Popular Science Fiction and the Genesis of Paranormal Claims (Thomas Holtz) @NCASVideo

Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

Explore the surprising intersection of science fiction and the paranormal with dinosaur paleontologist Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.! In this engaging and skeptical talk, Dr. Holtz—Principal Lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park—examines how popular sci-fi stories have deeply influenced public beliefs about paranormal phenomena.

How did alien abduction stories become so widespread? Why do so many cryptid legends echo science fiction plots? And what do 1950s B-movies have to do with modern UFO sightings? Dr. Holtz explores famous cases like the Loch Ness Monster, the Roswell incident, and the Chupacabra, tracing their unexpected roots in pop culture. You'll also hear about the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case and the mysterious Shaver Mysteries—examples where fiction and folklore blur together.

Drawing on his expertise in paleontology and science education, Dr. Holtz highlights how speculative fiction—from King Kong to The Outer Limits—has quietly shaped the way people perceive unexplained phenomena. He challenges viewers to think critically about the origin and persistence of these stories, and how they are often repackaged and retold with less scrutiny over time.

This talk is an eye-opening journey through the overlap of entertainment and belief systems, showing how imagination can spark enduring myths—and how science and skepticism can help us sort fact from fantasy.

Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Maryland, College Park. A recognized expert on tyrannosaurid dinosaurs, he is widely known for his science communication efforts, including public lectures, media appearances, and educational outreach.

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS).

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Presented at Balticon 2015 by Thomas R. Holtz Jr. PhD.

Original description: People don't always appreciate the impact that popular science fiction (particular TV shows and movies) has on public consciousness. A great example of this is the folklore of claims of the paranormal. Investigation of classic stories of paranormal encounters reveal how the early versions of these stories begin as recitations of then-recent mass media SF productions, unlike the later refined and retold versions.

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