Total Conundrum

The Boy Who Came Back: The Steven Stayner Story

At just seven years old, Steven Stayner was taken while walking home from school—beginning a seven-year nightmare that would shock the nation. But this isn’t just a story about abduction. It’s a story about survival… resilience… and a decision that would turn a victim into a hero. In this episode, we follow Steven’s journey from captivity to escape—and the incredible moment where, instead of running alone, he chose to save another child. But survival doesn’t mean everything goes back to normal… We also explore what happened after he returned home—the emotional aftermath, the struggles he faced, and how his story impacted not just him, but his entire family. This is one of the most powerful and heartbreaking true crime stories we’ve ever covered. And it’s only half of the Stayner story. Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love! Like, comment, and share with your weirdest friend. And if you’ve got your own strange tale or haunting experience — we want to hear it! Submit a story at https://www.totalconundrum.com/contact Watch & Listen Everywhere: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalConundrum Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TotalConundrum1 Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/total-conundrum/ Follow Us for More Creepy Content: Website: https://totalconundrum.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_conundrum/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Total_Conundrum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalConundrum TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@totalconundrum Connect with us here: bio.link/totalconundrum Contact: contact@totalconundrum.com Want to be featured as a sponsor? Email: contact@totalconundrum.com

Episode 75 - Terrifying Paranormal Encounters with Afterlife Paranormal | Total Conundrum Podcast

If you’re into true crime, the supernatural, and the unexplained… you’re in the right place. In this episode of Total Conundrum, we sit down with the incredible team from Afterlife Paranormal to explore real investigations, chilling encounters, and the moments that make you question everything you thought you knew about the afterlife. From haunted locations and spirit communication to shocking evidence and emotional experiences, this episode dives deep into what really happens when you step into the unknown. You’ll hear: Real ghost hunting experiences EVP recordings & spirit communication stories Haunted locations that left lasting impacts Moments that shook even seasoned investigators The balance between science, skepticism, and belief So dim the lights, turn up the volume, and prepare yourself… because it’s more fun on the darker side. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join the Conundrum Crew! #TotalConundrum #ParanormalPodcast #GhostHunting #AfterlifeParanormal #HauntedLocations #EVP #SpiritBox #TrueCrime #Supernatural #ParanormalInvestigation #GhostStories #Haunted #Unexplained #PodcastClips #ScaryStories #ParanormalActivity #GhostEncounters #Creepy #DarkStories #YouTubePodcast

Episode 74 - Investigating the Unknown with Rob Gutro & Monique Too Soon

What happens when you invite experienced paranormal investigators onto your show… and then the power suddenly goes out during the recording? In this eerie — and unexpectedly hilarious — episode of Total Conundrum, Jeremy and Traci sit down with special guests Rob Gutro and Monique Too Soon, who share their real-life experiences investigating haunted locations together and the chilling encounters featured in their latest book. From communicating with spirits to exploring haunted energy, unexplained activity, and the emotional impact of paranormal investigations, Rob and Monique dive deep into what it’s really like to step into the unknown. But just when things start getting intense… the lights go out. Yes — a total blackout hits during the recording, adding a whole new layer of atmosphere (and chaos) to the conversation. Thankfully, Rob and Monique prove to be absolute troopers and help finish the episode in true paranormal-investigator fashion. This episode is packed with creepy stories, fascinating insights into the spirit world, behind-the-scenes investigation experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way. Is the paranormal just misunderstood energy? Can spirits communicate with the living? And was the blackout just bad timing… or something more? Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love! Like, comment, and share with your weirdest friend. And if you’ve got your own strange tale or haunting experience — we want to hear it! Submit a story at https://www.totalconundrum.com/contact Special Guests: Rob Gutro — Paranormal Investigator / Author / Medium Website: https://robgutro.com Instagram: @robgutro Facebook: Rob Gutro – Author / Medium Twitter/X: @RobGutro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@robgutro Special Guests: Monique Too Soon — Paranormal Investigator / Researcher https://linktr.ee/moniquetoosoon Be sure to check out Rob and Monique’s incredible work and their book detailing real paranormal investigations and encounters from their time exploring haunted locations together. Watch & Listen Everywhere: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalConundrum Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TotalConundrum1 Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/total-conundrum/ Follow Us for More Creepy Content: Website: https://totalconundrum.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_conundrum/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Total_Conundrum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalConundrum TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@totalconundrum Connect with us here: bio.link/totalconundrum Contact: contact@totalconundrum.com Want to be featured as a sponsor? Email: contact@totalconundrum.com

Episode 73 - Kelly Blackheart

Today we sit down with the incomparable Kelly Blackheart — also known as Kelly Zabielski — whose journey is nothing short of fearless, hilarious, and wildly inspiring. Kelly has lived multiple lives: from playing collegiate volleyball to working in renewable-energy finance, to acting in commercials and appearing on MTV… all before pivoting hard into comedy and podcasting. She walks us through her time producing and appearing on The Jim Jefferies Podcast, working behind the scenes on I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies, and hosting her longtime show The Unsolicited Podcast. We also dive into her deeply personal journey as an egg donor, helping families grow and discovering new parts of herself along the way. And of course — we talk about her newest creative adventure: Locked & Probably Loaded with DJ Qualls & Kelly — a chaotic, honest, unfiltered podcast that is already taking off. This episode is full of big laughs, real talk, and the kind of heartfelt detours that make Kelly who she is. Buckle up, Conundrum Crew — this one’s a ride. Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love! Like, comment, and share with your weirdest friend. And if you’ve got your own strange tale or haunting experience — we want to hear it! Submit a story at https://www.totalconundrum.com/contact Watch & Listen Everywhere: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalConundrum Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TotalConundrum1 Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/total-conundrum/ Follow Us for More Creepy Content: Website: https://totalconundrum.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_conundrum/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Total_Conundrum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalConundrum TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@totalconundrum Connect with us here: bio.link/totalconundrum Contact: contact@totalconundrum.com Want to be featured as a sponsor? Email: contact@totalconundrum.com Special Guest: Kelly Blackheart (Kelly Zabielski) — Actress, Writer, Podcaster Instagram: @kellyblackheart Podcasts: • Locked & Probably Loaded with DJ Qualls & Kelly • The Unsolicited Podcast • I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies (past) • The Jim Jefferies Podcast (past) Be sure to check out Kelly’s incredible work and her new show with DJ Qualls!

Monsters, Metaphors & the Midwest: An Interview with Minnesota Author Patrick W. Marsh

This week on Total Conundrum, we sit down with Minnesota author Patrick W. Marsh, creator of The Greenland Diaries series and a master of monsters both real and symbolic. We dive into: • How Patrick builds terrifying (and emotional) creatures • Using monsters as metaphors for mental health • His writing process and creative rituals • Minnesota’s unique horror identity • His upcoming projects and evolving story worlds If you love dark fantasy, indie authors, or the weird, wild mysteries of the Midwest… this one’s for you, Conundrum Crew. Enjoyed the episode? Show us some love! Like, comment, and share with your weirdest friend. And if you’ve got your own strange tale or haunting experience — we want to hear it! Submit a story at https://www.totalconundrum.com/contact Watch & Listen Everywhere: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TotalConundrum Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TotalConundrum1 Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/total-conundrum/ Follow Us for More Creepy Content: Website: https://totalconundrum.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/total_conundrum/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Total_Conundrum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalConundrum TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@totalconundrum Connect with us here: bio.link/totalconundrum Contact: contact@totalconundrum.com Want to be featured as a sponsor? Email: contact@totalconundrum.com Special Guest: Patrick W. Marsh — Minnesota Author & Creator of The Greenland Diaries Website: https://patrickwmarshauthor.wordpress.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickWMarshAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastbankmarsh Books: Available on Amazon & Kindle under Patrick W. Marsh Be sure to check out Patrick’s incredible monster-filled worlds and his ongoing book series!