JRE #2080 – John Reeves

Joe Rogan Podcast #2080 – John Reeves – Topics and Summary

This episode features John Reeves, an Alaskan gold miner with an extraordinary tale. His search for gold unearthed a trove of Ice Age animal remains, prompting a deep dive into a forgotten history and sparking a battle with institutions that control scientific narratives.

Topics

1. The “Boneyard Alaska” Discovery:
   1. Reeves’s property holds thousands of Ice Age animal remains, including mammoths, bison, and even a step bison bone.
   2. He contends these bones were deposited by a massive flood event, suggesting a cataclysmic past.
   3. The sheer volume of remains in one location points to an unusual extinction event.
   4. The discovery challenges traditional understandings of Ice Age ecosystems and human interaction with ancient megafauna.
2. Museum Disputes and Alleged Misconduct:
   1. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) had a prior agreement with Reeves’s company to research and report on excavated bones, but they allegedly failed to fulfill their obligations.
   2. Reeves claims they dumped 50 tons of bones in the East River, hiding evidence of their practices.
   3. The museum refuses to engage with Reeves, potentially due to his “problematic” questioning of established narratives.
   4. Reeves advocates for a political solution, seeking to have the bones returned to Alaska for proper study and a more transparent scientific process.
3. The Mystery of the Sawed Bones:
   1. Reeves discovered bones from animals dating back 190 years, showing evidence of cutting or sawing.
   2. This discovery raises questions about human activity in Alaska during that period, as Fairbanks was not established until 1902.
   3. It challenges existing knowledge of human migration patterns and potential encounters with Ice Age animals.
   4. The find fuels theories of possible unknown human groups or even the presence of undiscovered historical records.
4. The Possibility of Human-Mammoth Coexistence:
   1. Reeves argues against the prevailing narrative of human extinction of mammoths, suggesting a possible co-existence and even domestication.
   2. He points to evidence of hunting practices and the presence of mammoth remains alongside human tools.
   3. This challenges the narrative that humans were solely responsible for the demise of mammoths.
   4. It sparks debates about human-animal interactions in the Ice Age and the possibility of more complex relationships than previously understood.
5. The Younger Dryas Impact Theory:
   1. The podcast highlights the Younger Dryas impact theory, suggesting a cometary impact around 11,800 years ago caused a rapid climate shift and widespread extinction.
   2. Reeves’s carbon layer and burnt bedrock on his property align with the theory, providing potential evidence for the impact in Alaska.
   3. The theory challenges the dominant view of gradual climate change as the primary driver of extinction.
   4. It further emphasizes the need for thorough scientific investigation into Reeves’s property to confirm its connection to the Younger Dryas event.
6. The Significance of “Dudes” and Archaeological Evidence:
   1. The podcast explores the implications of finding human remains (dubbed “dudes”) alongside ancient fauna, potentially altering our understanding of human history.
   2. The age of such remains could drastically rewrite our understanding of human migration and evolution.
   3. The discovery raises ethical and legal complexities surrounding the treatment and repatriation of human remains.
   4. It underscores the potential for significant scientific breakthroughs through further exploration of Reeves’s property.
7. The Role of Institutions and the Suppression of Knowledge:
   1. The podcast delves into the power dynamics between individuals, institutions, and the public in the realm of scientific discovery.
   2. It highlights the potential for institutions to suppress knowledge that challenges existing narratives and maintain control over scientific discourse.
   3. Reeves’s experience with the AMNH exemplifies the challenges of confronting established institutions with alternative theories.
   4. The episode highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and open scientific inquiry.
8. The “Bone Rush” and the Public’s Curiosity:
   1. The podcast underscores the public’s fascination with ancient history and the mysteries of the past, highlighted by the “Bone Rush” phenomenon.
   2. People are eager to learn more about the “Boneyard Alaska” and the potential discoveries it holds.
   3. The episode demonstrates the power of social media and podcasting in disseminating information and generating public interest in scientific topics.
   4. It emphasizes the need for open access to information and the democratization of scientific knowledge.
9. The Implications of Cloning:
   1. The podcast touches on the potential of cloning, with Reeves even mentioning his own DNA being preserved for future cloning.
   2. It raises ethical and philosophical questions surrounding the creation and use of cloned humans.
   3. It highlights the rapid advancements in science and the need for ethical considerations in their applications.
   4. The episode sparks discussions about the future of humanity and the potential impact of bioengineering technologies.
10. The Importance of Curiosity and “Thinking Outside the Box”:
    1. The podcast celebrates the role of curiosity and a “don’t give a fuck” attitude in driving scientific exploration.
    2. Reeves embodies this spirit, challenging established narratives and pursuing his own lines of inquiry.
    3. The episode emphasizes the importance of challenging assumptions and pursuing unconventional paths in scientific discovery.
    4. It encourages listeners to embrace their own curiosity and explore the world around them with an open mind.
11. The Power of Narrative and Presentation:
    1. The podcast explores the power of storytelling and the way narratives shape our understanding of the world.
    2. Reeves’s firsthand experience highlights how institutions can control narratives and suppress alternative perspectives.
    3. The episode encourages critical thinking and a questioning of established narratives.
    4. It emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple perspectives and evaluating information with a discerning eye.
12. The Future of the “Boneyard Alaska” and its Potential:
    1. The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging both institutions and individuals to work collaboratively to unlock the mysteries of the “Boneyard Alaska”.
    2. Reeves hopes to see the bones returned to Alaska for proper scientific research and a more transparent process.
    3. The episode highlights the potential for this discovery to reshape our understanding of ancient history, extinction events, and even the origins of human civilization.
    4. It leaves listeners with a sense of anticipation and hope for future discoveries and collaborations.

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s not even them. You got to think this is all done in the 1940s. Everybody who did is probably dead. They just don’t want to return the bones.” – Reeves highlights the museum’s reluctance to return the bones, suggesting a potential cover-up.
• “They weren’t supposed to take all that stuff. They were only supposed to take bones of scientific value… They didn’t do any of it.” – Reeves exposes the alleged violation of the agreement by the AMNH, highlighting their disregard for the research mandate.
• “When I got the carbon dates, I’m going to damn it. But thinking about it, though, it’s even more of a more of an interesting thing. How much of a recorded history do we have of that area from 200 years ago? None. None.” – Reeves acknowledges the unexpected carbon dating results and the lack of historical documentation for the period, highlighting the mystery surrounding the sawed bones.
• “The problem is it scares them. It’s a scary sight because we’re not talking about dirt and rocks. We’re talking about melting ice… It took us a whole summer to get rid of it with the giant.” – Reeves emphasizes the challenges of working in a constantly changing environment with potential dangers, highlighting the dedication required for his work.
• “This is a massive mystery. And it’s not like a little bit of evidence. You have the most insane amount of evidence I think I’ve ever come across. And the fact that we’re all finding out about this because of social media, what a weird time to be alive.” – Joe Rogan summarizes the compelling nature of the “Boneyard Alaska” discovery and the unique role of social media in sharing this information, highlighting the era of online exploration.