#961 - Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  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.
• 00:02:23

  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.
• 00:12:34

  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.
• 00:19:30

  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.
• 00:23:41

  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.
• 00:30:27

  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.
• 00:34:19

  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.
• 00:41:09

  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.
• 00:45:15

  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.
• 00:48:57

  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.
• 00:55:48

  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.
• 01:00:38

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 02:23:18

  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.
• 01:07:35

  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.
• 01:11:57

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:30:10

  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.
• 01:32:25

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:53:23

  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.
• 02:23:18

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 01:56:12

  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.
• 01:13:47

  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.
• 02:12:14

  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.