliberate burial, challenges traditional views of hunter-gatherer societies' capabilities.
- Recent findings suggest that the site may indicate advanced agricultural practices coinciding with its construction, hinting at a deeper understanding of organized civilization.
The Mystery of Gobekli Tepe: Exploring Ancient Innovations and Civilizations
- Discussion on the implications of Gobekli Tepe challenges the perception of ancient human intelligence and societal structures.
- The excavation suggests not only monumental architecture but also possibly advanced community organization and belief systems.
- The lack of traditional archaeological findings (like pottery) raises questions about the lifestyle and purpose of the site's builders, hinting at a greater mystery of ancient civilization.
Göbekli Tepe's Enigmatic Builders: Hunter-Gatherers or Advanced Society?
- Göbekli Tepe presents challenges to conventional archaeological theories about the role of hunter-gatherers in monumental construction.
- The motivations behind constructing large projects during harsh environmental conditions remain unclear.
- Debate continues on whether the builders had advanced social structures and agriculture, shifting the timeline of civilization's development.
Lost Civilizations: Graham Hancock's Quest for Forgotten Knowledge
- Graham Hancock argues that traditional views on civilization's origins are incomplete, suggesting the existence of a lost civilization.
- Paleoanthropological mysteries persist regarding the evolution of human cognition and social organization.
- Hancock’s earlier work, 'Fingerprints of the Gods,' questioned established timelines and has gained recent recognition as science evolves.
Graham Hancock's Controversial Theories on Human Evolution and Gobekli Tepe
- Graham Hancock discusses the role of shamanism and altered states of consciousness in human behavior evolution.
- Hancock references Harvard scientist Richard Wrangham’s theories on the impact of cooking meat on brain development.
- Debates arise over Gobekli Tepe's construction, exploring whether it was completed by advanced civilizations or hunter-gatherers.
Mark Defant's Critique of Hancock's Views on Ancient Civilizations
- Mark Defant accuses Hancock of misrepresenting academic positions and claims he avoids proper debates.
- Hancock defends his stance by highlighting past debates, particularly with renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass.
- The discussion delves into the Book of Enoch, questioning the evidence behind claims of advanced civilizations influencing ancient societies.
Graham Hancock and Robert Schoch Debate the Ancient Mysteries of the Sphinx
- Graham Hancock defends his views against mainstream archaeology's criticism, particularly regarding the Sphinx's age.
- Robert Schoch claims there is geological evidence of rainfall erosion on the Sphinx, suggesting it could be much older than previously thought.
- Discussions revolve around the implications of archaeological findings at Gobekli Tepe and how they relate to the potential history of civilization.
The Great Pyramids and the Secrets of Ancient Egyptian Construction
- Hancock proposes the idea of ancient knowledge preservation among a close-knit group, akin to a monastery.
- The conversation compares the construction of the Great Pyramids to earlier monumental architecture, examining gaps in historical records.
- Schoch's geological evidence aligns with astronomical observations, raising questions about the timeline of construction at Giza.
Victoria's Catastrophic Floods Transform Nile Civilization Around 12,000 Years Ago
- Massive floods documented to be 120 feet above the modern floodplain drastically changed the Egyptian environment.
- Cultural and societal disruptions occurred, likely decimating the local population and labor force necessary for monumental construction.
- This event marks a transition to desert conditions, requiring significant adaptation from the cultures along the Nile.
The Great Pyramid: Unraveling Mysteries Amidst Egyptologist Skepticism
- The Great Pyramid's construction remains enigmatic, with a lack of contemporary inscriptions to support its timelines.
- Disagreement persists among Egyptologists with challenges posed to mainstream views about the pyramids' origins and construction techniques.
- The discussion highlights the often adversarial climate in academia for new ideas that contradict established beliefs in Egyptian archaeology.
The Debate Over the Megafauna Extinction: Humans, Climate Change, and Impact Hypothesis
- Discusses the long-standing debate over the extinction of North American megafauna, including woolly mammoths.
- Explores competing hypotheses such as overhunting by humans and climate change effects on animal populations.
- Questions the validity of archaeological evidence linking human hunting to the extinction of numerous species.
Overturning Clovis First: The Paradigm Shift in Human Migration and Megafauna Hunting
- Describes the falling dominance of the Clovis First model in favor of earlier human presence in the Americas as evidenced by new findings.
- Highlights the controversial status and eventual vindication of archaeologist Jackson Mars regarding human activity with mammoths.
- Illustrates ongoing debates within the archaeological community on the timeline of human arrival and their relationship with megafauna.
Jack Sankt-Mars Faces Skepticism Over 24,000-Year-Old Evidence at Smithsonian
- Jack Sankt-Mars presents evidence for the age of Bluefish Caves, claiming it dates back 24,000 years.
- The archaeological community has largely dismissed his findings, often ignoring his contributions.
- Sankt-Mars argues that mainstream archaeology is stuck in outdated beliefs, particularly the Clovis first theory.
Debate on Migration Theories: From Siberia to North America
- The discussion includes various migration hypotheses, including potential maritime routes taken by early humans.
- Skeptics highlight the lack of conclusive archaeological evidence for multiple early migratory events.
- The conversation touches on genetics, with references to Denisovan DNA found in specific groups but absent in North American Indians.
Graham Hancock and the Clovis First Controversy in American Archaeology
- The Clovis First hypothesis dominated American archaeology for decades, making it risky for archaeologists to propose older sites.
- Archaeologists like Tom Dillerhey and Jack St. Mars suffered professional repercussions for challenging Clovis First.
- Evidence from sites like Valsiquillo in Mexico suggests human presence 230,000 years ago, but mainstream archaeology often dismisses such findings.
The Debate Over Mainstream Archaeology: Graham Hancock vs. Michael Cremo
- Michael Cremo's controversial claims in 'Forbidden Archaeology' suggest humans existed tens of millions of years ago, igniting fierce debate.
- Graham Hancock defends alternative theories against criticism, emphasizing the need to consider divergent viewpoints and evidence.
- The ongoing dispute among scientists regarding theories like the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis highlights the lack of consensus in archaeology.
Mark DeFant and the Controversy Surrounding the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis
- Mark DeFant dismisses the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis without detailed debate, sparking controversy.
- Carbon 14 dating irregularities complicate the understanding of the Younger Dryas event.
- Recent findings by James Kennett suggest multiple impact events correlated with the Younger Dryas climate changes.
The Cosmic Comet Theory: Understanding the Younger Dryas Through Astronomy
- Discussion of multiple comet fragments impacting Earth around 12,800 years ago during the Younger Dryas.
- Fred Hoyle's hypothesis suggests a correlation between comet impacts and rapid temperature increases at the end of the Younger Dryas.
- Concerns are raised about the torrid meteor stream potentially causing future Earth impacts, highlighting the need for continued scientific attention.
Jordan Peterson and the Myth of Atlantis: Plato's Cultural Commentary
- Jordan Peterson's interpretation of myths as moral lessons influences the discussion.
- Plato's dating of Atlantis coincides with significant geological changes, suggesting historical roots for the myth.
- Speculation arises about the existence of advanced cultures in the mid-Atlantic during the Ice Age.
Geographical Speculations: Danny Hillman Natawidjaja and Indonesia's Atlantis
- Geologist Danny Hillman Natawidjaja proposes Indonesia's Gunung Padang as a site linked to Atlantis.
- Massive flooding at the end of the Ice Age reshaped landscapes, potentially erasing advanced civilizations.
- The debate kicks off over differing theories about historical flooding events and their implications.
Graham Hancock Defends His Theories Against Misrepresentation by Mark Defant
- Graham Hancock argues that Mark Defant misrepresents his understanding of Newton's physics in a recent review.
- Hancock clarifies that his references to ancient texts, such as the Book of Enoch, were not personal claims but reports of historical accounts.
- The discussion highlights the tension between Hancock's speculative theories about ancient civilizations and Defant's skepticism as a scientist.
Mark Defant Critiques Hancock's Changing Views on Cataclysms and Comets
- Mark Defant challenges Hancock on his previous claims regarding a lost civilization and its destruction due to comet strikes.
- Hancock discusses the evolution of his views, asserting his right to adapt his theories based on new evidence.
- The debate brings attention to the clash between scientific rigor and speculative history concerning Earth’s cataclysmic events.
Schmidt's Revelations on Gobekli Tepe: Debunking 'Magicians of the Gods'
- Schmidt spent 20 years at Gobekli Tepe, finding only evidence of hunter-gatherers.
- Criticism of the notion that a superior civilization was responsible for the megaliths.
- Discussion of the Apkalu in Sumerian texts and their alleged magical powers.
Clashman's Perspective: Gobekli Tepe as an Agricultural Innovations Hub
- Clashman proposes Gobekli Tepe as a center for spreading knowledge and agriculture.
- Argument against the idea that Easter Island was established by hunter-gatherers.
- Debate on the existence of lost civilizations influencing known archaeological sites.
Wally Broker and the Controversial Theories of Glacial Lake Agassiz Flooding
- Discussion about massive floods along the Mississippi River and the origins of Finger Lakes in New York.
- Debate between Wally Broker's theories and the geological evidence surrounding Glacial Lake Agassiz.
- Conflict arises over whether features like drumlins and eskers were formed by glacial processes or subglacial floods.
Documenting the Missoula Floods: Mark's Insights into Geologic History
- Highlighting the significance of the Missoula floods and their impact on the landscape.
- Discussion on the different flood regimes and the complexity of dating sediment in floodplains.
- Contentious dialogue around the validity of multiple flood hypotheses presented by geologists.
Randall Carlson and Graham Hancock Discuss Impacts and the Comet Hypothesis
- Randall Carlson emphasizes the need to understand planetary transitions and unresolved issues from the last ice age.
- Graham Hancock debates the comet impact hypothesis, citing the challenges of comet fragmentation.
- Mark McCombs, part of the Comet research group, joins to discuss significant findings related to a platinum anomaly indicating a possible comet impact.
Malcolm Lecompte Explores Extraterrestrial Impact Evidence with Randall Carlson
- Malcolm Lecompte questions the evidence supporting comet impacts and suggests an extraterrestrial origin for certain geological patterns.
- Lecompte discusses the importance of replicated studies in supporting the impact hypothesis.
- Evidence of platinum, iridium, and osmium found at impact sites suggests an extraterrestrial origin, challenging previous theories.
Malcolm's Cosmic Insights: Evidence of Asteroid Impact and Its Proxies
- Malcolm discusses his findings of cosmic impact proxies, indicating an asteroid rather than a comet.
- Abundant evidence from impact spherals and platinum group elements supports his claims of a significant cosmic event.
- Challenges faced by Malcolm's research include opposition from skeptics who do not adequately engage with the published literature.
Debating Cosmic Cataclysms: Malcolm Examines Global Evidence Across Continents
- Malcolm highlights global evidence, including findings in South America and Europe, suggesting a far-reaching impact event.
- The research shows morphological similarities between Younger Dryas boundary materials and known impact proxies.
- Despite skepticism and challenges in proving impact events, Malcolm remains committed to uncovering critical evidence across various regions.
Malcolm on Megafauna Extinction: Hunting, Religion, and Environmental Factors Debate
- Malcolm discusses the impact of human technological advancements like the Clovis point and spear tips on megafauna extinction.
- Debates arise regarding the hypothesis that religious beliefs may have played a role in the extinction of megafauna.
- Exploration of hunting strategies targeting vulnerable female woolly mammoths, highlighting human influence on extinction.
Randall's Insights on the Scablands: Historical Catastrophes and Megafauna Evidence
- Randall shares personal experiences that sparked his interest in science while exploring the scablands as a young naval officer.
- Discussion includes significant geological features and historical flood events shaping the landscape.
- Continued examination of bone deposits indicating possible extinction causes beyond just human hunting, including environmental impacts.
The Mysterious Flash Frozen Woolly Mammoth: A Case Study in Rapid Climate Change
- A six-ton woolly mammoth was rapidly frozen during a river bank collapse in spring, preserving its soft tissue and undigested food.
- The mammoth exhibited unusual physical traits suggesting it suffered violent suffocation before freezing.
- Comparisons are made to the iceman, Ötzi, showing how rapidly he was preserved under snow and ice, also revealing the slow progress of scientific investigation into ancient artifacts.
Uncovering the Secrets of Mastodons: The Impact of Natural Catastrophes
- Excavations revealed a mastodon's skeleton crushed and disturbed, raising speculation about powerful forces causing its destruction.
- Evidence suggests the animals might have been victims of sudden natural events, supported by parallels drawn with ancient dinosaur remains.
- Discussion on the historical significance of mammoth ivory trade reveals a continuous human interaction with these species long after their extinction.