Podcast Summary: Last Podcast On The Left – "Side Stories: Blaming Bears"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Last Podcast On The Left
• Host/Author: The Last Podcast Network
• Episode: Side Stories: Blaming Bears
• Release Date: November 20, 2024
• Description: The Last Podcast on the Left delves into the darkest corners of reality and fiction, exploring everything from demons and serial killers to cults and bizarre crimes. This episode, "Side Stories: Blaming Bears," continues the tradition with a collection of peculiar and unsettling tales.

1. Introduction to Side Stories

The episode kicks off with hosts Ed Larson and Henry Zabrowski transitioning into the "Side Stories" segment, signaling a shift from their main content to a series of miscellaneous, often bizarre, narratives.

Notable Quote:

• Ed Larson [01:05]: "This is the last podcast on the left side stories."

2. The "Blaming Bears" Insurance Fraud Scam

Overview: Ed and Henry delve into a peculiar insurance fraud scheme orchestrated by four individuals in California. The perpetrators dressed in bear costumes deliberately damaged their own luxury vehicles—specifically Rolls Royce Ghosts and Mercedes models—to claim insurance payouts by blaming the damage on bear interference.

Key Points:

• Participants: Ruben Tom Razian, Ararat Sherkananian, Vahe Merhad Kianian, and Alfia Zuckerman.
• Method: Wearing bear suits to simulate bear attacks on their cars.
• Outcome: Four arrests were made for insurance fraud and conspiracy.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [02:19]: "He was dressed as a sexy police officer... murdered by Internal Affairs."
• Ed Larson [27:11]: "I don't understand. So they have to sit cars."

Discussion: The hosts humorously critique the illogical nature of the scam, questioning the plausibility of bears causing such specific and minimal damage. They highlight the poor execution of the scheme, noting the unrealistic portrayal of bears and the minimal damage inflicted on the vehicles, which did not convincingly mimic real bear attacks.

3. The Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Footage Debate

Overview: Ed and Henry revisit the iconic Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage, debating its authenticity. They discuss the various theories surrounding the footage, including claims that it might be genuine despite widespread skepticism.

Key Points:

• Patterson-Gimlin Footage: A famous video purportedly showing Bigfoot in the wild.
• Debate: Authenticity versus hoax theories.
• Hosts' Stance: While acknowledging debunking attempts, Henry leans towards the possibility of its legitimacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [14:06]: "If you look at the musculature in the back, it's just like it's been debunked."
• Ed Larson [15:18]: "Harry's definitely the better Bigfoot."

Discussion: The hosts engage in a lighthearted yet analytical discussion about the physical characteristics of the creature in the footage, such as musculature and gait, debating whether these indicate a humanoid creature or a well-crafted costume. They reflect on the cultural impact of the footage and its place in Bigfoot lore.

4. Virtual Reality and Grieving: Reuniting with Dead Loved Ones

Overview: The conversation shifts to a poignant yet eerie topic—using Virtual Reality (VR) technology to reunite with deceased children. They explore a South Korean documentary titled "Meeting You," which showcases a VR application designed to help grieving parents reconnect with their lost children through digital recreations.

Key Points:

• Documentary: "Meeting You" by South Korean broadcaster NBC, directed by Kim Jong Wu.
• Technology: Advanced VR creating lifelike avatars of deceased children.
• Emotional Impact: Mixed reactions, balancing technological innovation with ethical considerations.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [34:07]: "It looks terrifying. It looks like Total Recall."
• Ed Larson [35:06]: "But she said that it was sad that her daughter was still just seven."

Discussion: Ed and Henry express skepticism and discomfort with the idea, debating whether such technology aids in the grieving process or exacerbates emotional turmoil. They touch on the ethical implications and the potential psychological effects on users, questioning the long-term benefits versus the immediate emotional responses elicited by interacting with digital phantoms of loved ones.

5. Exotic Spider Smuggling Incident in Peru

Overview: The hosts recount a bizarre incident involving a South Korean national caught smuggling an assortment of exotic spiders, centipedes, and bullet ants into New York City from Peru. The individual concealed over 300 spiders within his clothing, attempting to bypass airport security.

Key Points:

• Smuggler: 28-year-old South Korean man.
• Cargo: 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants.
• Method: Concealing the creatures in his jacket and pants.
• Consequences: Arrest and charges for smuggling and endangering wildlife.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Larson [45:07]: "Crazy."
• Henry Zabrowski [46:03]: "The idea of you being in the cabin with me strapped with hundreds of spiders. Because I like spiders."

Discussion: Ed and Henry humorously dissect the impracticality and absurdity of the smuggling method, highlighting the logistical nightmares of transporting such a large number of live arachnids. They explore the motivations behind exotic pet smuggling and the broader implications for wildlife conservation and public safety.

6. Other Noteworthy Tales

a. Naked Doctor Walking Through Office: A Florida-based doctor was reported to frequently walk around his office completely naked, engaging in explicit behavior with nurses who seemingly tolerated his actions. The hosts find this both shocking and perplexing, questioning workplace dynamics and the boundary between professional conduct and personal freedoms.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [55:25]: "He’s on the phone."
• Ed Larson [56:49]: "Naked Plumbers Union. Naked hospice. We already did that."

b. Murder of "Harry 399": Mention of a character named "Harry 399" whose fate is lamented by the hosts, indicating a storyline or ongoing narrative within their podcast universe.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Larson [30:34]: "I never heard of it. Man stole 67 pieces of underwear to hang on his masturbation tree."
• Henry Zabrowski [49:55]: "So stupid."

7. Upcoming Events and Promotions

Towards the end of the episode, Ed and Henry promote upcoming live shows and special events, including:

• Live Show in Humboldt: Scheduled for November 23rd at the Mateal Community Center in Redway, California, featuring special guests and interactive segments.
• Hoopa Goo Goo Game (HGX2): Set for December 12th on their Twitch channel, promising engaging and interactive content for listeners.
• Thanksgiving Pud Live: A special live session focused on Thanksgiving-themed content, scheduled for the following Thursday.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [50:20]: "Everybody loves it. That's why we're doing it."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Ed and Henry reflecting on the stories discussed, maintaining their signature blend of dark humor and critical analysis. They encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms, including Patreon and YouTube, reminding them of the diverse formats available for their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Zabrowski [52:56]: "Go to patreon.com last podcast and left to pay. Do watch us talk."
• Ed Larson [53:03]: "Also, every side Stories comes out twice on YouTube. Once it's just audio and once as video."

Key Takeaways:

• The episode highlights a range of bizarre and unsettling stories, from absurd insurance fraud schemes to the ethical quandaries of VR technology in grieving processes.
• Hosts Ed Larson and Henry Zabrowski provide a mix of humor, skepticism, and analytical commentary, making the content engaging and thought-provoking.
• The discussion underscores the podcast's commitment to exploring the fringes of horror and human behavior, blending real events with speculative and fictional narratives.

Overall Impression: "Side Stories: Blaming Bears" delivers an eclectic mix of darkly humorous and bizarre tales, staying true to The Last Podcast on the Left's reputation for uncovering and dissecting the macabre and the absurd. Listeners are treated to a blend of crime stories, technological ethics debates, and shocking personal anecdotes, all wrapped in the hosts' trademark banter and irreverent style.