What if the UFO phenomenon isn’t benevolent at all — but something far darker?
In this Close Encounter Club bonus episode, host Justin Gearheart sits down with Matt Hurley, founder of BadAliens.info, one of the most controversial and unflinching resources on UFO research. Matt’s work focuses on the disturbing side of the phenomenon: abductions, cattle mutilations, missing persons, and even cases of human mutilation that echo the same patterns.
Joined by Josh Barretto (from EP 4), this conversation pushes into territory many ufologists avoid. From the unsettling overlap between paranormal “hitchhiker” effects and abduction cases, to the possibility of cryptids as holographic projections, Matt argues that UFOs are not purely interdimensional mysteries — they are physical beings competing for Earth’s resources.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why Matt shifted from ancient aliens research to investigating darker encounters. Shocking parallels between animal and human mutilations. How poltergeist activity and the hitchhiker effect may tie into abductions. Theories about hybridization programs and implanted imagery. Candid takes on disclosure, whistleblowers, and whether governments are complicit.
⚠️ Listener discretion is strongly advised — both in this episode and on Matt’s website — as graphic cases are discussed that may be disturbing.
This is not the “love and light” version of UFOs. This is the shadow side — and once you hear it, you can’t unhear it.
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CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.