The Hyper-Diffusionist Hypothesis of Atlantis

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David Frum says pseudo-archaeology is often used to make connections between cultures that couldn't possibly be in contact were actually like the same. He says Ignatius Donnelly back in the 1880s made certain connections that were frankly dubious. The one and only source for Atlantis it Plato, he says; Plato was not a folklorist or a collector of stories but a philosopher.

On this Live Show Beg-a-Thon, recorded on May 17, we discuss the pop culture phenomenon and appeal of pseudoarchaeology in its many forms, from fraudulent alternative history books like Erich von Däniken's 1968 book, Chariots of the Gods? Unsolved Mysteries of the Past, to television series like "Ancient Aliens" and "Ancient Apocalypse."

Alongside guest Dr. David S. Anderson, we discuss how phony "what if?" theories often go beyond the goofy, guilty pleasure premises of extraterrestrial visitors and lost civilizations to promote Eurocentric, racist pap and a mindless distrust of "the scientific establishment" in the stupidest and least productive way possible.