Podcast Title: The Rest Is Classified
Episode: 58. The Truth About UFOs: The First Incident (Ep 1)
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Hosts: David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera

Introduction to the Roswell Incident

[01:25] David McCloskey opens the episode by recounting the historic Roswell UFO incident dated July 8, 1947. He narrates the discovery of a "flying saucer" by the intelligence office of the 509th Bombardment Group at Roswell Army Airfield (RAAF). The debris was allegedly found on a ranch in Roswell, New Mexico, and was swiftly transported to higher headquarters for inspection.

Key Quote:
"Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wilmot... saw what they thought was a flying disc... a large glowing object zoomed out of the sky... at a high rate of speed." ([01:25])

[02:34] David McCloskey introduces the episode's focus on UFOs, acknowledging the blend of historical events and contemporary theories. He emphasizes the hosts' commitment to treating the subject with seriousness and integrity.

Hosts' Lighthearted Banter and Episode Direction

[03:20] Gordon Carrera humorously notes David's "advanced" tin foil hat, highlighting their balanced approach between skepticism and open-mindedness regarding UFO phenomena.

Quote:
"What are they even for? Tinfoil hats?" ([03:35])

David explains his genuine interest in the topic, mentioning his preparation for the series by wearing the hat and his fascination with alien-related headlines.

Historical Context and the Rise of UFO Sightings

[04:17] Gordon Carrera underscores the deep-rooted connection between UFO lore and classified spy programs, particularly those run by the US and Chinese governments. He suggests that government secrecy has fueled public belief in deeper, concealed truths about UFOs.

David McCloskey clarifies the acronym UFO as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), reflecting modern terminology. They delve into the intertwining of intelligence community activities with UFO sightings, hinting at the complexity behind public UFO narratives.

Quote:
"The intelligence community is the sort of secretive parts of the Air Force, the CIA, and as we'll see, even, even the Chinese intelligence community." ([06:24])

The Roswell Incident Detailed

The hosts revisit the Roswell incident, providing a timeline:

1. June 1947: Rancher WW William Mac Brazel and his son spot an unusual object over Corona, New Mexico.
2. July 4, 1947: Inspired by the Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting in Washington State, Mac Brazel returns to the site with his family to investigate further.

[07:21] David McCloskey draws connections between the Roswell sighting and the broader context of post-WWII technological advancements and Cold War tensions.

Gordon Carrera explains how the initial sighting lacked detail, but the motivation to return suggests underlying factors prompting closer investigation.

Government Response and Media Frenzy

Upon Mac Brazel's second inspection, he discovers debris resembling bamboo sticks, metallic materials, and a mysterious black box adorned with floral tape. Concerned, he discreetly informs the local sheriff.

[12:22] Gordon Carrera describes the RAAF's swift response, dispatching intelligence officers to secure the debris. The base commander, Brigadier General Roger Ramey, reacts hastily, issuing a press release declaring the discovery of a "flying disc," igniting media frenzy.

Quote:
"The newspapers go nuts. The Roswell Daily Record runs a headlined article, RAAF captures flying saucer on ranch in Roswell region." ([12:22])

Project Mogul: The Official Explanation

[23:12] Gordon Carrera introduces Project Mogul, linking it to the Roswell incident. Project Mogul was a top-secret program using high-altitude balloons to detect Soviet nuclear activities. The materials recovered by the RAAF matched those of Project Mogul balloons, featuring polyethylene and floral tape—common in the project's equipment.

David McCloskey emphasizes the secrecy surrounding Project Mogul, suggesting that the government's "cover-up" was actually a measure to protect classified information.

Quote:
"Project Mogul was a top secret program ran 1946-49... to monitor for Soviet nuclear tests and explosions." ([24:26])

Subsequent Developments and Public Perception

The episode explores how the Roswell story faded from public attention until the late 1970s, when renewed interest emerged due to pop culture influences like the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind and a general rise in conspiracy-minded sentiment post-Watergate.

[21:35] David McCloskey reflects on the intersection of genuine government secrecy and evolving UFO narratives, noting that official reports like those in the mid-90s attributed Roswell to Project Mogul, dispelling alien theories.

Quote:
"The US Air Force report... Project Mogul is the explanation for the Roswell incident." ([30:32])

Ongoing Mysteries and Conspiracy Theories

Despite official explanations, the hosts acknowledge lingering mysteries, such as claims of alien bodies and additional crash sites. They discuss how such theories persist, fueled by inconsistent reports and the public's fascination with extraterrestrial life.

David McCloskey expresses skepticism about dismissing all unexplained elements, hinting at unresolved questions regarding supposed alien autopsies.

Quote:
"You have not managed to explain that yet... we'll uncover the truth about those poor, dead aliens and alien autopsies." ([32:38])

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

The episode concludes with a brief mention of upcoming discussions on alien autopsies and government cover-ups, maintaining intrigue for listeners. The hosts humorously tease exclusive content available through their "Declassified Club," while ensuring the main narrative remains focused on historical events and their implications.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [01:25] David McCloskey:
  "Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wilmot... saw what they thought was a flying disc... a large glowing object zoomed out of the sky... at a high rate of speed."

• [03:35] Gordon Carrera:
  "What are they even for? Tinfoil hats?"

• [06:24] Gordon Carrera:
  "The intelligence community is the sort of secretive parts of the Air Force, the CIA, and as we'll see, even, even the Chinese intelligence community."

• [12:22] Gordon Carrera:
  "The newspapers go nuts. The Roswell Daily Record runs a headlined article, RAAF captures flying saucer on ranch in Roswell region."

• [24:26] Gordon Carrera:
  "Project Mogul was a top secret program ran 1946-49... to monitor for Soviet nuclear tests and explosions."

• [30:32] David McCloskey:
  "The US Air Force report... Project Mogul is the explanation for the Roswell incident."

• [32:38] David McCloskey:
  "You have not managed to explain that yet... we'll uncover the truth about those poor, dead aliens and alien autopsies."

Insights and Discussions

• Government Secrecy vs. Public Perception: The episode delves into how classified programs like Project Mogul inadvertently fueled UFO myths, illustrating the thin line between legitimate covert operations and conspiracy theories.

• Impact of Cold War Tensions: The heightened anxiety and technological advancements of the late 1940s created a fertile ground for UFO sightings and the subsequent explosion of related folklore.

• Media's Role in Shaping Narratives: The RAAF's press release and the Roswell Daily Record's coverage played pivotal roles in popularizing the flying saucer myth, highlighting the media's influence on public perception.

• Enduring Mysteries: Despite official explanations, elements like alleged alien bodies and multiple crash sites continue to keep the Roswell incident alive in popular culture, demonstrating the human fascination with the unknown.

Conclusion

In this inaugural episode of their UFO series, David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera meticulously dissect the Roswell incident, blending historical facts with ongoing mysteries. They navigate the complexities of government secrecy, media influence, and public intrigue, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena in subsequent episodes. The balanced approach of skepticism and open-mindedness ensures an engaging and informative experience for listeners, whether they're seasoned enthusiasts or newcomers to the subject.