(not)Normal
By Randy Streu
(not)NormalJul 01, 2022
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
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Sasquatch Among The Spuds
Idaho is now ranked 4th in the nation for Bigfoot sightings, and some recent video footage suggests that, if he's out there, he's just too big to keep hiding for long!
video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtmy4zLd030
There'll Be Scary Ghost Stories
We talk Christmas traditions and superstitions -- and AJ accidentally "invents" the Rankin-Bass Christmas movie catalog.
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?
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?
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."
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.
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.
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.