In this episode of Don’t Turn Around, I sit down with Jessica Chobot—writer, host, gamer, paranormal explorer, and creator of the Culture Shock podcast. You might know Jessica from IGN, Nerdist News, Bizarre States, or Expedition X. But tonight, we go deeper into her lifelong fascination with the strange and unexplained.

Jessica shares how childhood encounters with Unsolved Mysteries, mythology books, and even a haunted Toys “R” Us first sparked her curiosity about the paranormal. She recounts a chilling UFO sighting on a lonely Ohio highway—an experience that still shapes the way she sees the unknown. We talk about her unforgettable investigation inside Mammoth Cave, where a full-blown panic attack turned into a breakthrough in resilience and strength.

Our conversation explores the cycles of paranormal interest through history, the ways culture frames our beliefs, and how modern distractions keep us from noticing the extraordinary that’s all around us. Jessica also opens up about Culture Shock, her latest podcast, which digs into the occult roots of history and science—unearthing the hidden stories that connect creativity, mysticism, and discovery.

This episode is a mix of curiosity, fear, humor, and deep reflection on why we’re drawn to the mysteries we may never fully explain.

• Jessica’s first sparks of paranormal interest—from Roanoke to haunted toy stores
• A late-night UFO sighting that defied explanation
• Inside Mammoth Cave: panic, resilience, and lessons in facing fear
• Paranormal cycles across history and how culture shapes belief
• The occult origins of science and why creativity matters to discovery
• Jessica’s new project, Culture Shock, and her vision for connecting weird history with our modern world

🎧 Listen to Culture Shock wherever you get your podcasts

📺 Watch video episodes and get early access on Patreon: patreon.com/acultureshockpodcast

📸 Instagram: @jessica_chobot; @occultureshockpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Don’t Turn Around, I welcome back Timothy Renner—author, illustrator, musician, and host of Strange Familiars. Timothy has long explored the boundaries of folklore, high strangeness, and the wilderness, and tonight we dive deep into his experiences in the woods and beyond.

From his unforgettable “chessboard” encounters in Hex Hollow to the strange lights and vanishing houses at the now-legendary Site 7, Timothy shares stories that challenge our perception of what’s possible. We talk about the role of fear, the importance of authenticity, and how the energy we bring into the wilderness often shapes the encounters we have with the unknown.

We also discuss Timothy’s latest book, I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories, a work that blends history, folklore, and spirituality in ways that mirror the paranormal itself.

Whether you’re drawn to Bigfoot, ghost lights, or simply the mystery of the woods, this conversation will remind you that the paranormal is as much about us—our creativity, awareness, and authenticity—as it is about the phenomena themselves.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Timothy’s solitary childhood fostered a deep relationship with the woods.
• The eerie “chessboard” of Hex Hollow: rocks rearranged by unseen hands.
• Terrifying and transformative moments—strange smells, overwhelming fear, and mysterious mechanical sounds.
• The ongoing mysteries of Site 7: glowing lights, pale entities, and a possible disappearing house.
• Why respect, calm, and authenticity are essential when entering wild, liminal spaces.
• The parallels between hermits, folklore, and the paranormal in Timothy’s new book.

Resources & Links:

• Timothy Renner’s work: StrangeFamiliars.com
• Timothy’s music: Bandcamp (linked through his site)
• I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories (available via Amazon, local bookstores, and Timothy’s Etsy shop)
• Don’t Turn Around on Instagram: @dontturnaroundpodcast

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• Join the community on Patreon for exclusive content and early access.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.