Danny Jones Podcast #360

New Scans Expose An Unfortunate Secret Underneath the Pyramids
Guest: Geoffrey Drumm
Date: January 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This marathon episode of the Danny Jones podcast dives deep into the controversial and fascinating claims regarding the mysteries beneath the Egyptian pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza. Danny is joined by Geoffrey Drumm, independent researcher and author, who explains his chemical engineering-based hypotheses for pyramid function, and systematically breaks down the latest SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) scans—now causing a stir online—to examine what’s actually in the data, what the new findings might mean, and where the credible science ends and the hype begins.

Key Topics & Discussions

1. The Real Barrier to Understanding Ancient Tech

• The complexity of the hypotheses around pyramid function is such that, as Drumm notes, "It requires so much investment in understanding it... It's the evolution over thousands of years of deep understanding of the forces of nature, physics and chemistry..." (02:09)
• Drumm emphasizes that his research is rooted in evidence and careful step-by-step logic: "Short overviews of these things... the function of ancient technology should be a complex in-depth discussion." (01:17)

2. The Chemical Engineering Theory of the Pyramids

• Drumm draws parallels between modern industrial processes (like the Haber process) and pyramid architecture:
  • The Red Pyramid functioned as an ammonia plant; its design inspired the modern ammonia process.
    • "Fritz Haber... took the engineering of the red pyramid and... used steel reaction chambers. Which led us to the development of the Haber process..." (Jeffrey, 03:00)
  • The Bent Pyramid may have produced urea or nitric acid (for fertilizers or even aqua regia to dissolve gold).
  • The Great Pyramid’s purpose was not mystical but practical: the large-scale production of sulfuric acid using local natural resources.

3. Subterranean Geology: Caves, Gas, and Resources

• Cutting-edge geological papers now reveal that the Giza Plateau sits atop natural hydrothermal vents, iron veins, and hydrogen sulfide gas reserves.
  • "There are hydrothermal vent systems that are from the ancient Tethys seafloor... These processes created the iron veins on the Giza Plateau." (11:25)
  • Drumm references new evidence for “sulfide deposits directly below the Giza pyramids” (13:08), arguing that the pyramids’ purpose was to harvest these natural gases for chemical manufacturing.

4. Detailed Hypothesis for Great Pyramid Functions

• The Grand Gallery acted as a gigantic chemical reactor; the King’s Chamber and antechamber—made of granite—served as acoustic and electrical catalysts.
  • "King's Chamber is completely made of red granite—including the relieving chambers." (128:19)
• Red granite was used for its piezoelectric and dielectric properties, supposedly focusing energy from telluric currents and perhaps lightning to catalyze chemical reactions.
  • Drumm references a software simulation showing the concentration of electrical fields in the pyramid under external stimulus (lightning, earth currents):
    "The vector of energy input from below... creates an intense electric field at the top of the pyramid..." (65:59)
• Meticulous engineering in shafts, chambers, and 'boat pits' was used to channel water, gases, and chemical products.
• Drumm claims physical evidence supports the presence of sulfuric acid (traces of calcium sulfate, pit corrosion in limestone):
  • "Calcium sulfate is what they discovered all over the walls of the Grand Gallery." (80:09)

5. The SAR Scans & Hype: What Is Actually There?

• The SAR scans released by Filippo Biondi’s team promise revelations of vast, hidden chambers and even “tubes” or “cubes” kilometers beneath the pyramids.
• Drumm’s assessment is critical:
  • SAR & Doppler tomography cannot truly "see" inside bedrock at those depths; the evidence from raw scans does not match what is claimed in AI-enhanced images.
  • When presented with raw SAR data, known chambers (like those in the central pyramid, ~45 ft deep) are not visible—yet the team claims to find deep, regular features.
  • "If you can't image something in 15 meters of bedrock... how can we believe this?" (148:31)
  • Differences in data output, lack of transparency, and inability to reproduce known features are red flags.
• Drumm's direct line to the SAR team yields admissions of uncertainty:
  • "Anytime I asked Filippo a question about why X, Y and Z... his answer was repeatedly, ‘I don’t know.’" (133:09)

6. Misrepresentation and the Dangers of Hype

• Drumm warns of the dangers of social media cycles and AI-enhanced imagery outpacing actual data.
• He underscores that official archaeological acceptance requires vetted, reproducible scientific evidence—unlike what is currently circulating about hidden tunnels and “tick-tock UFOs.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Pyramids as Chemical Factories

"This is not simple technology... Their mastery of the forces and cycles of nature... is almost beyond our comprehension."
— Jeffrey Drumm (02:43)

On the SAR Scans’ Capabilities

"SAR technology... cannot penetrate structures. Period."
— Jeffrey Drumm (104:07)

"If you can't image something in 15 meters of bedrock... how can we believe this?"
— Jeffrey Drumm (148:31)

SAR Team’s Own Cautious Admission

"His answer, I don't know. Which was an honest answer. And it's a mark of his integrity and his honesty to say... I would never claim to have all the answers."
— Jeffrey Drumm (112:31)

About Mainstream Archaeological Response

"They circumvented the powers that be... When it comes to Egyptian archaeology... they will never be granted permission to move a grain of sand in Egypt."
— Jeffrey Drumm (142:13)

Closing Reflection

"My life is focused on the internal chambers of these pyramids... If I’m going to take a leap and start incorporating other stuff, I really need to see your technology pick up what we know is there."
— Jeffrey Drumm (156:29)

Notable Timestamps

• 01:11–04:19: Overview of ancient technology hypotheses & parallels to industrial chemistry
• 07:09–12:08: Introduction of Giza Plateau as a natural chemical resource site
• 13:08–19:53: Hydrothermal vents, bedrock gases—foundation of Drumm’s chemical theory
• 21:33–47:01: Step-by-step model of how the Great Pyramid’s chamber system may have functioned as a massive, cyclical chemical plant utilizing water, air, gas, and natural electricity
• 61:03–68:09: Electrical field simulations, acoustic catalysts, lightning, and piezoelectric explanations for pyramid design
• 100:16–166:43: Extended breakdown of the SAR radar scans, problems with the data, Drumm’s public Q&A with the SAR team, and a summary of where evidence stands
• 168:56–171:26: Wrap-up, debunking TikTok “UFOs” under the labyrinth, and shout-outs

Structure / Flow

• The episode is very technical, but Danny consistently grounds the deeper dives with clarifying questions (“What exactly are we seeing here?”) that elicit accessible explanations.
• Drumm’s tone is methodical, skeptical, and adamant about step-by-step reasoning, eschewing sensationalism.
• The dialogue reflects candor and mutual respect between researchers, even when addressing controversy.

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Cautious Optimism: While new scanning technology might eventually revolutionize knowledge of Egypt’s deep past, wild claims based on ambiguous data are premature.
• Depth over Hype: Real breakthroughs require slow, careful validation—not quick viral headlines.
• Science Marches On: Verification of pyramid interiors, rock composition, and underground features—by any method—demands thorough, open-source publication and peer review. Until then, the chemical-industry hypothesis and mysterious radar images remain intriguing but unproven.

Further Resources

• Geoffrey Drumm’s YouTube Channel: Land of Chem
• Matt Simpson (Ancient Architects): YouTube
• Archaeo Alchemy (Alexa Drumm’s Channel)
• SAR Team’s Papers: (search for Biondi, Filippo and "Synthetic Aperture Radar Pyramid Giza")
• Scan Pyramids Project: Official Site

Final Word

For listeners eager to distinguish solid science from social media hype, this episode is essential: a rigorous model of how skepticism and curiosity can—and should—work together when ancient mysteries meet new technology.