Podcast UFO

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear In 2019, U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Ryan Graves began speaking publicly about regular encounters by flight teams starting in 2013 with UFOs. On July 26, 2023, he testified before congress and said that on one occasion, two jets were forced to make evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with an object he described as a clear sphere with a black cube inside. By the time of the hearing, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office headed by Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick had looked into these types of reports, and in May of 2023, Kirkpatrick informed NASA’s UFO advisory council that AARO had about 800 instances of “metallic orb” UFOs. This is according to a January 24, 2024, Science Times article by Caleb White headlined “Cube in a Sphere UAP Could Be ‘Aliens’ or ‘Next Generation’ Spherical Drones, Pentagon Former UFO Chief Says.” Read more → *Note: audioblogs are now a cloned AI version of Martin’s voice.

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear While June 24, 1947, marks the beginning of the modern-day UFO mystery, claims of earlier encounters and incidents, Maury Island for example, are found throughout the literature. One such case is that of Udo Wartena, a Dutch immigrant working as a miner for the Northwest Mining Syndicate in Broadwater County, Montana. Wartena claimed that in 1940, an alien invited him to go on board a huge flying saucer.The case came to light in the 1990s, and is based on the testimony of Wartena just before he died in 1989. Prior to this, he reportedly kept the story to himself, not even telling his wife. It was included in the 1993 book, Aliens and UFOs by James L. Thompson. Australian researcher Warren P. Aston looked into it after reading the book and presented his findings at the July 1997 Mutual UFO Network International Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read more → *Note: audioblogs are now a cloned AI version of Martin’s voice.

U.S. Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Fred Claussen joins Podcast UFO for an in-depth conversation following the January 20 UAP press conference in Washington, DC. At that event, he was among the military and intelligence professionals who came forward publicly to address unresolved questions surrounding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, including observed capabilities, possible origins, and implications for national security and air safety. In the upcoming interview, Colonel Claussen expands on themes raised at the press conference and provides additional context drawn from his professional background and firsthand experience. He discusses a defining incident from his service, when he was scrambled to investigate an aerial disturbance over the North Sea. During the encounter, he describes observing a silent, golden, football-shaped object hovering with no visible means of propulsion, which then accelerates straight upward and vanishes. Claussen also addresses what followed the encounter, explaining that upon his return he was instructed by superiors to forget the incident, and that any images or recordings were confiscated. He speaks about remaining silent for decades, choosing to come forward publicly only as UAPs begin receiving serious attention from Congress and official government channels. The conversation avoids speculation and sensationalism, focusing instead on facts, process, and accountability. It offers listeners a clearer understanding of how UAP issues are being addressed at senior levels of government—and where the public narrative often diverges from operational reality. SHOW NOTES 🧢 Podcast UFO Merch (Shirts, Hats & More): https://tinyurl.com/mrybmnwb 📬 Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter — Get updates on upcoming guests, blog posts, and more: http://eepurl.com/LPHKD 🌐 Our Website: https://podcastufo.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube (It’s Free!): https://www.youtube.com/user/PodcastUFO?sub_confirmation=1

by Albert Wain In 2015, while handling an inspection claim for damaged furniture in Buffalo, New York, I met with a client at his home. He was around eighty years old and wore a cast on one arm. As we walked through his condo inspecting the damaged pieces, he explained that he was battling bone cancer in his arm and that his wife of many years had recently passed away.At one point, he brought me into a room lined with photographs of various aircraft. He told me he was a retired Air Force officer who had flown many combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. This, he explained, was his room of memories. He spoke easily about his time in the military, and it was clear he was enjoying the conversation. When we finished the inspection, I asked if we might sit for a while and visit before I headed out. He smiled and said, “That sounds nice. ”Read more → Albert Wain's UFO Encounter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdH4zfVEyUI&t=240s

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear | For many people growing up in the 1970s (of which this writer is one), seeing a UFO documentary was their first in-depth look into the subject. These films often came along with books tied in, and major publishers such as Bantam were getting onboard. More and more people were willing to accept the idea that UFOs were worthy of serious consideration, and this meant that more and more people were willing to spend money on movies and books covering the subject. What had formerly been mostly confined to a subculture of enthusiasts, was on its way to becoming the profitable entertainment industry it is today. What may may come as a surprise to some readers is that between the 1947 summer of the saucers and 1968, there were only two documentaries (if any readers know differently feel free to comment) made in the midst of all the science fiction saucer films that became popular starting in the 1950s.What is thought to be the first flying saucer/UFO documentary was released in 1950 as an approximately 9 ½ minute short titled The Flying Saucer Mystery. It was re-released in 1952 with added footage that brought it up to around 12 minutes. Both releases were produced by Telenews, which had a chain of 13 theatres in major cities throughout the U.S. that only showed newsreels. According to the December 20, 2019, post on The Science Fiction Encyclopedia website, the film (which release isn’t specified) was lost until the 1990s. The producer, director, and screenwriter are unnamed. Read more → 🧢 Podcast UFO Merch (Shirts, Hats & More): https://tinyurl.com/mrybmnwb 📬 Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter — Get updates on upcoming guests, blog posts, and more: http://eepurl.com/LPHKD 🌐 Our Website: https://podcastufo.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube (It’s Free!): https://www.youtube.com/user/PodcastUFO?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode of Podcast UFO, we are joined by Dr. Robert McGwier, widely known as “Science Bob,” for a deep, technical discussion on UAP and USO detection through automated sensor data gathering. Dr. McGwier brings decades of experience in applied mathematics, signal processing, and national-security–level data analysis. This conversation moves beyond speculation and focuses squarely on how real-world sensor systems—such as radar, sonar, electro-optical/infrared platforms, acoustic sensors, and passive detection arrays—are used to identify, correlate, and evaluate anomalous objects operating in air and undersea environments. We explore how modern sensor fusion works, what automated detection pipelines can (and cannot) reliably tell us, how false positives arise, and what standards must be applied before data can be considered credible. The discussion also addresses the challenges of classification, data access, and the limitations inherent in current monitoring systems. This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in a serious, data-driven approach to UAP and USO research—where engineering, physics, and analytics take precedence over anecdote. SHOW NOTES

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear Throughout 1954 in France, there was a wave of humanoid reports that received national and international press coverage. That same year, Italy experienced a wave of its own that didn’t get nearly as much attention, although one particular case has since become a classic. A detailed account (page 12 of the pdf) of the case and a follow-up investigation 18 years later is presented in the Vol. 18, No. 5, Flying Saucer Review. Jacques Vallée included a brief account in his catalogue titled Une Siècle d’Atterisages” (a Century of Landings) published as a series in Lumières dans la Nuit starting with the April 1969 issue and ending with the February 1970 issue. However, according to editor Gordon Creighton, “so far as I am aware, no full description of it has ever appeared in English.”The account, by Sergio Conti, appears on page 11 (page 14 of the pdf) under the headline, “The Cennina Landing of 1954.” It was translated by Creighton from Il Giornale dei Misteri No.17, published in August of 1972. Read more → 🧢 Podcast UFO Merch (Shirts, Hats & More): https://tinyurl.com/mrybmnwb 📬 FREE Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter — Get updates on upcoming guests, blog posts, and more: http://eepurl.com/LPHKD 🌐 Our Website: https://podcastufo.com 📱 Follow us on Social Media: Twitter (X): https://x.com/PodcastUFO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastUFO 📺 Subscribe on YouTube (It’s Free!): https://www.youtube.com/user/PodcastUFO?sub_confirmation=1

Join attendees of the historic Washington, DC press conference organized by filmmaker James Fox, focused on the 1996 Varginha, Brazil UFO incident. In this roundtable discussion, Martin Willis is joined by fellow attendees Sarah Gamm & Anthony Miller, of Fire in the Cosmos to reflect on what it was like to be present at this landmark event held at the National Press Club. The group shares firsthand impressions of the atmosphere inside the room, the significance of the testimony presented, and the experience of meeting and speaking directly with Brazilian witnesses connected to the Varginha case. From emotional moments to broader implications for UFO/UAP disclosure, this conversation offers a rare, ground-level perspective on a press conference that many are calling a turning point in the public discussion of non-human intelligence. This episode provides listeners and viewers with insights you won’t get from headlines alone, what it felt like to be there, how the testimony was received in person, and why this event continues to resonate with those who attended. SHOW NOTES

Longtime UFO investigator Allan Lavigne joins Martin Willis for a deep-dive into the “boots-on-the-ground” era of UFO research—when cases were tracked by phone calls, paper files, and relentless field work. Allan recounts his time with APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization), the pioneering civilian group founded by Jim and Coral Lorenzen, and explains how APRO’s investigations accelerated after Project Blue Book ended. Along the way, he shares what it was like working some of the most talked-about cases of the 1970s and beyond—abductions, crash-retrieval lore, and major sightings that still divide researchers today. Allan also provides a rare first-person account of being the first investigator to interview Travis Walton, why he considers the case legitimate, and what details from that original interview still matter. From there, the conversation shifts into controversial territory: the Billy Meier saga (and how APRO evaluated evidence in the pre-digital age), the Phoenix Lights, the “alien autopsy” film from the perspective of a professional effects artist and law-enforcement veteran, and what he considers credible versus clearly fabricated. SHOW NOTES

We apologize in advance for any audio issues during the livestream, as this is a live press event with multiple speakers. Please note that some witnesses are speaking in Portuguese, with English translation provided. (two sessions) Martin attended and livestreamed a historic press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2026. For the first time publicly, Brazilian neurosurgeon Dr. Italo Venturelli described his 1996 hospital encounter with a living, non-human intelligent being connected to the Varginha incident. Organized by investigative journalist and filmmaker James Fox, the event featured Brazilian witnesses, medical and forensic testimony, and new evidence related to the reported crash, military involvement, and subsequent investigations, coinciding with the release of Moment of Contact: New Revelations of Alien Encounters. Martin and other attendees will host a recap show on Thursday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET, which will also be released as an audio podcast discussing key highlights and including selected clips from the press conference. Our website: https://podcastufo.com

Journalist Leslie Kean joins Martin Willis at the National Press Club following the UAP/UFO press conference to share her candid reaction to the historic event. Kean reflects on the emotional testimony of witnesses, the extraordinary effort behind organizing the press conference, and why the case presented is one of the most important she has encountered. She emphasizes the credibility of the witnesses, the significance of international cooperation, and the urgent need for access to hard data such as photographs, videos, flight logs, and medical records that remain sequestered by authorities. In this conversation, Kean also discusses the alleged involvement of U.S. authorities following the incident, questions surrounding missing documentation, and why key evidence may now reside in the United States. She speaks movingly about the humanity of the witnesses—particularly the medical professionals involved—and the emotional weight of the testimony presented. The interview concludes with reflection on the lasting impact of the 2017 New York Times UAP reporting, marking a clear “before and after” moment in public awareness. A thoughtful, grounded discussion on transparency, accountability, and the future of serious UAP investigation.

In this upcoming episode, Martin (live from Washington DC) is joined by Chrissy Newton, host and producer of Rebelliously Curious with Chrissy Newton, for a wide-ranging discussion at the intersection of UFOs, artificial intelligence, and the future of human inquiry. Chrissy brings a unique dual perspective to the conversation. By day, she is the owner of VOCAB Communications and an award-winning public relations professional, skilled in shaping narratives and helping complex ideas reach the public. By night, she explores the biggest questions in space, science, futurism, and UFO research as a trusted voice for the science and space news outlet The Debrief. Together, Martin and Chrissy examine how AI may already be influencing UAP research—from data analysis and pattern recognition to media framing, public perception, and future disclosure pathways. She also speaks about her father's UFO sighting and some noted Canada cases. CHECK OUT OUR LIVE STREAM: James Fox Event, at The National Press Club SHOW NOTES

Martin Willis welcomes back Erling Strand, founder of Project Hessdalen, for an in-depth discussion on one of the world’s most enduring and scientifically studied unexplained phenomena—the Hessdalen Lights of Norway. In this wide-ranging conversation, Strand reflects on his first encounters in the early 1980s and how an initial curiosity evolved into a decades-long, instrument-based research program. He explains the four primary categories of observations reported in the Hessdalen Valley, ranging from brief flashing lights to long-duration luminous objects, radar-tracked targets traveling at extreme speeds, and rare daylight sightings of structured craft-like forms. The discussion explores hard data collected over the years, including radar returns consistent with solid objects, electromagnetic and magnetic measurements, unexplained ground conductivity, ultraviolet indicators, and baffling physical effects such as tracks in snow with no heat signature. Strand also addresses competing hypotheses—plasma, geophysical mechanisms, multiple coexisting phenomena, and even portal-like interpretations—while emphasizing the scientific challenges posed by the diversity of observations. Finally, Strand shares what continues to motivate his research, why Hessdalen remains a unique natural laboratory, and how understanding the underlying energy involved could have profound implications for science and humanity. SHOW NOTES

In last week’s blog, we looked at a case from Spain that involved three airmen who were stationed at a Spanish Air Force base near Talavera La Real. It was investigated by Juan José Benítez who wrote a report (page 4 of the pdf) and sent it to Flying Saucer Review. The report was translated into English by Gordon Creighton, and it was published in the Vol. 23, No. 5, February 1978 issue.According to Benítez, the three airmen, José María Trejo, Juan Carrizosa Luján, and José Hildago were on guard duty after midnight on November 12, 1976. Trejo and Carrizosa were in their sentry boxes, and Hildago was on patrol with a German Shepherd. At around 1:45 a.m., Trejo and Carrizosa heard what sounded like radio interference, which then turned into a piercing, high-pitched whistle that hurt their ears. The whistle started and stopped repeatedly, and the two men, armed with Z-26 quick-firing rifles, searched the area where it seemed to be coming from.They then saw a light that looked like a flare high up in the sky that lit up a wide area. Hildago came by with the dog and he had also seen the light. They were joined by a corporal and two support guards, and they went to do a search.After hearing branches breaking in a stand of eucalyptus trees and sending the dog in repeatedly, they saw a luminous green figure that was about three meters tall with what looked like a helmet on its head, long arms, thick body, and it didn’t seem to have any legs or feet. The men described it as being like a bobbin or a spindle. Read more →

In the Vol. 23, No. 5, February 1978 Flying Saucer Review, there is a report (page 4 of the pdf) out of Spain headlined, “Encounter at Talavera.” It was written by Juan José Benítez and translated by Gordon Creighton. Benítez got the story from the main witnesses who were three airmen stationed at a Spanish Air Force base near Talavera la Real, close to the Spanish-Portuguese border. He describes the case as “simply staggering.”Benítez explains that the incident occurred on November 12, 1976, and that he got the story firsthand from the witnesses, but kept the details to himself because the three men involved had still been in the service “until a short time ago.”According to Benítez, at around 1:45 a.m., José María Trejo and Juan Carrizosa Luján were in their sentry boxes on guard duty near the fuel depot of the Talavera Air Force Base and Jet Aircraft School a few kilometers from the city of Badajoz. Their boxes were 60 meters apart and they both heard what sounded like radio interference, which then turned into a piercing, high-pitched whistle that hurt their ears. After a few minutes, it stopped, and then started up again five minutes later, this time near Trejo’s box. Trejo called for Carrizosa to come over and both men searched the area armed with Z-26 quick-firing rifles. Read more →

In this in-depth conversation, Martin Willis is joined by Anna Brady-Estevez, a senior technology investor and former government innovation leader, for a wide-ranging discussion on UAP, scientific rigor, and the future of advanced research. Anna shares her personal journey into the UAP topic—from early curiosity and cultural stigma to firsthand sightings and high-level exposure through government, science, and finance. Drawing on her experience funding hundreds of advanced technology companies across energy, space, and national security, she explains how UAP-related questions increasingly overlap with real, cutting-edge research already underway.Topics explored include:Rather than speculation, this episode focuses on process, evidence, and implications—asking not what to believe, but how serious inquiry should proceed when observations challenge existing models.SHOW NOTES

Filmmaker and investigator James Fox returns for an in-depth discussion of his latest release, Moment of Contact: New Revelations of Alien Encounters. The conversation revisits the 1996 Varginha, Brazil incident—often called “Brazil’s Roswell”—and examines new testimony that has emerged since the film’s premiere. Fox shares updates from recent travels to Brazil, including additional witness accounts, hospital testimony, and details involving alleged creature encounters and military involvement. The discussion also broadens to government secrecy, whistleblowers, crash-retrieval programs, and why the Varginha case remains one of the most complex and controversial UFO investigations on record. SHOW NOTES

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear ~ This past week, I found myself in the position of having two co-workers who are UFO witnesses and decided to take advantage of this and have them tell their stories for this blog.The first story is that of Ilya Vett, 54, who has been with the organization for over three years, and he first told it to me not long after I met him. He grew up in the area of New Paltz, New York, which is near Pine Bush and the Hudson Valley. Both of those areas are notorious for UFO flaps in the 1980s (Ilya and I went to the 2022 Pine Bush UFO Fair where I met up with Martin), which is when Ilya said he had his sighting. Ilya also told me that his wife, prior to their marriage, had a sighting of a UFO with her family while they were driving. According to him, when they got home, it was over their house.As for Ilya’s story, he recorded it for me on his own time not prompted by any questions from me. According to him, he and some friends were riding their bikes on Prospect Street in New Paltz sometime in the fall (school had started) “in the early 80s.” It was dark, and they were heading north towards Henry W. Dubois Drive. The area was undeveloped at the time, and there were “a lot of trees” on both sides of the road. They heard what Ilya indicated through vocalizations was a combination of a whoosh and a hum, though he settled on it not being “distinct.” Read more →

Martin Willis with UFO-Jack co-hosting react to the newly released Steven Spielberg Disclosure Day teaser, which Martin says “gave me the willies” and immediately compelled a discussion. They cue up the teaser and then break down its most striking lines—“If you found out we weren’t alone…,” “People have a right to know the truth,” “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you… so I’m gonna show you,” and the nun’s reflection on why a vast universe would exist “yet save it only for us.” Martin and Jack highlight how the teaser leans into suspense and emotion, avoids showing aliens or craft, and uses the loaded concept of “full disclosure… to the whole world… all at once” to tap directly into long-running UFO community themes. They also point out imagery suggesting mass attention, faith and religious reactions, hints of telepathy/psionics and unconventional communication, and a conspicuous absence of government officials—while agreeing the teaser’s huge view count signals mainstream interest and could help “normies” engage with the topic, even if it doesn’t produce real-world disclosure. Teaser/Trailer HERE!

In last week’s blog, we looked at the beginning of the modern crop circle phenomenon that first got the attention of the media and UFO researchers in 198o. This was described in the 1986 report compiled by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles (written by Randles) for the British UFO Research Association titled Mystery of the Circles. According to Randles, the idea that UFOs had something to do with the mystery came from the fact that the first circles appeared in the West Country in the area of Warminster, which had become famous in the 60’s as a UFO hotspot. When we left off, that idea was falling out of favor with researchers, particularly Ian Mrzyglod of the newly formed organization, PROBE, who is quoted from the March 1982, Vol. 2, No. 4, PROBE Report: “…even to suggest that the flattened circles were UFO landing nests is wildly speculative wishful thinking, without any foundation.” After a lull in attention in 1982, things picked up after eight sets of five circles appeared that were made up of one large circle surrounded by four smaller circles at equidistant locations. Prior to this, there had been only single circles or two or three in a row.Playing a large part in the media attention was the fact that the circles appeared in the summer, often called the silly season due to the fact that stories of a less-than-serious nature are used as filler in the midst of what is traditionally a slow news period. And, it did get silly. One example presented by Randles is Daily Express columnist Jean Rook being sent to one of the sites “to come up with a lovely, poetic ode to ‘E.T.,’” the titular alien from the movie. According to Randles, Rook “found physical evidence of his presence in the midst of one of the rings – a poppy.”Randles emphasizes that “serious UFO investigators refused to get involved” and notes that she, herself, refused to appear on BBC and ITV television, even though she had a new book to promote, The Pennine UFO Mystery. Read more →