This show was made for you.
You are someone with a healthy interest in the paranormal and just want to learn if there is any truth behind it all. You don’t think every bright light in the night sky is an interstellar craft. You don’t believe every speck of dust reflecting light in a photograph is a ghost. You want to understand the science, you want the evidence, and you don’t want to be dismissed just for wondering if there's something more.
In every episode of this show, we dissect paranormal topics from the perspective of skeptics, believers, and everyone in between. For every topic discussed, I will summarize the history and the science, suggest other resources so you can learn more, and I will discuss why people do and do not believe in the paranormal explanation. I also include interviews with witnesses, experts and enthusiasts. But, at the end of each episode it will always be up to you to decide for yourself.
Are you a Paranormal Optimist?
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This show was made for you.
You are someone with a healthy interest in the paranormal and just want to learn if there is any truth behind it all. You don’t think every bright light in the night sky is an interstellar craft. You don’t believe every speck of dust reflecting light in a photograph is a ghost. You want to understand the science, you want the evidence, and you don’t want to be dismissed just for wondering if there's something more.
In every episode of this show, we dissect paranormal topics from the perspective of skeptics, believers, and everyone in between. For every topic discussed, I will summarize the history and the science, suggest other resources so you can learn more, and I will discuss why people do and do not believe in the paranormal explanation. I also include interviews with witnesses, experts and enthusiasts. But, at the end of each episode it will always be up to you to decide for yourself.
Are you a Paranormal Optimist?
In Part I of our Mothman series, we’re rewinding to 1966 Point Pleasant. And let me warn you, things got weird fast. We’ll unpack what people think they know about this winged wonder, dip into West Virginia’s spooky backstory, and meet characters like Mary Hyre and John Keel, who may or may not have gotten more than they bargained for. Part II will take us further into belief, skepticism, and modern sightings, but for now, let’s begin where the legend truly started.
Have a paranormal story to share, an idea for a future episode, or maybe you’d like to be a guest on the show? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at ParanormalOptimist@gmail.com.
Have a story or link to Mothman or Point Pleasant? Please send me an email!
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Music credit: www.purple-planet.com
Sources Cited in Today’s Episode:
Keel, J. A. (2013). The Mothman prophecies. Tor.
Screen Gems & Lakeshore Entertainment. (2002). The Mothman Prophecies [Film]. Mark Pellington.
Ocker, J. W. (2023). The United States of cryptids. A tour of American myths and Monsters. Blackstone Publishing.
Sergent, D., & Wamsley, J. (2002). Mothman: The facts behind the legend. Mothman Lives Pub.
Witkoski, M. (2004). History of west virginia: Research starters: EBSCO research. EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/history-west-virginia
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. (2024, April 30). West Virginia Plants & Animals - WVDNR. WVDNR. https://wvdnr.gov/plants-animals/
Reports, W. N., & photo, S. (2025, March 28). Cryptids of west virginia: From Mothman to ogua and beyond. WV News. https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/cryptids-of-west-virginia-from-mothman-to-ogua-and-beyond/article_68e6d0d3-15a9-430d-b067-8dc6c75861b1.html#:~:text=The%20Ogua%20is%20a%20water,local%20festivals%2C%20and%20storytelling%20traditions.
O’Neill, C. (2012, January 23). Welcome to the “TNT area,” home of the Mothman. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2012/01/23/145334460/welcome-to-the-tnt-area-home-of-the-mothman
Fisher, B. (2020, September 2). Why John Keel?. 6 Degrees of John Keel. https://6degreesofjohnkeel.com/blog/why-john-keel
Encyclopedia.com. (2025, September 9). Keel, John A(lva) (1930-). Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/keel-john-alva-1930
Media, T. B. A. (2024, November 25). Mothman myth rooted in Messenger reporter’s work. The Athens Messenger. https://www.athensmessenger.com/news/mothman-myth-rooted-in-messenger-reporters-work/article_eae63596-c338-576c-97b2-3c445379ad1c.html
Wikia, C. to T. (n.d.). Mary Hyre. TheMothMan Wikia. https://themothman.fandom.com/wiki/Mary_Hyre
Paranormal Optimist
This show was made for you.
You are someone with a healthy interest in the paranormal and just want to learn if there is any truth behind it all. You don’t think every bright light in the night sky is an interstellar craft. You don’t believe every speck of dust reflecting light in a photograph is a ghost. You want to understand the science, you want the evidence, and you don’t want to be dismissed just for wondering if there's something more.
In every episode of this show, we dissect paranormal topics from the perspective of skeptics, believers, and everyone in between. For every topic discussed, I will summarize the history and the science, suggest other resources so you can learn more, and I will discuss why people do and do not believe in the paranormal explanation. I also include interviews with witnesses, experts and enthusiasts. But, at the end of each episode it will always be up to you to decide for yourself.
Are you a Paranormal Optimist?
