Rebelliously Curious with Chrissy Newton: UFOs, Science, Culture and Futurism

Today, we're joined by Bryce Zabel—award-winning television writer, producer, and journalist, and one of the most respected voices in the UFO and UAP conversation. From creating the cult-classic TV series Dark Skies to co-hosting the popular UFO podcast Need to Know and launching his new podcast Sound, Light, and Frequency, Bryce has spent decades exploring the intersection of media, mystery, and the unknown. In this conversation, we'll dive into the current state of disclosure and Hollywood's role in shaping public perception of the UFO and UAP phenomenon. We'll also discuss Steven Spielberg's film Disclosure Day and the long-standing cl...

In 2016, the idea of a hidden planet lurking far beyond Neptune reignited one of astronomy's biggest mysteries. Since then, the search for "Planet Nine" has captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike—raising profound questions about how our solar system formed, and whether we've overlooked an entire world in our cosmic backyard. Today, I'm joined by Konstantin Batygin, professor of planetary science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and one of the leading architects of the Planet Nine hypothesis.

We discuss the evidence for the theory, the controversy surrounding it, and the new evidence th...

Today's guest is Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, a retired integrative medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and psychotherapist whose work has spanned the intersections of mind, brain, and human development.

In this conversation, we explore neurodiversity, autism, communication, and the evolving science behind non-speaking autistic individuals. We also examine controversial claims around telepathy, emerging research on cognition and consciousness, the ethical responsibilities of working with vulnerable populations, and how politics, genetics, and culture are shaping the future of autism research.

This is a wide-ranging conversation that challenges assumptions and asks difficult questions about what we really understand — and wh...

In this episode, we focus on China's rapidly evolving role in BCI development with guest Phoenix Peng, CEO and founder of Gestala, from Chinese communist government policy and healthcare integration to questions around data privacy, ethics, and large-scale deployment of BCI technology in schools, hospitals, and industry.

We also explore how China's regulatory environment is shaping innovation, what's currently possible in clinical and consumer settings, and where the line sits between advancement, safety, and oversight in one of the most closely watched tech frontiers in the world.

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

Today's episode sits right at the intersection of mystery, media, and manipulation. We're diving into the strange, often unsettling world of UFOs—or what we now call UAPs—and asking a simple question: what's real, and what have we been led to believe?

For decades, stories of unidentified craft, alien encounters, and government secrecy have shaped public imagination. But behind those headlines lies a deeper story—one involving Cold War paranoia, psychological operations, and, at times, deliberate disinformation.

Our guest is Mark Pilkington, author of Mirage Men. Together, we will deconstruct the controversial role of Air Fo...

Today, we're diving into one of the most fascinating and rapidly evolving frontiers: brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, but from a European perspective.

Joining us is Dr. Martin Schüttler, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CorTec, the first German company at the forefront of neural interface innovation. From restoring lost function to potentially redefining how we interact with machines—and even our own biology—BCIs are no longer science fiction. In this conversation, we'll explore Martin's journey into the BCI community, what sets Germany's approach apart on the global stage, and how neural technology could intersect with the c...

Today's episode explores one of the most disturbing intelligence programs of the Cold War: MKUltra. For decades, the Central Intelligence Agency ran secret experiments attempting to understand — and potentially control — the human mind.

These programs tested everything from psychological manipulation to drugs like LSD, often without the consent of the people involved. While many people associate MKUltra with experiments in the United States, some of the most controversial cases actually happened in Canada — particularly at the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal under Dr. Donald Ewen Cameron.

His experiments, including techniques known as "depatterning" and "psychic drivin...

Today, we're exploring Indigenous experiences, history, and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.

Our guest is Maeengan Linklater, Anishinaabe, from Lac Seul First Nation in Ontario, with more than 25 years of experience across the non-profit, government, and private sectors, and he is a father, community volunteer, and poet. In this episode, we'll discuss the painful legacy of residential schools, their lasting impact on Indigenous communities, and the work being done to uncover truths, honour survivors, and move toward reconciliation. We'll also touch on lesser-known aspects of this history, including unconventional psychic experiments on Indigenous children at...

From the earliest days of rocketry, progress has always belonged to the scientist willing to think beyond the limits of their time.

Long before rockets reached orbit, pioneers like Robert H. Goddard laid the mathematical and experimental foundations that proved spaceflight was even possible. And not long after, figures like Jack Parsons helped turn theory into raw, explosive reality—building the propulsion systems that would eventually carry humanity beyond Earth.

Today, we stand at a similar inflection point. Chemical rockets took us to the Moon, but if humanity is going to reach the stars, we'll ne...

Today, we're talking with Gregg Bishop, author of Project Beta, a leading researcher into UAPs and one of the most infamous disinformation campaigns in UFO history. We'll cover his journey into UAP research, his investigations into Richard Doty and the Paul Bennewitz case, the fallout from the 1989 MUFON conference, and his thoughts on misinformation in today's UAP landscape. If you're curious about what's real and what's deliberately hidden in the UAP landscape, this episode is for you.

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

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Today, we're diving into one of the most fascinating topics, near-death experiences, and one of the deeply human questions of our time: What happens when we come close to death—and why does it change people forever?

Joining me is Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova, Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and a leading researcher at the renowned Division of Perceptual Studies.

Today, we explore what near-death experiences are, what people report during them, why these moments are so transformative, and how her research is shaping new ap...

What happens when technology starts to read your mind — or even predict your thoughts before you have them? In this episode, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving frontier of brain–computer interfaces, or BCIs — a technology once confined to science fiction that's now redefining what it means to be human. 

Joining me today is Florian Solzbacher, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Blackrock Neurotech, one of the world's leading companies in neural interface technology. We'll explore everything from invasive vs. non-invasive BCIs, privacy and "mind data," policy gaps, and the risks of unconscious influence, to the global...

Today, we're exploring the science of breath — ancient practices meeting modern neuroscience. My guest is Amy Kartar, a neuroscientist and breathwork researcher who's uncovering how high-ventilation breathwork, paired with music, can induce profound altered states of consciousness — the kind once only associated with psychedelics, but completely drug-free.

We'll talk about how this practice changes the brain, why it could help people process emotional pain, and how centuries-old spiritual traditions are finally being validated by modern science. Get ready to discover the mind's incredible potential — one breath at a time.

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Open-source intelligence provides a unique view into how government media surveillance operates — revealing how agencies can misrepresent information both publicly and internally. These manipulations often serve to create a controlled narrative from the inside out.

Anthony Miller joins me to discuss his firsthand experience as an Open-Source Intelligence Analyst, how witnessing this shaped his perspective, and what ultimately led him into UAP research and the creation of his podcast, Fire In The Cosmos. 

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

Fire in the Cosmos Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fire-in-the-cosmos-formerly-obliterate-the-construct/id1790514005

My guest is Dr. Marina Weiler, a neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies, also known as DOPS.

DOPS is one of the few academic research units in the world dedicated to exploring questions at the very frontier of science and spirituality—questions like: What happens when we die? Does consciousness exist beyond the brain? And how do we rigorously study phenomena often dismissed as "paranormal"?

With her background in medical sciences and neuroscience, Dr. Weiler brings both a skeptical eye and an open mi...

Today, we're exploring the frontier of human consciousness with Paul Citarella, Chief Technology Officer at The Monroe Institute—a pioneering organization dedicated to understanding the full spectrum of human awareness.

We'll unpack the science, technology, and philosophy behind the Institute's groundbreaking work: from Hemi-Sync® and binaural beats that guide the mind into altered states, to the ways Monroe integrates neuroscience, spirituality, and cutting-edge technology to expand our understanding of consciousness.

Paul will take us behind the scenes of the Institute's research, sharing how these audio technologies are designed, validated, and applied—while exploring questions that touch...

Simulation Hypothesis—the idea that our entire reality might be a sophisticated simulation, much like a video game.

Rizwan Virk—or Riz-Won—a true pioneer whose career has spanned computer science at MIT, pioneering work in the video game industry, successful ventures as a startup founder and venture capitalist, professor, and author of The Simulation Hypothesis, joins me on the podcast today to break down what Simulation is.

Hypothesis is. In our conversation, we'll dive into Rizwan's personal journey—what first sparked his curiosity about this mind-bending possibility and why he's now 70% convinced that we are livi...

What if you could wake up inside your own dreams—and influence them? That's the world of lucid dreaming—a state where you're not only aware you're dreaming, but can actively shape the dream itself.

Today, we're joined by Dr. Garret Yount, PhD, a scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), whose research explores consciousness, healing, and remarkable human experiences. We'll uncover:

What lucid dreaming really is—and how it differs from astral projection or out-of-body experiences. 

Whether anyone can learn to do it.

 And how the science of "noetic" research...

What would you do if I told you an alien spacecraft might be headed toward Earth this November? Sounds like science fiction, right? But according to Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, it could be a scientific fact.

Discovered by the ATLAS telescope in Hawaii, 3I/ATLAS is a newly detected interstellar object—only the third ever spotted—zipping through our solar system on a highly unusual trajectory. Some scientists believe it's just a rock. But Avi Loeb sees something far more intriguing. In this episode, I sit down with Avi to talk about why he believes 3I/ATLAS migh...

Why is the UAP community lacking diversity? Race, representation, and the unexplored dimensions of the UAP conversation are our focus in today's podcast. Our guest is Dr. Stephen C. Finley, Professor and Chair of African & African American Studies at Louisiana State University — a scholar whose work bridges religion, race, philosophy, and the paranormal. Why have Black voices historically been excluded from mainstream UFO, science, and space research — and while representation is growing, why does it still remain disproportionately low today?

How do centuries of exclusion from government programs and systemic gatekeeping in media still shape who gets seen...

Today on the show, we're joined by Noland Arbaugh — the first publicly known human to receive Neuralink's brain-computer interface implant. After a diving accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, Noland volunteered for one of the most experimental technologies of our time. Now, he can control digital devices with his mind. We'll explore the procedure, how the tech works, its ethical implications, and how merging with a machine is reshaping his view of identity, ability, consciousness, and human potential. This is a conversation about risk, resilience, and the future of the mind.

Join us as we ge...

In 1978, Grenada's Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy brought UFOs to the floor of the United Nations—backed by researchers like Jacques Vallée and J. Allen Hynek. Their goal? A global investigation into UAPs. However, despite their efforts, the UN dismissed the initiative, citing political and scientific resistance.

Today, as interest in UAPs surges worldwide, we ask: Was Gairy ahead of his time? Should the UN revisit the issue now? And what would it take for global cooperation on this mystery in the skies? I sat down with Jacques Vallee, an astrophysicist, computer scientist, author, and UAP res...

We're diving deep into a bold new frontier at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces and consumer tech. Seriously. Joining us is Kurt Haggstrom, Chief Commercial Officer at Synchron, the pioneering company behind the FDA-authorized Stentrode—a brain-computer interface that's redefining accessibility.

With Apple now collaborating with Synchron, what does this mean for the future of human-device interaction? Why did Apple choose Synchron over competitors like Neuralink? And how close are we to everyday mind-controlled tech? We'll explore the science, ethics, risks, and revolutionary potential of this partnership—from restoring communication for people with paralysis to the deeper impl...

Today, we're joined by Marik von Rennenkampff, a former U.S. Department of Defense official and State Department analyst. We explore the science behind UAP classification, why shape data varies across agencies, and what those inconsistencies might reveal. Marik shares insights on national security implications, the growing role of private industry in UAP research, and how to move beyond media hype to spark serious public dialogue. We also ask: Why has mainstream media, aside from NewsNation, largely backed away from covering UAPs? What changed?

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

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Guest Revd Professor David Wilkinson stands at a fascinating crossroads shared by many scientists and theologians. Today, we explore the intersections of religion, astrophysics, and culture. As modern science moves beyond strict materialism into questions of meaning, consciousness, and even the metaphysical, faith and science are no longer at odds—but part of a richer cultural conversation. Professor Wilkinson helps us navigate how science and faith are evolving together—shaped by story, symbol, and the human search for belonging in a vast and mysterious cosmos.

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In today's episode, we explore the intersection of science, faith, and the universe with theologian and professor Ted Peters. As a leading voice on religion and the unknown, he examines how theological perspectives evolve alongside scientific discoveries—especially in the context of non-human intelligence.

From the Vatican's stance on extraterrestrial life to the ethical and philosophical implications of expanding our cosmic worldview, we discuss whether faith traditions are prepared for the confirmation of non-human beings. Could this shift lead to a new kind of spirituality, where the universe itself becomes a focal point of belief?

Jo...

UFO Hackers? In this episode, we take a look into the world of UAP and cutting-edge technology with guest Thom Hastings, a Senior Security Engineer. Thom brings a unique perspective on the rapidly evolving field of UAP research, offering insights into the intersections of hacking and data analysis.

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious 

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Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg 

We dive into the story of Richard Doty—a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence officer infamous in UFO circles. Doty played a key role in a psychological operation against Paul Bennewitz, a businessman and UFO researcher. In the 1980s, Bennewitz believed he had uncovered evidence of extraterrestrial activity near Kirtland Air Force Base. Instead of correcting him, Doty and others, acting under orders from multiple U.S. agencies, including the NSA, CIA, and DIA, fed him disinformation, leading to Bennewitz's mental and emotional unraveling. In our interview, Richard Doty reflects on his past involvement with Paul Bennewitz. We di...

Perhaps humanity has yet to develop the necessary tools to truly process and communicate experiences with UAP and Non-Human Intelligence. If these experiences exist beyond the limits of human perception and language, how can others relate, empathize, and create a space for understanding? When the words don't exist, and the event defies comprehension, how do we bridge that gap?

Listening and believing are crucial first steps—but how do we move beyond them? What new forms of communication, interpretation, or even cultural evolution might be needed to truly engage with these phenomena? Iya Whiteley PH.D is a...

Today, we're joined by Mike Gold, former NASA associate administrator for space policy and partnerships, a key member of NASA's independent UAP study team, and current Chief Growth Officer at Redwire Space. With experience spanning NASA, Bigelow Aerospace, and private sector innovation, Mike brings a unique perspective to the Congressional UFO hearings, the challenges of UAP research, and the future of space policy.

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oq6-yjbp98

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Winner of the Ca...

Today, we're diving into one of the most debated topics of our time: CRISPR gene editing technology. Join me and Neal Baer, M.D.—pediatrician, acclaimed television writer and producer (ER, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), and author of The Promise and Peril of CRISPR, published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

We'll explore the moral, ethical, and policy challenges posed by CRISPR technology, taking a critical look at the history of eugenics—particularly during the 20th century—where eugenic ideas, both in Nazi Germany and in the United States, influenced forced sterilizations and discriminatory practices. Could the advent...

Why do policymakers struggle to support edge science? Today, we're joined by Dr. Daniel "Rags" Ragsdale, former Assistant Director for Cyber in the Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering in the White House. With decades of experience in defense, research, and technology, Dr. Ragsdale brings a unique perspective to edge science and its potential role in national security. We'll explore the groundbreaking RISE initiative, its efforts to bridge cutting-edge science with government policy, and how unconventional research could shape the future. From quantum sensing to the modern UFO phenomenon, we're unpacking the urgent need for innovation...

What do UAPs and Freudian psychoanalysis have in common?

In this episode, we explore an unexpected connection between UFOs, Freudian psychoanalysis, and the rise of modern advertising and PR.

How did Freud's revolutionary ideas about the unconscious mind shape not just our personal psyches but entire industries designed to influence public perception? More intriguingly, how have these insights been used to frame society's understanding of unexplained phenomena like UFOs?

Our guest, Dr. Michael Glawson, a philosopher specializing in science, philosophy of religion, and ethics, helps us dive deep into the intersection of UAPs...

In this deep-dive episode of Rebelliously Curious, we're taking a critical look at the rise of misinformation, manipulation, and cult-like followings in UFO culture, with a special focus on filmmaker Darcy Weir's latest documentary, Dark Alliance: The Inside Story of the Cosmic Con. Darcy examines the controversial and divisive figures David Wilcock and Corey Goode, both widely known in the UFO counterculture for their claims of secret space programs, alien alliances, and insider knowledge. The documentary unpacks how these two have cultivated a significant following, often blurring the lines between genuine whistleblowing and profitable storytelling. Jay Weidner, former head...

Daniel Otis, a freelance investigative journalist for CTV News, has been covering Canadian UAP-related stories for years. Today, we're focusing on one of his most recent reports: the release of a mysterious image of an object shot down over the Yukon in February 2023.

We'll discuss the details of this image and explore what we know about the object—initially described as a "cylindrical metallic balloon"—and why it took so long for the image to be publicly released despite being cleared months earlier. We'll also dive into how the image compares to early descriptions and whether it conf...

For part two of this series, UAP and Theology, Chrissy Newton delves into the intriguing intersections of demonology, exorcisms, and science, discussing how ancient theological concepts—especially concerning spiritual warfare—might overlap with modern scientific exploration and what this means for our understanding of both the spiritual and the extraterrestrial.

In this episode, Chrissy is joined by Paul Thigpen, PhD, a renowned author and theologian with a PhD in Historical Theology from Emory University. Paul is the author of Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the Catholic Faith, where he explores the profound questions raised by the possibility of intelligent life...

Evidence for UFOs is mounting, and with every new revelation, more questions arise. However, for some, these unidentified phenomena evoke deeper concerns—they believe UFOs might be demonic. How do we discern the truth amidst mystery and speculation? Today, Chrissys Newton is joined by Dr. Matthew Halsted, a professor at Eternity Bible College in California, to explore this complex intersection of faith, theology, and the unexplained. Are we on the verge of a spiritual revolution, or is there a deception at play?

We'll explore religious identities, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and its implications for traditional beliefs. We...

Reflecting on the dangers of technological monopolization, many tech entrepreneurs warn that without action, technology may become "yet another tool for the privileged few to stay privileged." With a career that includes experience at Google and Meta, Terrence Taylor, the visionary Founder of the African Institute of Future Technologies (AIFT), brings a unique perspective on how advanced technologies like AI and robotics can bridge the digital divide. Join us as we explore his journey from Sierra Leone to Johannesburg, his efforts to empower one billion Africans through education, and his vision for a future where technology serves as a...

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that explores the structures of experience and consciousness, focusing on how things appear to us through our subjective perception. This area of study offers a unique lens through which to view the UAP topic. What does it mean to consider humans as sensors? How do we make sense of our everyday lived experiences and the detailed information that technology provides? And more importantly, how does this apply to the mysterious and often controversial topic of UFOs?

Kimberly Engels, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Molloy University, joins Chrissy Newton on this episode...

We often hear the term "counterintelligence" in discussions about UAPs, but what exactly does it entail? What does counterintelligence consist of, and why does it encompass so many areas of focus, such as the FBI's Counterintelligence Program, homeland security, and more?

In an exclusive interview, Joshua Pierson, a seasoned US Army Chief Warrant Officer Four with 24 years of experience in intelligence, delves into the fundamentals of counterintelligence, the importance of structured analytic techniques in understanding UAPs, and the implications for national security.

Join us as we get rebelliously curious.

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