If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to investigate haunted places, capture mysterious EVPs, or come face-to-face with something you can’t explain, then you’re going to love this. I recently reached out to the Podcast of the Paranormal after discovering them on social media, and they were kind enough to do an exclusive Q&A with me.
Hosted by the incredible duo Gabrielle and Jody Mayer of Hallowed Ground Paranormal Research, this podcast goes far beyond ghost stories for entertainment. They combine history, empathy, and old-fashioned curiosity to explore what might exist beyond the veil. From antlered shadow figures to chilling Estes sessions, their experiences will leave you questioning the thin line between the natural and the supernatural.
Here’s our Q&A — and trust me, their answers are just as fascinating as their investigations.
What inspired you to launch Podcast of the Paranormal?
Gabrielle: Jody and I noticed there weren’t many podcasts that really dove into the process of paranormal investigating how evidence is reviewed, what it feels like to be on-site, and the emotions tied to these encounters. Friends and family were always curious about our experiences, so we thought, “Why not create a podcast where listeners can come along with us?”
Jody: I’ve always been into UFOs, Bigfoot, and the spooky side of life. Gabrielle nudged me into investigating, and before I knew it, I was hooked. I realized everywhere you go, someone has a paranormal story. That’s what made me want to share our experiences and talk with others who are just as curious as we are.
Can you share a bit about your recent investigation at the Pike County Columns Museum?
Gabrielle: For the first part of the night, not much happened until things shifted. During EVP sessions, we captured what sounded like direct responses to our questions, including a name. Later, Jody was drawn to the main staircase where we captured another distinct voice.
The highlight was an Estes session where we had back-and-forth responses for nearly ten minutes. The clarity and specificity of the answers made it one of our most compelling experiences to date.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here.
The “Church” episode featured an encounter with an antlered shadow entity. What happened that night?
Jody: That night is burned into my memory. It was a perfect spring evening with a full moon—calm, beautiful, and then… not. Gabrielle first noticed small movements, like critters, and then it escalated into something much bigger. Suddenly, an upright, hulking shadow with antlers charged toward us.
It was darker than dark—you couldn’t see through it, and the moonlight didn’t touch it. We even shined flashlights, and it just vanished. One moment it was there, grunting and heavy, the next it was gone. Gabrielle and I sat in silence for ten minutes after. We’re still processing that night over a year later.
🎧 Hear the full story in The Church episode.
How do you prepare for investigations?
Gabrielle: I do a lot of historical research. Understanding who might have lived or worked there helps me approach spirits with empathy rather than provocation. It’s about connection, not confrontation.
Jody: Meanwhile, I like going in blind. No research. That way, my experiences aren’t influenced by expectations. Together, our approaches balance each other out.
When you capture EVPs or evidence, how do you review it?
Gabrielle: I can’t wait, I have to listen right away! I jot down notes on what I hear and where, then share it on the podcast. The rest of the team often reacts live on the show, so listeners experience that reveal with us.
Jody: Since we’re audio-only, we focus on methods like voice recorders and the Estes method. With the Estes sessions, one of us listens blindfolded with noise-canceling headphones while the others ask questions. It creates this raw, unfiltered experience that listeners get to be part of.
Which investigation has rattled you the most?
Gabrielle: Hands down, my first time at “The Church.” The fear I felt stayed with me for months. It made me realize how little control we have in outdoor environments.
Jody: Same here. That shadow entity was a turning point. But instead of seeing it as something to fear, we try to approach it with curiosity and respect. Maybe it wasn’t meant to scare us, maybe it was teaching us something.
You’ve mentioned bringing a social work perspective into investigations. Can you explain that?
Gabrielle: Absolutely. Social work is all about empathy, ethics, and providing a safe space. Those same principles guide how I approach paranormal cases. Whether spirits are “real” or not, the people experiencing them need compassion and validation. My role isn’t about proving or disprovin, it’s about helping people navigate their experiences in healthy, empowering ways.
Do you revisit sites to compare evidence?
Gabrielle: Definitely. Some locations, like “The Church,” draw us back again and again. Building rapport with a location sometimes leads to stronger activity.
Jody: We’ve collected so much from “The Church” that we’re carefully piecing it together to share with listeners without revealing the location. It’s special to us, and we want to protect it.
What advice do you have for aspiring paranormal investigators?
Gabrielle: Trust yourself. Your intuition and experiences are the most valuable tools you’ll ever have. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start, you create it by taking that first step.
Jody: And remember, it should be about curiosity, not fear. If you go in with respect, you’ll come out with something meaningful.
Where can listeners find you?
🌐 Website
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
🎵 TikTok
Final Thoughts
Talking with Gabrielle and Jody of Podcast of the Paranormal is a reminder that the unknown isn’t just about spirits or shadow figures, it’s about people, emotions, and the stories we carry. Their blend of empathy, research, and raw curiosity makes them stand out in the paranormal podcast world.
If you’re fascinated by haunted places, unexplained encounters, or simply want to feel like you’re part of an investigation, this podcast is for you. Just be ready because once you step into their world, you may start looking at the shadows a little differently.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to Gabrielle and Jody from Mystic Realm Blog
