The Michael Shermer Show

The Hardest UFO Cases to Dismiss: Something Is Flying Around and We Don't Know What It Is

16 snips
Jan 18, 2026
James Fox, a renowned filmmaker known for his impactful UFO documentaries, shares insights from his 30-year journey investigating the phenomenon. He discusses how 90-95% of UFO sightings are debunked, yet significant cases remain. Fox reveals personal experiences with UFOs and highlights government secrecy surrounding the subject. The conversation dives into historical ridicule policies, credible witness struggles, and notable incidents like the Westall mass sighting. With a firm belief in the existence of extraordinary craft, Fox advocates for transparency and civilian whistleblower protections.
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INSIGHT

Serious Anomalies Remain

  • James Fox became convinced that a small percentage of UAP cases remain unexplained after decades of investigation.
  • He rates his confidence at 99% that something extraordinary is operating in our airspace, origins unknown.
ANECDOTE

Personal Orb Sighting

  • James Fox describes a 1989 personal sighting: a pulsating white orb visible from his bedroom window.
  • He and his then-girlfriend felt the object knew they were watching before it vanished when blinds were closed.
INSIGHT

Most Sightings Are Prosaic

  • Leslie Kean's estimate: roughly 90–95% of sightings have prosaic explanations like balloons or planets.
  • The remaining 5–10% are the anomalous cases that demand scientific attention.
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