Paranormal Optimist

About Paranormal Optimist

This show was made for you. You are someone with a healthy interest in the paranormal and just want to learn if there is any truth behind it all. You don’t think every bright light in the night sky is an interstellar craft. You don’t believe every speck of dust reflecting light in a photograph is a ghost. You want to understand the science, you want the evidence, and you don’t want to be dismissed just for wondering if there's something more. In every episode of this show, we dissect paranormal topics from the perspective of skeptics, believers, and everyone in between. For every topic discussed, I will summarize the history and the science, suggest other resources so you can learn more, and I will discuss why people do and do not believe in the paranormal explanation. I also include interviews with witnesses, experts and enthusiasts. But, at the end of each episode it will always be up to you to decide for yourself. Are you a Paranormal Optimist?

Publisher

Stephanie

Category

history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Aug 2025

Latest episode

30 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Dec 2025

   #016: Bob Lazar - Do You Want to Believe?

   After a short hiatus, Paranormal Optimist is back and diving into one of the most controversial figures in UFO history: Bob Lazar. In 1989, Lazar claimed he worked on reverse-engineering alien technology at a secret government site linked to Area 51. In the over 35 years since, the debate over his story has never really stopped. In this episode, I look at where Lazar’s story came from, why it was so easy to believe, and the major issues that make it hard to fully trust. Why does his story still resonate decades later, and what does it reveal about the future of believe in extraterrestrial life? Whether you are an optimist, skeptic, or still undecided, let’s dig in. 👽 Music: www.Purple-Planet.com Find Paranormal Optimist everywhere! https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Friedman, S. T. (2012). UFOs: Real or imagined?: A scientific investigation. Rosen Pub. Radford, B. (2012, September 27). Area 51: Secrets, yes; aliens, no. LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/23514-area-51.html Prothero, D. R., Callahan, T. D., & Shermer, M. (2018). UFOs, chemtrails, and aliens what science says. Indiana University Press. the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. (2023, November 22). Bob Lazar, UFO Hoaxster. HowStuffWorks Science. https://science.howstuffworks.com/space/aliens-ufos/bob-lazar.htm McMillan, T. (2024, July 27). Bob Lazar says the FBI raided him to seize area 51’s alien fuel. the truth is weirder. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/bob-lazar-says-the-fbi-raided-him-to-seize-area-51s-alien-fuel-the-truth-is-weirder/ Thornicroft, C. (2022, June 12). The Lazar Tape (1991). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=142P9RKCqCs 8 Now News Las Vegas. (n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GRjgBVw9Pk Darlington, D. (2024). Area 51 the dreamland chronicles. Holt Paperbacks. National Geographic. (n.d.). Where is area 51? the history behind the most mysterious military base in the U.S. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/area-51-aliens-ufos-real-history#:~:text=While%20no%20proof%20of%20aliens,are%20a%20top%2Dsecret%20mystery. Area 51 | description, history, map, & facts | britannica. Britannica. (n.d.). https://www.britannica.com/place/Area-51

2. 

   28 Oct 2025

   #015: Halloween Special - Things that Feel Paranormal

   This week on Paranormal Optimist, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit with a few eerie stories from friends of the show that blur the line between coincidence and the uncanny. From strange synchronicities to the comfort we find in believing there’s meaning behind life’s chaos, we explore why ordinary moments can sometimes feel otherworldly. Whether it’s evolution, psychology, or something more mysterious, today’s episode asks: when life feels too weird to be random, does it really matter if it’s paranormal or not? Music: www.Purple-Planet.com Find Paranormal Optimist everywhere! https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Synchronicity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/synchronicity

3. 

   21 Oct 2025

   #014: 3i/ATLAS - Clickbait or Catastrophe?

   In this episode, we dive into the mystery of 3I/ATLAS, the interstellar object that captured worldwide attention. We talk about its discovery, what scientists determined it to be, and why some still questioned whether it could have been created by intelligent life. The discussion explores why people are drawn to these theories, how science helps separate fact from speculation, and what real evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence might look like. Music: www.Purple-Planet.com Find Paranormal Optimist everywhere! https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Astronomers discover third-ever interstellar object: 3i/Atlas. Sci.News: Breaking Science News. (2025, July 3). https://www.sci.news/astronomy/interstellar-object-3i-atlas-14041.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIf%203I/ATLAS’s%20brightness%20stems,to%20the%20Sun%20to%20observe. Fox 32 Chicago. (n.d.). Avi Loeb on new 3I/ATLAS images: ‘It doesn’t look like a typical comet.’ YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiS5-eoa9IE Fuge, L. (2021, May 6). How to recognise an alien spaceship. Cosmos. https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/how-to-recognise-an-alien-spaceship/ Howells, K. (n.d.). What is Comet 3i/Atlas?. The Planetary Society. https://www.planetary.org/articles/what-is-comet-3i-atlas#:~:text=3I/ATLAS%2C%20also%20called%20C,telescope%20in%20Hawai%60i.%20%60 IAU. (n.d.). The International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center. The NEO Confirmation Page. https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/NEO/toconfirm_tabular.html Loeb, A. (2025, July 27). Did 3i/Atlas Go Viral?. Medium. https://avi-loeb.medium.com/did-3i-atlas-go-viral-20707d5b60fc Mishra, T. (n.d.). “brace for impact”: What would happen if 3i/Atlas Comet actually hits earth? Wion. https://www.wionews.com/photos/-brace-for-impact-what-would-happen-if-3i-atlas-comet-actually-hits-earth-1759399027517 NASA. (2025, October 1). Comet 3i/Atlas - NASA Science. NASA. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/3i-atlas/#:~:text=Discovered%20in%202017%2C%20’Oumuamua%20was,How%20fast%20is%20it%20moving? NASA. (n.d.). Scout: NEOCP hazard assessment. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/scout/#/ The ATLAS Project. (n.d.). Asteroid terrestrial-impact last alert system . ATLAS. https://atlas.fallingstar.com/#:~:text=Asteroid%20Terrestrial%2Dimpact%20Last%20Alert,night%20looking%20for%20moving%20objects.

4. 

   14 Oct 2025

   #013: Expert Interview - Soluna Investigations Part II

   In this special two-part conversation, we stepped into the world of modern paranormal investigation with Kayla and Jacob of Soluna Investigations. In Part I, we got to know the team behind Soluna.How they prepared for fieldwork, the tools they relied on, and the reasoning that guided their methods. They also shared insights from their time investigating the historic Bruce Mansion in Michigan and raised some fascinating questions about the true nature of ghosts. In Part II, the conversation turns practical as Kayla and Jacob offer advice for those curious about fieldwork. We touch on how to get started and what every investigator should keep in mind. Throughout both parts, they reveal how curiosity, science, and spirituality intertwine in their pursuit of the unknown, giving us a rare look at what drives today’s ghost hunters. Music: www.Purple-Planet.com Find Paranormal Optimist everywhere! https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Find and follow Soluna Investigations: https://www.youtube.com/@Soluna.Investigations https://www.tiktok.com/@soluna.investigations?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.facebook.com/soluna.investigations https://www.instagram.com/soluna.investigations/

5. 

   7 Oct 2025

   #012: Expert Interview - Soluna Investigations Part I

   This episode marks the beginning of a fascinating two-part collaboration with Soluna Investigations. Join me as Kayla and Jacob share how they approach the world of paranormal research—from their investigative prep and favorite tools to the deeper “why” behind their work. Along the way, we revisit their time at Bruce Mansion in Michigan and wrestle with the big question: what is the true nature of a ghost? Thoughtful, grounded, and a little eerie—this one will stay with you. Find Paranormal Optimist on all your favorite platforms: linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Find and follow Soluna Investigations: https://www.youtube.com/@Soluna.Investigations https://www.tiktok.com/@soluna.investigations?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.facebook.com/soluna.investigations https://www.instagram.com/soluna.investigations/ Music: www.purple-planet.com

6. 

   30 Sept 2025

   #011: Mothman Part III - The Cursed Episode

   We’ve reached the final chapter of our 3-part Mothman series! In this episode, I’ll share my own theory on what Mothman might be, or maybe still is, if he’s out there today. From there, we’ll zoom out to ask: what do we do with all this lore? We’ll explore why people continue to cling to the legend, how Mothman has spread his wings in pop culture, and even some modern sightings that prove the story isn’t going anywhere. Find Paranormal Optimist on all your favorite platforms: linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Music: www.purple-planet.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guhZN8MBfyY&list=RDguhZN8MBfyY&start_radio=1 Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: DeCoste, S. (n.d.). 2023 Mothman Festival summons economic boom for point pleasant | WOWK 13 news. 13 News. https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/mason-county-wv/2023-mothman-festival-summons-economic-boom-for-point-pleasant/ Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, August 21). Thunderbird. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/thunderbird-mythological-bird H., S. (n.d.-a). Mothman Myth & How Folklore Overshadowed Real tragedy. Mythfolks. https://www.mythfolks.com/mothman-legend Harvey, A. (2024, August 1). The Chicago Mothman, the creepy red-eyed humanoid allegedly seen flying throughout the city. All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/chicago-mothman Horowitz, D. (n.d.). Thunderbird (cryptozoology): Research starters: EBSCO research. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/zoology/thunderbird-cryptozoology Phantoms & Monsters. Phantoms Monsters RSS. (n.d.). https://phantomsandmonsters.com/post/9218168018845603639 SpookySight. (n.d.). Mothman 1966-2024 sightings map by SpookySight · MapHub. MapHub. https://maphub.net/SpookySight/wisconsincaps-mothman-sightings Terry, J. (2024, July 27). People keep seeing the Mothman in Chicago. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/mothman-sightings-in-chicago Up-to-date Mothman sighting map: All encounters from 1966 to 2024. spookysight.com. (2024, December 9). https://spookysight.com/updated-mothman-sighting-map Watts, B. (n.d.). University of Kentucky University of Kentucky Uknowledge Uknowledge. UKnowledge. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=ltt_etds

7. 

   23 Sept 2025

   #010: Mothman - Part II

   In this part of the Mothman series, we’re hitting pause before falling headfirst into the rabbit hole. Today, we’ll look at why some folks shrug Mothman off as nothing more than a big bird or a big myth — and why others are absolutely convinced he’s something far stranger and maybe even supernatural. It’s skepticism vs. belief, and Mothman is right in the middle. But don’t worry, this isn’t the end of the story. Next time, I’ll share my own theory about what Mothman could really be, dig into why this winged weirdo grabbed the world’s attention, and explore modern sightings, pop culture cameos, and even the way Mothman has been turned into toys and festival mascots. Stick around — things are only getting stranger from here! Find Paranormal Optimist on all your favorite platforms: linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Music credit: www.purple-planet.com Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Cornell. (n.d.). Sandhill Crane identification, all about birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/id Database : 1966 – 1967, Appalachian Oddity. Appalachian Oddity. (n.d.). https://www.appalachianoddity.org/database-1966-1967/ Enlighten : Who is the Mothman of Point Pleasant. The College of Psychic Studies. (n.d.). https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/enlighten/who-is-the-mothman-of-point-pleasant/ Feres, M., & Feres, M. F. N. (2023, March 27). Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10065758/ H., S. (n.d.). Mothman Myth & How Folklore Overshadowed Real tragedy. Mythfolks. https://www.mythfolks.com/mothman-legend New York University. (2020, June 5). NYU shanghai prof finds distance threshold for reliable eyewitness identification. NYU Shanghai. https://shanghai.nyu.edu/news/nyu-shanghai-prof-finds-distance-threshold-reliable-eyewitness-identification#:~:text=Could%20you%20remember%20enough%20about,’%E2%80%9D Raypole, C. (2022, May 2). Mass hysteria: Definition, examples, causes, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mass-hysteria Schwarz, J. (n.d.). Witnesses’ eyes deceive them when distance is too great. UW News. https://www.washington.edu/news/2005/02/17/witnesses-eyes-deceive-them-when-distance-is-too-great/#:~:text=At%20200%20feet%20you%20would,that%20made%20a%20face%20unrecognizable. Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Pareidolia. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/pareidolia#:~:text=Pareidolia%20is%20a%20phenomenon%20wherein,friend%20or%20an%20unfamiliar%20foe. The true story behind the mothman of west virginia. US Ghost Adventures. (2022, October 21). https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/31-days-of-halloween/the-true-story-behind-the-mothman-of-west-virginia/#:~:text=Just%20three%20days%20after%20their,Mothman%20started%20to%20take%20shape.

8. 

   16 Sept 2025

   #009: Mothman - Wings Over Point Pleasant

   In Part I of our Mothman series, we’re rewinding to 1966 Point Pleasant. And let me warn you, things got weird fast. We’ll unpack what people think they know about this winged wonder, dip into West Virginia’s spooky backstory, and meet characters like Mary Hyre and John Keel, who may or may not have gotten more than they bargained for. Part II will take us further into belief, skepticism, and modern sightings, but for now, let’s begin where the legend truly started. Have a paranormal story to share, an idea for a future episode, or maybe you’d like to be a guest on the show? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com. Have a story or link to Mothman or Point Pleasant? Please send me an email! Find Paranormal Optimist on all your favorite platforms: linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Music credit: www.purple-planet.com Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Keel, J. A. (2013). The Mothman prophecies. Tor. Screen Gems & Lakeshore Entertainment. (2002). The Mothman Prophecies [Film]. Mark Pellington. Ocker, J. W. (2023). The United States of cryptids. A tour of American myths and Monsters. Blackstone Publishing. Sergent, D., & Wamsley, J. (2002). Mothman: The facts behind the legend. Mothman Lives Pub. Witkoski, M. (2004). History of west virginia: Research starters: EBSCO research. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/history-west-virginia West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. (2024, April 30). West Virginia Plants & Animals - WVDNR. WVDNR. https://wvdnr.gov/plants-animals/ Reports, W. N., & photo, S. (2025, March 28). Cryptids of west virginia: From Mothman to ogua and beyond. WV News. https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/cryptids-of-west-virginia-from-mothman-to-ogua-and-beyond/article_68e6d0d3-15a9-430d-b067-8dc6c75861b1.html#:~:text=The%20Ogua%20is%20a%20water,local%20festivals%2C%20and%20storytelling%20traditions. O’Neill, C. (2012, January 23). Welcome to the “TNT area,” home of the Mothman. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2012/01/23/145334460/welcome-to-the-tnt-area-home-of-the-mothman Fisher, B. (2020, September 2). Why John Keel?. 6 Degrees of John Keel. https://6degreesofjohnkeel.com/blog/why-john-keel Encyclopedia.com. (2025, September 9). Keel, John A(lva) (1930-). Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/keel-john-alva-1930 Media, T. B. A. (2024, November 25). Mothman myth rooted in Messenger reporter’s work. The Athens Messenger. https://www.athensmessenger.com/news/mothman-myth-rooted-in-messenger-reporters-work/article_eae63596-c338-576c-97b2-3c445379ad1c.html Wikia, C. to T. (n.d.). Mary Hyre. TheMothMan Wikia. https://themothman.fandom.com/wiki/Mary_Hyre

9. 

   9 Sept 2025

   #008: Personally Paranormal Vol. 2

   Welcome back to another episode of Paranormal Optimist! This week brings you Vol. 2 of Personally Paranormal. The stories from today’s episode come from friends of the show Jessica and Matt (special guest appearance by April!!). I could never thank this group of people enough for their support on this insane project of mine! In summary, they are the best. Tune in today to hear about more shadow people, ghost burglars, and… Leprechauns? If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). Also! Come join Paranormal Optimist at Hippie Fest 2025 on Saturday, September 13th! Come chat with me about everything wonderful and weird. Links below for more info! Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/173LPDEnqB/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/173LPDEnqB/) Music: www.purple-planet.com (http://www.purple-planet.com/) Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast (https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast)

10. 

    5 Sept 2025

    Visit Us At Hippie Fest!

    Join Paranormal Optimist this year at Hippie Fest 2025! I will have a table set up on Saturday, September 13th! Come talk to me about everything weird and wonderful! This event is hosted by RiverSide-Gypsy! Check out their page and the event page for more information. Link to the Event Page: Hippie Fest 2025 Follow RiverSide-Gypsy on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/RiverSideGypsy Click here to follow Paranormal Optimist on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Music: www.Purple-Planet.com

11. 

    2 Sept 2025

    #007: Personally Paranormal Vol. 1

    It’s another Tuesday and another episode of Paranormal Optimist! This week, we finally get the chance to hear some paranormal experiences! The stories from today’s episode were recorded by friends of the show Jessica, April, and Matt. I for one had no idea what to expect when I opened the show up to the personally paranormal, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Tune it to hear about aliens, shadow people, ghost swimmers, and more! If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com. Music: www.purple-planet.com Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Bradford, A., & Gordon, J. (2022, February 8). Empirical evidence: A definition. LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/21456-empirical-evidence-a-definition.html Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Anecdotal evidence definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotal%20evidence#:~:text=noun,based%20only%20on%20anecdotal%20evidence. Tsang, A. (n.d.). Dismissal & invalidation in relationships: Sage therapy. Sage Therapy: In-person & Online Therapists. https://www.sagetherapy.com/post/dismissal-and-invalidation-insight-on-their-impact-and-significance#:~:text=If%20we%20were%20to%20Google,them%20is%20not%20being%20taken.

12. 

    26 Aug 2025

    #006: Lincoln Park Haunts

    We’re back with another episode of Paranormal Optimist! This week, we talk about the haunted history of the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Tune in to hear about thousands of unmarked graves under the feet of pedestrians, prohibition era ghosts who just love to drink, cult ties, human sacrifice, and a ghost who constantly reenacts his own death from the final chapter of his saga of crime. Fun, right? If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com. Music: www.purple-planet.com Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Bannos, P. (n.d.). Hidden truths. https://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu/confusion/hidden/cem_in_park.html Bannos, P. (n.d.). Hidden truths. https://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu/couch/tomb.html Bannos, P. (n.d.). Hidden truths. Remaining Vestiges: Frances M. Pearce Memorial. https://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu/evidence/vestiges/pearce.html Bannos, P. (n.d.). Hidden truths: 1998 excavation. (n.d.). https://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu/evidence/excavation.html ChloeAttention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.September 14, & Chloe. (2020, September 14). Exploring history through Chicago’s earliest cemeteries. Chicago Public Library. https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/chicagos-earliest-cemeteries/ Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). John Dillinger | Federal Bureau of Investigation. History. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/john-dillinger Harrington, A. (n.d.). Chicago hauntings: The mysteries of the couch mausoleum in Lincoln Park and who, if anyone, is entombed there. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-hauntings-the-mysteries-of-the-couch-mausoleum-in-lincoln-park-and-who-if-anyone-is-entombed-there/ Innovaxis Marketing. (2021, October 20). John Barleycorn’s Wrigleyville: Chicago Bar Project Review. Chicago Bar Project. https://chibarproject.com/reviews/barleycornwrigleyville/ Jaffe, L. (2015, June 18). In Chicago, eternal rest ain’t so eternal. WBEZ. https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2015/06/17/in-chicago-eternal-rest-aint-so-eternal John Dillinger lives. America’s Haunted Roadtrip. (2021, August 20). http://americashauntedroadtrip.com/john-dillinger-lives/ Johnson, S. (2020, September 9). Who is John Barleycorn? || gruesome origins & modern retellings. ARCANE ALCHEMY. https://www.arcane-alchemy.com/blog/2020/9/9/who-is-john-barleycorn-gruesome-origins-amp-modern-retellings#:~:text=If%20you%20haven’t%20ever,Song%2C%20give%20it%20a%20listen.&text=The%20story%20of%20John%20Barleycorn,John%20Barleycorn%20is%20even%20older. Selvam, A. (2023, April 17). John Barleycorn’s Lincoln Park Space finds a new tenant after nine years. Eater Chicago. https://chicago.eater.com/2023/4/17/23687129/bad-apple-lincoln-park-john-barleycorn-burgers-prohibition Sobottka, S. (2025, May 29). Biograph Theater. Haunted Houses. https://hauntedhouses.com/illinois/biograph-theater/ US Ghost Adventures. (2025, April 16). Hauntings at the Golden Dagger . Windy City Ghosts. https://windycityghosts.com/hauntings-at-the-golden-dagger/

13. 

    19 Aug 2025

    #005: Science Hates Cryptozoology

    We’re back again with another episode of Paranormal Optimist! In today’s episode we take a close look at the field of Cryptozoology. Find out why scientists want you to hate it, why you can blame Bigfoot for all your problems in life, and also why it actually might not be the worst thing in the world to study cryptids. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com. Music: www.purple-planet.com Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: 7 legendary cryptids that turned out to be real! | ancient origins. Ancient Origins. (n.d.). https://www.ancient-origins.net/unexplained-phenomena/cryptids-0017386 Clark, J., & Coleman, L. (1999). Cryptozoology A to Z. Simon & Schuster. Cryptozoology: EBSCO. EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | www.ebsco.com. (n.d.). https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/science/cryptozoology Freeman, R. (2019). Adventures in cryptozoology: Hunting for yetis, Mongolian deathworms and other not-so-mythical monsters. volume 1. Mango Publishing Group. Heuvelmans, B. (1995). On the track of unknown animals: By Bernard Heuvelmans. Kegan Paul International. Loxton, D., & Prothero, D. R. (2015). Abominable science!: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and other famous cryptids. Columbia University Press. Ocker, J. W. (2023). The United States of Cryptids: A tour of american myths and monsters. Quirk Books. Ptacin, M. (2022, November 4). Loren Coleman and the Radical Field of Cryptozoology. Maine. https://www.themainemag.com/loren-coleman-and-the-radical-field-of-cryptozoology/#close Squonkapalooza. (n.d.). Squonkapalooza. https://squonkapalooza.com/ The ISC Newsletter Collection (international society of cryptozoology) : International Society of Cryptozoology : Free Download, borrow, and streaming. Internet Archive. (1982, January 1). https://archive.org/details/The-ISC-Newsletter-Collection/The%20ISC%20Newsletter%2C%20Vol%201%20No%201%2C%20Spring%201982/ Von, P. (2019, July 9). The lake monster leaves its mark on the Shore Line of Lake Champlain. WPTZ. https://www.mynbc5.com/article/the-lake-monster-leaves-its-mark-on-the-shore-line-of-lake-champlain/28327686

14. 

    15 Aug 2025

    #004: The Monroe Bigfoot 2.0 with Jessica and April

    It’s the final day of the official launch of Paranormal Optimist! In today’s episode, I am joined by friends of the show April and Jessica to discuss a local Bigfoot sighting in Monroe, Michigan. What would you do if you witnessed a paranormal event? If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). Music: www.purple-planet.com (http://www.purple-planet.com/) Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast (https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast) Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: bchampio@mlive.com, B. C. |. (2025, May 22). Father, son had “credible” bigfoot encounter in Michigan Swamp, report says. mlive. https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/05/father-son-had-credible-bigfoot-encounter-in-michigan-swamp-report-says.html (https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/05/father-son-had-credible-bigfoot-encounter-in-michigan-swamp-report-says.html) Fuzinski, P. (2024, February 10). The Monroe Monster. Wildman of the Woods. https://wildmanofthewoods.com/blog/the-monroe-monster (https://wildmanofthewoods.com/blog/the-monroe-monster) Hutchinson, D. (2025, May 22). Group finds father, son “credible” in Monroe County bigfoot sighting. WDIV. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/05/22/group-finds-father-son-credible-in-monroe-county-bigfoot-sighting/ (https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/05/22/group-finds-father-son-credible-in-monroe-county-bigfoot-sighting/) Moneymaker, M. (2025, May 18). Report # 78631 (Class A) Submitted by witness Edward Henry on Sunday, May 18, 2025. BFRO: The Bigfoot Field Research Organization. https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=78631 (https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=78631) Wiesner, B. (2025, March 21). Where are you most likely to have a bigfoot sighting in Michigan? the odds say the U.P. The Sault News. https://www.sooeveningnews.com/story/entertainment/2025/03/21/bigfoot-sightings-in-michigan-odds-say-theyre-most-likely-in-u-p/82539572007/ (https://www.sooeveningnews.com/story/entertainment/2025/03/21/bigfoot-sightings-in-michigan-odds-say-theyre-most-likely-in-u-p/82539572007/)

15. 

    14 Aug 2025

    #003: Oumuamua - The Saga of Comets and Garbage

    Welcome to another episode of Paranormal Optimist! Today’s episode is a deep dive into a specific case which caused a lot of drama in the scientific community. What would happen if we found proof of extraterrestrial life? Would we even recognize it, if we did? If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). Music: www.purple-planet.com (http://www.purple-planet.com/) Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast (https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast) Sources Cited in Today’s Episode: Loeb, A. (2021). Extraterrestrial: The first sign of Intelligent life beyond earth. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Harvard University. (n.d.). Avi Loeb. https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/people/avi-loeb Pultarova, T. (2023, March 22). Sorry, E.T. fans: Interstellar visitor ’Oumuamua isn’t an alien spacecraft. it’s just passing gas. Space. https://www.space.com/interstellar-object-oumuamua-acceleration-hydrogen-outgassing Powell, C. S. (2023, May 18). ’Oumumamua and the search for life in the universe. Astronomy . https://www.astronomy.com/science/oumumamua-and-the-search-for-life-in-the-universe/ NASA. (2024, December 5). ’OUMUAMUA. NASA Science. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/oumuamua/

16. 

    13 Aug 2025

    #002: Expert Interview - The Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life

    Thank you for joining me again on another episode of Paranormal Optimist! Dr. Rihana Bokhari, an expert from the field of space health, talks with us today about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the future of humans in space. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). Music: www.purple-planet.com (http://www.purple-planet.com/) Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast (https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast) Some questions in today’s episode were suggested by members of the This Paranormal Life FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisparanormallife (https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisparanormallife)

17. 

    12 Aug 2025

    #001: Are we Alone in the Universe?

    Welcome to the first episode of Paranormal Optimist! In this episode, we discuss the most important question first: Are we alone in the universe? Hear the history of people asking this question, the science behind believing and not believing, and suggestions of where we can go from here. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, suggest an episode, or have a story you’d like to share for the podcast, send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). Music: www.purple-planet.com (http://www.purple-planet.com/) Click here to follow the show on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast (https://linktr.ee/Paranormal_Optimist_Podcast) Sources cited in today’s episode: "The Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Candle in the Dark" (Ballantine Books, 1997) The Nobel Foundation. (n.d.-b). The nobel prize in physics 1938. NobelPrize.org. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1938/fermi/facts/ (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1938/fermi/facts/) Frank, A. (2023). The little book of aliens. Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Ward, P. D., & Brownlee, D. (2000). Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe. Springer. Druyan, A. (2020). Cosmos: Possible worlds. National Geographic. SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The Planetary Society. (n.d.). https://www.planetary.org/sci-tech/seti#:~:text=SETI%2C%20which%20stands%20for%20the,the%20search%20for%20extraterrestrial%20intelligence.) Is there anybody out there?. The Planetary Society. (n.d.-a). https://www.planetary.org/articles/20171025-seti-anybody-out-there Spectroscopy 101 – introduction | webb. (n.d.). https://webbtelescope.org/contents/articles/spectroscopy-101--introduction Hanson, R. (1998, September 15). Are we almost past it?. The Great Filter. https://web.archive.org/web/20100507074729/http:/hanson.gmu.edu/greatfilter.html (https://web.archive.org/web/20100507074729/http:/hanson.gmu.edu/greatfilter.html) Source, R. O. (2015, October 7). 6 mind-bending solutions to the Fermi paradox. Medium. https://medium.com/o-s/6-mind-bending-solutions-to-the-fermi-paradox-c0f32e47a0f7#:~:text=On%20Earth%2C%20we’ve%20decided,to%20join%20the%20extraterrestrial%20community (https://medium.com/o-s/6-mind-bending-solutions-to-the-fermi-paradox-c0f32e47a0f7#:~:text=On%20Earth%2C%20we%E2%80%99ve%20decided,to%20join%20the%20extraterrestrial%20community). NASA. (2019, June 20). 5 ways to find a planet. NASA. https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/ways-to-find-a-planet/?intent=021 Gronstal, A. (2022, September 2). NASA astrobiology. Astrobiology at NASA Life in the Universe. https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/in-memoriam-frank-drake/ (https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/news/in-memoriam-frank-drake/) NASA. (2024, October 28). Alien worlds - NASA science. NASA. https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/ Aquilecchia, G. (2024, November 4). Giordano Bruno. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giordano-Bruno (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giordano-Bruno) Westman, R. S. (Westman, R. S. (2024, November 7). Nicolaus Copernicus. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolaus-Copernicus (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolaus-Copernicus) NASA. (2025, February 18). Exoplanets - NASA science. NASA. https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/ Carey, J. M. (n.d.). This Day in History: February 26. Italian Art Society. https://www.italianartsociety.org/2017/02/on-26-february-1616-galileo-galilei-was-formally-banned-and-banished-by-the-roman-catholic-church-for-teaching-and-defending-the-opinion-that-the-earth-orbits-the-sun/ (https://www.italianartsociety.org/2017/02/on-26-february-1616-galileo-galilei-was-formally-banned-and-banished-by-the-roman-catholic-church-for-teaching-and-defending-the-opinion-that-the-earth-orbits-the-sun/)

18. 

    2 Aug 2025

    EP 000 Trailer

    This is the trailer for Paranormal Optimist! If you want to be a guest, have an episode suggestion, or a spooky story you’d like me to read on the show, send an email to ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com (mailto:ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com). See you soon! Music: www.purple-planet.com Follow the show! Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579035508355) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/paranormal_optimist_podcast/?next=%2F) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@paranormal.optimi)

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