In part two of their field trip to America's Stonehenge, host Amanda Jennison and family explore caves, oracle tubes, and celestial alignments while dragging pseudo-archaeologist Barry Fell's questionable Celtic conspiracy theories.

They roast the site's audacious gift shop map, which casually places Salem, New Hampshire alongside actual ancient wonders. Amanda dissects the very human tendency to draw Sharpie lines across globes and call it archaeology, while somehow finding genuine charm in the whole gloriously weird roadside attraction — alpacas included.

Skeptical yet oddly sentimental, she concludes we're all just looking for cosmic confirmation we belong somewhere.

Introduction to Part Two (00:00:04)The host recaps part one and previews the topics for this episode: caves, astrological alignments, and the psychology of belief.

The Sacrificial Table and Oracle Chamber (00:00:49)The group discusses the four-ton "sacrificial table" and the Oracle Chamber, a stone structure with an acoustic speaking tube.

Exploring the Oracle Tube (00:03:17)A family member is sent back to test the Oracle Tube, and her voice is faintly heard from the chamber.

Confirmation of the Acoustic Trick (00:05:48)The host confirms the Oracle Tube works, creating an illusion of a voice materializing from under the sacrificial table.

Astronomical Alignments (00:07:09)The group examines standing monoliths, discussing their supposed alignments with solstices and lunar cycles, questioning their authenticity.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Barry Fell (00:09:12)The host discusses the Dunning-Kruger effect, using pseudo-archaeologist Barry Fell as a prime example of an overconfident, untrained enthusiast.

Connecting the Dots: Global Grids and Ley Lines (00:12:27)The podcast explores how enthusiasts draw lines on maps to connect sites like America's Stonehenge to global wonders.

A Modern Conspiracy Theory (00:16:28)The group humorously creates their own conspiracy theory, noting a monolith's perfect alignment with a modern radio tower.

The Human Need for Patterns (00:17:11)The family discusses star charts and psychics, reflecting on the human desire to find patterns and meaning in the universe.

A Moment with Nature (00:19:39)The group gets distracted from cosmic mysteries by finding and eating wild blueberries along the trail.

Exploring the Final Caves (00:20:22)As they head back, the family explores the last few small caves and jokes about human sacrifices.

The Alpacas (00:21:39)The trail surprisingly ends at a pen of alpacas, adding a quirky touch to the archaeological site experience.

Final Thoughts on America's Stonehenge (00:22:40)The host concludes that the site is a beloved, weird roadside attraction, not an ancient wonder, but valuable nonetheless.

In this summer special, host Amanda Jennison drags her family to America's Stonehenge in Salem, NH—because nothing says Fun Family Outing like debating whether ancient Europeans or colonial farmers built some suspiciously ordinary-looking rock piles.

Joined by her skeptical husband and co-host Chris, her believer dad, and her Gen-Z niece, Amanda and the crew examine dubious Ogham inscriptions, a "sacrificial table" that's probably just an apple press, and astronomical alignments conveniently rearranged by an enthusiastic 1930s conspiracy theorist. Spoiler: no Bronze Age artifacts were found.

Stay tuned for part two, featuring secret tunnels and a boulder shaped like New Hampshire.

Introduction to the Field Trip (00:00:05)The host introduces a special summer episode: a field trip to the controversial America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire.

The Ogham Stone Controversy (00:02:02)The group examines a stone slab in the gift shop, discussing the controversial claim that its markings are ancient script.

The Interactive Sundial (00:04:13)Chris tests out a large, interactive sundial near the visitor center, successfully calculating the position of the sun.

Family-Friendly Attractions (00:05:01)The group notes the site's family-friendly features, like a gemstone dig, and reviews the safety rules for the trails.

Wildlife on the Trail (00:06:21)The sight of wild turkeys prompts a discussion about local wildlife, including a recent deer incident in the host's garden.

The Frog Pond (00:07:17)The group gets distracted by a frog pond

Beginning the Trail (00:08:32)The group reaches the stone structures, consults the map, and discusses their previous visits (or lack thereof) to the site.

The Watch House and Serpent Wall (00:09:37)They explore the first major chamber, the Watch House, and discuss the theory of a 2550-foot-long Serpent Wall.

The Influence of William Goodwin (00:11:41)The host explains how former owner William Goodwin moved stones to fit his theory of ancient Irish monks in New England.

H.P. Lovecraft Connection (00:13:45)The podcast explores the local lore connecting the site's eerie atmosphere to the horror stories of author H.P. Lovecraft.

Evidence of Ancient Pottery (00:14:47)The group debates who was responsible for the site's features.

The Pattee Family Farmstead (00:16:22)The discussion shifts to the 19th-century Pattee family, who owned the land and likely built many of the stone structures.

Underground Railroad Claims (00:17:00)The host questions unconfirmed claims that the Pattee homestead was a stop on the Underground Railroad, highlighting a verified local hero.

Quarrying at the Site (00:19:39)The group examines evidence of 19th-century quarrying, suggesting a practical, not mystical, reason for many of the site's features.

Astronomical Alignments (00:20:57)The group discusses the site's astronomical alignments, questioning whether they are ancient or were arranged by William Goodwin in the 1930s.

Carbon Dating Evidence (00:24:17)They examine a carbon dating site, which shows evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years, sparking debate.

The Problem with the "Ancient European" Theory (00:24:58)The host explains why mainstream archaeologists reject the ancient European theory, citing the lack of artifacts and contradicting indigenous history.

Exploring the Stone Chambers (00:27:43)The group explores more stone chambers, discussing restoration work and the use of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating.

Cave-Like Passages (00:30:28)The group navigates tight, cave-like stone passages, with the host joking about turning the experience into an escape room.

The Sacrificial Table (00:31:44)The group arrives at the centerpiece, a 4.5-ton granite slab, and debates theories about its use: sacrifice, soap-making, or aliens.

Scientific Explanations for the Table (00:34:26)The host presents a more scientific theory: the slab was likely a 19th-century apple press for making cider.

Join Amanda in the first-ever installment of Granite Bites - the WTFNH mini format! Experience the magic of Richard Potter, America's first black magician and ventriloquist, in Andover, New Hampshire. Explore his trailblazing journey from enslaved roots to captivating audiences nationwide. Discover how Potter's legacy lives on through his remarkable performances and lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

In this episode of WTFNH, hosts Amanda and Chris explore a WTF-worthy creature from Rockingham County. They discuss the sightings and reports of a strange creature in town, including the involvement of an important public official and attempts to trap the creature. The hosts also touch on other cryptid sightings in New England. Tune in to learn more about this bizarre and intriguing phenomenon in the Granite State.

In this episode of WTF NH (What the Fuck New Hampshire), Amanda and Chris explore the story of the most iconic rock outcropping in New Hampshire.

Find out more and read the show notes at https://wtfnh.com/2023/06/21/episode-1-the-old-man-of-the-mountain/