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(not)Normal

(not)Normal

By Randy Streu

Hosts Randy and A.J. explore the strange, the unusual, the supernatural... from local legends to global conspiracies, (not)normal is your source for all things weird. Get informed. Be entertained.
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Owls and the Paranormal

(not)NormalJul 01, 2022

00:00
38:59
Owls and the Paranormal

Owls and the Paranormal

Beginning with the so-called "Flatwoods Monster," Randy and AJ look at the folklore and legends behind owls--a common culprit in cases of ghostly or cryptid mistaken identity.

In the video: Man hears and SEES strange white figure on his roof. What do YOU think it is?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiMlFCwzwaA

Jul 01, 202238:59
The Amityville Hoax?

The Amityville Hoax?

With two movies PLUS sequels, at least two books, and countless newspaper articles, the Amityville case is one of the most famous hauntings in America? But did the Lutz family, who claimed to have all these horrific experiences in the late 1970s, just make it all up? Or is there more to it than that?

Randy and AJ look at all the angles as we try and figure it out: Haunting or hoax?

Jun 10, 202246:50
We Don't Talk About Nessie

We Don't Talk About Nessie

AJ and Randy explore the famous Loch Ness. Well, virtually, anyway. We discuss the Loch Ness Monster sightings, hoaxes, and possible explanations. Also, Whale junk. 

May 14, 202242:07
Haunted U, Pt1: The Suicide Brides of Canton and Potsdam

Haunted U, Pt1: The Suicide Brides of Canton and Potsdam

Two ghost stories, 13 miles apart. One takes place in a local sorority, the other, in a local fraternity. Randy and AJ dissect these two stories to decide: real hauntings or urban myths?

Apr 29, 202240:38
Stargates, Grill Flames, and Sun Streaks: The CIA, the Army, and Astral Espionage

Stargates, Grill Flames, and Sun Streaks: The CIA, the Army, and Astral Espionage

Randy gets a bit too personal about his dream life. But mostly we talk about that time the CIA tried to train intelligence operatives to astrally project behind enemy lines for a bit of spying.

Apr 15, 202252:20
Demystifying Randonautica

Demystifying Randonautica

In 2020 a new app hit the marketplace. The app encouraged exploration with a bit of a twist: it would find randomized quantum "anomalies" near you based on for what you were searching. In that same year, the app made a media splash when a group of users discovered a dead body.

So what IS Randonautica? Can it really read your intentions and, through some mystical blend of science and Dianetics, lead you to what you're looking for? Or is there something a little more... mundane... at work?

Randy and AJ make our first ever podcast field investigation as we let our smartphones be our guides to adventure. Or something.

Apr 02, 202244:30
The 13th Episode

The 13th Episode

Do you have triskaidekaphobia? In that case, you either will or will NOT want to listen to today's show, which will either help you or do nothing at all. So why risk it? It's cursed. CURSED!

Mar 18, 202249:18
The Spirit Of Radio: EVP, Spirit Box, and Ovilus

The Spirit Of Radio: EVP, Spirit Box, and Ovilus

Randy and AJ talk about the roots of Electronic Voice Phenomena, as well as other forms of audio "spirit communication." We dive into what works (maybe) and what (we're pretty sure) doesn't. 

Mar 04, 202252:45
The Michigan Dogman

The Michigan Dogman

Back in the '80s, a radio station played an April Fool's song that, for some reason, caught on like wildfire! The song? A tale of a beast known as The Michigan Dogman. But stories of a creature that walks like a man but looks like a wolf have been circulating the globe for centuries! What is it? AJ and Randy explore the myths and legends surrounding the creature.

As a bonus -- and because it's AJ's birthday -- Randy lets him ask any five questions about the paranormal and tries to answer them on the fly. Is it a disaster? Find out on today's episode!

Feb 18, 202251:28
Is E.T. Really The Good Guy

Is E.T. Really The Good Guy

Back in December, the Internet was all atwitter (if you'll pardon the pun) about the idea that NASA had hired some theologians to discuss the impact discovery of extraterrestrial life may have on Western culture.

This rumor wasn't QUITE true, but it does bring up an interesting question: How will--how SHOULD--we respond if we discover that intelligent life is visiting our planet?

We talk a little theology, a little physics, a little sociology, and even the potential cultural relevance of anal probing... join us now!

Feb 03, 202248:52
The Philip Experiment: The Ghost That (Probably) Wasn't

The Philip Experiment: The Ghost That (Probably) Wasn't

In 1972, an experiment was conducted to see whether a group of individuals could "create" a ghost. Randy and AJ discuss the experiment, its strengths and weaknesses, and what the Philip Experiment--and those that would follow--revealed, as well as challenged, about both the science and philosophy of paranormal investigation. 

Jan 21, 202253:08
Sasquatch Among The Spuds
Jan 07, 202246:06
There'll Be Scary Ghost Stories

There'll Be Scary Ghost Stories

We talk Christmas traditions and superstitions -- and AJ accidentally "invents" the Rankin-Bass Christmas movie catalog. 

Dec 24, 202143:28
I Gotta (Bad) Feeling: Black-Eyed Kids

I Gotta (Bad) Feeling: Black-Eyed Kids

On this episode, Randy and AJ explore the BEK phenomenon: Black-Eyed Kids. Who are they? What are they want? Why are spooky prepubescents so much scarier than spooky adults?

Dec 10, 202154:38
There's An App for That?

There's An App for That?

Randy and AJ break down and review several "Ghost Hunting" apps, and then talk about the ethics of paranormal investigation. When is it time to call a priest -- or a shrink?

Nov 26, 202101:11:10
Resurrection Mary and the Vanishing Hitchhikers

Resurrection Mary and the Vanishing Hitchhikers

Randy and AJ tackle another urban legend, this time from the nearby city of Chicago. A look at Resurrection Mary - one of the most famous of the "Vanishing Hitchhiker" legends. Plus, phantom cab fares, a little swing music, and the definition of "Corporeal." 

Nov 12, 202101:07:14
A Tale of Two Skeptics

A Tale of Two Skeptics

For our first Halloween episode, Randy and AJ talk about our paranormal "roots." How we got into this, why we are "cautiously" skeptical, and our personal experiences that have made us question everything. 

Oct 28, 202101:04:09
The Rake: Did The Internet Create A Cryptid?

The Rake: Did The Internet Create A Cryptid?

Can the imagination change reality as we know it? Can you BELIEVE something into existence? AJ and Randy discuss the viral woodland cryptid known as The Rake. 

Oct 15, 202154:50
Kate Blood and the Birth of an Urban Legend

Kate Blood and the Birth of an Urban Legend

In the late 1800s, Appleton, Wisconsin woman Kate Blood murdered her family with an axe before taking her own life. At least, that's what the legend says. Hosts Randy and AJ explore a local urban legend and ask the Big Questions about the bleeding tombstone in Riverside Cemetery, the White Lady said to haunt the grounds, and how it can all be exploited for personal gain. 

Oct 01, 202153:23