Beyond the Human

Could reports of Bigfoot, Yeti, orang pendek, and other humanlike creatures represent something more than folklore?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we begin a multi-part investigation into cryptohominids: reported humanlike beings that may represent undiscovered primates, relict populations of ancient hominids, or something stranger. We start with the flesh-and-blood hypothesis and ask whether these creatures could realistically exist within what we know about human evolution, primate biology, and ecology.
Drawing on the fossil record and discoveries of Neanderthals, Denisovans, Homo floresiensis, and Homo naledi, we explore the surprisingly diverse world of our extinct relatives and why the idea of another surviving hominid isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem. We then examine the evidence researchers have collected for cryptohominids, including footprints, hair and DNA, photographs and video, vocalizations, and eyewitness testimony.
From orang pendek in Sumatra and otang in South Africa to Sasquatch in North America, we look at several of the cases that flesh-and-blood researchers consider particularly intriguing. Along the way, we examine the work of researchers who have attempted to investigate these reports more systematically and ask what the current evidence can (and cannot) tell us.
This is only the beginning. In the episodes that follow, we'll hear directly from researchers in the field, including NAWAC members James Waldo and Michael Mayes, before turning to supernatural and high-strangeness explanations for the phenomenon. Finally, we'll speak with anthropologist Dr. Gregory Forth about the intersection of cryptohominids, ethnography, and human evolution.
Are cryptohominids undiscovered animals, surviving relatives of our evolutionary past, or something that doesn't fit neatly into either category? We're starting with the evidence—and letting the investigation take us from there.

Topics discussed in this episode:
(3:49) - The Series and Defining Cryptohominids
(12:51) - Human Evolution for Cryptozoologists
(46:16) - Researchers in the Field
(1:17:52) - Evidence for Biological Bigfoot
(1:29:00) - Best Cryptohominid Cases
Show Notes
Zhang Y and Harrison T. Gigantopithecus blacki: a giant ape from the Pleistocene of Asia revisited. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 2017; 162:153–177. doi:10.1002/ajpa.23150.
Smithsonian Institution - What Does it Mean to Be Human?  Species 
Becoming Human - Journey Through the Timeline 
On the trail of the orang pendek, Sumatra's mystery ape

This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Are there extraterrestrial bases on the Moon? A new preprint from researchers at Ukraine's Main Astronomical Observatory claims that high-speed video recordings captured more than 20 unidentified objects near the Moon, including objects described as "atmospheric" and "continental" UFOs. The researchers argue that some of these objects may represent a technologically advanced civilization using the Moon as a base. We examine what the study actually claims, why its lack of peer review matters, and the methodological questions surrounding observations made with high-speed cameras.
We also take a look at a strange formation photographed by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. The dark rectangular feature has been compared online to a doorway or entrance to an ancient structure, prompting speculation about whether Mars could once have been home to a lost civilization. But a closer look at the scale and geology tells a much less extraordinary story. We break down what Curiosity actually photographed—and why the Martian landscape is so good at producing apparent "artifacts."
Finally, we look at a major development in the scientific search for life beyond Earth. After more than 25 years of research into planetary habitability and biosignatures, NASA's Virtual Planetary Laboratory has moved to the SETI Institute, where its interdisciplinary team will continue investigating how scientists can determine whether distant worlds support life. We discuss what this means for the future of astrobiology and the search for life beyond our solar system.
Plus, we're getting ready for next week's Paranormal Research Symposium in Gettysburg, where we'll be talking about the Sallie House and the ongoing study of the paranormal.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Human on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Notes from the Beyond⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Substack.
Show Notes
UFO Dynamics on the Moon
Mysterious 'doorway' spotted in NASA Mars photo sparks theories of lost civilization
NASA Curiosity rover creates stunning high-resolution panorama of its home on Mars using over 1,000 images taken of the Martian surface
Celebrating 25 Years of Exoplanet Astrobiology: Welcoming the Virtual Planetary Laboratory to its New Home at the SETI Institute
Paranormal Research Symposium

This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Congress revisited one of the CIA's most infamous Cold War programs as the House Oversight Committee held a hearing examining MKUltra. More than fifty years after the program officially ended, lawmakers and witnesses revisited the government's use of LSD, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, electroshock, and other controversial experiments on unwitting American citizens. We break down what was actually revealed during the hearing, why some witnesses believe the full story has yet to be uncovered, and whether the proceedings offered any genuinely new insights into one of the darkest chapters in U.S. intelligence history.
We also explore a newly released book arguing that the first alleged UFO crash retrieval in the United States occurred years before Roswell. In The UFO Bombshell Before Roswell, author Paul Blake Smith investigates the reported 1941 Cape Girardeau, Missouri, crash and the longstanding claims that the incident was quietly covered up by the government. We discuss why the case continues to intrigue UFO researchers—and preview our upcoming interview with Smith about his investigation.
Finally, we're celebrating one year of Beyond the Human and Field Notes from the Beyond. Over the past year, listeners from 52 countries have joined us in exploring the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary. We reflect on some of our favorite episodes, share a few milestones from our first year, and look ahead to what's next—including our new branding and the future of the podcast. You can read the full anniversary retrospective and learn more about our refreshed identity in this week's edition of Field Notes from the Beyond.
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Human on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Notes from the Beyond⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Substack.
Show Notes
House Oversight Committee on CIA’s MKULTRA Project
The UFO Bombshell Before Roswell
One Year of Beyond the Human

What happens when people from every culture report remarkably similar experiences while standing on the threshold of death?
In this episode of Beyond the Human, we explore near-death experiences (NDEs) through the lenses of anthropology, psychology, medicine, and consciousness research. From out-of-body experiences and life reviews to encounters with deceased loved ones and reports of profound transformation, we examine why these extraordinary experiences have been documented across cultures and throughout history.
Drawing on the work of researchers including Raymond Moody, Kenneth Ring, Bruce Greyson, and Sam Parnia, we trace the emergence of NDEs as a legitimate field of scientific inquiry while exploring the strongest evidence and the leading biological explanations. Along the way, we discuss veridical perceptions, cross-cultural patterns, the Greyson Near-Death Experience Scale, and why these experiences continue to challenge conventional assumptions about the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Rather than arguing for a single explanation, this episode explores one of humanity's oldest questions from an anthropological perspective: what can near-death experiences reveal about consciousness, culture, and what it means to be human?
Topics discussed in this episode:
(2:40) - What are NDEs and How Common Are They?
(15:57) - What Happens During an NDE?
(26:18) - How Are NDEs Studied?
(40:33) - What is the Evidence for NDEs?
(54:26) - The History of NDEs
(1:02:23) - Distressing NDEs
(1:06:50) - Can Biology Explain NDEs?

Show Notes
International Association for Near Death Studies
Raymond Moody, Life After Life
Near-Death Experience Research Foundation
UVirginia Division of Perceptual Studies
Near-Death Experiences | Psychology Today
Oxford Forum
AWARE-AWAreness during REsuscitation-a prospective study

This week on Headlines from the Beyond:
Cryptozoologist Adam Thorn has shared new updates from his recent orang pendek expedition in Sumatra. Responding to questions from viewers, Thorn addresses criticism surrounding his now-viral trail camera footage before taking a closer look at the hair samples collected during the expedition. While several of the suspected hairs turned out not to be hair at all, one sample closely matches both the mysterious cinnamon-colored arm captured on camera and photographs of unidentified primate hairs from an unpublished study. Thorn says the specimen also resembles orangutan hair but not that of any other known wildlife in the region and plans to send it for expert analysis.
We also examine a string of recent celebrity claims involving the paranormal. Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi once again opens up about what she believes was an alien abduction after seeing a UFO as a teenager, while actor James Franco has sparked speculation after posting a series of cryptic TikTok videos describing an encounter with a mysterious glowing-eyed entity speaking an unknown language. Is it a genuine experience, performance art, or simply promotion ahead of his return to Hollywood? We discuss the claims—and why celebrity paranormal stories continue to capture public attention.
Finally, we look at two remarkable wildlife discoveries that serve as a reminder that our planet still holds plenty of mysteries. Scientists have officially described a new species of deep-sea ghost shark discovered off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica using both anatomical and DNA evidence, while the elusive sand cat has been documented in Libya, expanding its known range beyond what researchers previously believed. These discoveries raise an intriguing question for cryptozoology: if new vertebrate species and unexpected populations continue to be found today, what else might still be waiting to be discovered?
Three stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.
Stay connected with us between episodes—follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Human on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Notes from the Beyond⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Substack.
Show Notes:
Debriefing the Orang Pendek Expedition and Responding to Comments
Hair from an Orang Pendek: Hair Sample Analysis
TAKE THIS PERSONALLY - Snooki's Untold Jersey Shore Stories, Cancer Diagnosis, & Alien Abduction - The Bobby Bones Show
James Franco Returns to Social Media With Bizarre ‘Alien’ Videos
I saw something not human in my garage
Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Ghost Shark Species Off Costa Rica
‘No one believed it’: how a YouTube video accidentally proved Libya’s sand cat really does exist
Sand Cat in Libya