Into The Dark – Episode 161: Tin Foil Tales about the Founding Fathers

Host: Payton Marlin
Release Date: March 11, 2026
Length: ~38 min (excluding ads)

Overview

In this lighter “tinfoil tales” installment of Into The Dark, Payton Marlin dives deep into the shadowy corners of American history, exploring five enduring conspiracy theories (or “tinfoil tales”) about the men who founded the United States. Tying in the nation's upcoming 250th birthday, Payton unpacks the mix of rumor, cultural anxiety, and genuinely mysterious events clinging to America’s origins. In her signature conversational, informative, and slightly irreverent tone, Payton conjures both the fun and the unease that make these theories so enduring—even when evidence is thin.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Freemasons and the Founding of the United States

Timestamps: 03:52 – 10:22

• George Washington’s Deep Ties:

  • Washington joined the Virginia Masonic Lodge on November 4, 1752, at age 20 and quickly rose to the group’s highest rank.
  • He maintained close ties throughout his presidency: “He let the Masons perform a ceremony when he was first sworn in. And it involved strange rituals and almost felt like they were kind of casting a spell.” (05:39)
  • For the Capitol Building opening, Washington invited Freemasons to perform a “mysterious, possibly supernatural ritual.” (06:14)

• Freemason Symbols in National Imagery:

  • Payton points to the pyramid and all-seeing eye on the dollar bill as a lasting Masonic image.
  • “George Washington was literally printing Masonic logos right onto American money, performing rituals at important national events, getting advice from them, and working closely with the group.” (07:03)

• Conspiracy or Coincidence?

  • Payton presents both sides: “Officially, the Masons are more like a social club than a secret society... However, there are certain values...that were written into the Constitution.” (08:47)
  • The continued presence of Freemasons among U.S. presidents is noted—Andrew Jackson, both Roosevelts, Gerald Ford.

• Notable Quote:

  • “You'll have to decide for yourself if you can believe them or not. So if you're more interested, go look into Freemasons and their history with America.” (09:48)

2. The Illuminati’s Alleged Influence on American Democracy

Timestamps: 14:04 – 17:57

• Origins:

  • Illuminati was founded in Germany, 1776—the same year as the Declaration of Independence.
  • “One of their main goals was the freedom of religion. Just like the Freemasons, just like America.” (14:54)

• Link to Thomas Jefferson:

  • In 1800, Jefferson was accused of Illuminati ties due to his irreligiosity and elite European contacts.
  • Allegations: If elected, Jefferson would “make Christianity illegal...get rid of democracy...let the Illuminati take over the nation.” (16:05)

• Aftermath:

  • Jefferson won, and “he did not outlaw Christianity or get rid of democracy.” (16:25)
  • Conspiracists still claim Illuminati’s influence grew subtly.

• Secret Societies and Democracy:

  • Payton on the allure of the theory: “Some groups are supposedly so good at hiding their goals and motives that it is impossible to really understand what they're doing.” (17:49)

3. Was Benjamin Franklin a Serial Killer?

Timestamps: 18:00 – 23:20

• Shocking Discovery:

  • In 1998, 1,200 human bones (from ~15 people) were dug up at Franklin’s former London home.
  • “If this wasn't a former president, you would be like, whoever used to live here was a serial killer. Well, it was a former president.” (19:42)

• Evidence & Explanations:

  • The bodies showed surgical cut marks.
  • The real culprit: Franklin’s roommate, Dr. William Hewson, likely used the bodies for illegal medical study. Grave robbing was common due to strict laws on cadaver use.
  • “Most experts agree Franklin probably wasn’t a serial killer, but you obviously can't rule out the possibility entirely.” (23:15)

• Notable Moment:

  • Payton emphasizes the shock: “If one of our most famous, respected founders was actually a brutal serial killer, that changes everything.” (20:41)

4. Was the Revolutionary War Fought to Protect Slavery?

Timestamps: 23:25 – 29:45

• Critical Theory:

  • Some historians argue economic anxiety about losing slavery prompted the colonies’ rebellion against Britain.
  • “According to reporters with the New York Times...many American colonists...felt like they absolutely needed slavery.” (23:53)
  • The British began restricting slavery in 1705; colonists feared abolition would spread.

• Motivations and Compromises:

  • Southern colonies, hesitant to join the war, swayed by promises that independence would safeguard slavery.
  • Post-revolution, Constitution ensured slavery’s protection for at least 20 years.
  • “It really did seem that one of the top goals of the American Revolution was to keep people enslaved. And it’s something that isn’t brought up all the time.” (26:31)

• Opposing Views:

  • Not “all early Patriots agreed on pretty much anything”—some wanted abolition from day one.

• Nuance:

  • “It was a major sticking point when they wrote the Constitution. Some of the founding fathers argued very hard that slavery shouldn’t be allowed in the United States, but others fought just as intensely to keep it legal.” (28:41)

5. Thomas Jefferson: UFO Hunter

Timestamps: 31:35 – 37:50

• Early American UFOlogy?:

  • In 1800, Louisiana surveyor William Dunbar reported a glowing, house-sized object in the Baton Rouge sky. He wrote Jefferson for answers.
  • “Jefferson, while being a Freemason and possibly being in cahoots to try to get the Illuminati and Freemasons to take over America, was just as baffled as William was about this UFO. He was intrigued enough to head straight to Louisiana. He said, hold up, Illuminati. I gotta go find these aliens.” (32:43)
  • Multiple witnesses observed the object; Jefferson collected testimonies and published his inconclusive findings.

• Further Encounters:

  • In 1813, two Virginia men claimed a fiery object shifted shapes dramatically in the sky and reported to Jefferson, who never responded.

• Early American Attitudes Toward the Unknown:

  • “Just think UFO was, like, not an unheard of thing. Investigations were going on all of the time. People even at this point thought that the presidencies knew more than they were saying.” (36:23)
  • No evidence Jefferson used presidential power to investigate, but the intrigue remains.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On National Paranoia:
  “These tinfoil tales tell us something about our national fears and anxieties, the lack of trust we have in our leaders, the continued fear of big secrets and conspiracies going on right underneath our noses. And we, the average American citizens, will just continue to sit here and wonder.” (37:54)

• On the Longevity of Secrecy:
  “So we might never know for sure if aliens exist. Just like how we can't say if the Illuminati or the Freemasons pulled the strings of the American government 250 years ago or even today...” (36:50)

• Personal Tone:
  “I'm anxious. I'm just trying to live in the moment. Try to focus on like right now, this second. Not the future, not the past. Just breathing, being conscious in my thoughts, doing all the things, doing all the things I know I gotta do.” (01:09)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Topic | |-------------|--------------------------------------------| | 01:00–02:45 | Payton’s intro & brief mental health check | | 03:52–10:22 | Freemasons and the Constitution | | 14:04–17:57 | The Illuminati and U.S. origins | | 18:00–23:20 | Ben Franklin serial killer theory | | 23:25–29:45 | Revolutionary War and slavery | | 31:35–37:50 | Thomas Jefferson, UFO hunter | | 37:54–38:36 | Conclusion & reflection |

Summary & Takeaways

• The Founding Era is Rife with Conspiracy: Secret societies, hidden motives, and eerie discoveries blur the line between history and legend.
• Conspiracies Reflect Deeper Truths: As Payton discusses, whether true or not, these stories reflect cultural anxieties—about power, control, secrecy, and our relationship to the past.
• Ambiguity is Enduring: Each tinfoil tale is built on fragments, rumor, and just enough fact to keep the questions alive—an enduring trait in American self-mythology.

“That is one thing we know for sure. That is not a tinfoil tale.”—Payton Marlin (37:40), reflecting on the persistent presence of national secrets as the country marks its 250th year.

For more spooky history, conspiracies, and true crime, follow Payton every Wednesday as she takes you further Into The Dark.