Crystals have been used for protection, clarity, and spiritual connection for thousands of years — but do they truly hold power… or do they focus something within us? In this episode of The Other Side of the Bridge, Iron City Paranormal explores the origins of crystal beliefs and how they are used in modern paranormal investigations. From Ancient Egyptian burial amulets to Greek warrior talismans and Indigenous ceremonial practices, we dig into why cultures across history believed stones could protect the living and guide the dead. We also tackle the modern divide within paranormal investigation: Some investigators rely on spiritual tools. Some rely strictly on measurable data. And some fall somewhere in between. At Iron City Paranormal, we don’t all share identical beliefs, and that’s intentional. We respect each other’s strengths, whether that’s spiritual grounding, analytical thinking, or intuitive awareness. In this episode, we model how different perspectives can coexist while pursuing the same goal: respectful, evidence-based investigation. We also discuss:

• The piezoelectric properties of quartz

• The psychological roots of protective symbols

• Black tourmaline, obsidian, amethyst, and clear quartz

• The concept of energetic shielding across cultures

• Placebo, intention, and mindset during investigations

Are crystals tools of ancient power…or tools that help us focus our own? Let’s cross the bridge.

What Happens Before a Paranormal Investigation Begins | The Other Side of the Bridge Most paranormal investigations don’t start inside the haunted location. They start long before we ever step through the door. In this episode of The Other Side of the Bridge, we take you behind the scenes and walk through how we prepare for a paranormal investigation — from researching the history of a location and identifying areas of interest, to preparing equipment, establishing investigation goals, and approaching each location with the respect it deserves. We discuss the importance of preparation not just for gathering evidence, but for understanding the environment, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and ensuring that the stories tied to these places are approached responsibly. Preparation is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — parts of any paranormal investigation. What happens before we arrive can shape everything that follows. This episode offers a deeper look into our process, our mindset, and what it means to prepare to cross into the unknown. We’re not here to tell you what to believe. We’re here to show you what happens before the investigation begins. The Other Side of the Bridge is a paranormal podcast by Iron City Paranormal, exploring real investigations, haunted locations, and the space between history and experience. Subscribe and follow to join us on future investigations.

In the final episode of our three-part Blennerhassett Island case study, we close the investigation by reviewing key pieces of evidence captured at the last three locations on the island: Nemacolin’s Field, the Hanging Tree, and the Dock. These areas aren’t grand buildings or restored landmarks — they are open spaces, thresholds, and places of passage. And yet, each produced moments and evidence that stood out during our investigation. In this episode, we break down:

• Evidence captured in Nemacolin’s Field and why open spaces can feel anything but empty

• Audio, environmental changes, and emotional responses at the Hanging Tree

• EVPs and unexplained experiences at the Dock — the island’s point of arrival and departure

• Patterns that emerged across the entire island over multiple nights

• How this final evidence ties together what we experienced in the mansion and the back of the island

We also reflect on Blennerhassett Island as a whole — not as a collection of haunted locations, but as a connected system shaped by history, movement, loss, and memory. This episode isn’t about proving anything. It’s about reviewing what we captured, recognizing patterns, and closing the case with respect for the place and its past. We would also like to sincerely thank the Blennerhassett Historical Society for preserving the island and its history, and Hidden Marietta Paranormal for introducing us to this location and being trusted friends and collaborators throughout this case study. We crossed the island. We followed the evidence. And now, we step back. #ParanormalPodcast #GhostInvestigation #BlennerhassettIsland #HauntedLocations #ParanormalInvestigation #RealGhostStories #HauntedHistory #ParanormalEvidence #WestVirginia #ParkersburgWV #HauntedWestVirginia #TheOtherSideOfTheBridge #IronCityParanormal Join the Unexplained Network to get our newsletter, show listings, and more perks! www.unxnetwork.com

The Back of the Island: The Watcher and What We Found The Other Side of the Bridge – Iron City Paranormal In Part 2 of our Blennerhassett Island case study, we leave the mansion behind and step into the quieter, darker back section of the island — an area home to the Blockhouse, the Neal House, the Putnam House, and the wooded trails where most visitors never linger. We begin with the history and layout of this forgotten part of the island before weaving in the long-standing stories tied to each location. From the heavy atmosphere surrounding the Blockhouse, to shadow figures reported at the Neal House, to murmured voices and children’s presence near the Putnam House, this area of the island carries a different kind of energy — one that feels personal, aware, and still occupied. The episode culminates in the moment we captured a photograph we now refer to as “The Watcher.” Taken in the wooded area behind the houses, the image shows a dark figure observing from the background — unnoticed in real time, but impossible to ignore once seen. We break down the evidence, discuss possible explanations, and explore similar “Watcher” phenomena reported by investigators worldwide. To add deeper context, we examine Native American folklore surrounding watcher spirits and guardian energies — beings said to observe sacred land, protect boundaries, and witness human activity without interfering. This episode isn’t about proving anything. It’s about patterns, place, and the feeling that some locations don’t forget the people who pass through them. We crossed into the back of the island — and something was already there, watching.

Blennerhassett Mansion | The Past Still Walks These Halls The Other Side of the Bridge – Iron City Paranormal In this episode of The Other Side of the Bridge, we travel to Blennerhassett Island in Parkersburg, West Virginia, focusing on the history and investigation of the Blennerhassett Mansion — a place where beauty, ambition, and loss collide. We begin with a brief overview of the island’s layout and history before stepping inside the mansion itself. From the rise and fall of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett to the political intrigue surrounding Aaron Burr, the mansion’s past is filled with sudden upheaval and unanswered questions. The second half of the episode shifts into investigation mode. We discuss reported paranormal activity inside the mansion, patterns shared by staff and visitors, and the evidence we personally captured during our time there. EVPs, environmental changes, and unexplained moments are examined alongside possible historical and environmental explanations. We’re not here to tell you what to believe. We’re here to share the history, walk through the investigation, and let you decide what still lingers within those walls. As always, we cross the bridge together — and return safely. The Other Side of the Bridge is a paranormal podcast by Iron City Paranormal, exploring real locations, firsthand investigations, and the space between belief and skepticism.

This is the first episode of The Other Side of the Bridge hosted by Derrick Smith and Dan Metelsky. Derrick and Dan explain how they got started doing paranormal investigations at a bachelor party and haven't stopped since. They also share some very creepy and compelling evps and photos. Join the X at www.unxnetwork.com to get the newsletter and show listing!