Paranormal Lens - A Crossroads Of Curiosities, LLC Production

Best. Episode. Yet.

It only took 42 episodes, but we finally struck the balance between raw conversation, creepy paranormal theories with haunting implications, as well as a fair share of fun moments (including several callbacks to previous episodes.... cheese layers anyone?) Plus: at the end of the episode, one co-host reveals this very conversation might just change the way they view the paranormal forever.

What kind of topic can elicit such a reaction, you ask?

Mimics.

That's right, on this episode of Paranormal Lens we're talking about one of the most terrifying...

This "ribbit-ing" episode of Paranormal Lens is not only timely... it's tipsy! Join us as we drink margaritas and talk about the BREAKING cryptozoology news: lawmakers in Ohio of all places are actively pushing to become the first state with an "official" cryptid, the Loveland Frogman. That's how the episode begins, at least. Drinks + Paranormal Lens = tangents! For an episode that starts off discussing the Frogman, and if it should be America's first "Official State Cryptid," we somehow end up talking about how Bigfoot may or may not be the Antichrist. You can't make this up...

Link...

On this electric episode of Paranormal Lens: we capture lightning in a bottle, as we have a candid conversation about thunderstorms and the paranormal. Can storms really increase paranormal activity? Does water retain spiritual energy? And... hold up, did Ben really just say he saw an alien in a mirror?

All that and more from your trusted paranormal news source, AccuWeather! Wait, no. I meant to type Paranormal Lens. Definitely Paranormal Lens. Please do not get your paranormal news from AccuWeather…

GEMINI Summary: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores whether thunderstorms and flowing wa...

On this exciting new episode of Paranormal Lens: We always talk about how, as a ghost hunting group, our 3 core members don't agree on anything. And how that's actually a GOOD thing. EVERYTHING in the paranormal is nuanced, and there's rarely a simple yes or no answer to many of the common questions we get asked.

So in this episode, we're proving it!

We’ve gathered a series of deceptively simple “yes or no” questions, covering everything from classic definitions and popular theories to the ultimate question: do we even believe in ghosts? There’s just one...

Part 2 of our discussion asking if there are ANY risks in simply watching paranormal investigations, whether live-streamed or pre-recorded? Can something truly cross the threshold from screen to home, or is that fear rooted in suggestion and atmosphere? In this episode we turn to TikTok specifically, and the hoards of people that impulsively comment "sorry" and/or "I claim no negativity from this post" on anything even vaguely paranormal-related on the platform. Why do they do this? What are all these people on TikTok "sorry" for? And how do we respond?

We also react to...

On this thought-provoking episode of Paranormal Lens: the team dives into a question sparked by their recent experiments with TikTok Lives: is there ANY real risk in simply watching paranormal investigations, whether live-streamed or pre-recorded? Can something truly cross the threshold from screen to home, or is that fear rooted in suggestion and atmosphere? The conversation pushes beyond the viewer experience and turns inward, asking a more uncomfortable question for creators themselves: does producing paranormal content come with a responsibility? From the ethics of broadcasting rituals and incantations to whether content advisories or even censorship should play a role...

This is a rare, completely off-the-cuff and unplanned episode of Paranormal Lens. While prepping for a totally different episode, we got the longest, most specific and frantic Instagram DM ever on our main Crossroads of Curiosities page. It was from a frightened homeowner begging for us to come and rid an alleged "demon" from their home, that was scratching her children and attacking her husband. Unlike most paranormal groups out there though, we don't take on residential cases. And in this raw conversation, we explain why. We discuss all of our concerns regarding residential cases, ranging from the ethical...

This episode of Paranormal Lens dives into the eerie world of ritual “games,” including the infamous Hooded Man Ritual and the unsettling legend of Baby Blue, Blue Baby (which co-hosts Ben and Angela actually attempted on their 2nd date). Are these games merely modern folklore, or do intention, belief, and repetition open the door to something genuinely unexplained? This episode explores where imagination ends and where something else might begin...

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the eerie world of ritual "games," modern folklore dares or challenges that require specific steps to contact the...

On this episode of Paranormal Lens: we give a free-wheeling recap of the incredible 10th annual MidWest WeirdFest we attended in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

A slew of behind-the-scenes stories that honestly sound too weird to be true take center stage in this episode, as our trip to the MidWest WeirdFest turns into a whirlwind of uncanny encounters and bizarre coincidences. From strange interactions with people who seemed to know a little too much, to mind-blowing synchronicities that lead to even more mysteries of Jacques being revealed... we unpack the eerie energy surrounding the festival itself while also...

On this long-awaited episode of Paranormal Lens: we dive deep into music and the paranormal. We discuss the popular Singapore Theory, which proposes that playing familiar music could trigger paranormal activity. We also discuss music as a ritual; how it might heal or help the potential entities present; and why old theaters and opera houses are so haunted.

This episode is dedicated to all the Swifties out there.

GEMINI Summary: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the intersection of music and the paranormal, specifically diving into the Singapore Theory, which suggests that playing familiar music...

On this BIG episode of Paranormal Lens, we finally tackle America's favorite cryptid in-depth. Is Bigfoot really an elusive unknown creature? Or could it just be a bear? Or a hairy man? Or maybe Bigfoot is really an inter-dimensional being! And why is there a correlation between areas with a high Furry population and frequent Bigfoot sightings???

This episode is a doozy, and might just serve as the inspiration for the next blockbuster smash-hit "Jacques vs. Bigfoot."

Hollywood producers, you know where to find us: crossroadsofcuriosities@gmail.com

GEMINI Summary: This...

On this episode of Paranormal Lens: we discuss a recent Estes Method session that caught us all off guard, because it was conducted... telepathically. What are the implications of this session? Is telepathy real? And if so, what does it mean about psychic phenomena and the paranormal at large?

"Pere Cheney: Plague In The Pines" is now streaming on PARAFlixx: https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/pere-cheney-plague-in-the-pines-paraflixx-paranormal-plus

On this episode of Paranormal Lens: we discuss the superstition, lore, and perceived risks surrounding whistling in the woods at night. Could merely whistling alert something supernatural to your presence? The conversation also veers (or as Brie calls it, "devolves") to discuss Bigfoot calls and their effectiveness. This episode has a little bit of everything, including references to our recent projects "Pere Cheney: Plague In The Pines" and "Seven: The Mystery of Jacques"!

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode discusses the...

"Pere Cheney: Plague In The Pines" is NOW STREAMING on Paraflixx: https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/pere-cheney-plague-in-the-pines-paraflixx-paranormal-plus

The legend of Pere Cheney has long been one of Michigan’s most talked-about ghost stories. With the help of the local historical society, this documentary offers a fresh and entirely new perspective on Pere Cheney’s haunted history.

By separating fact from folklore, putting real names to long-muddied legends, and uncovering a historical discovery that changes everything, the film reexamines what we truly know about this infamous piece of Michigan folklore.

GEMINI SUMM...

In this free-wheeling "old-school" episode of Paranormal Lens: We bring the FUN back to ghost hunting! What are the benefits of bringing joy, laughter, comradely, and fantasy to the haunted spaces we investigate? Brienna also educates us on the nuances and misunderstood history of Dungeons & Dragons; and we come up with a pretty interesting Stranger Things theory that surprisingly explains the lackluster ending (and excuses the Duffer Brothers in the process).

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens highlights the benefits of bringing fun and games to ghost hunting (0:00). The hosts discuss how playing games like Dungeons...

In honor of Groundhog Day, we discuss strange "glitches" in the memory matrix: the Mandela Effect, deja vu, and the Backrooms. Come break your brains with us, as we analyze some of our favorite memory mind-f*cks!

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens discusses strange "glitches" in the memory matrix, such as the Mandela Effect and deja vu, relating them to the movie Groundhog Day (0:00-1:30).

Key discussion points include:

Deja Vu Experiences (1:55): The hosts share their experiences with deja vu. Brie and Angela both mention feeling like they've been in certain...

On this episode of Paranormal Lens: You’re probably using your phone to listen to this podcast... but could that same device be used to hunt ghosts? We break down the most popular “ghost hunting” apps and tools, examine which (if any) have legitimate investigative value, and debate our differing perspectives on whether smartphone tech belongs in a credible paranormal investigation at all.

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode discusses the use of smartphone applications for ghost hunting (0:22). The hosts share their experiences and opinions on popular "ghost hunting" apps like Ghost Tube, Ghost Hunting Tools, and Ghost...

On this episode of Paranormal Lens, we touch base on rituals: when, if ever, should they be utilized on our ghost hunts? The conversation uses our recent film "Seven: The Mystery of Jacques" as well as last year's film "Dweller" (winner of Best TV/New Media Feature at the MidWest WeirdFest) to help articulate our points. We discuss what makes "Seven: The Mystery of Jacques" different than some of the past rituals we've been a part of, as well as reveal what "Dweller" got wrong.

"Seven: The Mystery of Jacques" is now streaming on PARAFlixx: https://paraflixx...

Do paranormal re-enactments cross an ethical line, or are they a necessary storytelling tool? On this episode of Paranormal Lens, we explore how ghost hunting TV shows and documentaries recreate eyewitness encounters, and whether staging these b-roll shots could risk misleading audience. We also analyze these re-enactments from the spirits' perspective: could dramatizing their death trigger more activity to occur?

This episode also contains a shocking revelation: not only is Brienna a blonde, but SHE'S ALSO AN OPERA SINGER. How did we not know this???

GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode discusses the ethics of using reenactments...

In this episode of Paranormal Lens: hosts Ben, Brienna, and Angela discuss the infamous 18.9 Hz “ghost frequency,” a form of infrasound believed to trigger feelings of unease and dread. Is the fear we feel in haunted locations truly paranormal, or could our bodies be reacting to sound we can’t consciously hear?

Ben also reveals the one time he intentionally used the ghost frequency in a film, sparking a discussion about the ethics of inducing fear through sound design. The conversation also dives into rumors that some well-known haunted sites may intentionally pump infrasound to enhance activity and mi...

In this episode of Paranormal Lens, we explore the chilling lore and theories surrounding the Hat Man, one of the most commonly reported shadow figures in modern paranormal accounts. Often described as a tall, dark silhouette wearing a wide-brimmed hat or top hat, the Hat Man frequently appears during episodes of sleep paralysis, in haunted locations, and in altered states of consciousness. Is he a single entity, a type of shadow person, or a shared hallucination shaped by fear, culture, and expectation? The discussion also dives into connections between the Hat Man and older occult concepts like the Dweller...

First it was cheese. Then it was owls. Now, we're looking at Santa Claus through a paranormal lens. Who (or what) is Santa really? What if he's just a Coke-fueled capitalistic creation? Or worse: the devil in disguise? We sincerely hope this episode enhances your Christmas instead of ruining it...

GEMINI Summary: This episode explores the origins and nature of Santa Claus through a paranormal lens, moving beyond the traditional figure to discuss his potential as a spiritual entity. The hosts discuss how the idea of Santa may have originated from various pagan gods, spirits...

This "Remote Contact" outtake/deleted scene broke my mind, and I knew we needed to discuss on the podcast. Can we trust our own memories, and recounts of paranormal experiences? We watch this interview outtake clip with Lauren Haunts together, and react in real time. What are the implications this has on one of our most impactful paranormal experiences EVER, at Madison Seminary this past May? This is a MUST-listen episode of PARANORMAL LENS.

Lauren Haunts: https://www.laurenhaunts.com

GEMINI Summary: This episode features an outtake from our "Remote Contact"...

Watch "Remote Contact" - NOW STREAMING on PARAFlixx: https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/remote-contact

Participate to our ongoing Remote Contact experiments: https://www.crossroadsofcuriosities.com/remote-contact

What happens when you swap a blindfold for VR Headset while doing the Estes Method? "Remote Contact" details preliminary experiments using immersive, 360 degree renders of haunted locations in these investigations.

What started as a fun twist on the traditional Estes Method quickly evolves into something more— Contemplating how these immersive spaces can open a person up to have a more impactful, meditative, and potentially "psychic" paranormal ex...

According to the Catholic Church, the amount of exorcisms are rising at a surprising rate. But what’s really behind the increase? In this episode of Paranormal Lens, we examine the official signs of “demonic possession” recognized by the Catholic Church, what actually qualifies someone for an alleged exorcism, and how these cases are evaluated alongside psychological and other explanations.

Along the way, we share our candid, grounded thoughts on possession, spirit attachment, and channeling, exploring where belief, mental health, and the paranormal intersect, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

"The Po...

In this chilling episode of Paranormal Lens, we recount the most intense paranormal investigations we’ve conducted in haunted basements and cursed attics. Why are these spaces so often the epicenter of ghostly activity?

If you’re fascinated by true paranormal stories, haunted locations, ghost investigations, urban legends, and real-life horror, this episode will make you think twice before going into the attic, or down into the basement.

Perfect for fans of ghost hunting, supernatural documentaries, haunted house lore, and true ghost encounters.

Welcome to the most "Michigan" episode of Paranormal Lens to date, as we discuss our personal run-ins with the elusive cryptid known as the Not-Deer.

Join co-hosts Ben, Angela, Brienna, and Douglas the Kangaroo as they analyze these strange Not-Deer sightings and why they may or may not be as scary as you think. Whether you’re a cryptid enthusiast, a Michigan paranormal fan, or simply curious about the strange creatures said to roam our woods, this episode offers all of that and more. Ditto.

On this Monday Bonus episode of Paranormal Lens: we dive head-first into the frustrating phenomenon of "equipment malfunctions" during (and even after) investigations. We analyze our most recent, mind-boggling tech issue that prevented us from publishing last week's episode (apologies again about that). And we end on a plea to all paranormal filmmakers: back up your footage. Weird sh*t will happen... and you need to be prepared for anything!

In this thought-provoking episode of Paranormal Lens, we dive deep into the truth behind intelligent hauntings: those rare encounters where unseen forces are said to think, respond, and interact with the living. Are these spirits truly conscious entities... or something far stranger? Join us as we unravel one of our most existential and controversial discussions yet, questioning the very nature of what it means for a haunting to be “intelligent.”

Whether you’re a ghost hunter, a skeptic, or someone fascinated by paranormal research and spirit communication, this episode challenges you to question what’s really communicating back dur...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the ethics, boundaries, and responsibility that come with creating paranormal content. Specifically, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most uncomfortable trends in today’s digital paranormal space: TikTok “mediums” and YouTube spirit box sessions claiming to contact freshly deceased celebrities.

Our conversation also naturally veers into how true crime culture is seeping into the paranormal world, blurring the line between curiosity and exploitation. Why are audiences drawn to “live spirit box sessions” minutes after a public figure passes away? How has the commodification of grief turned the paranormal and true c...

👻 In our Paranormal Lens Halloween special, Ben, Angela, and Brienna look back on eight years of ghost hunting, and their most chilling, poignant, and life-changing encounters that forever altered the way they investigate the supernatural.

🕯️ The conversation naturally veers into recapping unforgettable moments from this year's Blood Moon Parafest at Stimson Hospital and MADCON 8 at Madison Seminary, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, eerie synchronicities, and a downright woo-woo experience that was too difficult to sum up in a mere Instagram post.

💀 Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or simply fascinated by real paranormal encounters, this episode is a must-listen...

In this chilling new episode of Paranormal Lens, we explore the mysterious connection between owls, UFO sightings, and the paranormal. Are these nocturnal creatures mere birds of prey… or messengers from another realm?

Plus, Angela dives deep into her strange fascination with these creatures, leading to some unexpected revelations.

Stay tuned until the end… because this episode takes a terrifying turn you won’t see coming. Whoooooo knew an episode about owls could be this creepy?

In this chilling new episode of Paranormal Lens, hosts Ben Goldman, Brienna Shear, and Angela Wingard dive deep into the mysterious world of dreams and the paranormal. Can ghosts or entities visit you in your dreams? Can dreams predict the future, or even warn you about things yet to come?

Ben recounts a haunting encounter in his sleep with the Dweller on the Threshold; and Brienna reveals one of her most terrifying nightmares, a dream that might be a premonition tied to their most feared paranormal investigation. And Angela brings some much-needed levity with a funny dream...

In this week’s episode of Paranormal Lens, we tackle one of the most controversial topics in the world of paranormal investigating: the complicated legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren. With the final Conjuring movie now haunting theaters, we decided it’s now or never to confront the inevitable: our mixed feelings about the Warrens, their impact on the field, and the line between faith, fear, and fabrication.

Join us as we dive deep into our true, mixed opinions about the Warrens. We’ll discuss what the Warrens got right, where our skepticism might be justified, and why th...

In this fun and free-flowing episode of Paranormal Lens, we take a lighthearted look at residual hauntings... but with a twist. What if the best way to understand them is actually through sandwiches?

If you’ve been following along, you know food keeps finding its way into our paranormal theories. In episode 5, we made you scared to eat ramen noodles because a ghost named Andy might be trapped inside. In episode 7, we warned that your pumpkin spice latte might conjure spirits. Now in episode 8, we’re making you scared to eat sandwiches... because you might just be devo...

Event season is officially here, and Paranormal Lens is kicking it off with our first LIVE in-person recording after an unforgettable weekend at MAD CON 8! In this episode, we dive headfirst into Spooky Season, from whether Pumpkin Spice lattes could summon spirits, to debating if the veil between worlds really is thinnest around Halloween.

But we don’t stop there. We reveal actual data on the most paranormally “active” time of year we’ve experienced as investigators... and the results may surprise you.

Later, we share our favorite Halloween movies, and trust us, our picks will sur...

In this episode, Ben Goldman, Brienna Shear, and Angela Wingard sit down for a candid conversation about skepticism in the paranormal, and how it’s increasingly being overshadowed by sensationalism. From viral videos on TikTok to trending paranormal YouTube clips, the hosts explore how the focus on click-driven storytelling often sidelines critical thinking and evidence-based investigation.

They discuss the pressures that content creators face in a culture obsessed with views and likes, and how even passionate investigators can feel pulled between curiosity and performance. Drawing on their personal experiences in both filmmaking and paranormal research, Ben, Brienna, an...

In this episode of Paranormal Lens, we dive into the fascinating intersection of folklore, internet culture, and paranormal phenomena. From the iconic legend of Bloody Mary to the viral mystique of Zozo, we explore how social media can create modern-day egregores (entities created by collective belief).

Join hosts Ben Goldman, Brienna Shear, and Angela Wingard as they discuss: viral paranormal trends on platforms like TikTok and their real-world implications,

Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, folklore fan, or fascinated by the power of collective belief, this episode is a deep dive into how legends evolve an...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the shadowy world of curses, exploring the roles of intent, belief, and perception in paranormal phenomena. Can a curse really affect someone who doesn’t believe in it? Does the act of cursing serve more to empower the curser than the cursed? Our hosts unpack these questions with lighthearted humor and curiosity.

Along the way, they share personal experiences, ponder psychological versus supernatural effects, and reflect on how negativity and positivity shape our approach to the unknown. Wrapping up on a note of hope and thoughtful insight, this episode is fo...

Welcome to our podcast, where we take deep dives looking at various topics through a Paranormal Lens.

On this Monday Bonus episode: we explain why if your "orb" evidence was seen only through a camera lens, it's nothing strange and likely caused by lens flares or backscattering.

Audio of this episode was previously released in May on our old RSS Feed. The video version (with the complete slideshow) is posted on YouTube for the first time.

Sources from the original presentation:

1. Heinemann, Klaus (2007). The Orb Project. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 23. <...