Paranormal Optimist

Stephanie

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?

  1. #016: Bob Lazar - Do You Want to Believe?

    12/30/2025

    #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

    37 min
  2. #015: Halloween Special - Things that Feel Paranormal

    10/28/2025

    #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

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

    10/21/2025

    #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.

    31 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    #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/

    30 min
  5. #012: Expert Interview - Soluna Investigations Part I

    10/07/2025

    #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

    29 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    #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

    28 min
  7. #010: Mothman - Part II

    09/23/2025

    #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.

    34 min
  8. #009: Mothman - Wings Over Point Pleasant

    09/16/2025

    #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

    29 min
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About

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?

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Paranormal Optimist