In this episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard welcomes J.J. Johnson, founder of West Virginia Paranormal Investigations, for a conversation that cuts through the noise of ghost-hunting TV culture to reveal what real investigation looks like — long hours, tough calls, and the constant search for truth.
From his early days as a student investigator to leading one of the state’s most respected teams, J.J. has built a reputation for professionalism and curiosity. The two dive into Johnson’s marathon 48-hour investigation at the notorious Sally House in Atchison, Kansas — a site often whispered about for its supposed demonic activity. J.J. shares the mental and physical toll of spending four nights in a place that “never really sleeps,” recounting chilling firsthand accounts of scratches, shadows, and even bite marks — but always with a healthy dose of skepticism and common sense.
The episode explores the evolving landscape of paranormal research, from the rise of interactive livestreams (like his Yahoo!-sponsored investigation with LiveSciFi.tv) to the media’s impact on public perception. Johnson and Malliard talk candidly about reality TV, evidence faking scandals, and why too many investigators forget that every haunted house is also someone’s home.
Their discussion turns reflective when J.J. opens up about balancing law school with late-night ghost hunts, the importance of mentorship, and the personal ethics that keep his group together after five years of fieldwork. Together, they tackle the heart of modern investigation: credibility, compassion, and community. It’s an hour that embodies The Malliard Report’s mission — asking real questions, respecting the mystery, and never mistaking fame for truth.
00:00 – 05:00
Jim opens with humor about his “run of lawyers lately,” introducing J.J. Johnson and his West Virginia Paranormal team. They discuss the myth of Halloween “busy season” for investigators and what real fieldwork looks like.
05:00 – 20:00
Inside the Sally House: J.J. recounts his 48-hour live-streamed investigation, filmed for LiveSciFi and featured on Yahoo’s front page. He details exhaustion, strange activity, and the darker side of the house’s legend.
20:00 – 35:00
The bite marks, the pentagram in the basement, and the fine line between “dark” and “demonic.” J.J. explains his rule: investigate with caution, but don’t exaggerate what you can’t prove.
35:00 – 50:00
TV, media, and myth-making — including J.J.’s experience filming My Ghost Story in Los Angeles. The two discuss the balance between exposure and authenticity in paranormal entertainment.
50:00 – 65:00
Ethics, evidence, and follow-through: why every private case deserves closure. J.J. stresses the importance of revisiting clients, managing expectations, and finishing what you start.
65:00 – 80:00
Professionalism in the field — how to build a lasting team, handle “para-drama,” and stay focused on helping people instead of chasing views.
80:00 – 100:00
West Virginia’s haunted landscape, from Civil War battlefields to Moundsville Penitentiary. J.J. shares upcoming plans, lessons from burnout, and his long-term goal: education and community over fame.
100:00 – End
Jim and J.J. close with reflections on growth, leadership, and learning to delegate. A reminder that the paranormal field needs humility as much as it needs curiosity.
“We were there four nights and I might’ve slept twelve hours total. By the end, the exhaustion was real — but so was the experience.” – J.J. Johnson
“You can’t fake integrity and expect the evidence to stand.” – J.J. Johnson
“If you’re going into someone’s home, you owe them more than flashlight tricks and a Facebook post.” – Jim Malliard
“The drama isn’t paranormal — it’s people. And that’s the hardest haunting to fix.” – J.J. Johnson
“At The Malliard Report, it’s never about what you believe — it’s about what you’re willing to question.” – Jim Malliard
