Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Reason tells us that these things do not exist. Yet the only apparent alternative is that the whole affair is a great conspiracy. I am not prepared to entirely ignore our witnesses nor accuse them of being part of their great conspiracy. In fact, I'm sure they are truthful and that there is no such thing as a great conspiracy. There must be a third explanation, which is neither a matter of reason nor be fakery. This must be unreasonable in all terms, but probably make sense in the goblin universe." — Professor John Napier (as interpreted and discussed by speakers)
"We inhabit a strange cosmos where nothing is absolute final or conclusive. Truth is an actor who dons one mask after another and then vanishes through a secret door in the stage scenery when we reach out to grab him. All he leaves behind is a sardonic chuckle which we record, take away, analyze and debate, but we never see his face." — Ted Holliday (as quoted by speakers)
"The idea that life is not so simple. Life is not just. We learn how to tie hair around our dick and make it really tight. If you want to take that lesson, Kisal, then I think it's any lesson that they can get in." — (Speaker's interpretation of the 'fairy' phenomenon)
This episode delves into Ted Holliday's speculative concept of the "Goblin Universe," a theoretical framework that attempts to bridge various unexplained phenomena, including cryptids, UFOs, and other paranormal events. The discussion highlights Holliday's belief that these diverse occurrences are not isolated but rather interconnected manifestations of a deeper, stranger reality. His work, particularly the posthumously published book "The Goblin Universe," was championed by writer Colin Wilson, and it explores the idea that the observer's mind plays a crucial role in shaping what is perceived, suggesting that phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, and alien encounters might be different facets of the same underlying, elusive entity or principle.
The speakers navigate through Holliday's various chapters, which explore topics such as the potential reincarnation of evil, the nature of time and prognostication, and the often-overlooked similarities between UFO sightings and folklore concerning fairies. Holliday's theory posits that these phenomena are not necessarily physical beings or spacecraft in the traditional sense, but rather manifestations that adapt their form based on the observer's beliefs and the cultural context of the time. The discussion touches on parallels drawn between ancient myths and modern sightings, proposing that the "masks" worn by these phenomena change over time, reflecting evolving human understanding and fears.
Further into the episode, the concept of the "Phantom Menagerie" is introduced, acting as an umbrella term for all paranormal and mythological creatures. Holliday suggests these creatures behave differently from ordinary animals, lacking typical biological functions like breeding, but can become "extinct" from human belief or perception. The episode concludes by examining Holliday's personal experiences, including an attempted exorcism of the Loch Ness Monster and encounters with "Men in Black," further emphasizing the interconnectedness of these phenomena and the enduring mystery of the paranormal.