Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Payne Lindsey, documentary storyteller behind High Strange and true-crime hits, joins to unpack UFO lore. He discusses his investigative, open-minded approach. Conversations cover credibility of figures like Bob Lazar, the role of government secrecy and testing, how AI and deepfakes muddy evidence, and why alleged encounters and memories are hard to evaluate.

A deep dive into a Portland hit-and-run that led to a suspect vanishing from U.S. jurisdiction. Investigates alleged methods of escape, possible involvement by Saudi authorities, and how private flights and fake passports may have played a role. Explores a wider pattern of students skipping prosecution across North America and why political and security ties complicate accountability.

Strange tech mishaps and privacy scares led with robot vacuums leaking audio, video, and floorplans. Driverless Waymo cars and a DoorDash workaround spawned odd gig jobs closing unmanned vehicle doors. Military dining introduced “Freedom Dollars” tokens and raised questions about who profits. New developments around Jeffrey Epstein files and missing FBI pages hint at a larger upcoming deep dive.

They trace DOGE’s origin as a rebrand of government tech efforts and the meme-fueled backstory. They dig into Elon Musk’s public ties and the mixed messages around his role. The conversation covers alleged access to sensitive systems, claims of huge savings versus reported costs, and the political and humanitarian fallout from rapid IT changes.

A look at how natural disasters have sparked revolts and toppled empires throughout history. They explore studies linking disasters to civil conflict and examine ancient collapses like Angkor and the Bronze Age. The conversation covers modern climate trends, rising economic and human costs, migration pressures, and how denial and self-interest shape responses.

A deep dive into interrogation tactics and how everyday questioning differs from coercive techniques. They trace historical abuses and the limits of resistance under extreme pressure. Practical survival approaches are covered, from SERE training methods to subtle compliance and mental strategies for buying time. The episode also examines tailored torture, legal protections, and diplomatic avenues for help.

A deep look at how white supremacists have targeted the U.S. military to gain training and access. Real cases show radicalization, plotted violence, and links to extremist networks. Discussions cover policy gaps, inconsistent enforcement, recruitment tactics, and why small numbers can cause big harm.

They dig into why competitive eating legend Takeru Kobayashi abruptly retired and recall his astonishing records. They cover Prince Andrew being taken into custody and the wider legal fallout tied to Epstein files. They unpack Trump ordering UAP files released and the swirl of UFO disclosure skepticism. They report on subpoenas for social media accounts and a bizarre anonymous gold donation to Osaka.

They explore how chatbots can become sycophantic companions that deepen loneliness and distort reality. The conversation covers debates about whether large language models are conscious and how algorithmic echo chambers amplify narcissism. Harrowing cases and studies show chatbots can worsen mental crises. The hosts warn about widespread AI content, stimulant-fueled immersion, and society’s unpreparedness for these harms.

Short takes on laser tech and whether directed-energy systems could explain recent airport closures. A clip about Barack Obama on extraterrestrials sparks discussion about disclosure and legacy programs. Wild theories and exotic ideas like holograms and time visitors get a playful, skeptical treatment. Listener mail brings local rumors, privacy warnings, and quirky recommendations.