The Paranormal Podcast - Archive

Veteran television producer and investigative journalist Miguel Sancho joins Jim for a fascinating deep dive into the unexplained through the lens of mainstream journalism. Drawing on his years at ABC’s 20/20 and CBS’s 48 Hours, Sancho explains how a skeptic found himself confronting cases that resisted easy debunking. From UFO whistleblowers and military footage to near-death experiences and strange encounters captured on camera, the conversation explores where rigorous investigation ends and genuine mystery begins. Jim and Miguel also venture into bigger philosophical territory, discussing whether science itself is evolving toward ideas

What did the one of the first private astronauts really see during the dawn of commercial spaceflight? In this fascinating conversation, filmmaker Kevin Curran joins Jim to discuss Beyond Blue Sky: The Untold Story of the First Private Astronauts and the extraordinary experiences of astronaut Brian Binnie during the historic SpaceShipOne program. From high-risk experimental flights to mysterious glowing figures just days after a devastating crash, this is a story that blends aerospace history with one of the most compelling UFO encounters we’ve heard in years. Kevin shares the behind-the-scenes story

Najah Lightfoot joins us to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood world of dolls through the lens of her book The Spiritual Magic of Dolls. We dig into why dolls have such a powerful presence across cultures and history, and how they’ve gone from cherished companions to objects of fear in modern times. Najah shares her personal connection to dolls, how Hollywood has shaped our perceptions, and how can carry emotional and environmental imprints from the people and places they’ve been part of. It’s a conversation that challenges assumptions and opens

Jim sits down with astrologer, therapist, and author Carmen Turner-Schott to explore how astrology, past lives, and psychology may be more connected than we realize. Carmen shares the remarkable paranormal experience that first set her on this path, then breaks down how birth charts act as a “map of the soul,” revealing patterns that shape personality, relationships, and life direction. The conversation dives into the idea of astrology as energy, how planetary cycles may influence emotions and behavior, and why even skeptics can be surprised by the accuracy of a well-read

John J. Davis was clinically dead for SEVEN minutes and came back! He shares extraordinary account that began with a devastating accident and a medical emergency. What he describes is a vivid journey into what he believes is the afterlife, not darkness, but a place of purpose, connection, and overwhelming clarity. From the very start, his story challenges the idea that death is something to fear and instead offers a perspective that it may be a transition into something far greater. As Jim and John talk, they explore the most meaningful

Jim welcomes author Brad Ricca to explore the surprising intersection of Harry Houdini, Abraham Lincoln, and the explosive rise of spiritualism in America. Brad paints a vivid portrait of Houdini not just as a master illusionist, but as a relentless crusader determined to expose mediums he believed were exploiting grief for profit. From dramatic jail escapes to deeply personal attempts to contact his late mother, Houdini’s journey reveals a man caught between skepticism and a yearning to believe. The discussion also dives into the eerie cultural backdrop of the early 20th

Filmmaker James Fox returns to the show to discuss one of the most compelling and controversial UFO cases you’ve likely never heard of. We dive deep into the 1996 incident in Varginha, Brazil, a case involving multiple eyewitnesses, alleged military involvement, and claims of captured non-human entities. Fox breaks down the timeline of events, from a mysterious crash and debris field to chilling encounters described by civilians, medical professionals, and even law enforcement. Along the way, we explore why this case has remained largely ignored by mainstream media despite decades of

Jim welcomes Jason Offutt to explore the fascinating world of cryptids through his book Chasing North American Monsters. From Bigfoot to lesser-known legends like the El Duende and the terrifying Wendigo, Jason shares stories that stretch across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and beyond. The conversation digs into the surprising similarities between global folklore, including “little people” legends that appear in cultures separated by oceans and centuries. Jason also makes a compelling case that some of these tales may be rooted in real discoveries, pointing to examples where science once dismissed legends

In this episode, Jim welcomes back Richard Estep to discuss his latest book Monsters, Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters. They dive into why monster stories continue to captivate us from childhood into adulthood, exploring everything from classic cryptids like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to lesser-known oddities like the Fresno Nightcrawler. Richard shares how he approached balancing well-known creatures with more obscure cases, and the two explore fascinating stories including the eerie Flatwoods Monster and the ever-evolving legend of the Chupacabra. Along the way, the conversation takes some intriguing turns,

Longtime friend of the show Tiyi Schippers joins us to discuss her latest book, Grace in the Cabin. In the book, Tiyi shares the true story of a remote lodge tied to tragic events and a powerful haunting. What begins as a frightening tale becomes something deeper as she tries to uncover the truth behind the spirits connected to the property. We also revisit Tiyi’s legendary “Roadhouse Saloon” experience, first shared on Jim Harold’s Campfire and widely regarded by Jim and many listeners as the ultimate story ever featured on the

Critical care physician and neurologist Dr. Adam Rizvi, author of Love Does Not Know Death, joins us. Drawing from years in the ICU and more than 500 deaths he has witnessed, Dr. Rizvi shares what he’s learned about the moments surrounding death, the emotional reckoning families often face, and how forgiveness and compassion sometimes emerge in the most unexpected ways. We also explore remarkable experiences reported near the end of life, including deathbed visions and cases that challenge the idea that consciousness ends with the body. Along the way, Jim and

Tarot has fascinated people for centuries, but what is really going on when the cards are laid out on the table? Jim talks with tarot expert Kerry Ward, a longtime reader, author, and deck creator who has spent decades helping people use the cards as a tool for insight and self-reflection. She explains why tarot has endured for hundreds of years, how the cards can reveal patterns in our lives, and why so many people turn to them when facing big questions about love, career, and personal direction. The conversation also

Jim talks with Julie McFadden, RN, known to millions as Hospice Nurse Julie, about death in a honest, open, and surprisingly comforting chat. Drawing on her years in hospice care, Julie shares what people experience at end of life, why talking openly about dying can actually bring relief, and how acknowledging our mortality can help us live with more clarity and purpose. Her insights come from being at the bedside with patients and families during their most vulnerable moments, and they carry the calm assurance of someone who has seen this