The Why Files: Operation Podcast

Episode 631: UFO Disclosure, Varginha, and the Captured Creature | Basement #005: James Fox

Released: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a deep-dive conversation between The Why Files' host and celebrated UFO documentarian James Fox. Over two hours, they explore UFO disclosure, the credibility and tactics of whistleblowers, the infamous 1996 Varginha incident in Brazil (dubbed by many as “the Brazilian Roswell”), and broader implications of alleged non-human encounters. James Fox brings to bear decades of investigation, personal anecdotes, and the latest developments from his documentary work.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. James Fox: Origins and Philosophy (03:23, 11:23)

• Traces his journey from assisting his journalist father to becoming a major name in UFO documentary cinema.
• Motivation: Early skepticism, followed by convincing evidence and firsthand experiences.

  "My father was so concerned about my future... It was a dead-end street... I was like, I'm making a documentary on, you know, UFOs. People [thought I was] out of my damn mind." — James Fox (05:00)

• Stresses rigorous standards: only pursues stories with strong first-hand testimony and research, not out to “convert” anyone.

2. Building Credibility and Integrity in UFO Research (19:43)

• Fox details a critical, skeptical approach and how this has upheld his reputation.
• Explains vetting methods: thorough background checks, accessing military records, direct witness relationships.

  "If I don't believe something, I won't put it in a film. Right. And if I have any question, I'll say... I do as much background research as I possibly can." — James Fox (19:47)

• Mistakes acknowledged—specifically, challenges with balancing new claims versus verifiable evidence.

3. UFO Whistleblowers and the Disclosure Movement (22:36–26:33)

• Perspectives on figures like David Grusch, Luis Elizondo, and Dr. Eric Davis.
• The main barrier to disclosure: not intent to deceive, but consequences for personal safety, careers, and security clearances.

  "Instead of criticizing them, why don't we focus on getting the president, the executive branch...to say, hey, wave the magic wand, give these guys immunity. They're dying to testify. Let's do it." — James Fox (24:09)

• Asserts Congressional and legal roadblocks are the key obstacles.

4. Why Would Governments Hide Evidence? (27:47)

• National security concerns dominate—alleged technological advancements of UFOs are immense.
• Any advanced technology, if real, would be closely guarded to prevent strategic disadvantage.

  "If you could weaponize that technology, you're gonna control. And of course, that's how the military thinks..." — James Fox (29:04)

• The “biologics,” or non-human entities, present less clear security justification for secrecy but would challenge worldviews and trust in institutions.

5. The Varginha Incident: “Brazilian Roswell” (56:04–117:48)

Initial Skepticism and Emerging Evidence

• Fox shares initial doubts, as did many, but years of investigation and mounting firsthand accounts changed his position.

  "Even Michael Shermer said to me, well, that's pretty compelling stuff... Even those most skeptical can look at this firsthand eyewitness testimony." — James Fox (57:13)

Sequence of Events (74:03–91:41)

• Jan 1996: Multiple credible witnesses observe a cigar-shaped craft in distress, crashing near Varginha.
• Civilian and military witnesses describe recovery operations, sightings of strange entities, and a massive military presence.
• Three local girls, ages 14–21, have a close encounter with a non-human creature, described in detail (oiliness, cowering, large teardrop-shaped red eyes).
• Military police capture one of the beings; officer Marco Cherez reportedly handles the being, contracts a mysterious infection, and dies within weeks.

Medical & Forensic Testimony

• Dr. Italo Venturelli, a respected neurosurgeon, claims direct, face-to-face interaction with a captured non-human entity for several minutes in the ICU.

  “I was in the room with this thing, face-to-face contact for three or four minutes...despite being in captivity, it had control of the room.” — James Fox relaying Dr. Italo (93:03)

• Two forensic pathologists confirm the infection that killed officer Cherez was unlike anything previously encountered; highly resistant and never before seen (94:40).
• Extensive corroboration: colleagues, family, and staff all vouch for the integrity and credibility of Dr. Italo.

Data and Geographic Validation

• Recent cross-referencing of locations via Google Maps, aligning multiple, independent witness accounts, strongly supports claims of the event’s spatial reality (71:55–72:38).

US Air Force Involvement

• Eyewitnesses and flight control officers state a US military plane landed covertly in Campinas soon after the incident, allegedly removing both entities and debris (118:27–124:33).
• FOIA requests to the CIA denied “due to the National Security Act.”

Motive and Impact

“[Dr. Italo’s] not selling a doc, he’s not selling a book...He’d have to be lying to his wife, kids, colleagues...all for nothing.” — James Fox (98:46, 202:07)

• Fox asserts the Varginha case is the most significant, best documented non-US UFO crash/retrieval in history, and may be the one to definitively “settle the debate.”

6. Broader UFO History and Context (126:52–145:26)

• Discusses Brazil’s unique history of high-profile UFO cases; e.g., Ubatuba material sample (1957), Operation Prato (1977), and massive 1986 wave of sightings.
• Compares Varginha to classic US cases (Roswell, Socorro, Phoenix Lights, Hudson Valley, Belgian wave).

7. Whistleblowers, Mainstream Media, and The Future of Disclosure (167:16–172:27)

• Disclosure is blocked by DoD/IC, not lack of evidence or will from the UFO community or Congress.
• Calls for public focus on protections and platforms for witnesses.
• Podcasts/social media have supplanted mainstream media as the primary tool of mass awareness and pressure:

  "We're just going straight to the people...That's what I was telling you earlier, I really appreciate... How about support for additional investigation?" — James Fox (171:12)

8. Additional Notable Segments and Stories

• Experiences in government SCIFs, background on the so-called “Legacy Crash Retrieval” program (163:20–178:49).
• Encounters with government agents who openly admit knowing Fox’s work (159:29).
• Anecdotes regarding iconic UFO photos (Calvine incident), men-in-black intimidation, and notorious UFO hoaxes (Billy Meier) (150:47, 155:25, 199:16).
• High-profile hacker Gary McKinnon’s story and why the US may have backed off prosecuting him (181:22–187:00).
• Buzz Aldrin interview that never materialized, and astronauts’ ambiguous relationships to these stories (188:53–196:09).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Life is too short for bullshit. And I'm not saying, like, you have to believe this case. Don't. Don't believe it. Check it out. Listen to the testimony. If it's true...this is the case that's gonna prove it once and for all.” — James Fox (106:00)
• “We're stronger together and courage is contagious. I've been saying that to people. We're stronger together and courage is contagious.” — James Fox (107:51)
• “You don't need Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt anymore. ... I've known this doctor...he holds me, like, holding my hands, like, really, like, we bonded right there in that moment...he's got everything to lose.” — James Fox (106:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• James Fox's origin story: 03:23 – 10:10
• Building credibility in UFO research: 19:43 – 22:36
• Whistleblowers/Government resistance: 22:36 – 26:33
• Why governments hide UFO evidence: 27:47 – 31:31
• Impact and ethics of disclosure: 31:27 – 35:11
• Varginha Incident (overview & witnesses): 56:04 – 117:48
  • Girls' encounter: 79:04
  • Medical testimony: 91:16 – 94:40
• US Air Force involvement (Varginha): 118:27 – 124:33
• Brazilian UFO history: 126:52 – 130:56
• Mainstream media, podcasts, and disclosure: 171:05 – 172:27
• Credible UFO photos (Calvine), Men in Black: 150:36 – 158:18
• Government intel, legacy programs, SCIF: 163:20 – 178:49
• Gary McKinnon and NASA hack: 181:22 – 187:00

Tone & Takeaways

Fox and the host maintain a passionate, persistent, and often humorous tone—acknowledging the stigma, skepticism, and cultural oddities entrenched in the pursuit of UFO truth. The overall message is one of transparency, integrity, and the pressing need for public engagement and official accountability.

“If what these men and women are saying is true, it's the biggest story in the history of mankind. Let's call their bluff.” — James Fox (24:22)

How To Learn More/Get Involved

• Watch: “Moment of Contact: New Revelations of Alien Encounters” (links provided in the episode and show notes; available on Amazon, Apple TV, Google, Fandango).
• Tip Submission: Witnesses, especially from the American side of the Varginha incident, are encouraged to contact James Fox via ProtonMail (email given in-episode and show notes).
• Read: Leslie Kean and Ralph Blumenthal’s article in The Debrief for a detailed account of recent closed-door Congressional meetings (mentioned at 39:39, 125:16).

Final Reflection

This episode offers one of the most comprehensive, emotionally honest, and rigorously investigated accounts of the Varginha case and the wider UFO disclosure debate. Fox's evidence-based approach, focus on credible witnesses, and commitment to public accountability serve as a model for investigative work in contested, high-stakes arenas. Whether you believe, doubt, or simply want to understand, this conversation lays bare the stakes, barriers, and hope for answers that transcend headlines.