Podcast Summary

New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast

Episode: Filming the Paranormal and UAP with Darcy Weir
Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Dr. Debra Lynn Katz
Guest: Darcy Weir (Documentary Filmmaker)

Overview

This episode features prolific filmmaker Darcy Weir, who has produced over 15 feature-length documentaries on topics ranging from the paranormal to UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), underground bases, and more. The host, Dr. Debra Lynn Katz, and Darcy discuss his recent works, the legitimacy of psychic and telepathic phenomena in the context of UAP encounters, the darker side of these investigative communities, risks associated with psychic experimentation, and the emergence of cult-like leaders in the UAP space. The conversation is grounded in critical thinking, skepticism, and the importance of evidence in paranormal research, set against the background of ongoing intrigue and controversy within the field.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Darcy Weir's Current Focus and Evolving Perspective (03:13–05:34)

• Darcy began as a researcher in 2003, initially convinced that anomalous phenomena centered on extraterrestrial visitors. Over time, his perspective widened to consider alternative possibilities like crypto-terrestrials or AI-based intelligences.
• His latest project dives into the psychic and telepathic elements reported in UAP contact experiences and the historical evidence supporting human psychic abilities, referencing declassified government programs such as the CIA’s Stargate Project.
• Quote:

  “There’s more to explore there. And with this project, it was just kind of like my first step in that direction.” – Darcy Weir (05:29)

2. Telepathic Communication and Phenomenological Evidence (05:34–09:38)

• Telepathic communication is a recurring element in abduction and contactee reports (highlighted through the work of Ray Hernandez).
• Differentiating genuine experiences from hallucinations or mental illness remains a challenge, especially with internally experienced phenomena.
• Collective or corroborated experiences (e.g., Travis Walton’s abduction) and declassified remote viewing data are highlighted as more credible.
• Quote:

  “When you get two or three people that have the same correlated experience... then you’re like, OK, there’s something here.” – Darcy Weir (07:52)

3. The Legacy and Challenges of Remote Viewing (09:38–13:07)

• The host and Darcy discuss the decades of robust research, such as the Ganzfeld and dream ESP experiments, and the continuing activity of pioneers in the field like Dale Graff and Lynn Buchanan.
• Growing commercialization and unvetted claims in remote viewing and UAP discourse are noted as problematic (“grifting”).
• Quote:

  “I agree, there’s a lot of grifting that happens in the UFO community and in the remote viewing community... It happens everywhere.” – Darcy Weir (12:21)

4. Underwater and Crypto-Terrestrial Theories (15:12–22:59)

• Darcy discusses the possibility that some UAPs originate from underwater bases (crypto-terrestrials), referencing cases like the Shag Harbour Incident and mysterious structures off the California coast (e.g., the “Point Dume object”).
• Attempts to investigate such anomalies have met with technical difficulties and even apparent data suppression (e.g., changes to Google Maps).
• He also speculates about the possibility that some “grays” or UAPs could be forms of AI—humanoid synthetics designed for interaction.
• Quote:

  “There’s something operating in our oceans that has mastery over that domain as well as obviously the skies...” – Darcy Weir (19:08)

5. Theories of UAP Origin: AI and Future Humans (20:01–25:12)

• Evaluates the hypothesis that UAPs may be either AI entities or human descendants (the “Extra Tempestral” model), referencing John von Neumann’s self-replicating probe theory.
• Discusses the potential for AI-driven evolution impacting both humanity and hypothetical civilizations.
• Quote:

  “You’re talking about... this fragile, highly intellectual and computer savvy, technologically advanced organism... maybe, when you look at a gray, they're actually seeing us or some creation we made in the future.” – Darcy Weir (24:15)

6. The Dangers of Psychic Experimentation & Hitchhiker Effects (30:46–38:45)

• Discussion of the potential risks involved with psychic communication or remote viewing, including personal anecdotes of negative experiences (“hitchhiker effect”) and the need for caution and proper vetting.
• Ethical concerns about public workshops and inexperienced people attempting communication with “unknown intelligences.”
• Quote:

  “If you open yourself up to certain things, how do you know you’re not opening a door that can’t be closed?” – Darcy Weir (31:45)

7. Cult Dynamics and the Rise of False Prophets in the UAP Community (40:06–48:51)

• The conversation addresses how charismatic figures (e.g., Corey Goode, David Wilcock) can develop cult-like followings and the psychological mechanisms at play within these groups.
• Darcy’s documentary “Dark Alliance” exposes some of these manipulations and aims to protect the vulnerable segment of the community.
• Critical thinking and evidence-based discernment are emphasized as antidotes to deception and exploitation.
• Quote:

  “There’s something psychologically that happens when people become swept up in these conspiracy theories, when they have these charismatic leaders...” – Darcy Weir (41:09)

8. Critical Thinking, Evidence, and Group Psychology (51:43–59:23)

• Host observes that the lack of critical thinking is not just a metaphysical problem, but is rampant across society, including politics.
• Discussion of the importance of not simply tearing away people's idols, but instead guiding them toward critical reflection and healthy skepticism.
• Approaches to “deprogramming” cult followers are discussed, emphasizing supportive and non-confrontational methods.
• Quote:

  “You can’t tear something away from somebody when they’re completely obsessed and infatuated by it... There has to be a better approach than just tearing something away.” – Darcy Weir (58:15)

9. The Demand for Sensation and the Perpetuation of Grifting (60:27–63:31)

• The need for “something new” in the UAP world can incentivize the manufacture of dubious narratives when actual discoveries lag behind.
• Darcy argues for patience and discernment, favoring substance over spectacle.

10. Notable UFO Evidence and Film Recommendations (63:47–66:19)

• Darcy shares that the most compelling evidence for him remains the statements and footage involving astronauts encountering anomalous phenomena on the moon and in space.
• He recommends starting with his films “Being Taken,” the “Secret Space UFOs” series, and “Dark Lights.”
• His newest film on remote viewing will release by August, stressing humanity’s latent psychic abilities.

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “There’s more to explore there. And with this project, it was just kind of like my first step in that direction.”
  — Darcy Weir (05:29)

• “When you get two or three people that have the same correlated experience... then you’re like, OK, there’s something here.”
  — Darcy Weir (07:52)

• “There’s something operating in our oceans that has mastery over that domain as well as obviously the skies...”
  — Darcy Weir (19:08)

• “If you open yourself up to certain things, how do you know you’re not opening a door that can’t be closed?”
  — Darcy Weir (31:45)

• “There’s something psychologically that happens when people become swept up in these conspiracy theories, when they have these charismatic leaders...”
  — Darcy Weir (41:09)

• “You can’t tear something away from somebody when they’re completely obsessed and infatuated by it... There has to be a better approach than just tearing something away.”
  — Darcy Weir (58:15)

Memorable Moments & Stories

• The mysterious vanishing of the “Point Dume object” from Google Maps shortly after Darcy’s documentary highlighted it (17:51–18:10).
• Firsthand accounts of psychic and physical aftereffects of remote viewing dangerous targets, including the painful “hitchhiker effect” at Skinwalker Ranch (33:42–36:21).
• The anecdote of a student’s allergic reaction to remote viewing strawberries, emphasizing the unpredictability of psychic experiences (38:13–38:45).
• The frank critique and demystification of charismatic UAP community leaders, paralleling cult dynamics (40:06–48:51).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Darcy’s evolution and current focus: 03:13–05:34
• Discussion of telepathy in UAP cases: 05:34–09:38
• Remote viewing evidence and community trends: 09:38–13:07
• Underwater/crypto-terrestrial hypothesis: 15:12–22:59
• AI and future human theories: 20:01–25:12
• Dangerous side of psychic investigation: 30:46–38:45
• Cultism in UAP community: 40:06–48:51
• Critical thinking, gullibility, and societal parallels: 51:43–59:23
• Conferences, sensationalism, and grifting: 60:27–63:31
• Most compelling evidence and film recommendations: 63:47–66:19
• Upcoming projects and closing: 66:42–67:11

Concluding Thoughts

Darcy Weir and Dr. Debra Lynn Katz deliver an informed, candid discussion on the complex intersection of evidence, belief, risk, and community dynamics in the worlds of the paranormal, psychic research, and UAP investigation. The conversation offers both caution and encouragement, advocating for open-minded but critical inquiry, and highlighting the genuine mysteries that continue to elude definitive explanation.