Archaeologist Carl Feagans traces the rise of pseudo-archaeology and its role as a “gateway drug” to larger conspiracy theories. He opens by examining the Cerutti Mastodon claims, outlandish assertions of a 130,000-year-old American mastodon, showing how selective evidence and sensational headlines drive false narratives. Listeners will hear Carl dissect the methodology of amateur “myth hunters” and contrast it with rigorous field practices.
We also chat about prohibition-era moonshine stills unearthed in the backwoods, where Carl shares stories of discovering hidden distilleries and connecting them to local oral histories. He discusses the process of authenticating improvised copper pot stills, the nuances of dating illicit equipment, and how these finds offer a window into rural ingenuity and cultural resilience. Throughout, Carl emphasizes the value of peer review, structured community forums, and transparent reporting to keep real archaeology, and public trust, intact.
#Archaeology #Conspiracies #History
📖 Visit Carl's Blog → https://ahotcupofjoe.net
𝕏 Find Carl's Facebook Group here → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16ekfikMyP
🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms
🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.com
We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!
🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod
🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535
💬 What do you think? Comment below!
--
00:00 Intro: Pseudo-Archaeology as a “Gateway Drug”
04:31 Cerutti Mastodon Site & 130,000-Year Claim
06:53 Extraordinary Claims Need Extraordinary Evidence
33:29 Provenance & Site Disturbance as Crime Scenes
35:23 Millimeter-Perfect Recording & Handheld LIDAR
36:08 LIDAR “Last-Bounce” Technique Explained
38:42 The “Casey Jones” Square Still Innovation
41:54 Discovering & Measuring a Hidden Still
45:17 Ethnography & Oral Traditions of Hollow Stills
59:58 Dinosaur Misconceptions & Archaeology vs. Paleontology
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!