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In this lively and reflective episode of The Malliard Report, host Jim Malliard welcomes Daniel Bautz, creator and host of The Grand Dark Conspiracy. The episode begins in classic Malliard fashion — candid, unscripted, and deeply human — as Jim explores the elusive concept of “paranormal unity.” Is it genuine collaboration or a convenient illusion for a field without standards?
Once Bautz connects live from the Michigan woods, the two dive into their shared respect for curiosity and integrity in investigation. From anthropology’s role in the paranormal (The Serpent and the Rainbow) to the tabloid-era fascination with “zombies in Miami,” the discussion unpacks how belief, fear, and media intertwine.
As the show deepens, Jim and Daniel challenge the overreliance on technology in ghost hunting — EMF meters, spirit boxes, and phone apps that claim to detect the beyond. They argue that spirituality, not circuitry, drives connection with the unknown. “You’re not proving anything with gadgets,” Jim notes. “Belief is personal — it’s not data.”
The episode’s heart lies in its philosophical undertone: Is the paranormal becoming a religion? Are investigators seeking answers — or comfort? Together, they navigate the gray space between faith and evidence, science and soul.
Through humor, honesty, and moments of raw reflection, this episode captures what The Malliard Report does best — bridging curiosity and conscience in the paranormal world. It’s not just a talk about ghosts; it’s a conversation about why we search for them at all.
The Malliard Report — where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
00:00 – Opening Thoughts & Live Radio JittersJim warms up the mic, sharing reflections on sound levels, paranormal unity, and the need for individuality in investigation. He questions whether “unity” is genuine collaboration or a comfort blanket for a field without structure.
05:00 – Setting Standards in the ParanormalJim explores the importance of self-defined standards over labels like “professional” or “expert.” He muses on authenticity, criticism, and the entertainment-driven ghost-hunting shows that skew expectations.
10:00 – Guest Connection: Daniel Bautz Joins from MichiganAfter some live radio hiccups, Daniel Bautz joins in from his vacation in the Michigan wilds. Jim introduces him as host of The Grand Dark Conspiracy on the Shark Radio Network. They swap stories of live broadcasting chaos and paranormal passion.
15:00 – The Zombie Formula & Anthropological Paranormal RootsDaniel discusses his fascination with Wade Davis, the anthropologist behind The Serpent and the Rainbow, and how anthropology intersects with the paranormal. The conversation turns to media, myth, and the human need to understand the unknown.
20:00 – Zombies in Miami & Media SensationalismJim and Daniel dissect viral “zombie” stories, connecting them to publicity, fear, and cultural fascination with the undead. Both agree: behind every outrageous headline is someone trying to sell a story.
25:00 – Fame, Film, and the Face for RadioJim jokes about having “the face for radio,” while Daniel talks about his independent filmmaking, including Where No Roads Lead. They discuss the creative grind, authenticity, and doing what you love — even if it doesn’t pay the bills.
30:00 – Lake Erie UFOs & the Unknown Above UsThe conversation shifts to UFOs over Lake Erie. Daniel reminds listeners that “unknown” simply means unexplained — not extraterrestrial. The two reflect on human tendency to fill mystery with meaning and belief.
35:00 – Tech, Spiritualism, and Ghost Hunting ToolsA classic Malliard moment: questioning whether gadgets help or hinder. From EMF meters to spirit boxes, Jim argues that faith and personal experience drive the field more than devices ever could. Daniel agrees, noting technology’s false sense of proof.
40:00 – Paranormal Unity RevisitedJim challenges the notion of “Paranormal Unity,” calling it a spiritual ideal in a supposedly scientific field. Daniel adds that belief validation shouldn’t depend on group consensus — true conviction stands alone.
45:00 – Is Paranormal Becoming Religion?A philosophical turn: Jim asks whether paranormal investigation has become a religion. Daniel argues it’s a “spiritual crutch,” offering questions instead of answers, while Jim compares factions of ghost hunters to denominational divides.
50:00 – Helping Others or Helping Ourselves?The hosts debate whether investigators genuinely help clients or simply validate their own beliefs. They agree that at its heart, the paranormal is personal — a journey toward understanding one’s fears, faith, and experiences.
55:00 – Faith, Forgiveness, and the Edge of BeliefJim raises a tough question about suicide, faith, and forgiveness. The two wrestle with moral judgment and spiritual interpretation, stressing humility and empathy in matters beyond human certainty.
1:00:00 – Wrapping Up with Reflection and HumorFrom cult leaders to comedy, Jim and Daniel end with honesty and humor. They discuss radio ethics, authenticity, and the end of the “ghost show boom.” Daniel plugs his upcoming guests and films, and Jim signs off with gratitude and a wink to his audience.
* “Set your own standards. Don’t let someone else’s rules define your passion.” — Jim Malliard
* “If you’re not willing to stand on your own beliefs, why are you seeking unity at all?” — Daniel Bautz
* “Technology doesn’t make the spirit world more real — belief does.” — Jim Malliard
* “The paranormal doesn’t offer answers; it teaches us how to ask better questions.” — Daniel Bautz
* “If we could speak for God, we’d have better ratings — but less integrity.” — Jim Malliard
In this lively episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard welcomes Tinner, an Oklahoma-based paranormal investigator and humorist known for blending sharp wit with firsthand experience. From bizarre Bigfoot “evidence” and psychic hotlines to late-night calls from terrified clients, Tinner’s stories remind us that the paranormal field is as much about people as it is about ghosts.
The conversation kicks off with a comedic look at the Psychic Friends Hotline, and spirals into a candid exploration of belief, absurdity, and why people so desperately want to feel seen and understood — even by the supernatural. Tinner’s mix of sarcasm and sincerity brings levity to the field, while Jim’s grounded curiosity keeps the discussion anchored.
They move through topics like fake TV ghost hunts, “Bigfoot beer thieves,” and how paranormal investigators become unexpected therapists. Tinner’s storytelling paints vivid pictures — from militia compounds with razor wire to Walmart checkout confessions — showing the strange cross-section of humanity that paranormal researchers encounter.
But beneath the laughter, the episode reveals something deeper: empathy for people who are scared, lonely, or just trying to make sense of what’s unexplainable. As always, Jim Malliard asks thoughtful, human-centered questions — balancing skepticism with respect for experience.
By the end, the conversation circles back to humility, humor, and the weird truth that sometimes, the wildest part of the paranormal is simply people being people. Another classic episode where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
00:00 — Jim opens the show with shoutouts to italkparanormal.com and introduces his guest, Tinner.05:00 — Tinner explains her name, motherhood, and humor about keeping her ex-husband’s last name “because it didn’t cheat on me.”10:00 — The two dive into the rebirth of the Psychic Friends Hotline and the comedy of “exclusive” psychic subscriptions.15:00 — A hilarious riff on making a “doom hotline” — half predictions, half Zeppelin.20:00 — Discussion of Paranormal State and ghost-hunting TV’s scripted realities.25:00 — Tinner’s story of a Bigfoot case gone wrong — involving beer, red coolers, and armed Oklahomans convinced of sasquatch theft.35:00 — The aftermath: finding the cooler, discovering it was tied to a trotline — and why she refuses Bigfoot cases now.40:00 — Jim and Tinner swap stories about “crazy Walmart encounters” and public oversharing.50:00 — A detour into tattoos, solo investigating, and why group titles are overrated.55:00 — Real talk: 3 a.m. calls from frightened parents and the responsibility that comes with taking them seriously.01:05:00 — Parenting, fear, and empathy in the paranormal — helping people who just need someone to believe them.01:10:00 — Closing thoughts: humor, forgiveness, and why Dr. Phil won’t be on The Malliard Report anytime soon.
“I like to feed stupid. It’s one of my hobbies.” — Tinner
“Sometimes the scariest thing in the paranormal is people who forget where they left their beer.” — Jim Malliard
“When something’s bothering your kid, you’ll do anything to fix it — even if it means calling a ghost hunter.” — Tinner
“We’d be more famous if we just towed the line. But we chose radio. We wanted to be heard.” — Jim Malliard
“Sometimes it’s better to forget. Sometimes it’s better to laugh.” — Tinner
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