n this reflective and grounded episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard sits down with Joel Samuelson, a paranormal researcher whose approach blends investigation, empathy, and a deep respect for mystery. Together, they unpack what drives people to explore the unknown — not for fame or proof, but for meaning.
Joel shares how his earliest experiences with the paranormal shaped his perspective and pushed him to balance faith with evidence. The conversation moves through fear, ethics, and the responsibility that comes with investigating people’s personal stories. Rather than chasing ghosts, Joel insists, we should be listening to people.
From field discipline to spiritual grounding, this episode paints a picture of what it means to investigate responsibly in a world hungry for sensationalism. It’s a reminder that curiosity is not about answers — it’s about asking the right questions, again and again.
Listeners looking for authenticity, humility, and hard-earned insight into the paranormal community will feel right at home. The Malliard Report continues its mission: curiosity over hype, conversation over certainty.
00:00 – Opening reflections
Jim welcomes Joel Samuelson, introducing him as a voice of quiet conviction in the world of the unexplained. They set the tone: curious, personal, and grounded in lived experience.
05:00 – Early encounters
Joel recalls his first brushes with the paranormal — moments that challenged logic but refused to leave his memory. Jim draws out the detail, asking how those experiences shaped his worldview.
10:00 – Between faith and evidence
The two discuss the tension between spiritual belief and scientific inquiry — how one can inform, not replace, the other. Joel shares the importance of humility in any investigation.
15:00 – The role of fear
Why fear is often the first wall between us and understanding. Joel explains how facing the unknown means acknowledging vulnerability without surrendering to it.
20:00 – Personal accountability in the field
Jim and Joel talk ethics — from misrepresentation to media sensationalism. Both stress the importance of honesty and intention when you step into someone’s story.
25:00 – Paranormal investigation, done right
Tools, discipline, and documentation — Joel outlines the backbone of his process. “It’s not about proving ghosts,” he says, “it’s about learning what questions to ask next.”
30:00 – Lessons from skepticism
Skeptics, critics, and the need for open dialogue. Jim notes that respectful disagreement has kept the field honest — and interesting.
35:00 – The human side of haunting
Behind every unexplained case, there’s emotion — loss, memory, and meaning. Joel reflects on how empathy may be the most underrated investigative skill.
40:00 – When the lights go out
A few unnerving field moments — shared not for shock, but for the insight they provide into how people respond under pressure.
45:00 – Spiritual grounding
The conversation turns inward: prayer, meditation, and staying centered. Joel explains how belief, not bravado, keeps him balanced.
50:00 – A message for new investigators
“Stay curious. Stay kind. The work will find you,” Joel advises. Jim agrees: “Truth rewards patience, not volume.”
55:00 – Closing thoughts
A reflection on gratitude — for mystery, for dialogue, and for the listeners who keep the conversation alive.
“It’s not about proving ghosts; it’s about learning what questions to ask next.”
“Fear is the first wall between us and understanding.”
“Empathy is the most underrated tool in any investigation.”
“Belief keeps you grounded; ego gets you lost.”
“Truth rewards patience, not volume.”
