In this episode of The Malliard Report, Jim Malliard sits down with longtime investigator Todd Harrington, founder of the Norwalk Paranormal Research Group, for a sharp and unfiltered discussion on what it truly means to investigate the unknown. From the myths of “scientific ghost hunting” to the ethics of public investigations, this episode strips away the TV gloss and gets down to the work, the frustration, and the heart behind the field.
Todd has spent nearly two decades in the trenches of paranormal research — conducting private home cases, historical investigations, and mentoring new team members. He and Jim talk about the challenges of credibility in a world flooded with gadgets, ghost apps, and TV heroes. Todd’s philosophy is simple: go where the evidence takes you, and never confuse entertainment with investigation.
The conversation dives into the realities most shows won’t show you — endless hours of audio review, clients who need real help instead of a spotlight, and the frustrating rise of “demon doctors” and pay-to-play haunted locations. Todd calls out the commercialization of fear and the “scientific pretenders” who wield gadgets with no data to back them up. His humor and honesty echo Jim’s own grounded skepticism, making for a frank but thoughtful exploration of a field that too often forgets its roots.
By the end of the hour, Jim and Todd bring it all back to where it belongs: professionalism, compassion, and truth. Whether it’s calling out fake unity movements, protecting clients from fly-by-night teams, or refusing to charge thousands to investigate asylums, this conversation reminds listeners why The Malliard Report continues to be where integrity meets curiosity — and where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
00:00 – 05:00
Jim’s trademark mic mishap and a lighthearted start. Todd introduces the Norwalk Paranormal Research Group and its mission of responsible, evidence-based investigation.
05:00 – 15:00
The “Vivian Vance House” case — a location that continues to defy explanation. Todd describes how some places produce more questions than answers, no matter how many times you return.
15:00 – 25:00
Mediums, “scientific” investigators, and black-shirt theatrics. Todd and Jim discuss why professionalism matters more than gadgets and why real investigators should question their own tools before questioning the unseen.
25:00 – 40:00
TV shows, fake demonologists, and the “business of belief.” From Ghost Adventures to demon doctors, the two unpack how television warped the public view of the paranormal — and why chasing ratings kills research.
40:00 – 55:00
The myth of unity in the paranormal field. Todd explains why “para-unity” sounds good in theory but collapses under ego, competition, and conflicting belief systems.
55:00 – 70:00
Client care and credibility. Jim and Todd stress how investigations must serve people first — not Facebook pages. They expose the real cost of “fly-by-night” groups and share how lasting trust with clients defines success.
70:00 – End
The ethics of pay-to-play ghost hunts, the absurdity of “sign-a-waiver exorcisms,” and why orbs still aren’t evidence. The episode closes with laughs, truth, and a reminder that humility is the best paranormal tool of all.
“If you’re getting thirty-seven EVPs from every investigation, something’s wrong with you — and your recorder.” – Todd Harrington
“You don’t get unity by burning sage together. You get it by showing up for the work.” – Jim Malliard
“The only people making money in this field are the ones selling the equipment.” – Todd Harrington
“If you spent eighty years in a beautiful house, why would your spirit choose to hang out at the cemetery?” – Todd Harrington
“The Malliard Report isn’t here to sell fear — it’s here to ask better questions.” – Jim Malliard
