Topic: Rice University

Taggart discusses her work with the SORAT (Society for Research on Rapport and Telekinesis) archive, a seance group started by poet John Neihardt in Missouri that lasted 50 years. The archive contains massive amounts of spirit cinema, audio, and "entity letters." Taggart is currently restoring negatives from this collection, which was a primary inspiration for George Hansen’s book "The Trickster and the Paranormal." She compares her preservation efforts to Jeffrey Kripal’s "Archives of the Impossible" at Rice University, which houses discarded paranormal research.

Host Greg Carlwood introduces Dr. Jeffrey J. Kripal, the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities at Rice University and a leading scholar in the study of Gnosticism, esotericism, and mysticism. Kripal’s extensive bibliography is highlighted, including works like Secret Body and The Superhumanities, alongside his leadership roles at the Esalen Institute. The segment establishes Kripal as a "powerhouse guest" frequently cited by previous paranormal researchers on the program.

Dr. Kripal discusses his ongoing work, including a science fiction trilogy and the "Archives of the Impossible" at Rice University. The archive contains over one million documents and fifteen collections related to anomalous phenomena. He emphasizes the importance of multi-generational, disciplined research projects over individual efforts, calling for resources to ensure the study of the impossible continues beyond his own lifetime.

The discussion explores the similarities between modern alien contact and older fairy mythologies, building on the work of Jacques Vallée. Kutchin explains that prior to the late 19th century, Western European folklore frequently linked fairies to the dead, with deceased relatives often appearing in fairyland to warn the living. He references his research into "soulcraft," including out-of-body experiences and pre-birth memories, as evidence that the UFO phenomenon orbits the concept of the human soul.

The discussion highlights the high-profile endorsements for Strieber's work from figures like Jacques Vallee and Dr. Jeff Kripal. Strieber's massive collection of letters from experiencers is now housed at Rice University in the "Archives of the Impossible." This archive serves as a record of first contact, documenting data that has often been obscured by political sleight-of-hand and official secrecy.

James Tour's research at Rice University regarding laser-induced graphene is discussed as a means to turn any carbon-based item into a trackable sensor. This technology is intended for use in smart cities and supply chain management, effectively barcoding everything from food items like coconuts to human beings.