The Paranormal Podcast

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 century, where séances, war-time loss, and political mythmaking collided. Ricca unpacks how Lincoln’s legacy became entangled in spiritualist claims, fueling Houdini’s mission and shaping a broader battle over truth, belief, and deception. Along the way, the episode touches on chilling moments surrounding Houdini’s death, the enduring mystery of his final days, and the lasting question that still lingers today: where does illusion end and something else begin? You can find Brad's book, Lincoln's Ghost: Houdini's War on Spiritualism and the Dark Conspiracy Against the American Presidency, at Amazon: ⁠https://amzn.to/4cO3UXp⁠ Thanks Brad! --- VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content!MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 investigation. We also examine the powerful testimony featured in his documentary, Moment of Contact, including emotional accounts from witnesses who carried this story in silence for years. Fox shares insights from his 16+ year investigation, including interviews with a neurosurgeon who claims direct interaction with a living being, and discusses new developments that continue to unfold. Beyond the case itself, we explore the broader implications for disclosure, government secrecy, and whether we are finally approaching a tipping point in public awareness of the phenomenon. You can find more info on Moment of Contact here: https://geni.us/MOC_NewRevelations Thanks James! VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content!MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 that later proved true. Along the way, Jim and Jason highlight some truly bizarre and memorable creatures, including three-toed “Bigfoot-like” beasts that may connect to ancient ground sloths, the infamous Chupacabra, and even a 75-foot “Sharktopus” lurking in Caribbean lore. They also tackle the big question: are these creatures flesh and blood, or something more supernatural? With a mix of skepticism, curiosity, and plenty of wild stories, this episode is a deep dive into the strange creatures that might be hiding in plain sight and why the mystery is far from solved. You can find Jason's book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lYRY97 Thanks Jason! VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, including whether any of these creatures could actually exist, why certain monsters endure across generations, and how folklore, psychology, and even medical conditions intersect with these legends. Richard also shares surprising insights from his research, including real-world military planning for a hypothetical zombie apocalypse and the enduring mystery of what may lie hidden in Earth’s largely unexplored oceans. It’s a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that will leave you questioning just how much we really know about the unknown. You can find Richard's new book, Monsters, Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters, at Amazon: https://amzn.to/40OlXHhVIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content!MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 program. Tiyi also provides a fascinating update, describing the strange and unsettling events that unfolded when she returned to the mysterious location many years later. You can find Grace In The Cabin at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ndepuy Thanks Tiyi! -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! -- VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUP Join our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com YOUTUBE CHANNEL Be sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUB You can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCH Go to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKS Get all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Dr. Rizvi reflect on what these moments reveal about how we live our lives right now, and why confronting mortality can sometimes lead to deeper meaning and connection. Find LOVE DOES NOT KNOW DEATH at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NfR0IE Thanks Dr. Rizvi! -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! -- VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 dives into common misconceptions about tarot, surprising moments from Kerry’s years of readings, and the deeper ways the cards can help people rethink challenges or turning points in their lives. Kerry also discusses her newest projects, including Zodiac Love Match and The Light in the Dark Tarot, a deck inspired by themes of loss, healing, and finding hope even in difficult seasons. Whether you are curious about tarot or already a fan, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging look at why these mysterious cards continue to capture people’s imagination. Kerry Ward’s Page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cUSi6j Thanks Kerry! — This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! -- VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fiona Dodwell joins us from the UK to explore one of the most unsettling corners of the paranormal: haunted dolls. Drawing from her book A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls, Fiona shares how a research project turned personal when she adopted a clown doll said to carry its own energy! We discuss famous cases like Robert the Doll and Peggy, but also dig into lesser-known stories that are just as disturbing. Along the way, Fiona explains why dolls, with their human likeness and emotional resonance, may be uniquely suited to becoming vessels for unexplained phenomena. From a Japanese doll whose hair reportedly continued to grow after its young owner’s death, to firsthand accounts from collectors who actively seek out haunted objects, this conversation examines whether spirits can truly attach themselves to physical items. Fiona also reflects on whether our own energy can imprint onto cherished belongings, blurring the line between memory and manifestation. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this episode invites you to reconsider the objects sitting quietly on your shelves and what they might be holding onto. You can find Fiona's book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rCcG0P Thanks Fiona! This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! NEWSLETTERGet Jim’s weekly free newsletter and a free Campfire ebook at the same time. Go here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebook VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ EVENTSHope to see you soon at one of Jim’s live events: https://jimharold.com/events YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can your hands really say something meaningful about who you are? This week, Jim welcomes hand-reading expert Christopher Jones, author of The Palmistry of Fingerprints: The Secret Patterns Hidden in Your Fingers and Palms. Rather than fortune telling, Jones argues that the hands reflect personality, tendencies, and even how we process the world. He explains why fingerprints matter more than the lines most people focus on, how those lines actually change during your life, and why hand reading may be less mystical than many assume. We also explore the history of palmistry, its surprising connections to medical research, and what your hands might reveal about temperament, motivation, and life direction. You can find Christopher's book at Amazon, The Palmistry of Fingerprints: https://amzn.to/46LtFFj Thanks Christopher! --- NEWSLETTERGet Jim’s weekly free newsletter and a free Campfire ebook at the same time. Go here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebookVIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠EVENTSHope to see you soon at one of Jim’s live events: https://jimharold.com/eventsYOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content!MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true origin of Cupid, a story that makes Romeo and Juliet look like a happy ending, and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. These are just some of the creepy stories that author Tim Rayborn shares with us on this special Valentine's edition of The Paranormal Podcast. You can find his book, The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore: 50 Terrifying Tales of Romance from Around the World, on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Zwyu1n -- This post contains Amazon affiliate links that benefit Jim Harold Media when you make a qualifying purchase. Thank you for your support! --NEWSLETTERGet Jim’s weekly free newsletter and a free Campfire ebook at the same time. Go here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebook VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ EVENTSHope to see you soon at one of Jim’s live events: https://jimharold.com/events YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do our loved ones really leave us when they pass, or do they continue to help from the other side? On this episode of The Paranormal Podcast, Jim is joined once again by psychic medium Jodi Livon to explore how deceased relatives may still guide, comfort, and support us in everyday life. You can find Jodi's website at https://theintuitivecoach.com/ Thanks Jodi! --- NEWSLETTER Get Jim’s weekly free newsletter and a free Campfire ebook at the same time. Go here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebook VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUP Join our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ EVENTS Hope to see you soon at one of Jim’s live events: https://jimharold.com/events YOUTUBE CHANNEL Be sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUB You can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCH Go to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKS Get all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin O’Shea, host of Supernatural Japan, joins us for a fascinating look at how the paranormal is woven into everyday life in Japanese culture. Note: If you are watching the video version, you may notice some brief video glitches on our guest’s side at the very beginning of this interview. His audio is clear throughout, and the video stabilizes eventually. Thanks for sticking with us. Kevin shares how his journey from folklore-loving Canadian to longtime resident of Japan opened his eyes to a worldview where spirits, ancestors, and unseen forces are not fringe ideas but part of the social fabric. From Shinto beliefs and nature spirits to seasonal traditions surrounding the dead, this conversation explores how a technologically advanced society has held onto deeply rooted supernatural traditions. Thanks Kevin! -- NEWSLETTERGet Jim’s weekly free newsletter and a free Campfire ebook at the same time. Go here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebook VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUPJoin our FREE online community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ EVENTSJim has TWO live events, both FREE, in February. Hope to see you soon. Get the info here: https://jimharold.com/events YOUTUBE CHANNELBe sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUBYou can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to https://⁠jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! MERCHGo to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKSGet all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 up close many times. The conversation also moves into compelling paranormal territory, touching on "visioning," deathbed experiences, and moments that don’t fit neatly into medical explanations. Julie recounts stories of patients seeing deceased loved ones and feeling a sense of comfort or presence near the end, including one experience that continues she'll never forget. -- JOIN JIM’S SPOOKY STUDIO PLUS CLUB You can get access to Jim’s entire back catalog of Campfire and a TON of exclusive content with the Spooky Studio Plus Club. Go to ⁠https://jimharold.com/plus⁠ and signup to support the show and get access to our MASSIVE library of content! EMAIL NEWSLETTER Get Jim's weekly email newsletter here: https://jim-harold.kit.com/campfire-ebook VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE GROUP Join our free community at ⁠https://virtualcampfiregroup.com⁠ YOUTUBE CHANNEL Be sure to subscribe to Jim’s YouTube channel at: ⁠https://youtube.com/jimharold⁠ MERCH Go to ⁠https://jimharold.com/merch⁠ to get your Jim Harold T’s, sweatshirts, mugs, hats and more! BOOKS Get all SIX of Jim’s Campfire books here: https://jimharold.com/campfirebooks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices