I have been incredibly busy this month recording interviews for season 3 of Fascinating People, Fascinating Places. During the first two seasons I focussed on historical figures but this season I move into the realm of the contemporary. In finding subject matters, I had two areas of interest: People who’ve inspired me, and people who have intrigued me (for better or worse).
At the top of the list for the first category were NASA astronauts and I was lucky enough to interview two: Jim Wetherbee, and Steve Hawley. These are guys who lived out the dream of every 8-year-old and went into space. I was also honored to supplement my conversations with them by talking to space historian Dr. Cathleen Lewis of the Smithsonian. Dr. Lewis is a renowned subject matter expert as I found when I bombarded her with questions on a variety of topics and discovered that she had a wealth of knowledge on every subject I mentioned. Both Jim and Steve were also wonderful interviewees: modest, honest, funny, full of wonderful information and anecdotes, and above all two very decent men.
Taking a different tack on space, I also delved into the world of the UFO phenomena, I had the opportunity to speak to Professor Greg Eghigian of U Penn. Greg is a historian who has researched a wide variety of topics but in recent years he has delved into the UFO world. He brings the perspective of a discerning historian to the long-running saga of sightings, mysteries, and apparent abductions. On the other side of the world, I was delighted to speak to Swedish journalist Clas Svahn — of UFO Sweden. Like Greg, Clas is a very facts-based individual who has done extensive research on the phenomena. Closer to home I was pleased to speak with Robert Sheaffer — author and well-renowned skeptic. His opinions were a good counterpoint for those offered by Bill Konkolesky the state director of MUFON Michigan.
I don’t want to give any “spoilers” away ahead of the podcast but in all honesty, when I talked to Robert Sheaffer I went into the interview fairly comfortable embracing his views as I am somewhat of an agnostic when it comes to UFOs. But the interview with Bill Konkolesky gave me pause for thought. It didn’t go the way I expected it to, and frankly, it left me very conflicted. Raising the question in my mind: is it possible to believe someone while being unable to believe the substance of their story? What I will say is that after these interviews, I would no longer describe myself as an agnostic while I am not quite prepared to call myself a believer. I am actively looking into the subject further with more of an open mind.
You can get a sample of what is to come in the next season (debuting March 2022) by clicking the following links:
https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fascinating-people-fascinating-places/id1586886761
https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fascinating-people-fascinating-places/id1586886761
