Podcast Summary: Ninjas Are Butterflies - Episode 144: The Hollow Earth Cult Nobody’s Talking About (Until Now)
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Ninjas Are Butterflies is an outrageous comedy podcast hosted by Josh Hooper and Andy DeNoon, known for their hilarious guests, conspiracies, captivating stories, and plenty of laughter. In Episode 144, titled "The Hollow Earth Cult Nobody’s Talking About (Until Now)," the hosts delve into the obscure and intriguing world of the Koreshan Unity, a lesser-known cult with fascinating beliefs and historical significance.
1. Listener Interaction: The Grapes Conundrum
Timestamp: [12:02] – [14:15]
The episode begins with a listener question submitted by Levi, asking, "Should we shoot endangered animals?" The hosts humorously misinterpret the question, initially thinking it refers to causing harm. However, Josh clarifies, "By shoot, we mean, like, shoot photography, like, take pictures, document" [12:43]. This leads to a playful yet thoughtful discussion on the importance of documenting endangered species to aid in their conservation.
Notable Quote:
Levi (Listener): "Should we shoot endangered animals?"
Josh: "He knew you were going to say that. That's such a bummer." [13:00]
2. Unveiling the Koreshan Unity: A Hollow Earth Belief System
Timestamp: [56:20] – [62:17]
Josh introduces the Koreshan Unity, a cult from the late 1800s Florida, led by Cyrus Teed. Teed, an inventor who experienced a profound vision after an electrocution accident, proclaimed himself the new messiah and propagated the hollow Earth theory. The cult believed that the Earth was a hollow sphere containing the sun, moon, and stars within it—a belief akin to flat Earth theories.
Key Points:
- Cyrus Teed's Vision: After being electrocuted, Teed had a vision where a female deity revealed his destiny as a messiah.
- Cult Practices: Emphasized celibacy, constructed advanced infrastructure including a printing press, general store, and one of Florida’s first power plants.
- Influential Visitors: Notably, industrial giants Henry Ford and Thomas Edison visited the cult, influenced by its unconventional beliefs.
- Demise: Cyrus Teed was violently killed by a local marshal, after which his followers laid him in a bathtub believing he would rise again—a belief that ultimately led to the cult’s decline, ending with the last member's death in 1982.
Notable Quote:
Josh: "They taught that it was called cellular cosmology. So it's the hollow earth theory." [57:44]
3. Crop Circles in the UK: Modern-Day Mysteries
Timestamp: [63:00] – [67:04]
The conversation shifts to recent crop circle phenomena in the UK, marking their first appearance in 2025. Three notable formations emerge in Dorset:
- Sutton Vinnie Wiltshire: Features an intricate Celtic knot design spanning approximately 75 meters in diameter.
- Wimborne, Dorset: A central circle with an outer ring measuring approximately 120 feet in diameter.
- Coliford Tree Bridge, Bournemouth: Displays a complex pattern resembling a pyramid base.
The hosts discuss the meticulous nature of these formations, drawing parallels to ancient symbols and questioning whether they are of extraterrestrial origin or human-made art.
Notable Quote:
Josh: "Drone footage showcasing the formation details has been shared on social media platforms." [65:47]
4. Alien Encounters: The John Mack Story
Timestamp: [75:00] – [87:47]
One of the most compelling segments of the episode revolves around the alleged alien encounters experienced by John Mack in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mack, a construction worker, reported multiple UFO sightings and interactions, including telepathic communications warning humanity about future catastrophes.
Key Points:
- First Encounter: On September 16, 1994, Mack witnessed a silver UFO descending near an aerial school, with children observing the event.
- Telepathic Messages: Aliens communicated warnings about environmental destruction and technological misuse.
- Photographic Evidence: Mack captured Polaroid photos during his encounters, which were later validated by an optical physicist who confirmed their authenticity.
- Mysterious Death: Mack died in a drunk driving incident on the same day as three other individuals named John Mack in England, fueling conspiracy theories about targeted silencing.
- Aftermath: Subsequent buyers of Mack’s house found a UFO model in the attic, leading to suspicions of tampering to discredit his claims.
Notable Quote:
Lily: "It's like, you have to give some validity to it. Like, there's got to be something real that happened there that day." [73:19]
5. Technological Conspiracies: AI, Neuralink, and the Future
Timestamp: [88:00] – [97:55]
The discussion broadens to encompass modern technological advancements and their potential conspiratorial implications. Topics include:
-
Neuralink and AI Control: Referencing a conversation between Tucker Carlson and Sean Ryan, the hosts explore fears that AI may surpass human intelligence, with Neuralink proposed as a means to enhance human cognitive abilities to compete with AI.
Notable Quote:
Josh: "AI is no longer in our control, that it's just growing at a rate to where it will sooner or later outpower, outperform any human on Earth." [96:22]
-
Historical Figures and Secret Knowledge: Delving into the enigmatic life of Walter Russell, an artist and inventor who claimed to have received universal knowledge during a cosmic illumination, paralleling Nikola Tesla’s secretive innovations.
Notable Quote:
Josh: "He said you should lock them up in a safe for a thousand years." [91:34]
6. Conclusion: Linking Past and Present Mysteries
Timestamp: [98:00] – [100:15]
In the final segment, the hosts reflect on the enduring nature of conspiracy theories and the challenges faced by believers in gaining mainstream acceptance. They emphasize the importance of keeping an open mind and the complexity of human perception, drawing connections between historical cults, modern UFO sightings, and technological fears.
Notable Quote:
Lily: "It's hard to know because we can classify people as crazy so easily." [93:35]
Final Thoughts
Episode 144 of Ninjas Are Butterflies offers a deep dive into the obscure history of the Koreshan Unity, recent crop circle phenomena, compelling alien encounter stories, and the interplay between technological advancements and conspiracy theories. Through engaging banter and insightful discussions, hosts Josh Hooper and Andy DeNoon provide listeners with a rich tapestry of narratives that blend humor with mystery, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of the unconventional and the unexplained.
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