Rebelliously Curious with Chrissy Newton: UFOs, Science, Culture and Futurism

In 1978, Grenada’s Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy brought UFOs to the floor of the United Nations—backed by researchers like Jacques Vallée and J. Allen Hynek. Their goal? A global investigation into UAPs. However, despite their efforts, the UN dismissed the initiative, citing political and scientific resistance. Today, as interest in UAPs surges worldwide, we ask: Was Gairy ahead of his time? Should the UN revisit the issue now? And what would it take for global cooperation on this mystery in the skies? I sat down with Jacques Vallee, an astrophysicist, computer scientist, author, and UAP researcher, to discuss the first United Nations meeting he attended in 1978 and the current effects that will one day make this a reality.  Join us as we get rebelliously curious. Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious]  Follow Chrissy Newton: Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/ [https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/]  X: https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en [https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton [https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton]  Chrissy Newton's Website: https://chrissynewton.com [https://chrissynewton.com/] Top Canadian Science Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/]

We’re diving deep into a bold new frontier at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces and consumer tech. Seriously. Joining us is Kurt Haggstrom, Chief Commercial Officer at Synchron, the pioneering company behind the FDA-authorized Stentrode—a brain-computer interface that’s redefining accessibility. With Apple now collaborating with Synchron, what does this mean for the future of human-device interaction? Why did Apple choose Synchron over competitors like Neuralink? And how close are we to everyday mind-controlled tech? We’ll explore the science, ethics, risks, and revolutionary potential of this partnership—from restoring communication for people with paralysis to the deeper implications for data privacy, policy, and the future of the human mind.  Join us as we get rebelliously curious. Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious]  Follow Chrissy Newton: Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/ [https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/]  X: https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en [https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton [https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton]  Chrissy Newton's Website: https://chrissynewton.com [https://chrissynewton.com/] Top Canadian Science Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/]

Today, we’re joined by Marik von Rennenkampff, a former U.S. Department of Defense official and State Department analyst. We explore the science behind UAP classification, why shape data varies across agencies, and what those inconsistencies might reveal. Marik shares insights on national security implications, the growing role of private industry in UAP research, and how to move beyond media hype to spark serious public dialogue. We also ask: Why has mainstream media, aside from NewsNation, largely backed away from covering UAPs? What changed? Join us as we get rebelliously curious. Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelliouslyCurious]  Follow Chrissy Newton: Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/ [https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/]  X: https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en [https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton [https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton]  Chrissy Newton's Website: https://chrissynewton.com [https://chrissynewton.com/] Top Canadian Science Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/]

Guest Revd Professor David Wilkinson stands at a fascinating crossroads shared by many scientists and theologians. Today, we explore the intersections of religion, astrophysics, and culture. As modern science moves beyond strict materialism into questions of meaning, consciousness, and even the metaphysical, faith and science are no longer at odds—but part of a richer cultural conversation. Professor Wilkinson helps us navigate how science and faith are evolving together—shaped by story, symbol, and the human search for belonging in a vast and mysterious cosmos. Join us as we get rebelliously curious.   Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJfgX1u1pRQ Follow Chrissy Newton: Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/ [https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/]  Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en [https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton [https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton]  Chrissy Newton's Website: https://chrissynewton.com [https://chrissynewton.com/] Top Canadian Science Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/]

In today’s episode, we explore the intersection of science, faith, and the universe with theologian and professor Ted Peters. As a leading voice on religion and the unknown, he examines how theological perspectives evolve alongside scientific discoveries—especially in the context of non-human intelligence. From the Vatican’s stance on extraterrestrial life to the ethical and philosophical implications of expanding our cosmic worldview, we discuss whether faith traditions are prepared for the confirmation of non-human beings. Could this shift lead to a new kind of spirituality, where the universe itself becomes a focal point of belief? Join us as we get rebelliously curious. Watch the YouTube interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ibSMUrXU8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ibSMUrXU8]  Follow Chrissy Newton: Winner of the Canadian Podcast Awards for Best Science Series. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM32gjHqMnYl_MOHZetC8Eg]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/ [https://www.instagram.com/beingchrissynewton/]  Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en [https://twitter.com/chrissynewton?lang=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton [https://www.facebook.com/BeingChrissyNewton]  Chrissy Newton's Website: https://chrissynewton.com [https://chrissynewton.com/] Top Canadian Science Podcast: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/ [https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_science_podcasts/]