
Last Podcast On The Left
"The screw worm is back." — Ed Larson
"This is the black goo." — Ed Larson
"We are sure that this is what we were seeing, but we were never able to confirm as our trip was cut short due to one of us getting a nasty bug bite, causing his hand to swim up like a balloon." — Listener Mail (The Camo Man)
The episode delves into a series of unsettling and often bizarre news stories and listener submissions. One prominent segment discusses the concerning return of screw worms in Honduras, detailing their parasitic nature and the danger they pose to both animals and humans. This is contrasted with the discovery of a novel, tar-like substance dubbed "ship goo" found on a research vessel in Lake Erie, which scientists are attempting to identify. The hosts also recount a peculiar incident at the LA Zoo involving a chimpanzee named Glenn, who was presumed dead by his troop after being transferred, only to return and be hailed as a resurrected leader, sparking discussions about animal mourning and complex social structures.
The narrative shifts to a listener submission about an encounter with a mysterious "Camo Man" in the woods of Idaho, a retired military veteran who apparently enjoys lurking in the forest in a ghillie suit, raising questions about his intentions and the nature of his hobby. The hosts also touch upon the death of a golf cart driver, John L. Way's agent, and the lack of charges filed, leading to a broader critique of golf culture and golf courses. Additionally, they briefly mention a hospice nurse who amputated a patient's frostbitten foot without authorization, a story that highlights the intersection of medical ethics and unusual personal projects.
Finally, the episode explores the case of Casey Anthony and her new haircut, as well as a reported first date, and the hosts muse on her perceived lack of stress and potential for future public roles. The segment on the screw worm includes a graphic description of the infestation and the fear it instills. The discussion around the "ship goo" highlights the unknown and the potential for new biological discoveries in unusual environments. The chimpanzee story adds an element of animal intelligence and social dynamics, while the "Camo Man" story taps into the intrigue of unexplained human behavior in natural settings.