Ralph Blumenthal, a staff reporter for The New York Times from 1964 to 2009, is the author of The Believer: Alien Encounters, Hard Science, and the Passion of John Mack.

Here he reviews the history of alien abductions, starting with the 1961 case of Betty and Barney Hill. Many related phenomena are addressed, including implants, physical evidence, and cattle mutilations. Of particular interest are the claims of those who maintain they can initiate contact themselves with aliens. He also reviews recent U.S. Navy sightings of UFOs.

(Recorded on April 23, 2021)

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Published on August 20, 2026