Joining me for this special episode is Benedict Sanderson (director) and Claire Goodlass (producer) to chat about their powerful new documentary "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart". This documentary revisits the harrowing abduction of Elizabeth Smart, exploring the investigation, the media frenzy, and the failures that allowed the case to unfold the way it did, while centering Elizabeth's own voice and survival in one of the most haunting true crime stories of our time. Find out the inside story on why this is one of the most talked about shows in the world directly from two of the most talented storytellers working today. "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" is available on Netflix (Official Website) Benedict Sanderson Official Website Claire Goodlass Official Website Support Necronomicast at "Buy Me A Coffee". Thank you!

On this incredible episode of Necronomicast, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Texas Ranger James B. Holland, who has built a reputation as one of the most remarkable investigators in modern law enforcement. With more than 26 years with the Texas State Police, Holland has cracked hundreds of cases, including some of the country's most haunting unsolved crimes. But his rare gift lies in drawing confessions from the unthinkable: serial killers. This gripping new series pulls back the curtain on Holland's most complex and chilling cases when KILLER CONFESSIONS: CASE FILES OF A TEXAS RANGER premieres on Tuesday, January 13 at 10/9c on ID. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

Through Holland's masterful psychological approach, viewers are immersed in the tension of real-time confessions and given a front-row seat to retired Texas Ranger, James Holland, as he reveals his tactics in cases once considered unsolvable. Through interrogation footage, case files, and with the personal reflections of Holland himself, each episode of KILLER CONFESSIONS traces the path from the crime scene to the confession chair and offers unprecedented access into the minds of killers through one of law enforcement's most enigmatic, and successful, figures.

Killer Confessions official website.

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I am very excited to welcome Ben Leonberg to Necronomicast as my first guest of 2026!

Ben is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres.

He wrote and directed "Good Boy", a supernatural thriller told from the perspective of a dog named Indy. The film explores themes of loyalty, trauma, and perception, using a canine point of view to drive the narrative.

"Good Boy" follows Indy and his owner, Todd, a young man with a chronic lung disease, as they move into Todd's late grandfather's rural home, where a malevolent supernatural presence gradually engulfs Todd, while his devoted dog attempts to rescue him.

Widely considered as one of the top ten independent films of 2025, "Good Boy" is regarded as "a visually striking, emotionally devastating horror film that eschews genre conventions to deliver a uniquely haunting and conceptually ambitious experience."

"Good Boy" is streaming now on Shudder!

Ben Leonberg official website

Musician Sam Boase-Miller's website

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For the last episode of 2025, not one but two veteran paranormal experts join me for a spirited and fun conversation! My gift to you!

To discuss their book "Mothman", Richard Estep and renowned Mothman researcher Tobias Wayland document firsthand witness accounts and conduct detailed investigations with the hope of seeing the iconic cryptid themselves. This book chronicles their discoveries, which include large concentrations of sightings in the Chicago and Lake Michigan area. They delve into the science of Mothman, where he may reside and travel, and much more.

When a large, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes was spotted in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the Mothman legend was born. Since that fateful November night, the flying cryptid has become one of the most famous monsters of all time.

From the encounter at Dufield Pond to the Van Meter Visitor, Mothman presents terrifying experiences with the black, red-eyed creature that no one—including you—will ever forget.

"Mothman" by Richard and Tobias at Llewellyn Books!

Richard Estep Official Website

Tobias Wayland Official Website

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Making a return to the Necronomicast, a favorite of mine...Jason Offutt! Tonight we chat about his newest book "Chasing North American Monsters"!

From his website: "Jason Offutt grew up on a farm near the little town of Orrick, Missouri. In his life he's been a farm hand, journalist, photographer, bartender, and the mayor of that same small town. Jason now teaches journalism at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, and keeps the world safe from the forces of evil.

Okay, so now that the interview bio's out the way, here's who I really am. I'm a nerd. A Dungeons and Dragons playing, "Star Trek" watching, conspiracy theory Fanboy. "The Twilight Zone" is the greatest television program ever created, author Michael Crichton was a wizard, and I once went to a Halloween party dressed as Gilligan (my wife went as Mary Ann. Hubba hubba).

As a kid I looked for Sasquatch footprints in the yard, UFOs over our farmhouse (one night my whole family saw something that shouldn't – couldn't – have been in the sky. Damn straight), and one afternoon, alone, I saw a full-bodied apparition that stared at me through hollow eyes.

So, yeah. That's me. If you want to talk writing, nerd stuff, or the paranormal, send me a message. I'll try to respond as soon as possible, but if I'm on deadline, that cute kid in the picture can be kind of a dick."

Jason's newest book is another page turner that is just as much fun and is as brilliant as its author! Have fun with this episode of Necronomicast!

Official Website of Jason Offutt

Jason's author page at Llewellyn Books

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I am excited for you all to hear this episode featuring author Fiona Dodwell as we dicsuss her new book "A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls"!

Robert. Annabelle. Peggy. The very names of these dolls can strike fear into your heart. Fiona Dodwell, who has been gripped by the idea of spirit-possessed dolls for years, dives into real world and fictional examples of toys gone bad—playthings meant to comfort children but instead make life a living hell.

Fiona presents a comprehensive collection of true-life cases of haunted dolls, including lesser-known ones such as Mandy and Okiku. She also explores the killer dolls that have inspired endless horror movies and books. To chill your spine even further, Fiona shares interviews with Child's Play writer and director Don Mancini, actress Jennifer Tilly, Patti Negri of Ghost Adventures, Jayne Harris of Help! My House Is Haunted, and many, many more.

Creepy, addictive, and meticulously researched, this book takes paranormal enthusiasts on a thrilling journey into the dark and fascinating world of haunted dolls.

Fiona's author page at Llewellyn Books

Order "A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls" on Amazon!

Fiona's Linktree

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An exciting guest for this episode of Necronomicast....actor Tobias Jelinek!

Tobias Jelinek's journey into entertainment began at age 15, when he was cast as Jay in Disney's cult classic Hocus Pocus (1993). Over the past 30 years, he has built a reputation for portraying bold, unpredictable characters across film and television. His screen credits span both the Marvel and DC universes (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Arrow), as well as standout roles in Stranger Things, Mayfair Witches (AMC), Obliterated (Netflix), and Baskets (FX). Jelinek has recurred as a guest star on This Is Us, NCIS, and Shameless, and brought his comedic range to The Mindy Project, Comedy Central Presents, and Rhett & Link's Buddy System opposite Molly Shannon and Tony Hale. Most recently, Jelinek continues to push boundaries in Ryan Murphy's Monsters (Netflix), Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, ABC's High Potential and NBC's The Hunting Party. Also a passionate mentor, Jelinek is the founder of The Inspired Actor, a Chekhov-based acting lab exploring performance, presence, and transformation. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two sons.

Enjoy this conversation with a insightful and talented actor...Tobias Jelinek!

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Necronomicast Opening Theme: "Brand New Graveyard" by N. Barber, B. Corey, J. Dodson, S. Zimmerman.

Closing Music: "Possibly Olives" by Andrew Vogt.

All music used with permission.

Super excited to welcome my next guest, Amanda D. Paulson to the Necronomicast! She is a paranormal investigator, public speaker, and medium based in the Pacific Northwest, with over 17 years of experience and tens of millions of views across multiple social media platforms. You can find Amanda's work featured in Season 1 and 2 of Ghost Files, in publications Apartment Therapy, The Inlander and the 2025 Official Spokane Visitor Guide and her writing published in Haunted Magazine and The Feminine Macabre Vol. 1. Amanda wrote the Paranormal Emotive Touchpoint theory in 2022 and now delivers lectures and workshops about her work on Odd Emotions and spirit communication across the US. ​You can watch Amanda D. Paulson star in the paranormal-true crime documentary The Lady of the Lake, on Amazon Prime. She is also a featured investigator in the documentary Surrounded by Spirits, on Amazon Prime and the upcoming series, Historically Haunted. Amanda's other work includes the creation of the Dark History Tour Series, an educational program about Victorian spiritualism which she wrote for the Campbell House in collaboration with the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

Visit Amanda Paulson online here!

New opening theme music "Brand New Graveyard" by Nate Barber, Brian Corey, Jim Dodson, and Scott Zimmerman.

Closing music courtesy of Andrew Vogt

Happy Halloween!

For this episode of Necronomicast, it is my pleasure to welcome back former co-host Doug Kabourek! Doug joins me for a highly spirited conversation centering on his new album released just in time for the Halloween season "Black Walls & William Hall". A complex and incredible musical tribute to the famed Omaha haunted house attraction "Mystery Manor" which was closed and demolished in 2024 after 40 years of delivering fun filled fright to the citizens of Omaha. We will sharing the track "Ambulance" from the album!

From music journalist Tim McMahan: "The epic new album Black Walls and William Hall by Fizzle Like a Flood, a.k.a. Doug Kabourek, is more than a collection of songs; it's the soundtrack to a horror-filled love story that has festered in Kabourek's psyche for more than a decade.

A kaleidoscope of noise, sound, samples and screams swirl into and around the record's eight songs. The dense, layered production is sure to turn on fans of Flaming Lips' adventurous soundscapes, while the rock songs provide the riffage and melodies to satisfy any true Weezer, Sebadoh or Beach Boys fan.

Headphones are a must to capture Kabourek's intricate, nuanced cacophony as well as to follow the narrative, which is nearly impossible without the lyric sheet printed on the album's sleeve (hopefully he'll be adding them to the Bandcamp liner notes). But with or without the words, the immersive audio experience is a hallucinatory thrill ride on par with the best haunted houses."

Together, Doug and I will recount the years we enjoyed creeping around the halls of Mystery Manor and explore the inspiration, writing, and recording of his celebrated new musical masterpiece!

"Black Walls and William Hall" at Bandcamp

"Black Walls and William Hall" on Spotify

"Black Walls and William Hall" on Apple Music

"Great Monsters Walk These Halls" Mystery Manor Documentary

For this incredible episode, I am joined by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Nancy Schwartzman. The focus of our conversation centers on the case of Ellen Greenberg, subject of Nancy's sensational HULU docuseries "Death in Apartment 603: What Happened To Ellen Greenberg".

Together we will navigate through the strange case of Ellen Greenberg and her mysterious death. Her death was officially ruled a suicide despite the 20+ stab wounds (10 to her back and neck) and 11 bruises, sparking extensive debate as to whether the cause of death was actually homicide. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the manner of death have prompted significant political activity, legal action, and global media coverage.

Nancy's riveting docuseries is streaming now on Hulu and Disney +, from ABC News.

Official Website of "Death In Apartment 603" at Hulu

Official Website of Nancy Schwartzman

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