Paranormal Lens - A Crossroads Of Curiosities, LLC Production

“Haunted” locations that SHOULDN’T be investigated

This is an episode that wasn't planned. As you heard at the end of last week's episode, Angela dropped an impromptu topic on us... which we rolled right into discussing at the end of an already long and tiresome recording session. For a completely spontaneous topic, she didn't go easy on us either: are there some historic properties that shouldn't be investigated by ghost hunters? We discuss whether any property with reported activity is fair game, or if some (particularly those that bore witness to recent tragedies) should be off the table. During our conversation, we touch on the Bath School bombing and Ben's capstone documentary he made about it during his undergrad at MSU. It's six years old at this point, and only ten minutes (as was required for the capstone project). But if you're interested, you can watch it here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0lhNrxdxTg]. GEMINI SUMMARY: This impromptu episode of the Paranormal Lens podcast features the hosts—Angela, Ben, and Brienna—engaging in a spontaneous discussion regarding the ethics of investigating historic sites associated with tragedies (0:00–0:46). The conversation explores whether there is a point when it becomes "too soon" or inappropriate to ghost hunt at such locations. Key takeaways from the discussion: Defining "Too Soon": The hosts debate whether time is the primary factor, noting that while some argue for a waiting period until those directly connected to an event have passed, others feel that some sites (like the scene of a mass casualty tragedy) should simply remain off-limits entirely (0:46–1:04, 8:49–9:04, 17:44–18:31). The Case of Bath, Michigan: The hosts focus heavily on the Bath School bombing of 1927, which remains the deadliest school violence event in U.S. history. They share their own personal connection to this history, with Ben having produced a documentary about it. They express discomfort with casual ghost hunting at the site, specifically worrying about sensationalization and the potential for investigators to misrepresent the history to the local community (4:23–8:16, 9:16–11:36). Ghost Hunting as History Preservation: A significant portion of the debate centers on the role of paranormal investigators. While they agree that some sites should be respected and left alone, they acknowledge that ghost hunters can occasionally serve a positive role by keeping forgotten or "bad" history alive and preventing it from being whitewashed, provided the investigation is grounded, respectful, and accurate (15:28–16:42, 19:43–23:47). Final Consensus: The group concludes that while "anywhere can be haunted," certain locations (particularly those involving recent or sensitive human tragedy) should be avoided. They emphasize that the primary duty of an investigator should be to preserve history, not to sensationalize for "clicks" (18:14–18:59, 24:19–24:55).

Yes, cemeteries CAN be haunted. Here’s why…

Any time we post something even remotely spooky about a cemetery, we get flooded with comments insisting that "cemeteries aren't haunted" or that "ghosts wouldn't choose to hang out in cemeteries." (Okay, the comments are usually a little less polite than that). At Crossroads of Curiosities, we've always believed that the paranormal is full of nuance. We believe long-form conversations matter, and we think it's important to put our evolving thoughts and theories on the record as we continue learning in real time. So in this episode, we spend 45 minutes tackling a surprisingly controversial question: Can cemeteries be haunted? Our short answer is yes, but the long answer is that cemetery hauntings have more to do with egregores, thresholds, and residual energy than what you would traditionally call a "ghost." (Don't act surprised... it's episode 48, you knew that'd be the direction the conversation goes). GEMINI SUMMARY: In this episode of Paranormal Lens, the hosts tackle the surprisingly controversial question: Can cemeteries be haunted? (0:44) Despite frequent comments from viewers insisting that cemeteries are peaceful, final resting places, the hosts argue that hauntings there are possible, though often different from traditional "ghost" stories. Key Theories on Cemetery Hauntings Residual Energy and Emotion: The hosts propose that high-emotion events like funerals and the ongoing influx of grieving visitors create a build-up of residual energy (3:09 - 4:15). Egregores: Ben and Brienna suggest that many cemetery "hauntings" are actually egregores, collective thought-forms or manifestations born out of grief, intense emotions, and even fear from those visiting or hazing in these spaces (4:47 - 6:33). Thresholds and Time Slips: Angela discusses the concept of cemeteries acting as "doorways" or rips in the fabric of time where different layers of energy intersect (10:53 - 11:24, 26:12). Notable Investigations and Experiences Soop Cemetery: Brienna describes her first "vibe" experience, where she felt a literal "wall of heavy, dark energy" while approaching an infamous gravesite (8:07 - 9:50). Mission Hill Cemetery: The team encountered a shifting energy and potential portal opening in a secluded area, noting that these experiences often align with high-emotion or liminal locations (23:43 - 25:52). Striker Cemetery: The hosts recount one of their most intense experiences, involving a "growl" that sounded like a human mimicking a dog, a "witchy" figure seen in the mind's eye, and auditory laughter captured on equipment (27:46 - 38:35). Ethics and Respect Best Practices: The hosts emphasize that it is crucial to investigate ethically. This includes avoiding freshly buried graves, not sensationalizing the identities of the deceased, and always striving to leave a cemetery better than it was found (39:16 - 43:26). Conclusion: The episode concludes with the hosts agreeing that while not all cemeteries are haunted, the accumulation of human emotion makes them dynamic environments for paranormal phenomena. They end on a cliffhanger, promising a follow-up conversation on a new topic suggested by Angela (44:46 - 45:15).

No animals were harmed in the recording of this podcast…

This special episode of Paranormal Lens explores a topic suggested to us by our friends at Malice In The Mitten: are there animal ghosts? Do our pets visit us after they pass? And if so, how might an animal's spirit behave or function differently than a human's? As always, the conversation spirals into many different tangents and directions. By the end of the episode we end up talking about how there's literally dead circus elephants buried in unmarked graves scattered across the country. Who knew! (Besides Pete that is... Pete probably knew). GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the intriguing and often debated topic: Do animals have ghosts? The hosts dive into whether pets visit their owners after passing, how animal spirits might differ from human ones, and share personal experiences and theories on the matter. Key Discussion Points: Animal Ghosts vs. Residual Energy: The hosts debate whether animals can be "haunted" or if experiences are better described as residual hauntings / imprints of energy (like a pet running up stairs or a hamster wheel spinning) rather than conscious spirits (1:38 - 11:25). The Case of Pete the Lion: The conversation takes a fascinating turn to a story about a haunted theater where a circus lion named Pete is allegedly buried. The hosts discuss how this local legend led to reports of shadow sightings and growls, even though the lion likely never performed there (13:31 - 19:22). Unmarked Graves: The discussion expands to the broader, often surprising reality that many historical circus animals were buried in unmarked locations across the country, leading to the possibility that animal remains (and potential residual energy) could be resting in unexpected places, such as beaches or beneath parking lots (20:07 - 21:28). Grief and Coping: The hosts touch upon the human element, questioning if reports of seeing lost pets are supernatural encounters or a natural coping mechanism for the deep grief of losing a companion (6:56 - 7:45).

Reliving our scariest, most intense public ghost hunt ever (Monday Bonus)

On this Monday Bonus episode of Paranormal Lens: We're taking a look back at our scariest public ghost hunt to date. Following last year's after-hours ghost hunt at the annual Haunting In ReoTown Marketplace, we immediately got on the phone with Brienna to recount everything that had just happened. Full bodied apparitions. Mimics. Poltergeist activity. Strange synchronicities. Guests dropping like flies. All culminating in an event that made Ben and Angela literally run out of the room in terror. Now, one year later, we're returning to the scene of the crime for the 5th annual Haunting In ReoTown Marketplace on Saturday, June 6. Before we step back into the building for another after-hours ghost hunt, we're re-releasing this chilling conversation as a reminder of what happened the last time we investigated there, and a potential preview of what may be waiting for us when we return. Will history repeat itself? There's only one way to find out. Limited tickets for this year's after-hours public ghost hunt are available at: https://form.jotform.com/voodoosoddtiques/Hauntinginreo [https://form.jotform.com/voodoosoddtiques/Hauntinginreo] GEMINI SUMMARY: This Monday Bonus episode of Paranormal Lens serves as a retrospective, recounting the hosts' most intense and frightening public ghost hunt from the 2025 Haunting in ReoTown Marketplace in Lansing, Michigan (0:00-3:30). Key takeaways from the investigation: Structured Setup: The event featured a highly organized, small-group format (16 guests total, split into four rotating teams) designed to prevent cross-contamination of energy and evidence (7:10-8:50). Escalating Activity: The investigation began with relatively quiet, controlled experiments but gradually escalated throughout the night as different teams began experiencing distinct yet correlating phenomena, including physical interactions and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) (21:00-28:30). Terrifying Climax: During the final hour, the hosts and their remaining group experienced an intense, collective sighting of a black mass or shadow figure manifesting near a curtained area. The group felt an overwhelming sense of dread, leading them to abandon the room in terror (32:00-37:30). Uncanny Photographic Evidence: The investigators discuss a photograph captured by a guest during the same timeframe as the shadow figure sighting. The image shows a distorted, non-human-like figure wearing what appears to be a top hat, which the hosts describe as deeply unsettling and impossible to debunk as a simple human presence (39:45-45:30). The Aftermath: The hosts emphasize that this experience was unlike any they had encountered in eight years of investigating, with nearly half of the guests ultimately demanding cleansings due to the intense negative energy (9:00-9:50; 31:40). The hosts conclude by using this chilling account as a lead-up to their return to the venue for the 5th annual Haunting in ReoTown Marketplace on June 6, 2026, inviting listeners to see if history repeats itself (0:15-1:00; 48:00).

Are we being FOLLOWED by ghosts?

On this special Halfway to Hallowchristmas episode of Paranormal Lens: Are we being FOLLOWED by ghosts? After our “Yes or No” episode revealed that one of the few things we all agree on is that people themselves can be haunted, we dive deeper into the idea of paranormal attachments. From lingering spirits to past investigations where we believe we may have been interacting with our own ghosts as opposed to the location’s... this episode explores what happens when the haunting comes home with you. PS: Towards the end of the episode, Ben makes a joke about Santa Claus that spirals into a cringy bit that might just cost you your sanity. You've been warned. Be sure to FOLLOW Jezebel Michelle Creations: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092277383377 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092277383377] GEMINI SUMMARY: This episode of Paranormal Lens explores the concept of paranormal attachments and whether spirits can travel with investigators from one location to another. The hosts delve into their own experiences with potential attachments and discuss the challenges of distinguishing between spirits tethered to a location and those that might be following them. Key Discussion Points: Human Hauntings: Building episode 39, the hosts affirm their belief that humans themselves can be haunted (1:05-1:19). Investigation Experiences: The hosts recount a session at the Doherty Hotel where they felt they were interacting with a spirit from their own apartment rather than the location's resident ghosts (7:29-9:02). They discuss the protective nature of certain spirits, like Jacques, who frequently intervenes during dangerous situations, such as a tense encounter at a cemetery in Grand Haven (10:52-14:40). The hosts describe a long-running, unexplained phenomenon involving Brienna and an entity that would repeatedly say her name during various investigations, regardless of the location (15:26-17:35). Best Practices: The team emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries at the end of an investigation, explicitly telling spirits that they are not allowed to follow them home (20:36-21:05, 25:35-25:50). Lighthearted Tangents: As is common for the show, the episode includes humorous tangents about Angela's interest in summoning Santa Claus or Bigfoot during investigations (4:07-5:15, 23:30-24:35), and Ben jokingly struggles with the concept of being possessed by the "Hallowchristmas spirit" (27:40-29:20).