Paranormal Lens - A Crossroads Of Curiosities, LLC Production

Jails are SUPER haunted. And marijuana is a perfect metaphor to explain why... After our recent investigation (and video) of the Cambria County Old Stone Jail in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania — which you can watch HERE — we sat down and discussed the concept of haunted jails as a whole. Did Cambria County live up to our own hype? What makes a jail "haunted"? Are all jails haunted? And if so... why might marijuana of all things be a good metaphor for why? GEMINI SUMMARY: The hosts reflect on their recent investigation of the Cambria County Old Stone Jail in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania (0:00 - 0:54). Key Discussion Points: Are Jails Haunted? The hosts discuss why jails, particularly those with histories of death row inmates and executions, are believed to be highly haunted locations (3:25 - 9:46). They suggest that the intense, trapped emotions (such as anger, sadness, and depression) create a "whirlpool of negative energy" (4:34 - 5:15). The "Marijuana" Metaphor: A major theme of the episode is the metaphor comparing residual ghostly energy to the way smells, specifically cigar smoke or marijuana, linger in old walls long after the source is gone (22:11 - 24:37). Investigative Experiences: The team shares their intense adrenaline-filled experience at the Cambria County Old Stone Jail (13:53 - 14:35) and expresses an interest in future investigations at other locations, specifically Cresson (26:32 - 27:00). General Paranormal Theory: They contrast the energy of jails with their experiences at cemeteries, noting that while both hold deep emotions, the specific nature of confinement in jails may contribute differently to hauntings (16:12 - 18:33). Ending Note: The episode concludes with a humorous, somewhat chaotic segment where the hosts joke about ending the recording and their hypothetical future plans for visiting more haunted sites (33:46 - 36:53).

On this tantalizing and VERY SERIOUS episode of Paranormal Lens : we dive deep into the theory that SpongeBob is actually a demonic being. Or alternatively, that a SpongeBob egregore exists and terrorizes children. Could SpongeBob actually be what we coined as a "deceptive entity"? A familiar perhaps? Or an interdimensional being? You may think we're joking but we're not. After reacting to a viral TikTok by @tmistorytime , we go down the many rabbit holes of DOZENS of people around the country who have experienced a real-life entity resembling a demented, corrupted, and dare we say "demonic" version of SpongeBob . Including our very own near and dear Angela, who swears Patrick Star is a threshold entity that guards the gates of Hell. This is a doozy of an episode and is entirely serious. Do not mock or ridicule the concept. Listen with an open mind and you might just have your mind blown. The original TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tmistorytime/video/7691845435505364238 GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of "Paranormal Lens" explores the unsettling theory that the character SpongeBob SquarePants could be a deceptive entity, a demon, or an egregore—a collective thought-form—that impacts those who watch the show. Key themes and discussions include: Reaction to Viral Content: The hosts analyze a viral TikTok video by @tmistorytime, which recounts a chilling personal experience involving a disturbing encounter with a SpongeBob-like entity (04:19 - 07:22). The Concept of Deceptive Entities: The group discusses the possibility of media-based characters becoming manifestations of interdimensional beings or negative energy (00:33 - 04:18). Personal Testimonies: Angela shares her own perspective, suggesting that characters like Patrick Star may function as threshold entities or guardians of dark spaces (07:23 - 46:45). The hosts emphasize that they are approaching these theories with complete seriousness, cautioning against ridiculing the claims, as they investigate reports from numerous individuals across the country who claim to have encountered corrupted versions of the character.

Join us THIS WEEKEND for the Blood Moon Parafest 4 - https://the-xl-network-llc.square.site The Blood Moon Parafest is an immersive paranormal and community-focused event held at the historic Stimson Hospital in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Set within one of Michigan’s most intriguing and storied locations, this unique gathering brings together paranormal enthusiasts, families, and the curious for a day of learning, exploration, and connection. Ahead of this exciting event, Ben was voluntold to do a solo in the Stimson Hospital's creepy old basement morgue. For the first time ever on the podcast, he decided to bring YOU the listener into a ghost hunt, recording a Monday Bonus live during the investigation. -- "Dweller: Director's Cut" - https://rss.com/podcasts/dweller/?listenOn=true "The Possession Tape" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZnKoemd7qw "Beware The Haunted Bathtubs" - https://paraflixx.vhx.tv/videos/beware-the-haunted-bathtubs-v3 GEMINI SUMMARY: In this special Paranormal Lens bonus episode, host Ben records a live paranormal investigation from the basement morgue of the historic Stimson Hospital in Eaton Rapids, Michigan (0:00 - 0:42). Throughout the video, Ben explores the location's eerie reputation and discusses upcoming events. Key highlights from the investigation: Haunted Lore: Ben recounts the history of the site, including the tragic death of Dr. Frank Blanchard, who fell down an open elevator shaft (5:02 - 5:27). Paranormal Phenomena: He describes previous experiences at the hospital, such as hearing phantom voices (5:44 - 6:10), capturing an early EVP (8:39 - 8:44), and witnessing an unsettling SLS camera incident where a stick figure appeared to touch a researcher (14:07 - 14:27). Live Hunt: While recording his solo session, Ben reacts to unexplained noises and footsteps (11:32 - 12:24), and encounters technical issues with his spirit box, which he notes as highly unusual (18:33 - 19:12, 22:41 - 24:14). Upcoming Event: Ben encourages listeners to attend the Blood Moon Parafest (October 16–18), a community-focused paranormal festival hosted at the hospital, which features investigations and guest speakers (1:33 - 2:16).

The Jennie Wade House left a lasting impact on us. While in Gettysburg for the Paranormal Research Symposium, we made a brief visit to the historic Jennie Wade House. We didn't expect it to stick with us the way it did, but throughout our time in Gettysburg, we kept finding ourselves drawn back to it. The phrase "if these walls could talk" gets used a lot when talking about historic places. But in this case, it genuinely felt like the house itself was speaking to us. Not necessarily through anything we could easily explain, but through a feeling that the building had a presence of its own. Almost as if it had a soul. In this episode, we talk about our experience at the Jennie Wade House, why it affected us so deeply, and what it means when a place seems to leave an impression that goes beyond its history.

On this episode of Paranormal Lens: Are there such a thing as spiritual hierarchies? Are some entities more "powerful" and capable than others? We don't have the answers.... but what we do have is a great story. Introducing: Daddy Longlegs. A self-identified "Level 8" that HATES our beloved Jacques, who's a "Level 7." This is the biggest feud in Crossroads lore, and does a decent job illustrating the potential hierarchies that may exist in the spiritual realm. GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens features hosts Ben, Angela, and Brie as they discuss the concept of spiritual hierarchies among paranormal entities (3:02). The conversation is centered around two specific entities, Daddy Longlegs and Jacques. Key Highlights of the Discussion: Spiritual Hierarchies: The hosts explore the idea that ghosts and entities are intelligent beings that may exist within a structured hierarchy, similar to natural systems or religious frameworks (4:58 - 7:31). The Feud: The primary story involves an ongoing rivalry between Daddy Longlegs, a self-identified Level 8 entity discovered at Rosevear Park, and Jacques, a Level 7 entity known to the hosts (19:32 - 21:19). The Confrontation: The tension between the two entities escalated to a point where Daddy Longlegs openly taunted Jacques during a spirit box session, leading the hosts to put Daddy Longlegs in "timeout" (21:19 - 24:31). Dimensions and Realities: The hosts touch upon the nature of dimensions, referencing a recent investigation regarding the probability of their own deaths in alternate timelines if they were to visit specific locations (30:08 - 31:43).

Original Airdate: July 2025 Shadow figures are some of the strangest paranormal phenomena reported, and they're deceptively easy to conceptualize. Once you start to go down the rabbit holes though of analyzing your own experiences with shadow figures and comparing them to other entities and sightings, you start to realize how strange the phenomenon truly is. Are shadow figures glitches in the matrix perhaps? Time slips? And, are they their own entities or merely the shadows of entities? This episode is full of conjecture, theories... and bits. Oh, the bits. Inside jokes galore. Uncle Bunkable! GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of "Paranormal Lens" features hosts Angela, Brie, and Ben discussing the mysterious and often debated phenomenon of shadow figures. Key Discussion Points: Defining Shadow Figures: The hosts grapple with the distinction between shadow figures and traditional apparitions. They suggest that while apparitions often have recognizable, detailed features (like a woman in a white dress), shadow figures are typically seen as fast-moving, featureless black masses (3:36-5:42). Theories on What They Are: The group explores several provocative theories, including: - Glitches in the Matrix or Time Slips: The possibility that these figures are remnants or visual errors in time, potentially even glimpses of one's future self (8:06-9:16). - Low-Resolution Entities: A metaphor used is that shadow figures might be "low-res" versions of spirits that haven't fully "loaded" their details, contrasted with 4K-quality apparitions (10:33-11:03, 25:50-26:04). - The "Hatman": The hosts clarify that the Hatman is usually considered separate from general shadow figure phenomena because he has a more distinct, identifiable form (11:27-12:48). Personal Experiences: The hosts share their own encounters, such as Angela's sighting at Madison Seminary (3:24-4:20) and Brie's compelling experience at Rosevear Park, where she witnessed a shadow mass roughly 8 feet tall move behind a tree (14:04-17:28). Investigative Perspective: The hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking and debunking. They note that many "shadow figures" captured on camera, especially in low-light or infrared conditions, can often be explained by light interactions or environmental factors rather than the paranormal (20:14-22:23).

On this interactive episode of Paranormal Lens , we’re putting some of the most commonly misidentified “ghostly screams” under the microscope. From bobcats and foxes to owls and peacocks, we break down why these very real, very local animals can sound downright otherworldly, especially at night and when you’re already in a spooky mindset. Think you heard a scream, a cry, or something that sounded decidedly not human ? Before you blame the paranormal, you might want to know what’s living in the woods around you... SOURCES: Bobcat: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ByJrxUivs/?mibextid=wwXIfr Fox: https://youtu.be/NIyOiwGfJ1I Cougar: https://youtu.be/UE7YOJVSoIs Barn Owl: https://youtu.be/YLbzYNnoc2U Limpkin: https://youtube.com/shorts/mmNrojcx3F8?si=oBYk9Y0tVgoDNm9Q Red-tailed hawk: https://youtu.be/JyZZAD4tWDk?feature=shared Possum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxm6xp-LHf4 Peacock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MhZPqHeEAQ

How much "evidence" does it actually take to call a place haunted? In Episode 61 of Paranormal Lens , we dig into why we don’t put much stock in rumored hauntings based on a single EVP, a vague ghost hunter’s account, or one unexplained experience. We talk about the weight of EVPs when it comes to diagnosing a potential haunting, what actually makes a paranormal claim or purported voice recording convincing, and whether we could ever know with certainty who is objectively haunting a particular place. And, naturally, we go off the rails a little. We get into what makes a house “legally haunted,” the ghosts who may have never experienced the majesty (or travesty, depending on opinion) of pineapple on pizza, and several other tangents that somehow seemed relevant at the time. Carbon dating, anyone? GEMINI SUMMARY: In this episode of Paranormal Lens, the hosts discuss why they are skeptical of hauntings that rely on insufficient evidence. They argue that claims based solely on a single Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), vague personal accounts, or a single unexplained event are not reliable indicators of a truly haunted location. Key takeaways from the discussion: Weight of evidence: The hosts emphasize the need for multiple, consistent forms of evidence to support a claim of a haunting, rather than relying on isolated anomalies (0:00 - 4:00). Defining a haunting: The conversation explores the challenges of objectively identifying a "haunting" and questions whether it is ever truly possible to know with certainty who or what might be behind paranormal activity. Tangent topics: Throughout the episode, the hosts go off-track to discuss interesting side topics, such as what makes a property "legally haunted" and whether ghosts have opinions on pineapple pizza.

Not to toot our own horn, but this might be our most intriguing topic and conversation yet. On this episode of Paranormal Lens : Ben breaks down why he believes Sam and Colby are this generation's Ed and Lorraine Warren... and his argument surprisingly makes sense. As expected, the potentially controversial conversation also veers into highly compelling tangents: our goals in investigating; entertainment vs. storytelling; and what constitutes as compelling paranormal "evidence" (if there even is such thing as "evidence"). Are Sam and Colby the new Ed and Lorraine Warren? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of the Paranormal Lens podcast features a discussion where host Ben argues that popular YouTube paranormal investigators Sam and Colby are the modern-day equivalent of Ed and Lorraine Warren (1:37). Key themes discussed: Influence and Legacy: The hosts explore how both the Warrens and Sam and Colby have significantly influenced how their respective generations perceive, discuss, and investigate the paranormal (5:04-10:04, 11:18-13:58). Storytelling vs. Entertainment: A central debate revolves around the goals of investigating. The hosts emphasize the importance of storytelling over "empty entertainment," noting that while their own work is driven by a desire to explore the human experience, it inherently becomes entertaining to an audience (22:30-24:55). Evidence vs. Data: The group critiques the term "evidence" in paranormal research, suggesting that "data" is a more accurate descriptor for what is captured, which should then be evaluated by experts across various fields rather than being treated as definitive proof (25:06-33:05). Investigative Styles: They address criticisms regarding the "go-go-go" nature of internet culture, noting that Sam and Colby stand out by producing long-form, unedited content that keeps audiences engaged, contrasting this with more traditional, highly edited television formats like Ghost Hunters (37:37-41:25).

On this short and sweet episode of Paranormal Lens , we’re asking a deceptively simple question: does the amount of time you spend investigating a haunted location actually matter? We dig into our own experiences in the field and explore how the length of an investigation might influence what we experience, if at all. And, of course, we take the question to its extreme: if we were given an entire week to investigate any haunted location in the world , where would we go, and what would we hope to uncover? From our own anecdotal experiences to the ultimate paranormal dream investigation, this episode gets into how much time may or may not truly matter when you’re hunting for something you can’t necessarily predict. GEMINI SUMMARY: GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the question: does the amount of time spent ghost hunting actually matter? The hosts discuss their experiences and theories regarding how the duration of an investigation impacts the potential for paranormal encounters. Key discussion points: Investigation Duration: The hosts debate whether longer investigations inherently yield more results or if paranormal events are simply unpredictable, regardless of time spent on-site (0:00 - 28:45). The "Dream" Investigation: As a thought experiment, the team discusses what they would do if given an entire week to investigate a single haunted location, including where they would go and what they hope to uncover (throughout the episode).

This episode of Paranormal Lens is full of hot takes and potentially unpopular opinions. In a rare moment when we all actually agree on something, none of us can quite wrap our heads around why so many paranormal investigators come up with weird, convoluted, or just plain factually incorrect explanations for why they supposedly need to investigate at night. So, on this episode, we’re poking holes in some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding nighttime ghost hunting. We’ll examine the claims investigators often make about why the paranormal is supposedly more active after dark... and whether there’s actually any good reason to believe them. We also share some of our recent daytime paranormal experiences; and reveal our own, surprisingly simple reason for investigating at night. Spoiler: it’s probably a lot simpler than you think. GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the common belief that ghost hunting must only be conducted at night and challenges the various myths used to justify this practice. Key takeaways regarding nighttime investigations: Debunking Myths: The hosts argue that nighttime is not a requirement for paranormal activity (3:02). Common excuses, such as ghosts being nocturnal or infrared cameras being necessary to capture them, are dismissed as illogical or just convenient excuses for filmmakers (15:58, 19:20, 21:36). The Real Reasons: The hosts admit that nighttime is preferred primarily for "spookier vibes" and to match the atmosphere people expect from paranormal media (10:42, 12:30). They also note practical factors like audience engagement, as viewers are more active in the evening, and location access restrictions during daytime hours (11:27, 31:27). Solo Ghost Hunt Challenge: The latter half of the episode focuses on a "scariest solo ghost hunt" challenge proposed in a previous episode (36:34). They brainstorm elements for this challenge, including being locked in a jail cell in an abandoned prison, having no communication with the outside, and using a strobe light flashlight (1:18:28 - 1:19:29). The hosts set a goal of 400 listens for the episode by September 1st to make this challenge a reality, promising to play a game of Jenga to decide who undergoes the solo investigation (1:20:47 - 1:23:22).

What if you visited a place that shouldn't exist... and then could never find it again? What if an object you know you had suddenly vanished without a trace, only to reappear somewhere completely unexpected? On this episode of Paranormal Lens , we explore the strange phenomenon commonly described as “glitches in the matrix." Experiences that seem to challenge our understanding of reality, from mysterious locations to disappearing objects that feel like reality itself has briefly skipped a beat. Are these experiences evidence of time slips, alternate realities, or something far more sinister? Or is there a much more mundane explanation? Could the way our brains process memory, perception, and expectation create the illusion that something impossible has happened? Throughout the episode, we'll examine some of the our own "glitches in the matrix," including a recent experience in Marshall, Michigan. GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of the Paranormal Lens podcast explores the concept of "glitches in the matrix," experiences where locations, buildings, or objects seem to appear and disappear or defy logical explanation. Key Highlights: The Marshall, Michigan Experience (06:15 - 17:30): Ben and Angela, share a personal story from several months prior when they visited an antique store in Marshall, Michigan, that specialized in paper ephemera and vintage books. Upon returning to the town recently, they were unable to locate the building or find any online record of the shop, despite extensively searching maps, social media groups, and local streets. Missing Objects (17:42 - 22:21): The discussion shifts to the phenomenon of disappearing items. Ben recounts an experience in college at Riverbend Park, where a static EMF detector he was using for a web series vanished while he was driving home. He confirmed through recorded footage that the device was in the car, yet it was never found again. The Antichrist Debate (00:00 - 00:15, 24:35 - 25:05): The hosts jokingly debate whether Bitcoin or Bigfoot is the Antichrist, a recurring humorous topic on their show. Community Engagement (25:55 - 28:05): The hosts mention a challenge for their listeners: if episode 55 reaches 400 listens by the end of August 2026, they will commit to a high-stakes, solo ghost-hunting challenge they previously designed.

On this episode of Paranormal Lens , we take a (slightly) more serious look at fear and the role it plays during paranormal investigations. The conversation takes some interesting turns as we explore how "clip culture" has shaped people's perceptions of investigators' experiences, and why every time we post ourselves reacting to something unusual or go live from an investigation, someone inevitably comments: "Don't show it fear!" We also discuss how some paranormal TV shows and investigation teams have made fear part of their brand and identity, and whether that alters their investigations or perceived experiences for better or for worse. GEMINI SUMMARY: In this episode of Paranormal Lens, the hosts explore the role of fear in paranormal investigations, specifically addressing why viewers often tell them not to show fear while investigating. Key Discussion Points: The "Don't Show Fear" Myth: The hosts discuss the common viewer sentiment that showing fear during an investigation makes an investigator vulnerable to demonic attachment or possession (2:37-3:00). They argue that while extreme vulnerability can be a concern, a natural, momentary reaction to a startling event is different from living in a state of perpetual fear (3:40-4:30). The Impact of Intent and Attitude: The team emphasizes that one's mindset matters. Going into an investigation with a negative, aggressive, or overly anxious attitude may influence the environment or create a self-fulfilling prophecy, whereas approaching it with a neutral, "clean slate" perspective is preferred (10:06-11:50, 12:52-13:40). Clip Culture and Perception: The hosts critique "clip culture" on social media, noting that 10-second viral clips of them getting startled do not accurately represent hours of steady, focused investigation. These snippets often lead to unfair judgments from audiences who don't see the full context (14:22-15:10, 24:09-24:45). Adrenaline vs. Reality: The team acknowledges that high-stress situations can make investigators more hyper-aware, sometimes causing them to misinterpret mundane shadows or sounds as paranormal (4:49-5:45). They argue that experienced investigators must learn to talk themselves down from these moments to objectively evaluate the evidence (5:45-6:00). Ultimately, the hosts conclude that getting "spooked" by an isolated event is a normal human reaction, not a dangerous mistake, and they remain committed to long-form, authentic investigation styles over the sensationalized content often found in the paranormal genre.

In this episode of Paranormal Lens , we’re asking a terrifying question: what would be the SCARIEST possible solo investigation for the Crossroads of Curiosities crew? (Spoiler alert: it does not involve handcuffs or bathtubs...) After nearly a decade of investigating some of the most haunted locations in the midwest, we’re turning the focus inward and designing the one ghost hunt that would truly test our courage, skepticism, and nerves. We're not creating the most "objectively" extreme investigation imaginable. We're creating the most terrifying one for us personally . What type of location would make us hesitate before walking through the door alone? What conditions would push us outside our comfort zones? And what paranormal scenarios would force us to confront our own fears? Oh, and there’s a catch… If this episode reaches 400 listens by September 1st , we’ve all reluctantly agreed to turn our hypothetical “scariest solo ghost hunt ever” into a reality. So give this new episode a listen, and be sure to share with your friends... we dare you. GEMINI Summary: In this episode of Paranormal Lens , the Crossroads of Curiosities crew brainstorms the most terrifying possible solo ghost investigation for themselves (1:38 - 1:53). Their goal is not to create an objectively extreme event, but to design a scenario that would personally test their nerves and fears. The "Ultimate" Scary Solo Cocktail: Setting: A large, abandoned haunted prison (7:16 - 7:20). Timing: Starts at 11:33 p.m. on the night of a new moon (24:26 - 25:12). Restraint/Isolation: The investigator is locked inside a cell with all cameras placed outside to ensure total isolation (8:14 - 8:28, 13:47 - 14:10). Environmental Factors: A random Craigslist coven is hired to perform a conjuring ritual on the prison grounds while wearing orange jumpsuits (23:07 - 24:17). Tools: A strobe light is used instead of a standard flashlight, and the investigator is provided with a word generator device (28:06 - 29:43). Psychological Hazards: Cat balls and Rem Pods line the hallway, a mirror is placed in the cell, and a Boo Buddy is kept just out of reach (12:42 - 13:06, 16:47 - 17:26, 25:45 - 26:15). The X-Factor: The crew aims to have a bat in the cell with the hope that it will leave droppings on the investigator (8:30 - 8:37, 30:45 - 30:52). The Challenge: The crew has agreed that if this episode receives 400 listens by September 1st , they will host a live-streamed Jenga match to determine who must perform this terrifying solo investigation within the next year (31:00 - 33:05).

Have you ever gotten a tarot card reading from a haunted deck? We can now officially say we have... and we received it live on air! This is a special episode of Paranormal Lens , the first of several "Tarot Topics" that we'll return to intermittently as the podcast progresses. We're joined by our good friend and tarot reader Lindsay to get an inaugural reading from her very haunted tarot deck. The resulting reading touches on some of our favorite topics like religious trauma as well as why some people (even those in the paranormal community) view tarot as something "evil" and 'demonic" when it's not.

Who wants another episode about egregores??? *Crickets* Oof. Sorry to disappoint.. but on this episode of Paranormal Lens , we tackle our most controversial topic yet: is AI an egregore? Firstly, we tackle the huge and necessary question on if AI has a consciousness. Heck, do egregores even have a consciousness? Through billions of human interactions, are we collectively feeding a new thoughtform, or are we simply projecting age-old occult concepts onto cutting-edge technology? And where do ideas like egregores, tulpas, memes, archetypes, and collective consciousness intersect with artificial intelligence? Whether you're convinced AI is nothing more than sophisticated software or you're open to stranger possibilities, this episode digs into the folklore, philosophy, psychology, and paranormal implications behind one of the weirdest questions of the modern age. No easy answers. No fearmongering. Just an honest conversation about one of the most fascinating intersections of the paranormal and emerging technology. Also: Angela is 100% gonna try to reach out to Elias Thorne on our next TikTok Live, isn't she... GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the provocative question: Is AI an egregore? The hosts discuss whether human interaction with artificial intelligence is collectively feeding a new thoughtform, or if we are simply projecting occult concepts onto modern technology (2:03-4:28). Key themes and discussion points: Defining Egregores: The hosts describe an egregore as a "thoughtform" created by collective human belief and intent, which then takes on a life of its own (2:38-3:40). They draw parallels between this concept and the way people interact with AI, treating it like a conscious entity that learns from human input (5:21-6:06). The "Cloud" Analogy: The hosts compare AI, such as ChatGPT, to entities like the Hatman, suggesting that while individuals experience different versions of these "entities" based on their own personal inputs (algorithms), there is a collective "cloud" engine that connects them all (8:03-8:59). Shadow Self and Reflection: The discussion touches on the idea that AI acts as a "mirror" for human nature, potentially reflecting our fears, shadows, and subconscious intent, similar to how occultists view the interaction between a practitioner and an egregore (9:33-10:40). AI Inbreeding: The hosts discuss a recent Cornell University study mentioned in The Guardian regarding "AI inbreeding," where AI models generated consistent, fabricated stories about a non-existent person named Elias Thorne (22:04-23:45). They debate whether this phenomenon is a technological glitch or, in a paranormal sense, the birth of a new entity (24:36-25:27). Consciousness vs. Metaphor: The group remains skeptical about whether AI currently possesses actual consciousness but finds the metaphor for how these systems propagate through human belief and data extremely compelling (6:19-6:41; 16:44-18:11). The episode concludes by pondering if modern "shadow beings" might effectively be algorithms existing within our collective digital landscape (30:16-30:43).

In this truly one-of-a-kind episode of Paranormal Lens , Angela not only knows the topic, but she commands it! As a follow-up to something she alluded to in the 50th episode, she leads an intriguing conversation about why her views on death and the afterlife have changed since paranormal investigating. It's full of thought-provoking twists and turns, as the conversation veers from religious hypocrisy to free will and even the meaning of life! What a fun, summery topic. Just promise us you won't show her mom...

Welcome to Episode 51: Episode 50, Part 2 of Paranormal Lens. (That's a mouthful, yikes!) Turns out we couldn't cram 50 paranormal AMA questions into a single episode, so the chaos continues. We're picking up right where we left off with more rapid-fire questions, bizarre tangents, and whatever else happens when two rowdy employees and a disillusioned HR manager are left unsupervised at the Cheese Factory. This is the last part of our never-ending Episode 50, we swear. Or is it...?

Did you know that most podcasts never make it past Episode 7? And according to Forbes , only 1% make it beyond Episode 30. Well... our little podcast that could Paranormal Lens just hit its 50th episode! In the last 10 months alone, we've released three short films on PARAFLixx, a feature-length documentary, two classic Afterlife Road-style videos, and another short film on YouTube... all while never missing a beat and releasing at least one podcast a week. The secret? What you hear on the podcast is literally just our normal conversations and evolving opinions. We just so happen to hit "record" once a week. There's rarely any prep work and minimal editing, which has allowed us to stay consistent. So, to celebrate this milestone, we decided to shake things up. Instead of tackling one pre-determined topic like we usually do, we're going to speed-round 50 "AMA" (Ask Me Anything) style questions. These questions go beyond the typical "OMG you're a ghost hunter, have you ever seen a ghost??" and get into the nitty gritty of what our minds are like 9 years into investigating. Oh... Ben also found his sound effects machine. This should be fun!

This is an episode that wasn't planned. As you heard at the end of last week's episode, Angela dropped an impromptu topic on us... which we rolled right into discussing at the end of an already long and tiresome recording session. For a completely spontaneous topic, she didn't go easy on us either: are there some historic properties that shouldn't be investigated by ghost hunters? We discuss whether any property with reported activity is fair game, or if some (particularly those that bore witness to recent tragedies) should be off the table. During our conversation, we touch on the Bath School bombing and Ben's capstone documentary he made about it during his undergrad at MSU. It's six years old at this point, and only ten minutes (as was required for the capstone project). But if you're interested, you can watch it here . GEMINI SUMMARY: This impromptu episode of the Paranormal Lens podcast features the hosts—Angela, Ben, and Brienna—engaging in a spontaneous discussion regarding the ethics of investigating historic sites associated with tragedies (0:00–0:46). The conversation explores whether there is a point when it becomes "too soon" or inappropriate to ghost hunt at such locations. Key takeaways from the discussion: Defining "Too Soon": The hosts debate whether time is the primary factor, noting that while some argue for a waiting period until those directly connected to an event have passed, others feel that some sites (like the scene of a mass casualty tragedy) should simply remain off-limits entirely (0:46–1:04, 8:49–9:04, 17:44–18:31). The Case of Bath, Michigan: The hosts focus heavily on the Bath School bombing of 1927, which remains the deadliest school violence event in U.S. history. They share their own personal connection to this history, with Ben having produced a documentary about it. They express discomfort with casual ghost hunting at the site, specifically worrying about sensationalization and the potential for investigators to misrepresent the history to the local community (4:23–8:16, 9:16–11:36). Ghost Hunting as History Preservation: A significant portion of the debate centers on the role of paranormal investigators. While they agree that some sites should be respected and left alone, they acknowledge that ghost hunters can occasionally serve a positive role by keeping forgotten or "bad" history alive and preventing it from being whitewashed, provided the investigation is grounded, respectful, and accurate (15:28–16:42, 19:43–23:47). Final Consensus: The group concludes that while "anywhere can be haunted," certain locations (particularly those involving recent or sensitive human tragedy) should be avoided. They emphasize that the primary duty of an investigator should be to preserve history, not to sensationalize for "clicks" (18:14–18:59, 24:19–24:55).