OBSCURUM: Episode Seven - "The Void"

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Overview

In Episode Seven of OBSCURUM, titled "The Void," host Gabe Lenners delves deeper into the enigmatic drone sightings that have unsettled rural America since 2019. This episode focuses on the personal experiences of Rod Miller and his sister Tammy Fogg, two avid drone hunters whose relentless pursuit of the truth brings them to the heart of the mystery surrounding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) in the Midwest. Additionally, the episode features insights from sociologist Barry Markovsky, who examines the phenomenon through the lens of mass hysteria.

1. Recap of Previous Episodes

Gabe Lenners begins by recapping the series' premise, reminding listeners of the surge in mysterious drone sightings over Nebraska and Colorado since 2019. He sets the stage for exploring the origins and implications of these unexplained aircraft, emphasizing the blend of conspiracy theories and hidden truths that have permeated the discourse.

2. Rod Miller’s Investigations

Rod Miller emerges as a central figure in the investigation. An ardent drone hunter, Rod employs unconventional methods to study the UAPs, including the use of a Geiger counter and an EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meter.

• Rod’s Equipment and Findings

  [04:23] Rod explains, “I use a Geiger counter, which of course when I start out is always zero. And then I also have an EMF meter. Of course it doesn't show any lights at all because there's no electricity. I mean there's nothing out there.”

  Rod’s meticulous approach highlights his dedication to uncovering the nature of these mysterious objects. His latest discovery of an ancient site in northeast Colorado becomes a focal point for increased activity and further sightings.

• Close Encounters and Anomalous Behavior

  [05:03] Rod recounts a remarkable incident: “I know one night there was 11 of the orbs that left the site. The EMF meter pegged itself, which is huge and the Geiger counter was clicking off radiation tube.”

  This encounter suggests that the orbs exhibit behaviors akin to living beings, reacting to stimuli such as light and sound. Rod describes their responsiveness to different tones, indicating a level of intelligence and communication: “They act like a living being. I mean, they show curiosity. You know, you can feel it.”

3. Personal Stories: Rod and Tammy Fogg

Rod’s commitment to his investigation is paralleled by his sister, Tammy Fogg, a registered nurse who joins him in drone hunting. Their collaboration adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the intersection of personal dedication and scientific inquiry.

• Tammy’s Encounter

  [14:36] Tammy shares a harrowing experience: “I was sent out down in a draw in the middle of a field... three triangular huge, about the size of a vehicle craft. But they did not look like anything I had ever seen from this planet.”

  Her account of the orbs' aggressive behavior and the physical effects they had on her underscores the real dangers and psychological impacts of these encounters. Despite her medical background, Tammy grapples with the inexplicable nature of these events, questioning her own perceptions and the lack of official acknowledgment.

• Health Challenges and Miraculous Recovery

  Rod reveals a personal struggle with an aggressive brain cancer diagnosis: “I had had like five heart attacks... the tumor's gone, like missing totally, like wasn't even there.”

  This miraculous recovery adds a layer of mystery, potentially linking his health issues to his encounters with the orbs. Rod muses whether divine intervention or the enigmatic nature of the UAPs played a role in his healing.

4. Expert Analysis: Mass Hysteria with Barry Markovsky

To provide a balanced perspective, Gabe interviews Barry Markovsky, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, and a leading expert on mass hysteria.

• Defining Mass Hysteria

  [20:37] Barry explains, “Mass hysteria is a temporary phenomenon. It's spontaneous. It involves spreading fear, false beliefs within some population or group.”

  He discusses how shared beliefs and social validation can distort individual perceptions, leading groups to interpret ambiguous stimuli—like lights in the sky—as extraordinary phenomena, such as extraterrestrial craft.

• Impact on Public Perception

  [23:03] Barry elaborates on how social influences shape individual beliefs: “You're more likely to change your belief if you find that a lot of people around you believe something that you don't.”

  He highlights the malleability of memory and how collective narratives can reinforce misconceptions, suggesting that some drone sightings might be amplified by societal factors rather than actual extraterrestrial activity.

5. Theories and Investigations

Gabe explores various theories regarding the nature of the UAPs and their possible connections to military operations and missile sites.

• Government and Military Explanations

  [24:52] Aviation expert Bill Bowerly offers a perspective that ties the sightings to government activities: “Truthfully, yes, I still think it's government. Maybe they're training for future kinds of threats.”

  This theory posits that the UAPs could be advanced military drones or experimental aircraft, potentially linked to nuclear missile sites that provide secluded locations for testing and deployment.

• Local Authorities’ Stance

  Rod recounts interactions with the Kit Carson County Sheriff's Office: “When the Air Force was asked, they... we don't know nothing.”

  The lack of official information and the silence from federal agencies fuel speculation and distrust among the local population, further entrenching conspiracy theories.

6. Community and Documentation Efforts

The episode emphasizes the role of community-driven efforts in documenting and understanding the UAP phenomenon.

• Drone Intelligence Center

  Rod and Tammy are active in the Drone Intelligence Center, a social media group where enthusiasts share sightings and collaborate on investigations. Tammy describes the group’s purpose: “We got real careful on who we added to that group because we're just there to share information.”

  This community serves as a support network, allowing members to share evidence and strategies while safeguarding against external skepticism and criticism.

7. Conclusion and Ongoing Mysteries

As "The Void" draws to a close, Gabe reflects on the persistent mystery of the UAPs and the challenges faced in uncovering the truth. Despite diminishing sightings since their peak in late 2019, the phenomenon continues to affect those in the region, leaving more questions than answers.

Gabe encourages listeners to contribute their own experiences and stay engaged with the investigation, highlighting the importance of collective inquiry in unraveling the obscure truths of rural America.

Notable Quotes

• Rod Miller ([05:35]): “I would notice that these orbs would flash lights. It's like they communicated with each other with flashing lights.”

• Sam Barry Markovsky ([20:52]): “Mass hysteria... involves spreading fear, false beliefs within some population or group. These false beliefs typically lead to irrational thoughts and irrational behavior.”

• Tammy Fogg ([14:36]): “I flipped the lights on the car and when I did that, it appeared to startle them because they started these like these all these kind of flashing lights.”

• Rod Miller ([07:45]): “The truth was outside of his battle with critics. Rod then shared that he was in a battle for something else. Time he'd been diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer.”

Final Thoughts

"The Void" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with expert analysis, painting a comprehensive picture of the ongoing UAP mystery in rural America. By highlighting the dedication of individuals like Rod and Tammy Miller and examining psychological phenomena with Barry Markovsky, Gabe Lenners ensures that listeners are both informed and engaged. This episode underscores the complexity of distinguishing fact from fiction in the realm of unexplained aerial phenomena and sets the stage for future explorations in the OBSCURUM series.