Mark Hartzman's book 'We Are Not Alone' traces the entire history of UFO sightings in the United States.
The episode begins with host Daniel J. Glenn introducing the topic of UFOs and guest Mark Hartzman, author of 'We Are Not Alone,' which aims to give a broad historical perspective on the phenomenon. Hartzman shares that he recently appeared on Coast to Coast AM with George Knapp, discussing his book. He recounts a UFO sighting story from his friend Lee Spiegel, who witnessed a triangular UFO in Lumberton, North Carolina, in the mid-1970s, noting similarities to other reports. Hartzman then reveals an unexpected interview from the late 1990s with Vanilla Ice, who expressed belief that humans are aliens, citing gaps in the fossil record. The conversation shifts to Hartzman's research process, which included speaking with experiencers, contactees, NASA scientists, and government figures like Luis Elizondo and Christopher Mellon. He discusses the 2017 New York Times article that reduced stigma around UFOs and the role of Tom DeLonge in pushing for disclosure. Hartzman describes his own ambiguous sighting in New Mexico of a small dot zipping erratically in the sky. The host and guest explore the implications of potential disclosure, including how it would rewrite history and affect national security, referencing recent congressional hearings. They delve into historical context, starting with the 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast and the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting that coined 'flying saucer.' Hartzman explains his balanced viewpoint, influenced by both compelling witness stories and scientific caution, citing Jill Tarter's example of sprites and elves explaining past pilot sightings. The episode concludes with a detailed account of the Charles Davis case from 1964, where an eight-year-old was burned by a top-shaped UFO in Hobbs, New Mexico, a story Hartzman uncovered through researcher David Marler. Throughout, the tone is conversational and investigative, blending personal anecdotes with broader historical analysis.
