OBSCURUM: Episode Four – Little Known Facts

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Gabe Lenners
Series: Invasion of the Drones (Season One)

Introduction

In Episode Four of OBSCURUM’s first season, titled "Little Known Facts," host Gabe Lenners delves deeper into the enigmatic wave of drone sightings that have unsettled rural America, particularly across Nebraska, Colorado, and parts of Kansas since 2019. This episode aims to uncover obscure details and shed light on the perplexing drone phenomenon that has sparked numerous conspiracy theories and left communities searching for answers.

Recap of Previous Episodes

Gabe begins by briefly recapping the series' overarching narrative, emphasizing the mysterious nature of the drone sightings and the initial responses from local authorities. He sets the stage for the episode by highlighting the growing concern and the lack of concrete information surrounding the unidentified aerial objects (UAOs).

Field Incidents and Firsthand Accounts

Chapter 7: Game of Drones

Gabe recounts a harrowing incident involving Kirk Peebles, a helicopter pilot from the local emergency services:

• Kirk Peebles (00:45): "It was a routine medical call out east when a mission to save a life almost ended in disaster. A drone just went right underneath us, probably about 100ft. It all happened within a couple of seconds. Couldn't even see what type of drone it was."

Peebles describes the sudden appearance of a drone near their helicopter, underscoring the immediate danger such encounters pose to manned aircraft. This incident marks a turning point, as drone sightings escalate from mere curiosities to potential threats to safety.

Official Responses and Investigations

Interview with Commander Carl Smalley

Gabe secures an interview with Commander Carl Smalley of the Adams County Sheriff's Department in Strasbourg, who provides insight into the official stance and investigative efforts:

• Commander Carl Smalley (12:30): "When we first started hearing about these things, we had so many reports that it was hard to pinpoint what was actually happening. Deputies saw strange lights moving erratically, often accompanied by unusual sounds. But distinguishing drones from other aerial phenomena remains challenging."

Commander Smalley emphasizes the difficulty in verifying drone sightings, noting that many reports could be misidentifications of natural or conventional aircraft phenomena.

Discussion with FAA Official Ian Greger

Gabe's conversation with FAA spokesperson Ian Greger reveals the agency's limited capacity to address the issue without concrete evidence:

• Ian Greger (22:15): "We receive numerous drone sightings, but without concrete evidence, we can't make definitive statements about their nature or origin. Our primary concern is ensuring that manned aircraft operations remain safe."

Greger highlights the FAA's reliance on pilot reports and radar data but acknowledges the limitations in detecting small or low-flying drones, especially under adverse weather conditions.

Insights from Bill Bowerly, Drone and Defense Expert

Bill Bowerly offers a seasoned perspective on the potential threats posed by drones to aviation safety:

• Bill Bowerly (34:50): "A drone even a couple of pounds can disable a critical engine component, potentially bringing an airplane down. The defense mechanisms against such threats are still evolving, and current solutions may not be adequate."

Bowerly also discusses the possibility of autonomous or pre-programmed drones, complicating efforts to trace and control their operations.

Investigative Efforts and Community Involvement

Brush, Colorado Task Force Meeting

Gabe describes a pivotal meeting held in Brush, Colorado, bringing together representatives from over 70 agencies, including the Air Force, FAA, and FBI, to strategize against the drone threats:

• Sheriff Elliott (45:20): "We had reports of drones being shot down, but most turned out to be hoaxes or attention-seeking stunts. The presence of unmarked vans with antennas raised suspicions, but nothing concrete was found."

The meeting concluded with limited progress, leading to public confusion and frustration over the lack of definitive answers.

Colorado Department of Public Safety Report

Gabe reviews the Colorado Department of Public Safety's (CDPS) report, which breaks down drone sightings:

• Stan Hilke, Executive Director of CDPS (58:10): "Despite numerous reports, we have yet to confirm any malicious drone activity. Most sightings were attributed to hobbyist drones, atmospheric conditions, or misidentified aircraft."

The report highlights that out of 90 drone reports between November 23 and January 13, 2020, only four remained unidentified, leaving a significant number either debunked or inconclusive.

Theories and Speculations

Gabe explores various theories surrounding the drone sightings, ranging from foreign surveillance to clandestine government operations. He questions the plausibility of sophisticated technology being deployed without public knowledge:

• Gabe Lenners (1:10:35): "With so many agencies involved and yet no clear answers, it's hard not to wonder if there's more at play here. Could this be advanced surveillance by a foreign power, or is it an internal government operation gone awry?"

The episode delves into community speculations, including tales of governmental experiments, extraterrestrial involvement, and organized criminal activities utilizing drone technology.

Conclusion and Continued Investigation

As the episode wraps up, Gabe acknowledges the persistent uncertainties and the community's need for transparency:

• Gabe Lenners (1:25:50): "The mystery of the drones isn't solved by official reports alone. It's up to us to keep digging, to question, and to seek the truth that remains hidden in the skies over our rural heartlands."

Gabe commits to continuing the investigation, promising listeners that future episodes will further unravel the complexities of the drone invasion and its impact on rural America.

Notable Quotes

• Kirk Peebles (00:45): "Couldn't even see what type of drone it was."
• Commander Carl Smalley (12:30): "We can't make definitive statements about their nature or origin."
• Bill Bowerly (34:50): "A drone even a couple of pounds can disable a critical engine component."
• Stan Hilke (58:10): "We have yet to confirm any malicious drone activity."
• Gabe Lenners (1:10:35): "Could this be advanced surveillance by a foreign power, or is it an internal government operation gone awry?"
• Gabe Lenners (1:25:50): "It's up to us to keep digging, to question, and to seek the truth."

Final Thoughts

Episode Four, "Little Known Facts," serves as a pivotal installment in OBSCURUM's exploration of the drone invasion mystery. Through detailed interviews, firsthand accounts, and a critical examination of official reports, Gabe Lenners crafts a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities and unresolved questions surrounding the UAO phenomenon in rural America. As the investigation deepens, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unraveling of truths that remain obscured in the skies.

OBSCURUM is produced by Imagine and Leonard's Entertainment for iHeartMedia. Follow the series on all major podcast platforms and join the conversation on social media.