Chasing Ghosts

My special guest is author Marc Hartzman, here to dive into our endless obsession with the paranormal. His book, Chasing Ghosts: A Tour of Our Fascination with Spirits and the Supernatural, takes readers on a journey through haunted history, legendary spirits, and America’s supernatural culture. From historic hauntings to ghost-obsessed pop culture, Hartzman uncovers why ghosts have fascinated us for centuries—whether we believe in them or not. Every town has its legends, but in this conversation, we explore the larger cultural forces that have kept the paranormal at the center of American life. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Fox sisters and the rise of American spiritualismHow figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle became obsessed with ghostsFamous haunted sites like Eastern State Penitentiary and the LaLaurie HouseLegendary spirits including the Bell Witch of Tennessee and the Greenbrier Ghost of West VirginiaThe work of famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine WarrenDeeply researched and engaging, Marc’s work shows how ghosts, haunted sites, and supernatural legends have become woven into the very fabric of our history and culture. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will fascinate you.