Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer

Date: 2017-05-16 | Duration: 3h 38m

Episode Overview

Episode 961 features a dynamic conversation between Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson, and Michael Shermer, centering on controversial theories about ancient civilizations, catastrophic events, and archaeological mysteries. The discussion opens with the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, where Randall Carlson presents geological evidence supporting a comet or meteor impact around 12,800 years ago that may have triggered massive climate shifts and megafauna extinctions. The trio debates the validity of this hypothesis, examining impact proxies like nanodiamonds and melt glass, while addressing skepticism from mainstream science. The conversation then shifts to the enigmatic site of Göbekli Tepe, which challenges conventional views of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Hancock and Carlson emphasize its advanced stonework and possible role as a catalyst for early civilization, while Shermer questions some of the more speculative interpretations. The guests also explore the implications of ancient astronomical alignments and lost knowledge, touching on the Great Sphinx and pyramids, with Hancock advocating for reconsidering timelines based on geological erosion evidence. Throughout the episode, the trio navigates tensions between alternative and mainstream archaeology, highlighting the importance of open inquiry while scrutinizing evidence rigorously. Memorable moments include vivid descriptions of catastrophic floods shaping landscapes and spirited debates over how much ancient cultures might have known about astronomy and engineering long before accepted historical dates.

About Graham Hancock

Graham Hancock is a renowned English author and journalist, best known for his provocative exploration of ancient civilizations and historical mysteries. His seminal works, including "Fingerprints of the Gods" and "Entangled," challenge conventional archaeological narratives and propose alternative theories about humanity's past, particularly the existence of advanced prehistoric cultures. With a career spanning over three decades, Hancock has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling storytelling and investigative approach, making him a prominent figure in the realms of alternative history and archaeology. His engaging appearances, including on the Joe Rogan Experience, further amplify his insights into the lost knowledge of ancient societies and the potential implications for our understanding of human history.

About Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer is a prominent science writer and historian of science, best known as the founder of The Skeptics Society and Editor in Chief of its magazine, *Skeptic*. With a Ph.D. in the history of science, he has dedicated his career to dissecting pseudoscientific claims and promoting critical thinking. Shermer is also a prolific author, with several books including *Why People Believe Weird Things* and *The Moral Arc*, where he explores the intersection of science, belief, and morality. His engaging approach to debunking myths and championing rational inquiry makes him a compelling figure in the realm of skepticism and science communication.

About Randall Carlson

Randall Carlson is a renowned architectural designer, master builder, and geomythologist, celebrated for his unique blend of art, science, and ancient wisdom. With a deep understanding of geometry and its applications in both natural and built environments, he has contributed to various educational initiatives, exploring the intersections of mythology and geology. As a geological explorer, Carlson captivates audiences with his insights into Earth's history and the cataclysmic events that have shaped our planet, making him a sought-after speaker and a fascinating presence in the realms of alternative history and ancient civilizations. His appearances, including a memorable episode on the Joe Rogan Experience, showcase his passion for unraveling the mysteries of our past and their relevance to contemporary society.

Key Moments

– Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis
– Gobekli Tepe Archaeology
– Ice Age Extinctions
– Ancient Megalithic Structures
– Archaeoastronomy
– Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
– Nanodiamonds and Impact Proxies
– Prehistoric Human Societies
– Mass Extinction Events
– Ancient Egyptian Monuments
– Megafauna Hunting and Extinction
– Geological Evidence of Floods
– Skepticism in Archaeology
– Ancient Technology Transfer
– Paleolithic Cave Art
– Comet and Meteor Impacts
– Lost Civilizations Theories
– Radiocarbon Dating Methods
– Ancient Maritime Cultures
– Scientific Controversies in Archaeology
0:00:56 – Discussion of Ice Age ending and impact hypothesis
0:05:59 – Presentation of impact proxies like nanodiamonds and microspherules
0:09:12 – Overview of alternative archaeological theories
0:12:23 – Introduction to archaeoastronomy and ancient alignments
0:16:46 – Skepticism about mainstream explanations for ancient monuments
0:20:12 – Significance of Gobekli Tepe predating Stonehenge by 7,000 years
0:26:22 – Description of Gobekli Tepe's construction and lack of writing
0:30:09 – Comparison to modern indigenous stone carving skills
0:34:01 – Debate on whether Gobekli Tepe was a settlement or ceremonial site
0:38:22 – Discussion of biota shifts and rapid climate changes
0:44:20 – Reference to climate change and its archaeological implications
0:50:09 – Theory of skill transfer between settled groups and hunter-gatherers
0:56:01 – Iridium as evidence of extraterrestrial impact
1:00:24 – Ancient civilizations and possible lost advanced knowledge
1:06:09 – Flood events dated by carbon-14 in North America
1:10:18 – Critique of rainwater erosion as explanation for Sphinx weathering
1:16:09 – Alvarez impact hypothesis for dinosaur extinction referenced
1:23:52 – Discussion of Bluefish Caves and early human presence in North America
1:26:08 – Potential confirmation of impact evidence in Nature journal
1:50:52 – Younger Dryas boundary layer and cosmic impact event details
2:00:09 – Geological evidence supporting comet impact theory
2:04:18 – Sea level rise and flooding at end of Ice Age
2:06:18 – Carbon-14 dating of multiple flood events in North America
2:29:07 – Debate on validity of Younger Dryas impact hypothesis
2:39:24 – Laurentide ice sheet and glacial geology discussed
2:44:03 – Multiple flood regimes and geological evidence debated
2:47:03 – Comet fragmentation and impact on North American ice sheet
2:52:52 – Claims of debunking comet impact hypothesis addressed
3:01:09 – Microscopic evidence of magnetic and glassy spherules presented
3:06:17 – Comparison of impact glass to nuclear test materials
3:09:53 – Global distribution of impact evidence including South America and Syria
3:14:53 – Population dynamics of Ice Age hunters discussed
3:17:20 – Field description of Scablands as impact-related landscape
3:22:16 – Fossil bone deposits and dating peaks analyzed
3:28:25 – Role of reporter in presenting alternative archaeological views
3:31:24 – Evidence of mastodon remains impacted by catastrophic events

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 three two this is live ladies and gentlemen and this is a very unusual podcast we're going to Starting point is 00:00:56 and the end of the Ice Age, Starting point is 00:01:26 And this is actually from just a couple of weeks ago. Starting point is 00:02:00 imagery. There's quite a lot of imagery on those T-shaped pillars, particularly one Starting point is 00:02:36 Now, I can't say that I'm that familiar with that article. Starting point is 00:03:17 I think humans probably had a role, but only in the very final stages of the extinction event. Starting point is 00:04:04 although the dating has a wide spread on it, Starting point is 00:04:36 and so one of the things that I think has been missing has been the trigger. Starting point is 00:05:20 Somewhere in there we have to fit that mass extinction event. Starting point is 00:05:59 These are called impact proxies. Nanodiamonds, melt glass, microspherules, Starting point is 00:06:21 It's the full assemblage of things Starting point is 00:06:56 And there's an interesting... Starting point is 00:07:30 We see meteorites, particularly at the end of October, early November. Starting point is 00:07:52 stuff fell out of the meteor stream Starting point is 00:08:08 Yeah, let me pull back and give a bigger picture. Starting point is 00:08:37 Thank you. You're a great skeptic. Starting point is 00:09:12 There's hundreds of alternative archaeological theories. Starting point is 00:09:45 of Native Americans, the Kensington rune stones in Minnesota that the Vikings had come here, Starting point is 00:10:23 archaeology Olmec statues seem to have like african features on them so maybe africans went directly across to Starting point is 00:11:08 It was widely covered in mainstream scientific journals and popular science magazines like Scientific American. Starting point is 00:11:42 these alternative things have any validity or not, Starting point is 00:12:23 So this is a field called archaeoastronomy. Starting...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #961?

Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer was the guest on JRE #961. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #961?

On Joe Rogan Experience #961 with Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer, topics include Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, Gobekli Tepe Archaeology, Ice Age Extinctions, and Ancient Megalithic Structures.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #961?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #961 with Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson & Michael Shermer is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.