In this episode of The Malliard Report, host Jim Malliard welcomes three voices shaping the paranormal conversation in Pennsylvania and beyond: David Rountree, author, researcher, and technical investigator; Tracy Ray, psychic medium and empathic investigator; and Chris Durish, founder of Steel Town Paranormal and organizer of the Steel Town Spirit Symposium in Washington, Pennsylvania.
From the challenges of modern paranormal research to the delicate balance between science and sensitivity, the discussion dives deep into what makes the Pittsburgh area such a magnet for unexplained phenomena. Rountree shares his groundbreaking experiments monitoring low-frequency EMF fields during psychic sessions, raising the question: Are mediums biological receivers for unseen transmissions? Tracy Ray offers a personal look at her intuitive experiences — and how embracing her gift opened new doors for understanding the mind–energy connection.
Meanwhile, Chris Durish details the creation of the Steel Town Spirit Symposium — an event blending investigation, history, and conversation, featuring a lineup that includes Patty Wilson, Scott Crownover, and Dave Schrader. Together, the group highlights how collaboration between researchers, empaths, and investigators is giving the paranormal field a new kind of credibility.
As always, The Malliard Report keeps the tone grounded, curious, and human — a reminder that mystery and method can coexist, especially where steel, spirit, and Pennsylvania grit meet.
00:00 — Opening and Introductions
Jim welcomes David Rountree, Tracy Ray, and Chris Durish. Early laughs about technology mishaps and introductions to the Pittsburgh paranormal scene.
05:00 — The Pittsburgh Connection
David describes the city’s rich community of investigators and researchers — “a goldmine” of activity that rarely gets mainstream attention.
10:00 — Experimenting with Energy
Rountree shares results from an experiment measuring EMF changes during psychic sessions with Tracy — and how every reading correlated with measurable environmental shifts.
15:00 — Psychic Research and Empathic Strain
The team discusses psychic fatigue and potential connections between empathic ability and conditions like fibromyalgia. Tracy shares personal insight into the emotional and physical cost of mediumship.
20:00 — Science, Sensitivity, and Skepticism
Jim asks how the paranormal community can balance spiritual intuition with scientific rigor. David talks about the importance of blind testing and repeatable data.
25:00 — Remote Readings and Real Results
Tracy recounts her first remote investigation experience — accurately describing details of a site she had never visited, through only a phone connection.
30:00 — From Experiments to Events
Chris Durish explains how Steel Town Paranormal and the Steel Town Spirit Symposium came together — blending fieldwork, historical research, and education.
35:00 — The Washington Hotel’s Haunted Legacy
Chris previews their upcoming investigation site — a historic hotel once frequented by Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone, and The Beatles — and now rumored to be one of Pennsylvania’s most haunted.
40:00 — Building the Symposium Lineup
An inside look at the diverse speakers and their specialties: Patty Wilson’s storytelling, Scott Crownover’s infrared methods, and Dave Schrader’s investigative insight.
45:00 — Collaboration and Credibility in Paranormal Work
David emphasizes scientific checks and balances, while Tracy shares how the process has deepened her confidence and understanding of her gift.
50:00 — Humor, Humanity, and Hope
Jim and the guests reflect on the importance of laughter and community — even in dark investigations. The episode closes with details on event tickets and future collaborations.
“Pittsburgh’s a goldmine — there’s a lot of serious paranormal investigators here. You just don’t hear about them.” — David Rountree
“Every time Tracy received information, the EMF waveform appeared. It’s like the brain was tuning into a frequency.” — David Rountree
“I never told anyone for nearly forty years. Coming forward changed everything for me.” — Tracy Ray
“We wanted the Steel Town Spirit Symposium to feel different — more like a dinner conversation than a convention.” — Chris Durish
“Science should investigate the unexplained, not explain away what hasn’t been investigated.” — David Rountree
