The Paranoid Strain

The Paranoid Strain

The podcast that explains why so many people believe ridiculous conspiracy theories.

Recent Episodes

Jan. 6, 2026

New! Unidentified--Dirty bombs and dirty deeds at Area 51

We continue our exploration of the (actual) history of Area 51, this time emphasizing some of the truly awful, irresponsible, and dangerous stuff that went on there--not just nuclear tests, but a simulated dirty bomb explosio...
Dec. 23, 2025

New! Unidentified--U2. No, not that one. The spy plane.

Merry Christmas, or Happy Hannukah, or like whatever you're into, folks. This time, we talk about Area 51's original raison d'etre , the notorious U2 spy plane. We learn how and why this odd-looking thing was built, how it pl...
Dec. 9, 2025

New! Unidentified--Willem and I visit Area 51

We put J Allen's story to bed, and begin our exploration of the most mysterious stretch of desert on earth, Area 51. This time, we learn what happened when show artist Willem UFO and I visited Rachel Nevada, the wide spot in ...
Nov. 25, 2025

New! Unidentified--Hynek vs Sagan--two men enter, one man leave

How Mr. Billions repeatedly embarrassed our hero J Allen
Nov. 11, 2025

New! Unidentified--The UFO, the coeds, and the swamp gas

This time, we explore perhaps the biggest UFO case of Dr. Hynek's career, which involved some farmers, some college students, and what in Dana Unicorn's words we might refer to as "marsh farts". Enjoy. Sorry for the brief hia...