The Paranormal Podcast

Ouija expert Karen A. Dahlman joins Jim to explore the mysteries of the Ouija board. Karen shares the fascinating origins of the board, from its 19th-century spiritualist roots to its rise as a pop culture icon. She explains why she feels the Ouija itself isn’t dangerous, and discusses how she’s used it for decades as a tool for channeling and self-discovery. Karen also sheds light on the board’s misunderstood reputation, the story of William Fuld, and what she’s learned from years of communication with spirit guides and animals alike. Whether you view the Ouija as a game, a gateway, or something in between, this episode offers an informed and fascinating perspective. OCTOBER SPECIAL: Get a 14 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS ON APPLE PODCASTS ONLY! ⁠ https://apple.co/spooky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Tui Snyder joins Jim to explore some of the world’s most extraordinary burial sites and the stories they tell. From marble sculptures depicting a lover’s final farewell to wooden crosses painted with cheeky epitaphs in Romania, Tui reveals how art, humor, and faith intertwine in graveyards across the globe. Together they discuss the evolution of cemetery art — from the grand monuments of the Victorian era to today’s simpler markers — and what those changes reveal about how we view life and death. Tui also shares highlights from her travels to places like Milan’s Cimitero Monumentale, where thousands of life-size sculptures turn the cemetery into an open-air museum. It’s a moving, fascinating conversation about the beauty and meaning found in the world’s “amazing graves.” You can find Around The World In 80 Graves at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oBoZsf Thanks Tui! --- OCTOBER SPECIAL: Get a 14 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS ON APPLE PODCASTS ONLY! ⁠ https://apple.co/spooky This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, historian, and scholar of the occult Mitch Horowitz joins Jim to discuss his new book The Sixth Sense: Napoleon Hill’s Ultimate Step to Success. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mitch explores the enduring idea that thought can shape reality. They discuss how thinkers like Napoleon Hill linked imagination, emotion, and willpower to real-world outcomes, and how modern neuroscience echo those same principles today. Mitch and Jim also touch on consciousness, perception, and the intersection between spirituality and science. Later in the episode, Mitch reflects on how understanding “green lights” in life can help us recognize when we’re on the right path. Note: This conversation was recorded in August. Mitch Horowitz’s book The Sixth Sense: Napoleon Hill’s Ultimate Step to Success was released on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. You can find Mitch's new book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/46ZJqco Thanks Mitch! --- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and investigator Richard Estep joins Jim to discuss two of his newest books and the strange cases behind them. From the enduring mystery of the Mothman legend to firsthand accounts of chilling hauntings, Richard shares what he has learned from decades spent researching the world’s most unnerving phenomena. OCTOBER SPECIAL: Get a 14 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS ON APPLE PODCASTS ONLY! ⁠https://apple.co/spooky They explore how folklore, eyewitness testimony, and field investigation collide in Mothman: Sightings and Investigations of the Iconic Flying Cryptid and Ghostly Encounters: Terrifyingly True Hauntings. Along the way, Richard recounts some of his most memorable cases, including haunted hospitals, spectral sightings, and the infamous Flight 401 story that inspired one of the creepiest ghost legends of all time. If you enjoy a mix of grounded research and spine-tingling tales, you won’t want to miss this conversation. You can find both of Richard's new books at Amazon: Mothman: Sightings and Investigations of the Iconic Flying Cryptid https://amzn.to/3W3GlBS Ghostly Encounters: Terrifyingly True Hauntings https://amzn.to/3W3wb45 Thanks Richard! -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something strange stirs in the cold, dark waters of Lake Superior. Author and explorer Chad Lewis joins us to share tales from his new book Supernatural Lake Superior. From ghost ships that vanish into the mist to monstrous serpents seen from the shore, the world’s largest freshwater lake hides more mysteries than you might imagine. We also explore haunted lighthouses, eerie campgrounds, and legends that predate modern history. Chad takes us along the rugged shorelines and deep waters that have inspired centuries of folklore, blending history and the supernatural into a fascinating look at one of North America’s most haunted regions. You’ll think twice the next time you gaze across that endless water… wondering what might be looking back. You can find Chad's book at Amazon: https://www.chadlewisresearch.com/ Thanks Chad! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Robert the Doll really haunted, or something even stranger? This week on The Paranormal Podcast, Jim Harold welcomes David L. Sloan, the man who literally tends to Robert the Doll in Key West. As Robert’s longtime “doll tender,” David shares chilling firsthand encounters, new historical discoveries, and the mysterious energies surrounding the infamous artifact. OCTOBER SPECIAL: Get a 14 week free trial of Spooky Studio Plus on Apple Podcasts ONLY: Sign up on the Apple Podcasts app or go here: https://apple.co/spooky From his discovery of Robert’s origins to reports of people who mocked the doll and suffered strange consequences, Sloan reveals how Robert’s legend blends verifiable history with eerie modern experiences. You’ll hear about: -The real story behind the “permission curse” myth -Why Robert may contain multiple spirits or even a portal -The shocking experiences that nearly drove Sloan to quit paranormal research -How a trip to Germany connected Robert to ancient tree spirits and the Black Forest -What happened when famous YouTubers Sam & Colby challenged Robert Whether you think it’s folklore or genuine supernatural energy, this one will make you think twice before saying, “Robert, can I take your picture?” Learn more: https://hauntedkeywest.com David Sloan’s book: Robert the Doll: The True Biography of Key West’s Haunted Doll at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KG8HQ0 Thanks David! --This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paranormal researcher and podcaster Morgan Knudsen joins Jim to explore some of the deepest questions in the field. OCTOBER SPECIAL: Get a 14 DAY FREE TRIAL OF SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS ON APPLE PODCASTS ONLY! ⁠https://apple.co/spooky Morgan shares her unique family connection to the history of parapsychology, her early inspirations, and how she came to develop her “Teaching the Living” approach to hauntings. She explains why our own consciousness and emotions may play a bigger role in paranormal experiences than we realize, and why hauntings often act as mirrors of unresolved wounds. The conversation ranges from the nature of reality itself to the possibility that we may be living in something like a simulation. Morgan describes a powerful VR experience that shifted her perspective on consciousness, and she and Jim discuss the balance between frightening encounters and uplifting ones, the “trickster” element in the paranormal, and why humor and hope are essential in this field. Morgan also gives a look into her podcast Supernatural Circumstances and her work at EntitySeeker, which bring rigorous research and fresh insight to the mysteries that continue to fascinate us. You can find Morgan's website at https://www.entityseeker.ca/ Thanks Morgan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to the paranormal, I’ve always admired voices that balance open-mindedness with critical thinking. That’s why Dr. Ciarán O’Keefe is my kind of skeptic. Known to many from BBC’s Uncanny with Danny Robins, Ciarán brings scientific rigor to the mysteries of the supernatural while staying open to possibilities. In this conversation we explore: Why skepticism doesn’t equal cynicism How parapsychology lost visibility in academia and media How ghost hunters can serve as “citizen scientists” by gathering useful data The enduring mystery of cold spots, EMF fluctuations, and environmental triggers Explanations beyond “ghosts are dead people,” including time slips and dimensional slips How a recent medical discovery reshaped thinking about some possession cases Ciarán’s most unforgettable “head-scratching” investigation His role as the resident skeptic on Uncanny—and why he embraces being the “party pooper” Ciarán also shares details about the Uncanny: Fear of the Dark UK tour, with possible plans for a North American run in the future. This episode shows how belief and skepticism, far from being opposites, can fuel better questions and deeper insights into life’s greatest mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we slow down to stare at accidents, binge horror movies, or devour true crime podcasts? What draws us toward the dark and disturbing even when it frightens us? To explore this fascinating question, I’m joined by Dr. Colton Scrivner, a behavioral scientist and the world’s leading expert on morbid curiosity. His new book, Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Can’t Look Away, digs into the psychology behind our obsession with danger, horror, and the macabre. We discuss: Why our brains are wired to pay attention to danger How horror movies and haunted houses safely feed our fears Why true crime is especially popular with women The evolutionary roots of fear — and how morbid curiosity can actually help us Morbidly Curious releases October 7, 2025, wherever you buy books. Here is the link to buy at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KAizdZ Thanks Dr. Scrivner! -- LORAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENT Join Jim at the Lorain Public Main Library on the evening of October 8th for “An Evening Around The Campfire” with Jim Harold. You can register here: https://www.lorainpubliclibrary.org/programs?action=show&id=44596 -- JIM’S MAUSOLEUM OF MERCHSupport the shows! Get spooky gear from Jim’s Mausoleum of Merch: https://jimharoldsmausoleum.etsy.com/ JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBGet access to the entire back catalog of Jim Harold’s Campfire, The Paranormal Podcast & exclusive Plus ONLY shows. That’s over 2,500 episodes. Join today here: https://jimharold.com/plus--- For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim is joined by paranormal investigators and real-life couple Cody Ray DesBiens and Satori Hawes — known from Ghost Hunters, TAPS, and their paranormal investigations. Together, they share how their paths crossed through the world of the unexplained and how their relationship has become inseparable from their paranormal work. Cody and Satori take us inside The Paranormal Couple’s Haunted Museum of Objects, Oddities, and Curiosities, where they curate hundreds of items linked to strange, eerie, and sometimes heartwarming experiences. From dolls that move on their own, to cursed artifacts like a monkey’s paw, to objects infused with love and intention, they explain how ordinary antiques can hold extraordinary stories. We also discuss their book, Archives of the Paranormal: Case Files from The Paranormal Couple's Haunted Museum, which collects some of their most fascinating cases and experiences with haunted relics. Along the way, we explore: -The story of the doll that wouldn’t stay gone. -Why not everything “haunted” is negative. -What it’s like to fall in love while ghost hunting. -How haunted objects can sometimes comfort rather than terrify. -Why respect — not provocation — is the key to investigating the unknown. Whether you’re fascinated by cursed relics, intrigued by haunted love stories, or curious about the reality behind Ghost Hunters and TAPS, this conversation offers a unique peek into the lives of two investigators whose passion for the paranormal is matched only by their love for each other. You can find their book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4nsMIdn Cody & Satori even have more appearances than we discussed at time of recording. Check them out here: https://paranormalcouple.com/events Thanks Cody & Satori! -- Note: Thumbnail artwork was created with the help of generative AI tools. All video/audio content is original. – Join Jim's Spooky Studio Plus Club for exclusive content and 20 years of show archives: ⁠⁠⁠https://jimharold.com/plus⁠⁠⁠ – Get Your Spooky Merch at our Mausoleum of Merch at ⁠⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, good witch and paranormal TV personality Patti Negri joins us to talk about her lifelong fascination with dolls and her new book Dollcraft: A Witch’s Guide to Poppet Magic and Haunted Dolls. From Hollywood’s obsession with haunted dolls to real-world cases that have left people shaken, Patti shares why these innocent-looking objects capture so much fear and curiosity. We also hear about her personal experiences with infamous dolls like Peggy and Annabelle, and how to tell if an item you’ve brought home might be more than just porcelain and lace. But it’s not all chills. Patti also opens up about the magical side of her work, introducing us to the world of poppets and how they can be used for protection, healing, and positive manifestation. We explore the difference between a haunted doll and a cursed doll, why intention matters, and how working with these vessels taps into something deeply human. It’s a mix of spooky stories and empowering insight you won’t want to miss. You can find Patti's book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/45WiycR Thanks Patti! Be sure to check out our free community of thousands of fellow paranormal fans at https://VirtualCampfireGroup.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spooky season kicks off in style! Jim Harold welcomes back author, storyteller, and podcaster Jeff Belanger to celebrate the release of his brand-new book Wicked Strange: Your Guide to Ghosts, Monsters, Oddities, and Urban Legends from New England. Jeff shares why New England may be America’s most haunted region, the importance of local legends, and how stories from cemeteries, roadside oddities, and even a legend of “satanic imps” have shaped the culture of the region. You’ll also hear about his friendship with Ed & Lorraine Warren, the White Lady of Easton, and how his podcast New England Legends helped inspire the book. Along the way, Jim and Jeff swap eerie experiences about interviewing people just before they passed away, the role of storytelling in grappling with death and the unknown, and why legends matter more than ever in our information-overloaded world. This is a wide-ranging, thought-provoking, and spooky conversation. It's perfect for the start of Halloween season. You can find Jeff's book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4g4uTyM -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! — – Join our Spooky Studio Plus Club for exclusive content and 20 years of show archives: ⁠⁠https://jimharold.com/plus⁠⁠ – Get Your Spooky Merch at our Mausoleum of Merch at ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ – Sign up for our FREE Virtual Campfire community: ⁠⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bigfoot has been part of American folklore for decades, but what do we really know about the creature and the people who search for it? On this episode of The Paranormal Podcast, Jim Harold sits down with journalist and author John O’Connor, whose new book The Secret History of Bigfoot: Field Notes on a North American Monster explores not just the mystery of Sasquatch, but the culture of those who dedicate their lives to finding it. John shares his experiences traveling across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to the forests of Kentucky and beyond, meeting Bigfooters of all kinds. Along the way, he uncovers: Why he, as a serious journalist, decided to take Bigfoot seriously. The surprising diversity of belief within the Bigfoot community, from “flesh and blood” researchers to the more mystical “woo” camp. What the Patterson–Gimlin film still tells us, and doesn’t, about the possibility of Bigfoot’s existence. How his encounters with witnesses and searchers reshaped his own views on belief, mystery, and the human need for wonder. John also reflects on how Bigfoot represents something larger than footprints and blurry photos. It is a reminder of our connection to wild places and the enduring power of belief in the unexplained. If you’ve ever wondered why this legend refuses to fade, or what drives people to spend weekends in the woods chasing shadows, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the enduring mystery of Bigfoot. You can find his book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mZCMrT Thanks John! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is reality far stranger than we’ve been led to believe? Researcher and author Andy Thomas joins Jim to explore the hidden connections between UFOs, ghosts, near-death experiences, crop circles, and more. From “time leaks” and precognitive dreams to unexplained encounters seen by everyday people, Andy reveals why the paranormal may be woven into our everyday world. Discover why these mysteries may all be connected—and what they tell us about the true nature of reality. You can find Andy's new book, Strange: Paranormal Realities in the Everyday World. at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UyQ7es This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! --For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are extraterrestrials guiding humanity’s future? Psychic Medium Vincent Genna, MSW, joins Jim Harold on The Paranormal Podcast to share his extraordinary claim that ETs are benevolent beings working behind the scenes to help us evolve, survive, and reconnect with our spiritual nature. In this thought-provoking conversation, Vincent reveals: How he says he first made contact with an “Intergalactic Council” Why he believes humans are hybrid aliens The real purpose behind alien abductions How psionics and spiritual evolution connect to UFOs and UAPs Why ETs may appear more openly in our lifetime Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious about the UFO phenomenon, this episode will make you think about aliens, disclosure, and humanity’s place in the universe in a whole new way. Guest Links: Vincent Genna’s Website → https://vincentgenna.com Vincent’s Book The Secret That’s Holding You Back → https://amzn.to/3HsLijS -- Share this episode with a friend who’s fascinated by UFOs This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim reflects on 20 years of paranormal podcast from his deck! Thanks to all of our listeners and guests over the years. Special thanks go out to Maddy, The biggest thanks go to Dar and my kids. Thank you for allowing me to follow this dream! Join our free Virtual Campfire community at https://virtualcampfiregroup.com --For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giano Cromley shares a chilling real-life experience deep in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest—an encounter that reshaped the way he sees the Bigfoot phenomenon. In this episode, we explore: -Giano’s unexplained encounter in the woods-Why Bigfoot remains such a powerful figure in American mythology-Indigenous stories that predate modern sightings-How belief, folklore, and the wild still collide in our digital age-His new novel, American Mythology, and how it pays tribute to true Bigfoot seekers Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation blends real experience with deep insight—and just might change how you see the legend. Get Giano's novel, American Mythology, at Amazon.com: https://amzn.to045dyl5v Thanks Giano! -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! --For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is our reality real—or are we living in a video game? In this mind-expanding episode of The Paranormal Podcast, Jim talks with Rizwan Virk, MIT grad, tech entrepreneur, and author of The Simulation Hypothesis. Virk shares why he believes we may be players inside a sophisticated simulation, guided by code and driven by quests, karma, and possibly even a cosmic “game master.” Drawing connections between video games, ancient scriptures, quantum physics, and near-death experiences, Rizwan lays out a compelling case that our world may not be what it seems. They explore the metaphysical and philosophical implications of the theory, from reincarnation and life planning to déjà vu and the Mandela Effect. Can synchronicity, glitches in the matrix, and the structure of time and space point to a simulated multiverse? What role does AI play in this unfolding digital landscape? And if we are in a simulation, what does that mean for our purpose and free will? Strap in for a conversation that bends the rules of science, spirituality, and reality itself. You can find Rizwan’s book at Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4lI4GIC Thanks Rizwan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filmmaker Dean Alioto returns to discuss The Alien Perspective II — a deep dive into why “they” may be visiting us, and what that could mean for humanity. From simulated reality and experiencer contact to high-strangeness theories and Spielberg’s hidden truths, this is one of our most thought-provoking UFO episodes yet. Late in the conversation, Dean drops a surprising claim about UFO documentaries that you’ll definitely want to hear. --For more information on our podcast data policy CLICK HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim is joined by Bridget Marquardt—famous for The Girls Next Door and the creator of the Ghost Bunny podcast. Bridget talks about her lifelong love of all things spooky, from her first unsettling experiences as a child to her passion for exploring haunted places. She shares how her views on the paranormal have evolved over the years and why she believes there may be deeper connections between ghosts, UFOs, and other unexplained phenomena. Bridget and Jim also swap stories about dream visitations, strange encounters, and the idea that sometimes the paranormal has a trickster side. Bridget reflects on some of her favorite interviews and how talking openly about these mysteries can help us feel less alone in our experiences. It’s a fun and thought-provoking conversation with one of the most genuine voices in the paranormal community. JOIN THE VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE Join Jim’s new Virtual Campfire user community for FREE. No social media, no politics, no spammy advertising just good paranormal talk with like minded people. Join today at https://virtualcampfiregroup.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices