Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf

This isn't just a podcast, its an experience. Richard guides you through his paranormal bookshelf and peppers in a generous amount of well written storytelling and humor. It is not to be missed.

This podcast is a pleasant change from your typical spooky podcast and I love it! I appreciate the expertly-woven prose that take me back to my own life experiences! Bravo!

It’s 11:30 on a Monday morning and I’m silently weeping at my desk. These days I have any number of reasons to be crying, but I was not expecting a podcast about paranormal books to be one of them. And why am I crying? Because the host of the show, screenwriter Richard Hatem, has just started talking about his divorce. I’m a year into the divorce process. I say process because that is absolutely what the end of a long-term marriage is, practically and personally, especially when that marriage includes children. The mental fortitude it takes to soldier through court dates, legal counseling sessions, custody discussions, and settlement negotiations is exhausting. And then there’s the personal process of rediscovering oneself and defining oneself outside of the deceased relationship. Sometimes, unintentionally, a person loses parts of their individuality being part of a unit for such a long time. Back at my desk, I’m deftly brushing away tears as I listen to episode 2 of Hatem’s podcast: “Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf”. This was not what I expected when I started the series. I first became aware of Richard Hatem through a different podcast, Astonishing Legends, hosted by Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess. I was aware of Hatem’s art before I was aware of the artist. (And isn’t that the highest praise that can be bestowed upon a creator?) Two of Hatem’s works significantly influenced my interest in the unexplained: the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies and the sadly short-lived tv series Miracles. Over the years, Richard has been a frequent guest on Astonishing Legends and each time has been a delight. So when I learned Hatem was creating his own podcast centered around the paranormal books that have influenced him I was ecstatic. I anticipated each episode would be a sort of book review presented in Richard’s characteristic blue humor and charm. And the podcast is partially just that. But it’s so much better than just that. Ironically, a show ostensibly about paranormal events focuses much more on normal, everyday experiences that nearly everyone can relate to. The particular episode that has triggered my tearful reaction is called “Love in an Alien Purgatory”, a title taken from the book written by Farah Yurdozu about the enigmatic extraterrestrial themed paintings created by artist David Huggins. Huggins purportedly had a decades long romance with an alien woman and he painted his encounters. As I slowly recover my composure, giving furtive glances towards my coworkers to ensure no one has seen my mini meltdown, Hatem continues to weave the book review with his personal experiences of love and heartbreak. Perhaps my reaction is a sign I need more therapy, a subject also discussed by Hatem. Or maybe my reaction is simply relief. Relief in knowing that others have endured the pain I’m currently experiencing and have nevertheless persevered. Hatem’s storytelling skills and vulnerability are what make this podcast so special. And while the show’s episodes cover topics ranging from alien encounters to haunted houses, the core narrative is always a flawed human being navigating life just like the rest of us.

Is very enjoyable, well told and relatable. A podcast I find myself responding out loud to, “Right?” “Me too” “Absolutely” and a few lol’s. Well done Richard.