The Malliard Report
The Malliard Report: Where the Paranormal Meets Pennsylvania Grit.
Scott Tepperman — Chasing Shadows and Staying Grounded
0:00
-1:02:25

Scott Tepperman — Chasing Shadows and Staying Grounded

From Ghost Hunters International to independent film and fan connection, Scott Tepperman joins Jim Malliard for a candid look behind the paranormal spotlight.

In this episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard welcomes Scott Tepperman — actor, author, and investigator best known for his work on Ghost Hunters International. The conversation opens with laughter and humility, as Jim playfully fumbles Scott’s name before diving into a rich discussion about life, travel, and chasing the unexplained.

Scott reflects on his years abroad with GHI, describing the cultural immersion that comes with exploring haunted sites across continents. From ancient ruins to underwater caves, he paints vivid scenes of exploration, wonder, and danger — where the paranormal meets raw human endurance. His story of emerging from a flooded cave at sunrise captures the beauty that often accompanies the fear.

As the conversation unfolds, Jim and Scott explore the ethics of modern ghost hunting — the importance of sincerity, data integrity, and not losing touch with the human side of the work. Scott’s grounded take on Paranormal Unity challenges the competition-driven culture in the field, calling instead for collaboration and mutual respect among investigators.

But it’s not all serious. Between stories of karaoke nights, social media connections, and behind-the-scenes camaraderie, Scott shows that even those who chase shadows know how to laugh. His creative pursuits — from acting in indie horror films to publishing poetry — reveal a man driven not just by curiosity, but by passion for storytelling in all its forms.

Near the close, Scott offers timeless advice: never stop learning, never assume you’ve seen it all, and remember that imagination is the engine of discovery. As Jim Malliard reminds listeners, The Malliard Report remains the space “where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit” — and this conversation proves it.

Jim Malliard introduces the episode with his signature humor, welcoming Scott Tepperman and setting a relaxed tone. Scott discusses his work on Ghost Hunters International and the realities of investigating worldwide.

05:00 – Traveling, Culture, and Ghost Hunting Abroad
Scott reflects on the cultural depth of overseas investigations and the balance between adventure and respect for local traditions. He highlights the personal growth that comes from exploring the unknown across continents.

10:00 – The Alpha Ghost Team and Selective Investigations
Jim and Scott dive into team structure and integrity in the paranormal field. Scott explains why Alpha Ghost is selective about cases, emphasizing ethics and empathy in investigations.

15:00 – Music, Karaoke, and the Human Side of Paranormal Investigators
A lighter moment: Scott shares his love for karaoke and the joy of self-expression outside of investigations. Jim jokes about the “trainwreck factor” that makes karaoke fun.

20:00 – Dream Investigations and Favorite Locations
Scott recalls an unforgettable expedition through an underwater cave — water up to his neck, sunrise over the jungle, and the indescribable connection between beauty and fear. He also discusses his dream location: the haunted depths of Poveglia Island.

25:00 – Titanic Hauntings: Where Do the Spirits Linger?
Jim poses one of his trademark “thought experiments”: are the Titanic’s hauntings above or below the waves? Scott shares his theory about sudden death and trapped energy, grounding the paranormal in empathy.

30:00 – Life on Tour and Fan Connection
Scott opens up about balancing fame, travel, and personal life. He credits fans as the heartbeat of his work — the real reason he keeps pushing forward.

35:00 – Team Ethics and Professionalism in Paranormal Work
The conversation turns serious as Scott stresses that investigators must act with integrity. “If you don’t have time to review the evidence, you don’t have time to investigate.” Jim and Scott align on the belief that professionalism defines credibility.

45:00 – Ghost Hunting Technology and the “Holy Grail” of Evidence
Scott discusses tools like the K2 meter and the evolution of tech in the field. He and Jim talk about the ongoing search for undeniable proof — and how human intuition still matters most.

55:00 – Unity, Respect, and Avoiding Drama
Scott advocates for genuine cooperation among teams. The “Paranormal Unity” concept, he says, is about learning together — not competing. Jim agrees, adding that “we’re all trying to move the field forward.”

1:00:00 – Balancing Passions: Acting, Writing, and Investigating
From horror films to books and poetry, Scott reveals his creative drive and how storytelling shapes his paranormal work. He shares his origins — a childhood love of horror evolving into a life of exploration.

1:10:00 – Advice for Veteran Teams
Scott gives grounded wisdom: “If you think you’ve learned everything, get out of the field.” He urges investigators to stay curious and humble, always open to new methods.

1:15:00 – Final Thoughts and Life Lessons
Jim invites Scott to share his “Jerry Springer Final Thought.” Scott offers two quotes that define his philosophy: “One man can make a difference,” and “You are only limited by your own imagination.” A fitting close to a conversation about chasing the unseen — and staying human in the process.

  1. “If you don’t have time to review the evidence, you don’t have time to investigate.” — Scott Tepperman

  2. “One man can make a difference — and that man could be you.” — Scott Tepperman

  3. “We’re not here to outdo anyone. We’re here to move the field forward.” — Jim Malliard

  4. “The fans really are everything. They’re our connection to the bigger story.” — Scott Tepperman

  5. “Curiosity and humility — that’s where real investigation begins.” — Jim Malliard

Discussion about this episode

User's avatar