Curious Explorers

Kathy Kelly and Traci Stein
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Education
  • Updated Semiweekly

What’s haunting the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park ?Are orbs ghostly phenomena or mere camera artifacts?Can what we do in the future influence the past?How are precognition and retrocausation connected?Do the same psychological principles apply to both the living and the dead?Did Abraham Lincoln foresee his own death?Join historian Kathy Kelly, proprietress of The Paranormal Museum, and psychologist Traci Stein as they explore the evidence for - and against - a paranormal explanation for all things mysterious, historical and most of all - paranormal. [Theme song, "The Paranormal is Real" by Leonell Cassio, used with permission.]

  1. 3d ago

    The Sign from Aokigahara, Japan’s “Sea of Trees”

    Send us Fan Mail Historian Kathy Kelly shares the story of a hauntingly ordinary artifact: a camera-warning sign from Aokigahara, Japan’s “Sea of Trees” (often called the “Suicide Forest”). After a U.S. Marine stationed in Japan encountered the forest’s tragic reality, he carried the sign home and kept it for years—unable to throw it away, until he finally entrusted it to the Paranormal Museum. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September), we’re also including support resources below. Support Resources International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): https://988lifeline.org/ Resources consulted for this episode: Takahashi, Yoshitomo. “Aokigahara-jukai: Suicide and Amnesia in Mt. Fuji’s Black Forest.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 18, no. 2 (1988): 164–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1943-278X.1988.tb00150.x. (PubMed)Chang, Kathryn Yalan. “‘A Perfect Place to Die’: Thinking the EcoGothic, Darkness, and the Dark Sweet in Gus Van Sant’s The Sea of Trees.” SARE: Southeast Asian Review of English 59, no. 1 (2022): 88–109. https://doi.org/10.22452/sare.vol59no1.7. (Southeast Asian Review of English)Hart, M. “The ‘Suicide Forest’: Aokigahara, Japan.” In 50 Dark Destinations: Crime and Contemporary Tourism, edited by A. Lynes, C. Kelly, and J. Treadwell, 235–244. Bristol: Policy Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.56687/9781447362210-042.Cather, Kirsten. Scripting Suicide in Japan. Oakland: University of California Press, 2024. See especially Chapter 4, “Aokigahara Jukai, Sea of Trees,” pp. 87–108. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.18799921. (JSTOR)Keefe, Alexa. “An Ethereal Forest Where Japanese Commit Suicide.” Photographs by Tomasz Lazar. National Geographic, February 23, 2017. National Geographic article (National Geographic)The Sea of Trees. Directed by Gus Van Sant. Performances by Matthew McConaughey, Ken Watanabe, and Naomi Watts. A24/Roadside Attractions, 2015.The Forest. Directed by Jason Zada. Performance by Natalie Dormer. Gramercy Pictures, 2016. Support the show

  2. Aug 17

    The (Mini) Bigfoot Episode with Remote Viewer Lori Williams

    Send us Fan Mail Is there any way to convince Traci that Bigfoot is real? In this minisode, master remote viewer Lori Williams reveals what it was like to view Bigfoot as a blind target for the Coast to Coast AM radio show. Lori shares all the details about this esoteric target – from tapping into the smells (!), sightings, habits, and transdimensional nature of this cryptid. Lori also talks about what it was like to connect with the consciousness of Bigfoot, and shares what they think of humans, as well as the uncanny and supernatural events that unfolded after tapping into this most famous cryptid. Catch the full interview with Lori Williams on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lori-williams-on-remote-viewing-bigfoot-the-mysteries/id1756564535?i=1000722814433 Or watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8AQj4myb5I0?si=DifDuOcXPjyzNuO1 For more information on Lori Williams, her books, courses, free masterclass, media and upcoming events, visit: https://intuitivespecialists.com/ For more on the Curious Explorers,  visit: https://curious-explorers.com/ For more on Traci Stein, her other podcast, her intuition development course, meditations and more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/ For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/ Support the show

  3. Jul 20

    Spirit Messages, Akashic Records & Sacred Sites with Lauren Rainbow

    Send us Fan Mail Psychic medium and sacred-site guide Lauren Rainbow joins Traci for a wide-ranging conversation on spirit communication, Akashic Records, and why certain places on Earth feel *alive* with energy. Lauren shares her surprising path from news reporter to public medium, what it was like living in a retired funeral home, how 9/11 accelerated her spiritual awakening, and how to ground and protect your energy when working with heavy frequencies. Plus: ethics in mediumship, unforgettable stories, and upcoming sacred journeys to Mexico, Egypt, and India with Cindy Kaza and Tony Stockwell. Lauren Rainbow is the co-author of the bestselling “Mediumship Training Deck” (with John Holland), has been featured on Fox News; taught at Omega Institute, Lily Dale, and Kripalu, and more. In This Episode - Mediumship vs. psychic abilities (and how to tell the difference)   - Residual vs. conscious spirit energy + “portal” places   - Akashic Records: what they are and how they guide your life   - Grounding, Reiki, and working safely with intense energy   - The Energy of Sacred Sites  For more on Lauren Rainbow (readings, classes, journeys): https://laurenrainbow.com/   - *Mediumship Training Deck* (Hay House): https://a.co/d/0eRal0th - Journeys: Mexico (Sept), Egypt (Nov), India (Jan) — limited spots: https://laurenrainbow.com/sacred-travel/ For more on Traci, Kathy and the podcast, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/ Support the show

  4. Jun 25

    Haunted Real Estate: “Buyer Beware – Ghosts Included”

    Send us Fan Mail This week, Traci Stein invites her husband Jason “Doe” —a real estate pro with 30+ years of experience—on for his first-ever interview… and let’s just say he’s seen things that *don’t* show up on a home inspection. Together, they unpack the strange intersection of paranormal activity + home buying: the childhood moment that still gives Jason chills, the long-running “activity” in Traci’s family home, and the Jersey Shore purchase that came with a little extra… personality. You’ll also hear what they did to reset the energy (from rituals to renovations) and the surprising question:  Do you have to disclose a haunting when you sell? Traci breaks down New Jersey’s disclosure gray zone and the famous court case that basically made ghosts a legal problem. Mentioned in this episode:  “Of Magic, Mystery, and a Mulberry Tree” (True story published in, Oh Sandy, p. 227, available via Amazon): ​​https://a.co/d/0gVmWBxM “Our Haunted House on the Hudson” by Helen Herdman Ackley (Reader’s Digest): chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Our_Haunted_House_on_the_Hudson_May_1977-1.pdf Unpacking Possibility interview with medium Lauren Rainbow: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-4-tuning-in-interview-with-psychic-medium-lauren-rainbow/id1560681195?i=1000519966117 NJ Administrative Code 11:5-6.4(d): https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-jersey/title-11/chapter-5/subchapter-6/section-11-5-6-4/ **Disclaimer:** Not legal advice—just spirited conversation. Support the show

  5. May 12

    Jersey Devil & Baal: Why “Devils” Have Horns, Hooves & Tails (Season 3 Premiere)

    Send us Fan Mail Traci + Kathy kick off Season 3 of Curious Explorers live from The Showroom in Asbury Park, NJ during the Jersey Devil Fable Festival—and investigate a  paranormal pattern: Why do so many “evil” beings come with horns, tails, and cloven feet? They trace the look back through myth and religion — from Pan (a god, later villainized), Azazel (a fallen angel), and Baal (a god later recast as a demonic king—and suddenly trending). Then they turn to the Jersey Devil, the Pine Barrens’ most famous resident, and unpack how his imagery evolved—and why this 1700s story has a surprisingly "political" origin. We also take a quick side trip to explore the viral AI-generated “demon-in-the-clouds” image on social media that reignited Baal (and Antichrist) speculation online. For more on the Curious Explorers, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/ Support the show

  6. Apr 14

    Military Remote Viewing Revealed - with Sgt. Lyn Buchanan (encore)

    Send us Fan Mail What did the US military learn from 2 decades of psychic spying? Ret. Sgt. Lyn Buchanan - one of the original Star Gate remote viewers - shares what he knows (or at least what he can share...) in this episode of the Curious Explorers Podcast. (It's still our most listened-to episodes to date!). For more on Lyn Buchanan and Controlled Remote Viewing, visit: https://www.crviewer.com/ Catch the Curious Explorers Podcast on Apple Music and all your favorite streaming apps. For more on the ladies of Curious Explorers, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/ For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/ For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/ Support the show

  7. Mar 15

    Father Malachi Martin -- Savior or Sinner? (Part 2 of the Marty Stalker Interview)

    Send us Fan Mail Was Father Malachi Martin a savior or sinner? Spiritual counselor or Casanova? And what supernatural force has been trying to stop Director Marty Stalker from telling Father Martin's story? In this encore of Part II of the interview with Marty Stalker,  director of the Netflix documentary, "Hostage to the Devil," Marty does a deeper dive into controversial exorcist, Father Malachi Martin. Marty delves further into the world of demonic possession and the paranormal phenomena that he continues to encounter when speaking on these topics. In fact, you’ll hear some of the strange audio interference we experienced while recording; and in the YouTube version, you’ll get another glimpse of the type of light anomaly that punctuated the interview. Marty also discusses his conversations with notable personalities like Malachi Martin’s staunchest critic, Robert Blair Kaiser; radio legend Art Bell; Malachi Martin’s confidant, Ralph Sarchie; Father Cesar Truqui, and more. Finally, Marty shares details on his upcoming sequel to the documentary,  “Hostage to the Devil.” Tune in for an intriguing conversation about filmmaking and one of the Catholic church’s most enigmatic and polarizing figures. And catch the YouTube version to see some of the visual anomalies that occurred during the interview: https://youtu.be/zWAIfl24iOQ?si=_1O1b6cCN-q5z8rU For more on Marty Stalker and the “Hostage to the Devil” podcast, visit: https://martystalker.com/ And https://www.youtube.com/@CausewayPicturesNI For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ, as well as ghost tours, investigations, the Jersey Devil Fable Festival and other events, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/ For more on Traci Stein, her guided hypnotic imagery, upcoming events, and her other podcast, “Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein,”  visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/ Support the show

  8. Feb 28

    Hostage to the Devil: Director Marty Stalker on Fr. Malachi Martin, Exorcism & the Quest for the Truth (Encore)

    Send us Fan Mail Who was controversial exorcist and Vatican insider Father Malachi Martin? Is demonic possession real? What supernatural force may be working against the truth coming out? In this special encore episode of Curious Explorers, we’re joined by Marty Stalker, the director of the Netflix documentary 'Hostage to the Devil,' which explores the life and exorcisms of Father Martin.  Marty reveals what he learned during his 6-year journey making the film, and also  describes the supernatural “resistance” Marty encountered while making the movie and since then. The interview also delves deep into the complex character of Father Martin, the controversies around exorcism, and Marty's personal spiritual journey.  Tune in for an intriguing conversation about filmmaking and one of the Catholic church’s most enigmatic and polarizing figures. Check out the YouTube version to see some of the visual anomalies that occurred during the interview: https://youtu.be/HjUDZ2ljVnY?si=hP5Pj9m0RKY0nTm2 For more on Marty Stalker and the “Hostage to the Devil” podcast, visit: https://martystalker.com/ And https://www.youtube.com/@CausewayPicturesNI For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ, as well as ghost tours, investigations, the Jersey Devil Fable Festival and other events, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/ For more on Traci Stein, her guided hypnotic imagery, upcoming events, and her other podcast, “Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein,”  visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/ Chapters: 01:59 Director Marty Stalker's Background 04:42 "Technical Difficulties" and Paranormal Resistance 05:58 Marty's Experiences and Insights 09:07 Father Malachi Martin's Mystique 21:23 Marty's Personal Journey and Beliefs 26:34 Frustrations with Religion and Spirituality 27:08 Creating a Film Without Bias 27:46 Exorcism and Malachi Martin 28:30 Audience Reactions to the Film 33:44 Exorcism and Its Rarity 38:56 Personal Experiences and Intuition 47:21 Challenges and Supernatural “Resistance” Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

What’s haunting the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park ?Are orbs ghostly phenomena or mere camera artifacts?Can what we do in the future influence the past?How are precognition and retrocausation connected?Do the same psychological principles apply to both the living and the dead?Did Abraham Lincoln foresee his own death?Join historian Kathy Kelly, proprietress of The Paranormal Museum, and psychologist Traci Stein as they explore the evidence for - and against - a paranormal explanation for all things mysterious, historical and most of all - paranormal. [Theme song, "The Paranormal is Real" by Leonell Cassio, used with permission.]

Information

  • Creator
    Kathy Kelly and Traci Stein
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Curious Explorers
  • Show Website
    Curious Explorers

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