Last Podcast on the Left: Side Stories – The Buga Sphere

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Parks & Henry Zebrowski
Podcast Network: The Last Podcast Network
Description: Exploring the darkest and most bizarre aspects of our world, from real-life horrors to imagined terrors.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski diving into their personal experiences at the "Contact in the Desert" convention. They share humorous anecdotes about their interactions and mishaps, setting the tone for an engaging and candid discussion.

2. The Buga Sphere: An Unexplained Phenomenon

Overview:
The primary focus of this episode revolves around the mysterious Buga Sphere reported in Buga, Colombia. The hosts dissect eyewitness accounts, scientific analyses, and the surrounding conspiracy theories.

Key Points:

• Discovery: Dr. Jose Luis Velasquez and his team recovered a metallic sphere weighing approximately four and a half pounds from a field in Buga. The sphere exhibited unusual flight patterns and contained enigmatic symbols etched onto its surface.

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Structure: The sphere appears to be a single solid piece of metal with no visible seams, suggesting advanced engineering.
  • Internal Composition: X-rays revealed that the sphere has multiple smaller spheres within, surrounded by a softer metal core, contrasting with the dense outer shell.

• Symbolism and Technology: The symbols on the sphere bear resemblance to the Alienware laptop font, sparking debates about their origin and meaning. Some speculate that the inscriptions could serve as an instruction manual or technological blueprint.

• Scientific Insights:

  • Dr. Velasquez's Analysis: He noted that the sphere's movement defies conventional aerodynamics, indicating potential extraterrestrial technology.
  • Porous Inner Core: The lower radio acoustic density at the center suggests a porous or less dense material inside, possibly hinting at advanced materials unknown to current science.

Notable Quote:

"The center of the sphere shows a lower radio acoustic density than the edge, indicating an internal structure that may be more porous or composed of less dense material than the outer shell, like a hazelnut cream."
— Henry Zebrowski [49:37]

Discussion:
Marcus expresses skepticism, questioning the practicality of alien designs incorporating intricate symbols. Henry counters by referencing UFO lore, where such markings are commonplace and often considered technological signatures.

3. Grant Hardin: The Devil in the Ozarks

Overview:
The hosts delve into the chilling case of Grant Hardin, a former chief of police in a small Missouri town, who was arrested for murder and rape. Hardin's escape from custody raises alarms about his potential for further crimes.

Key Points:

• Background: Grant Hardin served as the chief of police in a small, remote town. His dual-life as a law enforcement officer and a predator remained concealed until DNA evidence linked him to a sexual assault from two decades prior.

• Arrest and Escape:

  • Incident: Hardin was arrested for murder, and DNA from a previous rape was connected to him, leading to his conviction.
  • Escape: Utilizing a makeshift police uniform, Hardin escaped from a medium-security prison, where favoritism allowed him easier access.

• Current Status:

  • Warrant and Rewards: A $25,000 reward is offered by the FBI and US Marshals for information leading to his capture.
  • Danger Level: Described as highly dangerous and strategic, Hardin is believed to have fled to areas like Mexico, potentially planning further crimes.

Notable Quote:

"He specifically targeted her. She was the wife of a cop. He was a cop at the time."
— Henry Zebrowski [25:23]

Discussion:
Marcus criticizes the prison system for allowing a murderer and rapist like Hardin into a medium-security facility. Henry emphasizes Hardin's cunning nature and the likelihood of his continued criminal behavior, drawing parallels to infamous serial killers like the Golden State Killer.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Conventions

Contact in the Desert:
Marcus and Henry share their experiences attending the "Contact in the Desert" convention, highlighting the lackluster food and their creative solutions to improve future events.

World Trade Center Effigy:
They reminisce about their office's World Trade Center effigy, discussing the artistic process and plans to create additional structures like the Pentagon and Freedom Tower for future events.

Notable Quote:

"We never had the World Trade Center effigy anymore. It really tied the place together."
— Marcus Parks [05:00]

5. Listener Engagement and Side Stories

Eerie Encounters:
Henry narrates a terrifying encounter known as the "Glimmer Man" experience, recounting personal and shared sightings of a mysterious, humanoid entity made of water-like substance. This segment blends personal horror with folklore, inviting listeners to share their own supernatural experiences.

Notable Quote:

"What if a Bigfoot had erectile dysfunction? He couldn't get the pump because he'd reveal himself... So he just blows his brains out and now he's haunting the woods."
— Marcus Parks [73:20]

Humorous Interludes:
The hosts intersperse their discussions with light-hearted banter and jokes, particularly around topics like penis implants and the infamous Clapper device, maintaining a balance between horror and humor.

Notable Quote:

"Can you do flips? Can you drive drunk? Yeah. This is out here... All right, so this is what we're gonna do to get the free shirt and do the receipt of the Clapper."
— Henry Zebrowski [45:25]

6. Upcoming Shows and Announcements

Tour Schedule:
Marcus and Henry announce their upcoming tour dates across various cities, including Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Portland. They also tease future shows like "Crime Wave at Sea" and a special event discussing the dark history of Disney parks.

New YouTube Channels:
They promote their network's new YouTube channels, encouraging listeners to explore additional content like "Foreign Report," "No Dogs in Space," "Romantasy," and "Who's the Bee."

Notable Quote:

"We're going on tour. Don't forget, don't forget, last podcast on the left and side Stories are on tour."
— Marcus Parks [85:40]

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a blend of humor and anticipation for future content. Marcus and Henry reaffirm their commitment to exploring the macabre and mysterious, encouraging listeners to engage through emails and attend their live shows.

Final Notable Quote:

"We learned that from the Final Destination films... All right, you can laugh your way to the bank knowing you're about to kill everybody at the bank."
— Henry Zebrowski [84:05]

Highlights and Takeaways

• The Buga Sphere presents an intriguing case of unidentified aerial phenomena with potential extraterrestrial implications.
• Grant Hardin's escape underscores systemic flaws in the prison system, especially concerning high-risk inmates.
• The hosts skillfully blend true crime narratives with personal stories and humor, making complex and dark topics accessible and engaging.
• Listener engagement through shared experiences and interactive segments enhances the podcast's community feel.
• Upcoming tours and content indicate a growing expansion of the podcast's reach and variety.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "The center of the sphere shows a lower radio acoustic density than the edge..." — Henry Zebrowski [49:37]
• "He specifically targeted her. She was the wife of a cop..." — Henry Zebrowski [25:23]
• "We're going on tour. Don't forget..." — Marcus Parks [85:40]
• "What if a Bigfoot had erectile dysfunction?..." — Marcus Parks [73:20]
• "Can you do flips? Can you drive drunk?..." — Henry Zebrowski [45:25]

Final Thoughts

"Side Stories: The Buga Sphere" offers a captivating exploration of unexplained phenomena and real-life horrors, all while maintaining the hosts' signature humor and engaging storytelling. Whether delving into mysterious UFO spheres or the dark exploits of escaped criminals, Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski deliver a compelling episode that keeps listeners both informed and entertained.