Missing 411: Is There Really a Pattern to National-Park Disappearances?
Summary
Host Simon and writer Katie explore the "Missing 411" phenomenon, which posits a sinister pattern behind unexplained disappearances in North American national parks. They examine ex-cop David Paulides’ research, which highlights recurring factors like afternoon timestamps, dog involvement, and strange weather patterns. The episode details specific cases, such as the vanishing of Danny Hohenstein and Garrett Bardsley, before pivoting to a rational debunking. The hosts argue that these incidents are statistically normal given the vast number of annual visitors, attributing the "mysteries" to …
Topics discussed
Introduction to Missing 411 and episode structure
National park popularity and bear encounters
Origin of the term '411' and introduction of Paulides
Paulides' discovery of patterns and case volume
Defining criteria for Missing 411 cases
Case study: Danny Hohenstein disappearance
Case study: Garrett Bardsley disappearance
Other cases: Impossible distances and locations
Supernatural theories and Bigfoot connections
Alleged NPS cover-up and FOIA request issues
Debunking: Lack of weirdness and child behavior
Statistical context: Death rates and missing persons data
Re-examining specific cases: Hohenstein and Bardsley
Explainable cases: Survival, accidents, and CTE
Critique of Paulides' criteria and inconsistencies
David Paulides' background and NPS data reality
Conclusion: No pattern, just dangerous terrain
Sponsor: Wiser World podcast
Sponsor: Profoundly Pointless podcast
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