Nick Redfern on Monster Files and More

Researcher, journalist and lecturer Nick Redfern was born in Pelsall, West Midlands, England, in 1964. He is the author of numerous books on the subject of UFO's, government conspiracies, strange animals and mysterious places.  His previous books include: A Covert Agenda, Cosmic Crashes, Three Men Seeking Monsters, The Real Men In Black and The World's Weirdest Places , to name a few.  Nick is also a regular contributor to UFO magazine, Fate and Fortean times along with Mysterious Universe. Currently, Nick resides in Dallas, Texas.

Nick's most recent book Monster Files was just released. If you, like me, have ever wondered what knowledge certain government sectors possess concerning Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabra's and giant sea serpents - this is the book for you! 

Recently, I had the opportunity to do a Q&A interview with Nick about Monster Files, his thoughts on, and work pertaining to,  Cryptozoology, and the future of this important field of study.  I'd like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to Nick Redfern for putting aside time from his busy schedule to answer my questions. I also want to extend my thanks to Simon over at Warwick Associates for this opportunity. 

Aura: What is your definition of Cryptozoology?

Nick: My definition of Cryptozoology is probably very different to the definitions of many of those who share similar interests. Whereas Cryptozoology is basically the study of unknown animals, I’m not at all sure that the things I go looking for are just animals. Some of them definitely are, such as Orang-Pendek, which I’m absolutely convinced is a real, flesh and blood animal. And I’m pretty sure we’ll have proof of its existence in the near future. But, others, I’m convinced, have paranormal aspects to them, and I include Bigfoot in that latter group. It’s something that sets me apart from a lot of people in Cryptozoology. But, that’s okay: I tell it as I see it. The important thing to stress is that I am a believer. I’m just not sure if we’re dealing with unknown animals or something stranger.

Aura: How did you become involved in the study of these mysterious, elusive creatures?

Nick: When I was about 6, my parents took me to Loch Ness, Scotland. I still have a few memories of my dad telling me the story of the monster of the loch, as we looked out at its waters. Even at that age it got me excited! In the years afterwards, I started reading kids’ books on monsters, then got into books by Brad Steiger and John Keel, and it went from there.

Aura: Growing up, did you ever have any unusual experiences?

Nick: No, I never did. At least not paranormal, but definitely sometimes after leaving the pub late on a Friday night in England!

Aura: Whose work in Cryptozoology has influenced you the most?

Nick: I would definitely say John Keel. He took the approach, as I do, that Bigfoot, lake monsters, the Yeti, etc, all exist. But, Keel came to believe that there was a crossover between these crypto-creatures and other phenomena, such as paranormal activity, magical beings from folklore, etc. Keel’s work really resonated with me, and I found myself uncovering further things that – as far as I’m concerned – supported his angles and theories. His work is probably, more than anyone else’s, the work I can relate to the most.

Aura: What were some of the challenges you faced when writing this book?

Nick: Well, Monster Files is about what government agencies know about strange creatures. When you’re using the Freedom of Information Act, it can sometimes be a challenge to get files declassified and into the public domain. But, I didn’t have many challenges, it was pretty much smooth sailing, and the agencies that held the files were very good about sharing them and releasing them.

Aura: Of all the strange and mysterious creatures you researched for this book, which fascinated you the most?

Nick: Probably the Houston Batman, which was a Mothman-type creature seen in Houston, Texas back in the 1950s, and periodically in and around the city since then. It’s a creepy, flying, humanoid type thing that sounds like part-gargoyle, part-flying man, and part-demon. It’s a cool story like something straight out of H.P. Lovecraft.

Aura: Which elements of your investigations, while out in the field, are most challenging?

Nick: The weather! LOL. I don’t do good, at all, in hot temperatures, which is a bit ironic given that I live in Dallas, Texas! But it’s all okay, you just have to push on and deal with it. I hate whiners and moaners and negativity. Just get on with it. I also realize that one of the biggest challenges is being in the right place at the right time, which unfortunately doesn’t occur that often. So, the challenge is to have patience, which I find difficult. I have zero patience, particularly when things go off schedule and then it gets me mad. But investigations can be unpredictable, and so I always go on them knowing that the challenges will be not just looking for this or that creature, but the things that can occur of a very down to earth nature in an expedition too.

Aura: Which of your investigations over the years has impacted you the most?

Nick: Without doubt my various expeditions to Puerto Rico looking for the Chupacabras. As well as being a cool place to hang out, Puerto Rico is filled with tales of the Chupacabras. Collectively, I’ve spoken to dozens of people – police, farmers, veterinarians, civil-defense workers and more – who have left me in no doubt that the Chupacabras is a very real, and very strange, creature. I have no idea what it is, only that it’s definitely something!

Aura: What is your position on a connection between the UFO phenomenon and sightings of these creatures?

Nick: Well, this goes back to what I was saying about the Keel stuff. Although the vast majority of reports of Bigfoot and so on are of what appear to be unknown animals of just a flesh and blood nature, there’s probably not a monster-hunter out there that doesn’t have in their files a few “rogue” cases. I’m talking about where Bigfoot has been seen at the same time, and place, as UFOs or strange lights in the sky. Or where the creature vanishes in the flash of light. I always say that the most important people in the paranormal field are not the authors, the lecturers or the radio-show hosts. Rather, it’s the witnesses who are most important, because without them we have nothing to go on. So, when someone says they have seen Bigfoot in conjunction with UFO activity, we should not ignore these cases. The responsibility is on us to show the witnesses respect, listen to them, and try and figure out what the hell is going on, even if it drives us away from the flesh and blood scenario.

Aura: There are numerous theories regarding the origins of these mysterious beasts. What is your belief?

Nick: I take the view that there is more than just one thing going on. As I said, I absolutely believe that Orang-Pendek is a real animal and that one day soon we’ll be able to prove it. I’m sure that sea-serpents represent real creatures, and maybe ones unknown to zoology, or that have survived extinction from eras long gone. Others, however, like Bigfoot, Mothman, and Britain’s Owlman, I’m sure, exhibit evidence of strange phenomena, paranormal activity, and issues which lead me to believe they may not be animals as we understand the term. Maybe they’re not even from our reality – just passing through. I also think some monsters are Tulpas, that’s to say collective, subconscious monstrous imagery conjured up from deep in the mind that we can externalize. In other words, the creatures of our nightmares can manifest in the real world, as temporary, semi-physical ‘thought-forms” that have some degree of brief, independent existence. Controversial stuff, but I like controversy!

Aura: If you could make only one discovery, which would it be and why?

Nick: That’s easy: Megalania. This is a huge monitor lizard that roamed Australia tens of thousands of years ago. Imagine a 25-foot-long Komodo Dragon, and that’s a fair idea of what this monster lizard looked like. Even though Megalania is supposed to be long gone, there are still occasional reports suggesting they might still lurk in some of the very densely forested areas of Australia. If there was one expedition I could go on, it would be to find Megalania. That would be great.

Aura: Which current cryptid has the highest probability in gaining mainstream, scientific recognition?

Nick: Again, I would definitely say, without doubt, Orang-Pendek.

Aura: What do you feel the impact of modern technology will have on future discoveries?

Nick: Well, that depends on the nature of the creatures. I’m utterly sick and tired of seeing nothing but night-vision crap on paranormal TV over and over again. Okay, we know it’s a useful technology, but we don’t need it shoved down our throats on every damn TV show on weird stuff! Give it a break – like forever - and try looking for them in the daytime instead. TV producers don’t like daytime though, as it’s not atmospheric enough for them. Pathetic. Of course, if some of these creatures have paranormal – maybe even occult – origins, as I believe they do, then technology might not play any role in determining what they are.

Aura: Where do you think the next major discovery will come from?

Nick: Again, definitely with Orang-Pendek!

Aura: What's your next project?

Nick: Well, I’ve always got a few books on the go, and I’m working on a few UFO things, a couple of conspiracy titles, stuff like that. And I have a few ideas for further books on strange creatures, but they may be further down the line.

Aura: A good friend of mine, and huge fan of yours, would like to know if you've ever had an encounter with the infamous MIB?

Nick: Actually, no! I’ve written a couple of books about them, and easily have enough material for at least two more books. There’s no doubt in my mind that they are very real, very weird, and very ominous. The real MIB have nothing to do with the world of government. I’m convinced they have occult origins. But they have never knocked on my door. At least, not yet they haven’t…

To see what Nick is up to, head on over to Nick Redfern's World Of Whatever blog.  Monster Files can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and Indie Bound. Available as an eBook through Nook and Kindle.

My Interview With Stanton Friedman

Stanton Friedman has become one of the most well-known and respected Ufologists to date. With a BSc and MSc degree in physics, he has worked as a Nuclear Physicist for 14 years on advanced technologies with a number of leading industrial companies. In 1967, he began lecturing on the topic of flying saucers and has done so at more than 600 colleges and over 100 professional groups in 50 states, 9 provinces and 16 countries. He has published more than 80 UFO papers and appeared on hundreds of radio and TV programs such as Larry King Live. He is the original civilian investigator into the Roswell Incident and co-author of "Crash at Corona: The Definitive Study of the Roswell Incident." He has been referred to by some as "The Godfather of Ufology" and coined the phrase "Cosmic Watergate" to describe the government's lack of disclosure and probable deception.

Recently I contacted Mr. Friedman with 10 questions and he was kind enough to reply.

Aura: What led to your interest and study into the UFO phenomenon?

SF: As a young nuclear physicist working at the General Electric Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion Department in 1958 I read Ed Ruppelt’s “The Report on UFOs.” It intrigued me. I read about 15 more books and then discovered “Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14” at the U. of California, Berkeley, Library. It hadn’t been mentioned in the other books. Provided a massive amount of data. The Press release which was included proved the Sec. of the Air Force was lying. The data made an excellent case for some UFOs as alien spacecraft.

Aura: What has been the most challenging aspect to your research.

SF: Hard to compare watermelons and oranges. Lack of funding is a major problem though I have managed to get to 20 Archives. Lies from the government and from ancient academics, fossilized physicists, and a collection of debunkers. Resistance on the part of arrogant ignorant journalists to doing the required homework and admitting their ignorance is another.

Aura: What one incident, in your opinion, has brought forth the best evidence that we have been visited by a craft originating from beyond earth?

SF: Again hard to compare kumquats and papayas. The Betty and Barney Hill case with the very important star map research of Marjorie Fish is at or near the top of the list as described in “Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience” by myself and Kathleen Marden, Betty’s niece. Obviously I am also convinced about the Roswell Incident despite all the false garbage dumped on it by the Piled Higher and Deeper Brigade (PhDs). I discuss this and others in “Flying Saucers and Science“ to be published by June.

Aura: There are many theories regarding the origin of UFOs, what is yours?

SF: I am an experimentalist not a theoretician. The data in the Hill case indicate those aliens came from just down the street from a planet around Zeta 1 or Zeta 2 Reticuli,(the closest to each other pair of sun-like stars in the local neighborhood) 39.2 light years away and a billion years older than the sun and only 1/8th of light year apart from each other. Ours is a very very young “civilization” and I suspect there are loads of others not very far away. There are at least 45 sun-like stars within 55 light years. Because interstellar travel is indeed feasible I expect there has been plenty of colonization and migration.

Aura: A lot of people say that if aliens existed they would have already made themselves known What is your response to this belief?

SF: Why would they? Nobody has provided any evidence to support this belief. They certainly know we know they are here from all the radar tracking we have done. Clearly we are a primitive society whose major activity is tribal warfare. We “only” killed 50 million of our own kind and destroyed 1700 cities in WW 2. Obviously, for all we known, aliens may have had contacts with many governments.. and they are not here to have tea with Earthlings. I deal with others of the “why” questions in an article on my website www.stantonfriedman.com especially in “The UFO Why Questions”. Governments have been very skillful at keeping multi billion dollar programs secret such as the Corona and Poppy Satellites, the stealth fighter, and many other black programs.

Aura: What do you feel has done the most harm to Ufology over the years?

SF: The failure of the press and scientific communities to search for truth.

Aura: What direction do you see Ufology heading in and what are your hopes for its future?

SF: I hope the lid will be blown off the “Cosmic Watergate”;that there will be more college courses taught, and more PhD theses done on UFOs, and there will be international conferences about the implications of our not being alone for religion, economics, science. We need to wake up and smell the universe. Science journals need to be ready to publish good material. Max Plank, a great physicist, once said that “new ideas come to be accepted, not because their opponents come to believe in them, but because a new generation grows up that is accustomed to them”. The old dinosaurs are fading and younger people like John Greenewald and James Carrion and others are moving in.

Aura: What do you suspect are the reasons behind, what some would call, the deliberate suppression of information by governments surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrials?

SF: I give a bunch of reasons in my “UFO Why Questions”. Most important are desire to duplicate the flight characteristics for military purposes, the worry about others beating us to the punch, a desire to remain in power as a nationalistic entity and to keep us from thinking of ourselves as Earthlings. Worry about impact on religion.Wish to avoid admitting that UFOs have apparently destroyed some of our aircraft trying to destroy the UFOs. Orders were given in 1952 to “shoot them down, if they don’t land when instructed to do so”. See Frank Feschino Jr’s book “Shoot Them Down”.

Aura: Many have made claims that they have been abducted by extraterrestrials/alien beings. What is your opinion on abductions and what evidence have you seen that lends credibility to them or detracts from them?

SF: I am convinced that some Earthlings have been abducted by some aliens. Each case must be taken on its own merits. There has been some fine work done by Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, Ray Fowler, John Mack, Yvonne Smith, John Carpenter, etc. Again I would refer to “Captured!”. There is a general consistency to many accounts that is impressive.

Aura: What advice can you give to amateur Ufologists?

SF: Do your homework. Have facts in hand before putting mouth in gear. There is a lot to learn.

I want to personally thank Mr. Friedman, on behalf of myself and my readers, for taking time to answer my questions.

Go to www.stantonfriedman.com for more information and materials such as books and films about this topic.