George Noory welcomed Billy Doran to discuss his research into dinosaurs and experiences excavating their fossils. Doran recounted his journey from acting in Los Angeles to becoming a dinosaur hunter in Colorado. Inspired by a childhood visit with his father to see dinosaur footprints in Massachusetts, Doran revealed his fascination with prehistoric life grew over the years. He eventually settled in Colorado, where the geology offered rich fossil layers, and began exploring and excavating. Doran emphasized how his early love for dinosaurs and reptiles led to a lifetime of learning and discovery, eventually culminating in the founding of his museum in Edwards, Colorado.
Regarding the field of paleontology, Doran expressed enthusiasm for ongoing discoveries—such as the identification of hundreds of new dinosaur species in recent years—and explained the evolutionary connection between modern birds and dinosaurs. He reflected on the possibility of cloning extinct creatures like woolly mammoths, which may become a reality due to well-preserved genetic material found in frozen remains. He emphasized the catastrophic impact of the asteroid that wiped out most dinosaur species, describing it as the most devastating natural event in Earth's history, causing mass extinction and rapid environmental changes within hours.
Doran said his passion for paleontology extends beyond scientific discovery to education and public engagement. He founded the Museum at Dinosaur Junction to share his fossil finds and provide a hands-on learning experience for children and families, especially those in remote areas without access to larger institutions. He encouraged listeners to get involved with local digs and museums. Doran recounted meaningful moments from the field, including a profound experience uncovering a dinosaur skull that had not seen sunlight in 76 million years. He also touched on broader topics like Bigfoot, UFOs, and the mysterious sensations he sometimes experiences before finding fossils.
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Open Lines followed in the latter half of the program. Mike the Millennial recounted a near-death experience from his youth when an unexplained urge to stop walking saved him from being hit by a speeding car. He drew parallels between his experience and a similar one George once shared, suggesting a protective, perhaps angelic force at play. Mike also recommended a book, You Don't Have to Be Blind to See by Jim Stovall, which tells the inspiring story of overcoming blindness.
Doc in Denver shared his observations on the similarities between birds and dinosaurs, particularly noting the reptilian features of chickens, turkeys, and peacocks—such as scaly legs and beaks. He expressed fascination with how these birds might be our closest living link to dinosaurs and questioned whether dinosaurs were cold-blooded, noting recent shifts in scientific thinking suggesting they may have been warm-blooded to support their massive size. He also mentioned his childhood interest in dinosaurs and the geological richness of his area in California, referencing the local Petrified Forest and exposed rock strata.
John from Wisconsin shared a powerful personal story of redemption and gratitude. In 1984, while struggling with alcoholism and living out of his car in St. Louis, he had a life-changing encounter with boxer Leon Spinks, whose kindness and encouragement helped him turn his life around. John said he has been sober ever since. He also reflected on the problem of evil and urged listeners to respond to negativity with forgiveness and compassion.
The last half hour featured a replay from 7/15/19 when Linda Godfrey discussed her work on creature lore.
News Segment Guests: Heidi Hollis / Kevin Randle