Curious Explorers

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Who was controversial exorcist and Vatican insider Father Malachi Martin? Is demonic possession real? What supernatural force may be working against the truth coming out?

In this special encore episode of Curious Explorers, we’re joined by Marty Stalker, the director of the Netflix documentary 'Hostage to the Devil,' which explores the life and exorcisms of Father Martin. 

Marty reveals what he learned during his 6-year journey making the film, and also  describes the supernatural “resistance” Marty encountered while making the movie and since then. The interview also delves deep into the complex character of Father Martin, the controversies around exorcism, and Marty's personal spiritual journey. 

Tune in for an intriguing conversation about filmmaking and one of the Catholic church’s most enigmatic and polarizing figures.

Check out the YouTube version to see some of the visual anomalies that occurred during the interview: https://youtu.be/HjUDZ2ljVnY?si=hP5Pj9m0RKY0nTm2

For more on Marty Stalker and the “Hostage to the Devil” podcast, visit:

https://martystalker.com/

And

https://www.youtube.com/@CausewayPicturesNI

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ, as well as ghost tours, investigations, the Jersey Devil Fable Festival and other events, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, her guided hypnotic imagery, upcoming events, and her other podcast, “Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein,”  visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Chapters:

01:59 Director Marty Stalker's Background

04:42 "Technical Difficulties" and Paranormal Resistance

05:58 Marty's Experiences and Insights

09:07 Father Malachi Martin's Mystique

21:23 Marty's Personal Journey and Beliefs

26:34 Frustrations with Religion and Spirituality

27:08 Creating a Film Without Bias

27:46 Exorcism and Malachi Martin

28:30 Audience Reactions to the Film

33:44 Exorcism and Its Rarity

38:56 Personal Experiences and Intuition

47:21 Challenges and Supernatural “Resistance”

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Ever wonder why that vintage doll at the estate sale is giving you major bad vibes? Traci and Kathy crack open the creepy toy box on haunted dolls, from eBay's booming market to the A-listers of possessed porcelain (looking at you, Robert and Annabelle). Kathy spills the tea about her 100+ haunted doll collection – including the one that sent her running from the Paranormal Museum in the dead of night. 

Meanwhile, Traci reminisces about a Dead Files gem: one woman, 2,000 haunted dolls, and a daughter who's really into death.

Find out who sent Traci a (possibly) haunted doll, and what possessed her to stage a full-on photo shoot with it; why spirits love seeping into tiny ceramic bodies; when "collecting" crosses a weird line, and the science behind why dolls creep (most of) us out.

Catch the Curious Explorers Podcast on Apple Music and all your favorite streaming apps.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/curious-explorers/id1756564535

For more on the ladies of Curious Explorers, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

To read the article by Rosemary Ellen Guiley mentioned in this episode: https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/2689#:~:text=March%2016%2C%202018%20READ%20TIME,activated%20by%20the%20right%20circumstanes.

To read the VICE article mentioned in this episode: https://www.vice.com/en/article/this-is-why-we-think-dolls-are-creepyutm_sourcetonicfbus/

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Join Kathy and Traci as they explore one of America's most famous haunted locations: the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana. 

In this episode, Kathy shares the story behind a unique artifact in the Paranormal Museum—a cutting from the oleander tree at the center of the plantation's most enduring ghost story. 

But this isn't just another retelling of the legend of “Chloe,” the enslaved woman said to haunt the property. Instead, Kathy examines what happens when we strip away romanticized narratives of the Old South and the Myrtles legend,  and confront the brutal historical realities of plantation life and the people who were enslaved there.

What You'll Discover:

• The legend of Chloe and the poisoned birthday cake—and why the historical record tells a different story
• How ghost stories form around places shaped by systemic trauma and exploitation
• The famous 1990s photograph that captured what appears to be a spectral figure
• Why the Myrtles' haunting persists 
• The significance of the Oleander tree as a “living witnesses” and the "DNA of a ghost story"
• Kathy's take on whether the Myrtles is truly haunted

This episode goes beyond typical ghost story fare to explore how hauntings can be structural rather than tied to single events, and why removing one explanation doesn't remove the experiences themselves. It's an honest  examination of how we tell stories about haunted places—and whose stories are and are not recorded.

Content Note: This episode includes frank, historically accurate discussions of slavery, s*xual exploitation, and violence against enslaved people.

3:20 - Overview of the Myrtles Plantation

11:51 - The Legend of Chloe

18:43 - The Brutal Reality of Enslavement

34:46 - The Famous Photograph

39:35 - The Oleander Tree Artifact

44:57 - The Nature of the Haunting

48:39 - Kathy's Take on Whether the Myrtles is Haunted

52:56 - Trees as Living Witnesses

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Follow the Curious Explorers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuriousExplorersShow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiousexplorersshow/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousExplorersShow

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What if the boundary between life and death isn't as solid as we think? Join Traci and Kathy as they explore deathbed visions— when the dying encounter the otherworldly – departed loved ones, spiritual figures and glimpses of heaven.

Are these experiences comforting illusions or genuine glimpses beyond the veil? Drawing from bestselling books and deeply personal stories, the Curious Explorers navigate this profound mystery with their signature blend of heart and humor. Expect moving personal accounts, haunted objects, protection spells, and honest conversation about what might be possible in those final, sacred moments.

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about life's final frontier.

For more information on the Curious Explorers Podcast, or to support the show, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Follow the Curious Explorers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuriousExplorersShow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiousexplorersshow/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousExplorersShow

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Was the Bloody Mary legend based on Queen Mary? Countess Elizabeth Bathory? Or American Mary Worth? 

Who – or what – shattered the mirrors at the Paranormal Museum? 

Has Kathy ever summoned Bloody Mary?

And do YOU dare to summon her?

For more information on the Curious Explorers Podcast, or to support the show, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Follow the Curious Explorers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuriousExplorersShow/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiousexplorersshow/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriousExplorersShow

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Join Traci and Kathy as they explore the fascinating world of spirit portraiture!  

Traci shares her personal experience as a sitter for six talented mediums who create portraits of loved ones from the other side—complete with comparison photos (in the YouTube version of the episode).

The conversation weaves through the origins of spiritualism, the role of art in mediumship, and the enduring human desire to connect with those who have crossed over. 

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode offers a blend of history, humor, and heartfelt stories from the edge of the unknown. 

Don’t forget to like, share, and follow—your engagement keeps the conversation (and maybe the spirits) alive!

For more information on the Curious Explorers Podcast, or to support the show, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Traci Stein, her meditations and upcoming events, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/
~~~~~
To contact the mediums mentioned in this episode:

Laura Solages: https://www.soul-ages.com/home

Glenn Citerony: https://glennciterony.com/contact/

Special thanks also to mediums and spirit artists Carolyn Soares, Dale Heffer, and Gisele, and all of the spirits who came through to them.

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In 1967, New Jersey housewife and mother of four, Dorothy Allison had a vivid dream about a missing boy – including that he had drowned and would be found in a drainpipe -- wearing a snowsuit, and with his shoes on the wrong feet. A month later, the boy’s body was found exactly as Dorothy had described, beginning her 30-year journey as a volunteer psychic detective assisting law enforcement.

In this episode, Traci and Kathy cover some of Dorothy Allison’s headline-making cases, and also discuss other notable psychic detectives like Pam Coronado and Nancy Orlen Weber. And Traci shares the one case that confirmed she was definitely not cut out for psychic (or other) crime solving!

For more on the Curious Explorers Podcast, visit:

https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein’s Intuition Development Course mentioned in this episode: https://www.drtracistein.com/offers/G7RAF2Ek/checkout

Articles about Dorothy Allison and the headline-making cases she helped solve: 

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-07-mn-41451-story.html

https://www.rd.com/list/mysteries-solved-by-psychics/

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Traci interviews Scott Allan, “The Boston Medium,” about his journey from funeral director to internationally known psychic medium. 

Scott talks about working in a haunted funeral home, his spontaneous intuitive opening, and shares EVPs of “David,” the spirit who spent years trying to get his attention. (See timestamps for location of EVPs.)

For more on Scott Allan, his book, podcast, readings and events, visit:  https://mediumscottallan.com/

For more on the Curious Explorers show, and to buy us a coffee, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Traci Stein, her audio programs, her other podcast and more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, NJ, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

Show Highlights:

00:31 – Scott Allan: From Funeral Director to Spirit Communicator

01:19 – Paranormal Anecdotes & Halloween Vibes

• Discussion of Scott’s book, “In the Presence of Light,” and chilling stories.

02:00 – Scott’s Awakening

• Scott describes his sometimes frightening and totally unexpected awakening to mediumship.

03:40 – First Paranormal Experiences

• Scott’s early ghost hunting, haunted funeral home, and other spirit encounters.

06:30 – The Spirit Named David

• The recurring spirit “David” and how he made contact through a series of EVPs and a personal appearance.

10:03 – EVP 1 of multiple spirits calling Scott’s name

13:00 – Living with the Paranormal

• Scott’s struggle with constant spirit contact, questioning his sanity, and seeking help.

20:47 – EVP 2 “...David’s back…”

21:00 – Crossing Spirits Over

• The emotional story of helping David and other spirits cross into the light.

21:25 – EVP 3 “Can You Give Us a Name?…David…”

28:00 – Embracing Mediumship

• Scott’s acceptance of his abilities, training, and the growth of his practice.

35:00 – Notable Readings & Public Demonstrations

• Memorable readings, working with Forbes Riley, and validation of his gift.

45:00 – Humor, Levity, and the Spirit World

• The importance of humor and lightness in mediumship.

50:00 – Reflections and Advice

• Scott’s philosophy, the role of spirit, and advice for those interested in mediumship.

62:00 – How to Connect with Scott

• Scott shares his website, events, newsletter, and podcast info.

64:00 – Closing Remarks

• Traci thanks Scott, wraps up the episode, and encourages listeners to stay curious.

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The “Scary Stories” series continues, as Kathy shares a haunting, original take on the “Bloody Mary” legend, centered around a mysterious antique mirror in a charming “new” old house. Dare you say her name? 

For more on the Curious Explorers podcast, and to support the show, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum and Original Asbury Park Ghost Tours, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, her other podcast (Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein), her meditations and more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

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Join Traci and Kathy as they do a deeper dive into the legend of "Hoppie," the Lake Hopatcong monster. The Curious Explorers unearth the folklore and news items from the 1800s to the present about Hoppie and other NJ sea monster sightings. They also share some NJ personal anecdotes about the fabled home to this mysterious lake creature. 

Is Hoppie actually an anaconda? A looonnngg lived dinosaur? A spiritual being? Or something else entirely? Join the ladies as they unpack the intersection of myth, local history, and the enduring fascination with cryptids.

For more on the Curious Explorers podcast, and to support the show, visit: https://curious-explorers.com/

For more on Kathy Kelly and the Paranormal Museum and Original Asbury Park Ghost Tours, visit: https://paranormalbooksnj.com/

For more on Traci Stein, her other podcast (Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein), her meditations and more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

To read the article by Mary Sparago in NJ Digest referenced in the episode: https://thedigestonline.com/new-jersey/new-jersey-sea-serpent/

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