Are We Truly Unknown?

Dakota Frandsen

We can connect across the globe from our beds, yet we face a massive loneliness epidemic. As the world feels darker and more isolating, some seek out ghosts or UFOs just to feel connected to the universe. Dakota Frandsen isn't here to prove the supernatural is real or tell you how to live. He’s here to offer a wake-up call. Instead of grasping at shadows to ask if the unknown is out there, tune in as we explore the ultimate question: Are we truly unknown?

  1. Manifestation and Serendipity

    2d ago

    Manifestation and Serendipity

    In this deeply personal and milestone eighth episode of Are We Truly Unknown?, host Dakota Frandsen celebrates a significant anniversary: 16 years since he first began his journey into the paranormal. Blending the supernatural with heartfelt introspection, Dakota tackles a concept that frequently dominates spiritual and new-age circles: The Law of Manifestation. Can we truly shape the universe with our thoughts, or are we simply victims of cognitive priming and pattern-seeking? Using examples ranging from Dr. Steven Greer's CE-5 protocols to Jim Carrey's famous million-dollar check, Dakota unpacks the reality of "making things happen." His ultimate conclusion? The universe might meet you halfway, but you can't just sit on the couch waiting for a miracle—you have to put in the work. Dakota backs up this philosophy with some of his most profound personal victories and paranormal encounters, sharing the stories behind his physical evidence of the unknown, while also opening up about the deeply human experiences of love, loss, and serendipity. The 16-Year Journey: Dakota reflects on his roots, sharing the spooky details of his very first ghost hunt at his grandfather's workplace in Meridian, Idaho. Cryptid Successes: Hear the full stories of how Dakota captured a validated baby Bigfoot footprint cast in the Idaho mountains, and how a serendipitous trip to Scotland led to the first registered Loch Ness Monster sighting of 2018. Manifestation vs. Action: A grounded look at why visualizing your goals—whether it's hunting monsters, finding success, or seeking love—must be paired with real-world effort. The "Starlight Angel": A highly vulnerable and romantic reflection on a serendipitous love, the beauty of human connection, and wanting the absolute best for those who leave a mark on our souls. A Crucial Mental Health Check: Prompted by tragic news within the UFO community, Dakota closes with a sobering reminder to check on your loved ones—even the ones who seem perfectly fine. "Don't let yourselves just sit there and wait and meditate and pray. Get out there into the world. Explore. Meet people. Fall in love. Try new things. Don't let yourself become unknown because you're too scared to embrace the absolute beauty and serenity that is out there." Join Dakota for an episode about chasing monsters, embracing serendipity, and refusing to let life pass you by while waiting for the stars to fall. In This Episode, We Explore:

    1h 19m
  2. The Stories We Keep

    Jun 5

    The Stories We Keep

    In this deeply reflective episode of Are We Truly Unknown?, host Dakota Frandsen takes a step back to examine one of humanity's oldest and most influential tools: the stories we tell. From the sensationalized narratives pushed by mainstream media to the quiet, internal scripts we use to navigate our relationships and self-worth, Dakota explores how unchecked stories shape our reality. Operating from a quieter, more personal space, Dakota tackles heavy themes with his trademark candor. He dives into the societal hypocrisy surrounding how we handle predators—outrage for strangers in the news, yet vows of silence for those in our own backyards—and the dangerous, isolating trap of "guilt by association." Drawing from a tragic and deeply personal true-crime story involving a childhood friend, Dakota highlights a grim reality: society often remembers the monsters while letting the victims fade into obscurity. He shares the harrowing details of this loss, accompanied by a surreal, paranormal encounter that left a lasting impact on his life. Key themes in this episode: The Echo Chamber of Media: How sensationalism distorts the truth and misdirects our outrage. Guilt by Association: Why we shouldn't punish innocent people for the crimes of their relatives. Remembering the Victims: A tragic story of loss, the failures of the justice system, and a supernatural visit to say thank you. The Internal Monologue: Confronting the self-limiting stories we tell ourselves about love, purpose, and self-worth. Truth in the Digital Age: The importance of AI literacy and fact-checking the narratives that dictate our lives. Ultimately, Dakota challenges listeners to question their own internal narratives. Are you feeding yourself lies about your worthiness? Are the stories you cling to actually fulfilling you? In an era of endless but superficial digital connection, "The Stories We Keep" is a call to critically examine the narratives we believe, and an invitation to share our authentic truths to finally bridge the gap of modern loneliness.

    48 min
  3. It Must've Been Love

    Jun 2

    It Must've Been Love

    In this deeply personal and incredibly raw episode of Are We Truly Unknown?, host Dakota Frandsen steps away from the tough-guy persona built during his days as a bounty hunter and paranormal investigator to tackle a surprisingly intimidating subject: love. Dakota opens up about the isolating nature of high-stress careers and how the coping mechanisms we build can sometimes twist who we are. Stripping back the armor, he shares two profound, defining chapters of his life where love and human connection became the ultimate lifelines. From a chaotic, near-disastrous trip overseas to navigating the heartbreaking complexities of a modern relationship, Dakota proves that while living might just be surviving, love is what brings the motion, the change, and the purpose. What to Expect in This Episode: The Weight of the Mask: Dakota discusses the reality of being a 6'7" "intimidating" guy and how morbid humor and gruff exteriors are often necessary shields in dark professions. The 2015 China Trip: A gripping story about a soul-crushing job at Walmart, severe mental health struggles, and how a trip to China—originally intended as a final farewell to life—turned into a harrowing hospital ransom situation that ultimately saved him. The True Currency of Life: A reflection on why money, travel, and experiences are meaningless distractions without someone to share them with. Romance, Therapy, and Vulnerability: Dakota speaks candidly about his current romantic struggles, the pain of a partner pulling away to heal, and his absolute refusal to give up on the person who makes him feel the most free. The Core Takeaway: Are we truly unknown when we realize that all we really want is to love and feel connected? Dakota challenges listeners to lean into the fear of vulnerability. If you care for someone, tell them. Don't let them doubt it. Listen now to hear a story of survival, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of becoming a better man.

    1h 12m
  4. Legacy

    May 22

    Legacy

    Following the heavy and transformative announcement in last week’s episode, “The Death of the Specialist,” host Dakota Frandsen returns to the mic to unpack the aftermath of laying his sixteen-year persona to rest. Recorded just days before the 16th anniversary of his maiden voyage into paranormal investigation, Dakota reflects on the wild journey that brought him here—and the sobering realities that forced him to change course. In this deeply philosophical and culturally relevant episode, Dakota dives into the concept of "Legacy" in an era where the world changes completely every few years. From his personal medical battles with chronic pancreatitis that prevent him from utilizing traditional forms of "escape," to a shocking realization that an Artificial Intelligence took pity on his harrowing life story, Dakota explores the intersection of human trauma and our rapidly advancing technological age. In this episode, Dakota discusses: The 16-Year Milestone: A look back at the origins of "The Specialist of the Strange," starting at a highway department building tied to his great-grandfather, and why killing that identity was the only way forward. Synthetic Magic & The AI Boom: Dakota compares the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence to a developing child learning from humanity. As AI reaches a level of sentience akin to a highly intelligent five-year-old, what are we modeling for it as a society? The Vulnerability Trap: A raw discussion on the modern struggles of mental health, the dangers of relying on AI therapy, and the specific isolation men face when trying to open up about their vulnerabilities. Redefining Your Legacy: You don't need to have biological children to leave a lasting impact on the world. Dakota argues that true legacy is built by choosing kindness, leading with your heart, and fighting for genuine human connection over artificial substitutes. A Challenge to the Listeners: Dakota closes the episode with a call to action. Instead of letting the fear of vulnerability dictate your life, what is one small thing you can do within the next 24 hours to chart your course? Whether it's reaching out to a struggling partner, planning a business, or making a memory, it's time to take action. Tune in to explore what it truly means to leave a mark in a chaotic, beautifully messy world.

    57 min
  5. The Death of the Specialist

    May 15

    The Death of the Specialist

    In this raw, unflinching, and profoundly personal episode of Are We Truly Unknown?, host Dakota Frandsen makes a monumental announcement: the deliberate retirement of his sixteen-year public persona, the "Specialist of the Strange". Clarifying immediately that this is not a literal end to his life, Dakota explains why the psychological armor he forged to survive a deeply traumatic childhood must now be laid to rest so he can finally live authentically. Dakota pulls back the curtain on the darkest moments of his past, sharing the agonizing circumstances that birthed the Specialist. He dives deeply into the "Olivia Paradox"—a life-altering vision of a little girl that saved him from suicide at age twelve, but which eventually became a heavy cosmic prophecy that sabotaged his romantic relationships. In this episode, we explore: The Weight of the Mask: Dakota discusses how his paranormal persona began as a self-deprecating joke. He reveals how it calcified into an exhausting, suffocating burden that isolated him from genuine human connection. The Olivia Paradox: He details the complex reality of the blonde-haired guardian angel who saved his life. He then explains how his desperate search for her "perfect mother" turned romantic relationships into unfair, high-stakes auditions. Satellites vs. Lifelines: Sharing insights from intense therapy, Dakota explores the crucial realization that romantic partners should be guiding lights, or "satellites". He notes they should never be treated as "lifelines" gripped in desperation by a drowning man. The Starlight Angel: Dakota offers a vulnerable, unvarnished message to his current partner, addressing the toll his trauma has taken on their relationship. He expresses his desire to shed his old identity to embrace her and live in the tangible present. What's Next: Reassuring his loyal followers, Dakota confirms that his paranormal ventures, including Bald and Bonkers, will absolutely continue. However, he emphasizes that they will now be managed and executed by the real Dakota Frandsen, not the Specialist. Tune in for a heavy, honest conversation about shedding the ghosts of the past, breaking toxic family cycles, and finding the courage to choose genuine love over an untouchable facade.

    1h 22m
  6. Olivia Hope

    May 8

    Olivia Hope

    In this deeply personal and intensely vulnerable episode of Are We Truly Unknown?, Dakota peels back the layers of a story that altered the trajectory of his life forever: the story of Olivia Hope. What happens when our darkest moments manifest something completely unexplainable? Dakota opens up about a profound vision he experienced at twelve years old during a severe mental health crisis—a vision of a little girl who called him "Daddy" and ultimately saved his life. Through the lens of profound self-reflection, Dakota explores whether Olivia was a psychological survival mechanism designed to break a cycle of generational abuse, or a genuine phenomenon that defies our current understanding of reality. Beyond the paranormal and the psychological, this episode is a candid exploration of how our unhealed wounds impact the people we love. Dakota discusses the pressure his experiences placed on his romantic relationships, a harrowing pregnancy scare in Paris, and the profound realization that changed how he views love and connection today. The Olivia Paradox: Navigating the blurry line between trauma-induced hallucinations and unexplainable phenomena. Generational Trauma: How the intense fear of becoming like the people who hurt us can shape our subconscious and our future. Satellites vs. Lifelines: A transformative concept for navigating romantic relationships and complex PTSD without losing yourself or suffocating your partner. The Ultimate Message of Hope: Finding the courage to turn profound pain into passion, and realizing that love exists even in our darkest days. This episode contains candid discussions regarding severe mental health struggles, suicide ideation, and domestic abuse. Please prioritize your well-being while listening. You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help available no matter where you are in the world. International Mental Health Emergency Resources:Please utilize the comprehensive international registry of emergency services and hotlines, compiled by the Bald and Bonkers Network LLC, to find support in your country:👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSpM-9Ztee4q8t2vwaxUHnPDXVjtjAeHYzj4hDYVP8AR9b6LJylneXGQgDHQgycCGgdbkLQ7fVAiGLn/pub Human beings have survived because we work together. Reach out before it's too late. In This Episode, We Explore:⚠️ A Crucial Note on Mental Health and Safety

    1 hr

About

We can connect across the globe from our beds, yet we face a massive loneliness epidemic. As the world feels darker and more isolating, some seek out ghosts or UFOs just to feel connected to the universe. Dakota Frandsen isn't here to prove the supernatural is real or tell you how to live. He’s here to offer a wake-up call. Instead of grasping at shadows to ask if the unknown is out there, tune in as we explore the ultimate question: Are we truly unknown?