Buddy Levy is no stranger to History Channel viewers.
Back in 2010, the nonfiction author and longtime creative writing professor made his debut on the channel as a cohost of “Decoded”, a series that delved into lesser-known histories and popular conspiracy theories.
Levy recently returned to the network, lending his expertise on secret societies and lost civilizations to two shows — “The UnXplained with William Shatner,” and “History’s Greatest Mysteries,” hosted by Laurence Fishburne.
“I’ve been fortunate to have department chairs amenable to my unconventional academic approach,” Levy said. “That’s allowed me to freely explore a vast array of history, find what grabs me, and share with readers and viewers stories of the adventures of exceptional humans who risked their lives to do something pioneering.”
Levy is particularly excited about his latest appearance on History’s Greatest Mysteries because of its connection to his book, River of Darkness. In the book, Levy charts the journey of Gonzalo Pizarro and Francisco Orellana’s as Europe’s first explorers of the Amazon. The two Spaniards set off on their voyage in search of long-rumored civilizations boasting golden statues. The book required significant research on Mesoamerican lore, with many of these stories driving legions to the region.
I’ve been fortunate to have department chairs amenable to my unconventional academic approach. That’s allowed me to freely explore a vast array of history, find what grabs me, and share with readers and viewers stories of the adventures of exceptional humans who risked their lives to do something pioneering.
Buddy Levy, professor
Washington State University
Among these explorers seeking to discover hidden treasures in the Amazon was Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for a rumored ancient city. His story became well known with the publication of the Lost City of Z and its subsequent film adaption. The lore and mystery of long-lost cities and empires within the Amazon continues to captivate viewers, hence the show’s episode on the topic, Levy said.
“Because of the nature of the geography and topography as well as the organic element of the Amazon itself, records and buildings didn’t last,” Levy said. “They decayed, eroded, and become part of the Earth again.”
As part of the “UnXplained” episode “Secret Societies,” Levy discussed two groups, Yale University’s Skull and Bones society and the Northern California-based Bohemian Grove. Levy conducted research on Skull and Bones — a senior society at Yale dating back to the 1830s — as part of a book he did with former WSU Football Coach Mike Leach called Geronimo: Leadership Strategies of an American Warrior. A persistent rumor is that the group has some of Geronimo’s’ remains in their possession.
The second topic, the Bohemian Grove, is one Levy first came into contact with working on “Decoded.” The 2,700-acre campground in Northern California is owned by the Bohemian Club, a private group with an illustrious roster of influential members. While much has been alleged about the group by conspiracy theorists, Levy saw nothing to back up their claims as part of his excursion that ultimately resulted in him being caught after sneaking onto the property in the offseason.
Both shows are available to watch via the History Channel’s website along with a host of streaming platforms.
Levy began teaching at WSU in 1988. While teaching classes on everything from early American and British Literature to technical and professional writing, he’s written nine books, mostly historical nonfiction. How he chooses what subjects to explore comes down to a love for adventure stories, particularly those that involved pioneering individuals placing themselves in great peril.
“What keeps me teaching is being able to inspire and help young writers turn their ideas into published works, while at the same time being inspired by them,” Levy said. “As writers, we’re all in the same kind of grind, so I’m grateful to be able to help my students figure out how to tell good stories and explore the genres that best fit their ideas.”
