Paranormal Lens - A Crossroads Of Curiosities, LLC Production

Crossroads Of Curiosities, LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Spirituality

Welcome to our podcast, where we take deep dives looking at various topics through a Paranormal Lens. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ben Goldman, Brienna Shear, and Angela Wingard come together to unpack history, events, and phenomena through a paranormal perspective. Along the way, we'll share updates on our latest projects, discuss timely news that doesn’t always fit into a full-length investigation or film, and connect the dots between folklore, research, and lived experience. In addition to our main Thursday episodes, listeners can also expect occasional bonus or mini-episodes dropping on Mondays, recorded live on-set or at events. Whether it’s analyzing legends, exploring haunted history, or discussing the cultural impact of the unexplained... our podcast is your gateway into conversations that exist at the Crossroads Of Curiosities.

  1. Yes, cemeteries CAN be haunted. Here’s why…

    16h ago

    Yes, cemeteries CAN be haunted. Here’s why…

    Any time we post something even remotely spooky about a cemetery, we get flooded with comments insisting that "cemeteries aren't haunted" or that "ghosts wouldn't choose to hang out in cemeteries." (Okay, the comments are usually a little less polite than that). At Crossroads of Curiosities, we've always believed that the paranormal is full of nuance. We believe long-form conversations matter, and we think it's important to put our evolving thoughts and theories on the record as we continue learning in real time. So in this episode, we spend 45 minutes tackling a surprisingly controversial question: Can cemeteries be haunted? Our short answer is yes, but the long answer is that cemetery hauntings have more to do with egregores, thresholds, and residual energy than what you would traditionally call a "ghost." (Don't act surprised... it's episode 48, you knew that'd be the direction the conversation goes). GEMINI SUMMARY: In this episode of Paranormal Lens, the hosts tackle the surprisingly controversial question: Can cemeteries be haunted? (0:44) Despite frequent comments from viewers insisting that cemeteries are peaceful, final resting places, the hosts argue that hauntings there are possible, though often different from traditional "ghost" stories. Key Theories on Cemetery Hauntings Residual Energy and Emotion: The hosts propose that high-emotion events like funerals and the ongoing influx of grieving visitors create a build-up of residual energy (3:09 - 4:15). Egregores: Ben and Brienna suggest that many cemetery "hauntings" are actually egregores, collective thought-forms or manifestations born out of grief, intense emotions, and even fear from those visiting or hazing in these spaces (4:47 - 6:33). Thresholds and Time Slips: Angela discusses the concept of cemeteries acting as "doorways" or rips in the fabric of time where different layers of energy intersect (10:53 - 11:24, 26:12). Notable Investigations and Experiences Soop Cemetery: Brienna describes her first "vibe" experience, where she felt a literal "wall of heavy, dark energy" while approaching an infamous gravesite (8:07 - 9:50). Mission Hill Cemetery: The team encountered a shifting energy and potential portal opening in a secluded area, noting that these experiences often align with high-emotion or liminal locations (23:43 - 25:52). Striker Cemetery: The hosts recount one of their most intense experiences, involving a "growl" that sounded like a human mimicking a dog, a "witchy" figure seen in the mind's eye, and auditory laughter captured on equipment (27:46 - 38:35). Ethics and Respect Best Practices: The hosts emphasize that it is crucial to investigate ethically. This includes avoiding freshly buried graves, not sensationalizing the identities of the deceased, and always striving to leave a cemetery better than it was found (39:16 - 43:26). Conclusion: The episode concludes with the hosts agreeing that while not all cemeteries are haunted, the accumulation of human emotion makes them dynamic environments for paranormal phenomena. They end on a cliffhanger, promising a follow-up conversation on a new topic suggested by Angela (44:46 - 45:15).

    46 min
  2. No animals were harmed in the recording of this podcast…

    Jun 4

    No animals were harmed in the recording of this podcast…

    This special episode of Paranormal Lens explores a topic suggested to us by our friends at Malice In The Mitten: are there animal ghosts? Do our pets visit us after they pass? And if so, how might an animal's spirit behave or function differently than a human's? As always, the conversation spirals into many different tangents and directions. By the end of the episode we end up talking about how there's literally dead circus elephants buried in unmarked graves scattered across the country. Who knew! (Besides Pete that is... Pete probably knew). GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the intriguing and often debated topic: Do animals have ghosts? The hosts dive into whether pets visit their owners after passing, how animal spirits might differ from human ones, and share personal experiences and theories on the matter. Key Discussion Points: Animal Ghosts vs. Residual Energy: The hosts debate whether animals can be "haunted" or if experiences are better described as residual hauntings / imprints of energy (like a pet running up stairs or a hamster wheel spinning) rather than conscious spirits (1:38 - 11:25). The Case of Pete the Lion: The conversation takes a fascinating turn to a story about a haunted theater where a circus lion named Pete is allegedly buried. The hosts discuss how this local legend led to reports of shadow sightings and growls, even though the lion likely never performed there (13:31 - 19:22). Unmarked Graves: The discussion expands to the broader, often surprising reality that many historical circus animals were buried in unmarked locations across the country, leading to the possibility that animal remains (and potential residual energy) could be resting in unexpected places, such as beaches or beneath parking lots (20:07 - 21:28). Grief and Coping: The hosts touch upon the human element, questioning if reports of seeing lost pets are supernatural encounters or a natural coping mechanism for the deep grief of losing a companion (6:56 - 7:45).

    24 min
  3. Reliving our scariest, most intense public ghost hunt ever (Monday Bonus)

    Jun 1

    Reliving our scariest, most intense public ghost hunt ever (Monday Bonus)

    On this Monday Bonus episode of Paranormal Lens: We're taking a look back at our scariest public ghost hunt to date. Following last year's after-hours ghost hunt at the annual Haunting In ReoTown Marketplace, we immediately got on the phone with Brienna to recount everything that had just happened. Full bodied apparitions. Mimics. Poltergeist activity. Strange synchronicities. Guests dropping like flies. All culminating in an event that made Ben and Angela literally run out of the room in terror. Now, one year later, we're returning to the scene of the crime for the 5th annual Haunting In ReoTown Marketplace on Saturday, June 6. Before we step back into the building for another after-hours ghost hunt, we're re-releasing this chilling conversation as a reminder of what happened the last time we investigated there, and a potential preview of what may be waiting for us when we return. Will history repeat itself? There's only one way to find out. Limited tickets for this year's after-hours public ghost hunt are available at: https://form.jotform.com/voodoosoddtiques/Hauntinginreo GEMINI SUMMARY: This Monday Bonus episode of Paranormal Lens serves as a retrospective, recounting the hosts' most intense and frightening public ghost hunt from the 2025 Haunting in ReoTown Marketplace in Lansing, Michigan (0:00-3:30). Key takeaways from the investigation: Structured Setup: The event featured a highly organized, small-group format (16 guests total, split into four rotating teams) designed to prevent cross-contamination of energy and evidence (7:10-8:50). Escalating Activity: The investigation began with relatively quiet, controlled experiments but gradually escalated throughout the night as different teams began experiencing distinct yet correlating phenomena, including physical interactions and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) (21:00-28:30). Terrifying Climax: During the final hour, the hosts and their remaining group experienced an intense, collective sighting of a black mass or shadow figure manifesting near a curtained area. The group felt an overwhelming sense of dread, leading them to abandon the room in terror (32:00-37:30). Uncanny Photographic Evidence: The investigators discuss a photograph captured by a guest during the same timeframe as the shadow figure sighting. The image shows a distorted, non-human-like figure wearing what appears to be a top hat, which the hosts describe as deeply unsettling and impossible to debunk as a simple human presence (39:45-45:30). The Aftermath: The hosts emphasize that this experience was unlike any they had encountered in eight years of investigating, with nearly half of the guests ultimately demanding cleansings due to the intense negative energy (9:00-9:50; 31:40). The hosts conclude by using this chilling account as a lead-up to their return to the venue for the 5th annual Haunting in ReoTown Marketplace on June 6, 2026, inviting listeners to see if history repeats itself (0:15-1:00; 48:00).

    49 min
  4. Are we being FOLLOWED by ghosts?

    May 28

    Are we being FOLLOWED by ghosts?

    On this special Halfway to Hallowchristmas episode of Paranormal Lens: Are we being FOLLOWED by ghosts? After our “Yes or No” episode revealed that one of the few things we all agree on is that people themselves can be haunted, we dive deeper into the idea of paranormal attachments. From lingering spirits to past investigations where we believe we may have been interacting with our own ghosts as opposed to the location’s... this episode explores what happens when the haunting comes home with you. PS: Towards the end of the episode, Ben makes a joke about Santa Claus that spirals into a cringy bit that might just cost you your sanity. You've been warned. Be sure to FOLLOW Jezebel Michelle Creations: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092277383377 GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the concept of paranormal attachments and whether spirits can travel with investigators from one location to another. The hosts delve into their own experiences with potential attachments and discuss the challenges of distinguishing between spirits tethered to a location and those that might be following them. Key Discussion Points: Human Hauntings: Building episode 39, the hosts affirm their belief that humans themselves can be haunted (1:05-1:19). Investigation Experiences: The hosts recount a session at the Doherty Hotel where they felt they were interacting with a spirit from their own apartment rather than the location's resident ghosts (7:29-9:02). They discuss the protective nature of certain spirits, like Jacques, who frequently intervenes during dangerous situations, such as a tense encounter at a cemetery in Grand Haven (10:52-14:40). The hosts describe a long-running, unexplained phenomenon involving Brienna and an entity that would repeatedly say her name during various investigations, regardless of the location (15:26-17:35). Best Practices: The team emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries at the end of an investigation, explicitly telling spirits that they are not allowed to follow them home (20:36-21:05, 25:35-25:50). Lighthearted Tangents: As is common for the show, the episode includes humorous tangents about Angela's interest in summoning Santa Claus or Bigfoot during investigations (4:07-5:15, 23:30-24:35), and Ben jokingly struggles with the concept of being possessed by the "Hallowchristmas spirit" (27:40-29:20).

    31 min
  5. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! We are bringing “Remote Contact” to the Paranormal Research Symposium in historic Gettysburg this August!

    May 21

    BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! We are bringing “Remote Contact” to the Paranormal Research Symposium in historic Gettysburg this August!

    HUGE NEWS! We're pleased to announce that our Remote Contact project was selected to be included in this year's Paranormal Research Symposium in historic Gettysburg, PA this August! Presented by the Association of Paranormal Study, the Symposium promises to foster "an atmosphere of rigorous academic discourse, where researchers, scholars, investigators, and enthusiasts converge to share their knowledge. Topics include methodologies, theories, research, emerging trends, and ethical considerations in the paranormal field." Not only will we host a workshop/panel about our ongoing Remote Contact research (where we've been integrating VR in paranormal investigations and meditation) at the Symposium this August... our work and research will be published in a journal. Like, that's unheard of! And super cool!! As they say on their site, "the Paranormal Research Symposium promises an intellectually stimulating and transformative experience for all who seek to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the limits of conventional knowledge." This is right up our alley, and we can't wait to be a part of this year's conference! -- Last night, we hopped on a quick Zoom to record a podcast episode that celebrates and formally announces this exciting news. It's a shorter than usual episode, but we hope you enjoy nonetheless. And we hope our excitement surrounding the Symposium shines through! GEMINI SUMMARY: In this podcast episode, the team from Crossroads of Curiosities shares exciting news about their project, Remote Contact, being selected for the annual Paranormal Research Symposium in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania this August (3:45 - 4:57). Key Highlights: Academic Recognition: Unlike typical paranormal conventions focused on celebrity appearances or vendor booths, this symposium prioritizes rigorous research, academic discourse, and collaboration (12:14 - 13:00, 17:23 - 18:10). Project Spotlight: The team will present a workshop/panel on their Remote Contact project, which explores the integration of VR technology into paranormal investigation and meditation (5:26 - 6:15). Journal Publication: A significant milestone for the team is that their research will be published in a journal alongside other contributors, a level of recognition they described as rare for their field (6:45 - 7:12, 9:50 - 10:20). Event Expectations: The hosts expressed excitement about networking with deep thinkers and researchers in a structured, non-commercial environment (18:46 - 19:00). They also plan to capture 360-degree footage of the Gettysburg battlefields for future research (21:58 - 22:15).

    25 min
  6. We turned our most ICONIC live ghost hunt into a short film!

    May 14

    We turned our most ICONIC live ghost hunt into a short film!

    Last month, we live-streamed one of our most iconic ghost hunts yet: an investigation at the State House, where Brienna “volunteered” to do a solo while handcuffed to a haunted bathtub. In this special episode of Paranormal Lens, we break down the entire chaotic investigation and the experience behind it, which we just turned into a 20-minute short film "Beware The Haunted Bathtubs!" - now streaming on PARAFlixx: https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/beware-the-haunted-bathtubs-paraflixx-paranormal-plus

    31 min
  7. Mimics, Time Loops, and the Dweller On The Threshold: Revisited

    May 7

    Mimics, Time Loops, and the Dweller On The Threshold: Revisited

    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 topics in the field. More specifically, we're breaking down and analyzing the relationship mimic encounters have with time. Past, present, and future. The Dweller on the Threshold also comes up a great deal, because of course it does. This is an episode you don't want to miss. GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens serves as a deep dive into the phenomenon of mimics and their haunting relationship with time, residual energy, and the concept of the self. The hosts analyze their past experiences, questioning if these entities are singular beings or manifestations of their own consciousness interacting across time. Key Discussion Points: The Nature of Mimics: The hosts share personal encounters where their voices—and even their physical appearance (as in Angela's 70-year-old doppelganger)—were mimicked (3:46, 8:14, 11:03). They discuss the "uncanny valley" aspect of these voices, which often sound like the hosts but feel fundamentally "wrong" (12:23). Time and Residual Hauntings: A major theory explored is that mimics may be manifestations of residual energy from different points in time—past, present, or future (13:54, 15:59). The hosts suggest that their process of creating non-linear films might be contributing to their frequent encounters with out-of-time phenomena (17:46-18:32). The Dweller on the Threshold: The hosts tie these experiences to the Dweller on the Threshold (the shadow self), suggesting that the fear and insecurity associated with this concept can manifest as terrifying doppelgangers (21:23-22:06). Shift in Perspective: The conversation leads the hosts to re-evaluate their beliefs about hauntings, moving away from the idea of "intelligent hauntings" toward the possibility that much of the paranormal activity they encounter is purely residual (31:32-31:49, 32:27).

    36 min
  8. Let’s drink margaritas and talk about giant frog monsters!

    Apr 30

    Let’s drink margaritas and talk about giant frog monsters!

    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 to the Loveland Frogman article: https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ohio-lawmaker-seeks-to-name-loveland-frogman-as-state-cryptid-amid-growing-fame-jean-schmidt-state-representative-april-22-little-miami-river Link to the Bigfoot article: https://thedebrief.org/new-legislation-aims-to-make-legendary-humanlike-creature-californias-official-cryptid/

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to our podcast, where we take deep dives looking at various topics through a Paranormal Lens. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ben Goldman, Brienna Shear, and Angela Wingard come together to unpack history, events, and phenomena through a paranormal perspective. Along the way, we'll share updates on our latest projects, discuss timely news that doesn’t always fit into a full-length investigation or film, and connect the dots between folklore, research, and lived experience. In addition to our main Thursday episodes, listeners can also expect occasional bonus or mini-episodes dropping on Mondays, recorded live on-set or at events. Whether it’s analyzing legends, exploring haunted history, or discussing the cultural impact of the unexplained... our podcast is your gateway into conversations that exist at the Crossroads Of Curiosities.

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