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This Halloween-themed episode explores the life, investigations, and literary legacy of pioneering ghost hunter Hans Holzer. The hosts examine Holzer's prolific career across more than 120 books, his use of trance mediums like Ethel Johnson Myers, and his role as a major architectural blueprint for modern ghost hunting and pop culture entities like Ghostbusters. The discussion features readings from Holzer's early works, detailing specific bizarre hauntings involving historical figures, ancient chairs, and celebrity encounters in New York and beyond. Listeners get a deep dive into the colorful history of paranormal investigation through Holzer's theatrical and self-mythologizing lens.
The hosts open the episode with playful banter, a brief ad read, and a quick introduction to the show’s theme.
The hosts explain who Hans Holzer is, his influence on paranormal media, and why they’re focusing on him.
Discussion of Holzer’s books, television shows, and his role in shaping modern ghost‑hunter culture.
The hosts recount Holzer’s childhood in Vienna, his early fascination with ghosts, and his controversial academic claims.
A series of commercial breaks featuring sponsors such as Squarespace, Mint Mobile, SimpliSafe, Acorns, and BetterHelp interspersed throughout the episode.
The hosts read excerpts from Holzer’s works, including the Riverside Ghost and other case studies.
A recap of Holzer’s involvement with the Amityville story, its impact, and the legacy of the film franchise.
The hosts discuss how Holzer inspired contemporary shows and investigators, citing examples like Ghostbusters and the Holzer Files.
The hosts conclude the episode, reflect on Holzer’s legacy, and tease future content.
The narrator recounts a mysterious encounter with a ghostly figure in the 29‑story Riverside building.
Background on the Roarach Museum, its founder, and the mystical art that surrounds it.
Gina Rowland describes a strange apparition she saw during a lecture at the Roarach Building.
A Life of Ghost Storiesinsight
Holzer claimed his kindergarten teacher threatened him with expulsion at age three for telling ghost stories.
The Fake PhDdata
Holzer taught parapsychology and earned a professorship while holding a PhD from a fake school called the London College of Applied Science.
The Riverside Ghost Seancestory
During a séance in an old Riverside Drive apartment, the medium channeled a maid murdered in 1812, matching city directory records.
A man bought an antique chair and experienced apparitions and flying objects until a trance medium revealed the ghost of his ancient Peruvian father.
A young woman in Long Island was physically harassed by the spirit of her deceased medical doctor suitor, requiring extensive paranormal intervention.
The Roarach Building Apparitionstory
Actress Gina Rowland saw a spectral figure resembling painter Roarach at an Eastern philosophy lecture in a 29-story Riverside Drive building.
Winchester Cathedral Monksdata
Holzer photographed hooded monks walking in procession inside Winchester Cathedral where no living monks had walked since the 1500s.
“He claims to have coined both the terms 'the other side' and the term 'ghost hunter.'”
“Hans Holzer was one of the guys that developed those little toys.”
“He wrote over 120 books spanning the spectrum of the capital P phenomenon.”
“He also coined the less popular phrase, 'ghost lynchur.'”
“He was the first TV Ghostbuster.”
“For three years, I was a resident of a beautiful 29-story apartment building on Riverside Drive.”
“He appeared to be a fairly young man, certainly in the prime of his life, and his very dark eyes, in particular, attracted her.”
“The next morning, I contacted Mrs. Fossdick. Unfortunately, this was one of the occasions when truth did not conquer.”
“I only wonder if Mr. Roarach would sometimes honor me with a visit, or vice versa, now that we were neighbors.”
“He saw a blob in the shape of Alexander Hamilton.”
This week, it's getting spooky on the show as Henry takes the reins and leads the story of the "Father of the Paranormal", the Austrian-born American parapsychologist, author, and investigator who allegedly coined the term "Ghost Hunter": Hans Holzer.
12,390 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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