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The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction: A Close Encounter with the Truly Odd

Published on: 1st July, 2025

This episode of Truly Odd jumps head first into the 1961 alien abduction case of Betty and Barney Hill, the first recorded instance of its kind. Tanner and Kristin examine the peculiarities and evidence surrounding the Hills' experience, including their detailed hypnosis sessions, physical evidence such as Betty's dress, and the mysterious magnetic circles found on their car. The episode further explores the broader context of UFO sightings, government investigations, and the cultural impact of alien encounters. The conversation is interspersed with light-hearted commentary on glow-in-the-dark toilet paper and Broccoli the Truly Odd feline kinda-cohost.

00:00 Intro - Close Encounters of the Odd Kind

01:19 Welcome to Truly Odd Studios

03:07 Betty and Barney Hill's Abduction Story

03:48 Government Involvement and UFO Rebranding

05:10 The Aftermath and Strange Discoveries

09:31 Seeking Answers and Hypnosis

16:42 Reporting to the Air Force and NICAP

25:42 Hypnosis and Recovered Memories

26:40 The Abduction Experience

27:33 Betty's Examination

29:23 Skepticism and False Memories

31:45 Physical Evidence and Investigations

34:08 Public Disclosure and Media Attention

35:51 Betty's Later Years and UFO Community

38:58 The Interrupted Journey and Star Maps

48:25 Listener Engagement and Final Thoughts

NICAP Website: https://www.nicap.org/

MUFON Website: https://mufon.com/

MUFON Article on the Hills: https://mufon.com/2021/05/14/betty-barney-hill-abduction-1961/

CNN Hill Article: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/us/alien-abduction-betty-barney-hill-racism-race-deconstructed-cec

Jim Harold Interview with Kathleen Marden Betty's Niece: https://jimharold.com/beyond-the-betty-and-barney-hill-ufo-abduction-the-paranormal-podcast-874/

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About the Podcast

Truly Odd Podcast
Hosted by Tanner and Kristin, Truly Odd dives into the uncanny, the bizarre, and the unexplained. From ghostly encounters and cryptid legends to unsettling true crimes and the everyday peculiarities that make life fascinating, this podcast explores the mysteries that keep us questioning the world around us.

About your host

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Tanner Rutledge

Tanner has spent his life immersed in mysteries. With over 15 years as a licensed private investigator, he’s worked on cases ranging from homicides and missing persons to divorces, developing a sharp eye for details and a knack for uncovering hidden truths.

Outside of private investigations, Tanner has spent years as a ghost hunter, exploring the paranormal with curiosity and an open mind. From haunted houses to strange sightings, he's had his share of unexplainable experiences, bringing a grounded yet adventurous perspective to the world of the supernatural.

As a writer, Tanner crafts thrilling mystery and horror stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His passion for storytelling naturally extends to podcasting, where he shares his insights and entertains audiences with fascinating tales of the bizarre.