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More Like Ancient FAILiens

More Like Ancient FAILiens

By: More Like Ancient FAILiens
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 Did aliens build the pyramids? What's with all the abductions? And why do they like gold so much?In More Like Ancient FAILiens, journalist Brandon R. Reynolds and podcaster Toby Ball bravely plunge into one of the great works of televised hokum: Ancient Aliens, the History Channel show that, after more than 20 seasons and 200 episodes, is still convinced Aliens Did It. But Brandon and Toby will take on Ancient Aliens’ biggest claims, one episode at a time, from the Big Bang to Atlantis, from the Old West to Area 51, disclosing the truth behind the nonsense and discovering the most amazing thing of all: the world is a pretty fascinating place, even if Ancient Astronauts aren't responsible for it.

More Like Ancient FAILiens—let us abduct you and disclose what's really going on Out There.
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Episodes
  • Chariots of the Gods with John Hodgman Pt. 2

    Chariots of the Gods with John Hodgman Pt. 2
    Jan 30 2026

    Brandon and Toby are joined by John Hodgman for part two of their look at Chariots of the Gods, a look at the movie made from the Erich von Daniken book that started the Ancient Aliens craziness. Huge desert drawings in Peru! Questionable use of drinking water during a desert expedition! And synths!

    Subscribe to hear this and other great podcasts early and ad free at ⁠grabbagcollab.com⁠.

    For more about John Hodgman, visit: ⁠https://www.johnhodgman.com/
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    45 mins
  • Chariots of the Gods with John Hodgman

    Chariots of the Gods with John Hodgman
    Jan 23 2026


    What if the entities that ancient peoples called gods were in fact aliens? Mind blown, right? It all started with Chariots of the Gods, the book by Erich von Daniken and then the film based on that book. Comedian John Hodgman joins Brandon and Toby to discuss the movie version and so much more. Witness the birth of the gods were aliens weirdness as the Ancient Astronaut Theorists did, with B-roll and weird 70s music.

    Subscribe to hear this and other great podcasts early and ad free at ⁠grabbagcollab.com⁠.

    For more about John Hodgman, visit: ⁠https://www.johnhodgman.com/⁠
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    48 mins
  • The Death and Ancient Life of Erich von Daniken

    The Death and Ancient Life of Erich von Daniken
    Jan 16 2026

    On Saturday, January 10, the Godfather of Ancient Astronaut Theorists, Erich Von Daniken, died at the age of 90. In this episode of More Like Ancient Failiens, Toby and Brandon look at EVD’s life, from his time as a hotelier and embezzler to the successes of Chariots of the Gods and its sequels, to the final form of Ancient Astronaut Theory, Ancient Aliens. We look at the ups and downs, the dubious claims, and the short-lived theme park that was not as exciting as the Alps.

    We also have some exciting news about where we’re taking our show in 2026. We’re calling it The Pivot, and it basically means we’ll be reviewing movies, TV shows, and crappy ‘89s docs about UFOs to show just how deep (or high) this whole thing really goes.

    Subscribe to hear this and other great podcasts early and ad free at grabbagcollab.com.

    “Erich Von Daniken’s Genesis” in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/1974/03/31/archives/erich-von-danikens-genesis.html

    “Scholars Will Call it Nonsense” in Expedition Magazine: https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/scholars-will-call-it-nonsense/

    Erich Von Daniken Explained: https://everything.explained.today/Erich_von_D%C3%A4niken/

    Short History Channel video on Erich Von Daniken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc1QUbSN9uo
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    50 mins
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