Failure To Launch

Dan Friesen, host of the Knowledge Fight podcast, joins the crew to dissect the wild world of Alex Jones and his outrageous space conspiracies. They hilariously unravel claims about interdimensional vampires and demonic control, highlighting the absurdity of conspiracy theories. The discussion also dives into Alex's portrayal of space history and critiques the commercialization of space exploration. Combining humor with keen insights, they explore how influential figures shape narratives and the entertaining chaos of modern misinformation.

This is a preview of a bonus episode. To hear the rest of the episode and unlock more bonus content, consider supporting Failure To Launch on Patreon.

In early 1961, NASA was actually very well positioned to launch an American into space before the Soviets. Then they messed it up. This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris take a look into what was happening at NASA in the months before Vostok 1 flew. We cover the infamous Four Inch Flight, the first chimp in space, and the debate over how safe a rocket should really be before strapping Alan Shepard into it. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content and Discord access!Sources: Beyond, Stephen WalkerRedstone: The Missile That Launched America Into Space, Drew LePageGiving Mercury Its Wings, Drew LePageTheme song by DJ Danarchy

Nicholas Slayton, a recurring guest known for his insightful takes on film, joins the discussion about Tarkovsky's 1979 classic, *Stalker*. They explore profound themes like existentialism and desire through the film's haunting narrative. Their banter humorously intertwines with philosophical reflections, as they analyze the Zone's enigmatic allure and the characters' intense journeys. The conversation delves into sacrifices, psychological turmoil, and the film’s rich symbolism, highlighting Tarkovsky's unique cinematic vision while comparing it to modern filmmaking.

In 1962, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt (or the UAR) showed the world his newest toys: a set of tiny, dinky missiles that could carry 60 kilos of explosives apiece. Needless to say, the head of the Israeli Mossad flipped out and ordered a campaign of assassinations on the German scientists who'd built them. This week, we're talking to Devon from the Kill James Bond podcast about Operation Damocles: a story of dumb rockets and dumber spies.Listen to Devon's work on: Kill James Bond, Well There's Your Problem, and 10K Posts!Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Reflections on Egypt, the Middle East, and History, Khaled Fahmy- Nasser and the Missile Age in the Middle East, Owen SirrsTheme song by DJ Danarchy

𝔾𝕠𝕕'𝕤 𝕀𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕪This week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris subject themselves to Moon landing hoaxer Bart Sibrel's second "documentary", Astronauts Gone Wild. Spoiler: there's precious little astronauts going wild and it's bad even as conspiracy propaganda. Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus episodes!Theme song provided by DJ Danarchy

This is a preview of a bonus episode. To hear the rest of the episode and unlock more bonus content, consider supporting Failure To Launch on Patreon.

Sometimes it's better not to go to space. This week, we're talking to guest and space industry engineer Robin about the story of Soyuz T-10A or "that time the LES flung a Soviet crew to safety 3 seconds before their rocket detonated". Support FTL on Patreon and unlock bonus content!Sources:- Soyuz T-10A: The First Crewed On-Pad Abort, Drew LePage- Russianspaceweb, Anatoly ZakTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

CONTENT WARNINGThis week, Quinn, Chris, and Other Chris are covering the 1980 Plesetsk Cosmodrome explosion, probably the 2nd most lethal accident in space history. Sources:- RussianSpaceWeb, Anatoly ZakTheme song provided by DJ Danarchy

This is a preview of a bonus episode. To hear the rest of the episode and unlock more bonus content, consider supporting Failure To Launch on Patreon.