Today on Headlines from the Beyond:

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump make headlines over UFOs, UAPs, and extraterrestrial life. In a viral podcast appearance, Obama joked that “aliens are real,” before clarifying that while life likely exists somewhere in the vast universe, he saw no evidence of extraterrestrial contact during his presidency. Days later, Trump responded aboard Air Force One, accusing Obama of revealing classified information and later announcing plans to direct federal agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to UAPs, UFOs, and alien life. With ambiguity surrounding what, if anything, will actually be released, we examine what these statements mean for disclosure, public perception, and the ongoing debate about non-human intelligence.

Then: Nearly 400,000 Catholics are traveling to Assisi, Italy, as the bones of St. Francis of Assisi go on public display for the first time since 1978, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. As pilgrims venerate the remains of the patron saint of ecology and founder of the Franciscan order, we explore the role of relics in Catholic tradition—first-, second-, and third-class relics—the theology behind reported healings, and why physical remains continue to matter in modern religious life.

Next: Avi Loeb’s Galileo Project is expanding its search for anomalous objects in Earth’s atmosphere—and they’re asking for public help. With observatories now operating in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, the project uses AI systems to analyze aerial data for unusual flight characteristics. But distinguishing drones, birds, aircraft, and atmospheric phenomena from true anomalies requires human volunteers to help train the system. We explain how you can participate in UAP research and what the project is actually looking for.

Finally: A Norwegian scientist attempting to debunk microwave weapon theories reportedly built and tested a device on himself—only to experience symptoms eerily similar to Havana Syndrome, or Anomalous Health Incidents. Though the case occurred in 2024, it has only recently come to light, drawing attention from Pentagon and White House officials. As questions persist about classified devices, foreign adversaries, and years of government uncertainty, we examine what this new report adds to the ongoing mystery.

Four stories, one briefing on the strange, the storied, and the extraordinary.Stay connected with us between episodes—follow Beyond the Human on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and subscribe to Field Notes from the Beyond on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Show Notes:

Brian Tyler Cohen - Barack Obama BREAKS SILENCE on Trump's ape video, Bad Bunny, and 2028 election

Obama clarifies views on aliens after saying 'they're real' on podcast

St. Francis’ Remains, Rarely Seen, Go on Display in Assisi

Join the Search for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Within the Galileo Project!

The Galileo Project - Join the Search for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

Researcher skeptical of ‘Havana syndrome’ tested secret weapon on himself

Michael Beck, 65, Dies; First to Report Symptoms of ‘Havana Syndrome’

Typewriter sound effect: “Typewriter snippet 01 mono [loop]” by cabled_mess, via Freesound (CC0).