In this special in-studio episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard welcomes back musician and researcher Peter John, whose grounded, soulful storytelling bridges science, art, and the unseen. Their conversation unfolds like an evening jam session — part music showcase, part philosophical reflection, part Western Pennsylvania storytelling at its finest.
Peter talks about writing his heartfelt track for a friend’s son with cancer — raising funds for children’s cancer causes — and the community connection that music still creates. He reflects on performing at the Oil Region Indie Music Fest, the growing creative energy in the Rust Belt, and the local musicians keeping that fire alive in places like Franklin and Oil City, Pennsylvania. From playing “Free Bird” and “Billie Jean” to duets with Franklin’s own Katie Kirby, Peter captures the joy, nerves, and connection that come with making music from the heart.
The conversation moves deeper when Peter reveals another side of his life — that of a graduate student in Rehabilitative Sciences, aiming for a doctorate in psychology. He and Jim discuss balance: between music and study, faith and science, the personal and the paranormal. In true Malliard Report fashion, the talk turns toward ghosts, faith, and shared mysteries — from haunted barns and unexplained voices to the logic and love behind belief itself.
Closing the show, Peter performs several original songs, including “Give Me a Little Something, Darlin’,” “Suicide Blonde,” and “Like a Fire.” Each performance brings warmth and raw authenticity, even through a sinus infection, as he jokes — “proof it’s live.” Between laughter, reflection, and sincerity, this episode embodies what The Malliard Report does best: exploring the intersections of human experience, from melody to mystery.
As Jim reminds listeners, “Where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.”
00:00 – Opening Banter & Catching Up
Jim welcomes Peter back to the studio; they recall February’s cold visit and discuss the success of Peter’s charity song for children with cancer.
05:00 – The Rust Belt’s Rising Arts Scene
Peter describes performing at the Oil Region Indie Music Fest and collaborating with Franklin-area musicians like Jerome Wincey and Katie Kirby.
10:00 – Balancing Music, Study, and Purpose
Peter opens up about graduate school at Clarion University and his drive toward a doctorate in psychology — and how that analytical side feeds his music.
15:00 – “The Steelers Song” & Recording Stories
Behind the making of his Steelers anthem and how collaboration, Full Sail producers, and a passion for Western PA football shaped it.
25:00 – Ghosts, Faith, and Science
The talk turns toward spirituality, haunted barns, and unexplained moments — blending belief, skepticism, and heartfelt storytelling.
35:00 – Live Performances
Peter performs “Give Me a Little Something, Darlin’,” “Suicide Blonde,” and “Like a Fire.” Raw, bluesy, and reflective — a perfect live finish.
“There are sane people who have paranormal experiences every day — you just have to listen.”
“It’s not about fame; it’s about creating something that means something.”
“You challenge science, and that gets people thinking about the spiritual again.”
“Love — that’s what life’s about. How you love each other, love yourself, and don’t take it for granted.”
“I wanted a song that captured passion — not just for the Steelers, but for Western Pennsylvania itself.”
