Episode 195 – On John Keel: Live at the Lily Dale Symposium, with Erik Davis

Erich von Däniken's "Chariots of the Gods? " proposes that ancient civilizations were aided by extraterrestrial visitors, attributing advanced technologies and architectural feats to ancient astronauts. The book explores various archaeological sites and historical accounts, suggesting connections to ancient myths and legends. Däniken's theories have been widely debated and criticized by mainstream science, but the book remains a significant work in the pseudoscientific literature. It sparked considerable public interest in ancient astronaut theories and continues to inspire discussions about the possibility of extraterrestrial contact in the distant past. The book's impact on popular culture is undeniable, influencing numerous documentaries, books, and television shows.

The Mothman Prophecies is a non-fiction book by John A. Keel that documents his investigation into the strange events that occurred in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, from November 1966 to December 1967. The book focuses on the sightings of a winged apparition known as the Mothman, as well as other paranormal phenomena such as UFO sightings, mysterious lights, and animal mutilations. Keel, a journalist and ufologist, became deeply involved in the mystery, collecting witness statements and trying to make sense of the various layers of weirdness that characterized the events. The book culminates with the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge, which killed over fifty people and seemed to end the Mothman sightings. The narrative is characterized by Keel's personal involvement and his struggles to find connections between the disparate events.

The novel tells the story of Smoky Barnable, a young man who travels from the City (New York) to Edgewood to marry Daily Alice Drinkwater. Edgewood, a house designed and built by John Drinkwater, serves as a gateway between the human world and the realm of Faerie. The story spans multiple generations of the Drinkwater family, delving into their unique connections with fairies, magical abilities, and the complex, interconnected nature of their world. The narrative is rich in allegory and symbolism, exploring themes of family, love, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.