We start things out by taking a look at the O'Haire story of early January 2007. Greg gives his thoughts on the case breaking into mainstream news and the one key part of that coverage that he found interesting. We also address how this case brought the issue of UFOs and national security back into the public discussion, albeit briefly. We find out what the tenor was in Ufology with regards to O'Haire and Greg shares his disappointment with one aspect of Ufology's reaction. We also cover a major component of the O'Haire case, in that it was Ufology's first "big" case, post-911, and seemed to bring the UFO subject back into the mainstream again. We also try and determine the long-term significance of the O'Haire case. This segment of the interview is considerably prescient, in light of the Stephenville, Texas, UFO sighting story that was breaking as our conversation was recorded.

Next, we discuss the Phoenix Lights / Gov. Symington story that broke around the 10th anniversary of the famous UFO sighting. We get Greg's thoughts on the story of Symington's revelations and we find out what the reaction was, from within Ufology, to the Symington story. We discuss how the Symington element to the Phoenix Lights case gives credence to theories of government cover-up with regards to UFOs. We get Greg's take on the proverbial re-invention of the Phoenix Lights case with the added Symington layer to it.

Following that, we cover the dual international "disclosure" events of the year, the Spring's release of French UFO documents and Japan's UFO "disclosure" flap in December. Greg gives us his perspective on this slow release of information from foreign sources. This segues into just a general discussion on disclosure and whether or not people could understand it yet. We get Greg's opinion on if any foreign government will ever be the one to disclose UFOs to the public.

Moving on, Greg tells us about his experience on the ground for the Roswell 60th anniversary in July and what the vibe was like at the annual festivus in New Mexico, which saw dueling conferences over that weekend. We find out what the buzz was on the ground amongst the Ufologists who were in town to speak for the event and Greg shares his perspective on how attitudes may have mellowed over the last few years as far as disputes over differences of opinion on Roswell. We also touch on the Walter Haut affadavit that made news prior to the Roswell anniversary.

We look back, in retrospect, at the 50th anniversary of Roswell and wonder if that may have been the peak for the story and that Ufology's reliance on Roswell may be finally coming to a close. This leads to a side conversation where Greg talks about elements of the UFO phenomenon that people aren't investigating, but should be. This leads to a discussion on how to get UFO researchers to change their methods or if that is an impossible task.

Then we talk about the Summer of 2007's big UFO craze: the drone "UFO" pictures. Greg shares his perspective on the drone photo craze and why he thinks it was "from the makers of SERPO." Greg also gives us a fascinating take on just what the drone photos may have been all about, which has nothing to do with UFOs. He also talks about why he decided not to get involved in looking into the SERPO story, because of the charged opinions surrounding the case. Throwing back to the drone photo, we talk about the reaction of Ufology to the drone photos. Greg also speculates on what role Whitley Streiber's drone experience will have on future drone reports. Greg also speculates on what the next big craze will be in Ufology and how he thinks the intelligence behind UFOs will truly make themselves known to Earth.

Jumping to the next talking point for 2007's big events, we talk about the Dennis Kucinich / UFO story. The first part of this story that we discuss is how the topic was treated flippantly by both the media and Kucinich's rival candidates and how this treatment reflects the true stature of UFOs as a political issue. We talk about how this turn of events was kind of a setback for the exopolitical movement and Greg explains how he thinks inserting UFOs into politics should be handled. Greg also tells us what it will take for the UFO issue to be important to the voters.

Wrapping up our examination of the big events in 2007 for Ufology, we discuss the National Press Club press conference and media blitz with government whistleblowers advocating UFO disclosure. We get Greg's initial reaction to the series of events in November. This leads to a general discussion on what kind of story it would take for the UFO enigma to get some momentum in the mainstream news.

Looking at some of the big picture trends for '07, we first talk about the explosion of paranormal TV shows. We look at trends of interest for some of the big fields in esoterica, including 911, UFOs, Ghost Hunting,and Cryptozoology. Greg also tells us which trend is most surprising to him and why he thinks this field is rapidly rising in popularity. This segues into some discussion on the public relations problem that Ufology has and the need to re-educate the public as to what Ufology is all about today. Next we discuss the 911 Truth Movement, its present state at the close of 2007, and what it will take for it to immediately become wildly popular again. Wrapping up the discussion of Ufology of 2007, we ask the big question: Good year or bad year for Ufology ?

From there, we discuss some other stories of interest, including Greg's piece @ UFOMystic.com about paranormal radio pioneer "Lohn" John Nebel. Greg begins first by giving some background on who Long John Nebel was. Greg shares a great story about Jackie Gleason fighting with Gray Barker on the Long John Nebel show. We also talk about the Candy Jones mystery and how it ties into Lohn John Nebel. Greg compares Nebel to Art Bell and illustrates some key differences in their approach to covering the paranormal.

Heading towards the close, we discuss the "lost stories of esoterica" with Greg and get his take on why some stories fall off the proverbial radar. Greg also tells us what he thinks is a great paranormal subject that has fallen off the radar that he finds fascinating. This segues into a discussion on Greg's interest in the contactee movement. We also talk about the paradigm shift in the 1960's where "contactees" became "abductees". We also discuss whether or not we'll see a contactee revival in the future or some third, new, form of alien contact and Greg gives us his unique take on how we may be seeing that right now.

Finishing up, we have the standard follow-up question for Greg about the infamous Bill Moore MUFON speech that has gone missing and if he has any update on his attempts to track it down. We also find out what's next for Greg Bishop in 2008, including his role in the Paul Kimball's Red Star Films moving to LA.

Greg Bishop became interested in UFOs at a very early age. He has no idea why. In 1991, he cofounded a magazine entitled The Excluded Middle, for the purpose of educating himself first, and secondly, passing on the info to interested readers. How selfish. TEM was a journal of UFOs, conspiracy research, psychedelia and new science (now online at www.excludedmiddle.com ). "Wake Up Down There!" a collection of articles from the magazine, was published in 2000.

Greg’s writing has appeared the L.A. Weekly, Fortean Times, UFO Magazine and Magical Blend, among others, and in the book-length anthologies "Conspiracy And Cyberculture," "Zen And The Art of Close Encounters," "Kooks," and "You Are Being Lied To." In 2005, his book "Project Beta" was an attempt to set the record straight on the Paul Bennewitz disinfo saga. His third and newest title, "Weird California," was published in March of 2006. His internet show, "Radio Misterioso," can be heard on Sundays from 8-10 PM PST at www.killradio.org. Interviews with fringe-topic researchers and weird music are the usual fare.

When not writing, he can be found in the southwestern deserts of the US or flying his paraglider above vertiginous cliffs and mountains, sometimes with a propeller strapped to his back. Successful bribes include New Mexican cuisine, recordings of “outsider” music, rare contactee books, tickets to baseball games and selected original artwork.

His websites are www.ufomystic.com and www.excludedmiddle.com

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2 Hr 21 Min.
2.2.08
312
Greg Bishop