In this lively and reflective episode of The Malliard Report, host Jim Malliard welcomes Daniel Bautz, creator and host of The Grand Dark Conspiracy. The episode begins in classic Malliard fashion — candid, unscripted, and deeply human — as Jim explores the elusive concept of “paranormal unity.” Is it genuine collaboration or a convenient illusion for a field without standards?
Once Bautz connects live from the Michigan woods, the two dive into their shared respect for curiosity and integrity in investigation. From anthropology’s role in the paranormal (The Serpent and the Rainbow) to the tabloid-era fascination with “zombies in Miami,” the discussion unpacks how belief, fear, and media intertwine.
As the show deepens, Jim and Daniel challenge the overreliance on technology in ghost hunting — EMF meters, spirit boxes, and phone apps that claim to detect the beyond. They argue that spirituality, not circuitry, drives connection with the unknown. “You’re not proving anything with gadgets,” Jim notes. “Belief is personal — it’s not data.”
The episode’s heart lies in its philosophical undertone: Is the paranormal becoming a religion? Are investigators seeking answers — or comfort? Together, they navigate the gray space between faith and evidence, science and soul.
Through humor, honesty, and moments of raw reflection, this episode captures what The Malliard Report does best — bridging curiosity and conscience in the paranormal world. It’s not just a talk about ghosts; it’s a conversation about why we search for them at all.
The Malliard Report — where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
00:00 – Opening Thoughts & Live Radio Jitters
Jim warms up the mic, sharing reflections on sound levels, paranormal unity, and the need for individuality in investigation. He questions whether “unity” is genuine collaboration or a comfort blanket for a field without structure.
05:00 – Setting Standards in the Paranormal
Jim explores the importance of self-defined standards over labels like “professional” or “expert.” He muses on authenticity, criticism, and the entertainment-driven ghost-hunting shows that skew expectations.
10:00 – Guest Connection: Daniel Bautz Joins from Michigan
After some live radio hiccups, Daniel Bautz joins in from his vacation in the Michigan wilds. Jim introduces him as host of The Grand Dark Conspiracy on the Shark Radio Network. They swap stories of live broadcasting chaos and paranormal passion.
15:00 – The Zombie Formula & Anthropological Paranormal Roots
Daniel discusses his fascination with Wade Davis, the anthropologist behind The Serpent and the Rainbow, and how anthropology intersects with the paranormal. The conversation turns to media, myth, and the human need to understand the unknown.
20:00 – Zombies in Miami & Media Sensationalism
Jim and Daniel dissect viral “zombie” stories, connecting them to publicity, fear, and cultural fascination with the undead. Both agree: behind every outrageous headline is someone trying to sell a story.
25:00 – Fame, Film, and the Face for Radio
Jim jokes about having “the face for radio,” while Daniel talks about his independent filmmaking, including Where No Roads Lead. They discuss the creative grind, authenticity, and doing what you love — even if it doesn’t pay the bills.
30:00 – Lake Erie UFOs & the Unknown Above Us
The conversation shifts to UFOs over Lake Erie. Daniel reminds listeners that “unknown” simply means unexplained — not extraterrestrial. The two reflect on human tendency to fill mystery with meaning and belief.
35:00 – Tech, Spiritualism, and Ghost Hunting Tools
A classic Malliard moment: questioning whether gadgets help or hinder. From EMF meters to spirit boxes, Jim argues that faith and personal experience drive the field more than devices ever could. Daniel agrees, noting technology’s false sense of proof.
40:00 – Paranormal Unity Revisited
Jim challenges the notion of “Paranormal Unity,” calling it a spiritual ideal in a supposedly scientific field. Daniel adds that belief validation shouldn’t depend on group consensus — true conviction stands alone.
45:00 – Is Paranormal Becoming Religion?
A philosophical turn: Jim asks whether paranormal investigation has become a religion. Daniel argues it’s a “spiritual crutch,” offering questions instead of answers, while Jim compares factions of ghost hunters to denominational divides.
50:00 – Helping Others or Helping Ourselves?
The hosts debate whether investigators genuinely help clients or simply validate their own beliefs. They agree that at its heart, the paranormal is personal — a journey toward understanding one’s fears, faith, and experiences.
55:00 – Faith, Forgiveness, and the Edge of Belief
Jim raises a tough question about suicide, faith, and forgiveness. The two wrestle with moral judgment and spiritual interpretation, stressing humility and empathy in matters beyond human certainty.
1:00:00 – Wrapping Up with Reflection and Humor
From cult leaders to comedy, Jim and Daniel end with honesty and humor. They discuss radio ethics, authenticity, and the end of the “ghost show boom.” Daniel plugs his upcoming guests and films, and Jim signs off with gratitude and a wink to his audience.
“Set your own standards. Don’t let someone else’s rules define your passion.” — Jim Malliard
“If you’re not willing to stand on your own beliefs, why are you seeking unity at all?” — Daniel Bautz
“Technology doesn’t make the spirit world more real — belief does.” — Jim Malliard
“The paranormal doesn’t offer answers; it teaches us how to ask better questions.” — Daniel Bautz
“If we could speak for God, we’d have better ratings — but less integrity.” — Jim Malliard
