Best Chambers Of The Paranormal Podcasts (2024)

1
Alone in a World of Wounds with Zen Abbot Shodhin Geiman 1:29:16

1h ago1:29:16

1:29:16

Shodhin Geiman is Sensei & Abbot at Chicago Zen Center and recently retired Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University. He has written on aspects of the Dharma and on points of interface between Buddhist and Christian spirituality. His book, Alone in a World of Wounds: A Dharmic Response to the Ills of Sentient Beings (Cascade Books, 2022).…

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 6 1:02:13

1d ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Buckle up for this "Old News Nonsense" with our guest Sabina as she joins us for some truly questionable headlines that’ll make you say, “What were they thinking?” We’ve got ticking bombs that go boom? Thongs that leave little to the imagination, and superstitions you’ll want to sneeze away! Ever wondered what to do with your lactose intolerance? W…

1
EP# 16 Bloodthirsty and Breathless: The Butcher of Hanover and The Choking Ghost of Waikiki 2:33:44

8d ago2:33:44

2:33:44

In this chilling episode we delve into two terrifying tales that will leave you breathless. First, Kai will lead us to uncover the dark and twisted story of The Butcher of Hanover. Known for his gruesome acts, this dark figure preyed on young boys for years, leaving a trail of fear and devastation in his wake. Discover the horrifying details of his…

1
Justine Chambers, "Pursuing Morality: Buddhism and Everyday Ethics in Southeastern Myanmar" (NUS Press, 2024) 48:07

14d ago48:07

48:07

What is the right way to live? This is an old question in Western moral philosophy, but in recent years anthropologists have turned their attention to this question in what has been called, a “moral turn”. In this original ethnographic study, Pursuing Morality: Buddhism and Everyday Ethics in Southeastern Myanmar (NUS Press, 2024), Justine Chambers…

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 5 1:28:03

17d ago1:28:03

1:28:03

Cat Farms, Platypus Love, and Dodo Birds, Oh My! In this wild ride through history's quirkiest headlines, we're diving into the oddball stories that make you go, "Wait, what?" Ever heard of a cat farm? How about a platypus with a romantic dilemma—was it true love or just a runaway wife? Get ready for dinosaurs making a double feature, the curious c…

1
Yoga, Disability, and Animism, with Theo Wildcroft 1:04:35

10d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this episode, Dr Pierce Salguero sits down with Dr Theodora Wildcroft, a researcher, anthropologist, and long-time teacher of what she calls “post-lineage yoga.” We discuss Theo's ethnographic research on yoga in the UK, focusing on its connections with animism, paganism, and other somatic practices. We also dive into Theo’s personal approach to…

1
EP# 15 A Night to Remember and Witch Hunts: PROM mom and The Salem Witch Trials 2:49:35

23d ago2:49:35

2:49:35

This week, we're serving up a spine-chilling feast of true crime and supernatural tales! First, J takes us through the harrowing story of Melissa Drexler, the "Prom Mom." Discover how a night meant for celebration turned into a tragedy that shocked the nation. Next, Kai delves into the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Uncover the hysteria and paranoia …

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 4 1:11:40

30d ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Old News Nonsense! Get ready for another round of quirky and bizarre historical headlines! We dive into the colorful story of Mr. Rainbow, explore the wild world of gay rodeos, and uncover the tale of a headless chicken that defied all odds. That's not all! Meet the daredevil known as the Human Fly, laugh at the antics of kids armed with paintball …

1
D. E. Osto, "Paranormal States: Psychic Abilities in Buddhist Convert Communities" (Columbia UP, 2024) 54:56

27d ago54:56

54:56

A number of converts to Buddhism report paranormal experiences. Their accounts describe psychic abilities like clairvoyance and precognition, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and encounters with other beings such as ghosts and deities, and they often interpret these events through a specifically Buddhist lens. Paranormal States: Psy…

1
EP# 14 Camping Horrors and Outback Hauntings: The Shenandoah National Park Murders and The Humpty Doo Poltergeist 1:43:49

1M ago1:43:49

1:43:49

In this episode, we delve into two terrifying stories that span across continents and eras, yet both share the unnerving element of the unknown. First with Kai, we uncover the dark tale of the Shenandoah National Park Murders. In May 1996, a serene camping trip in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park turned into a harrowing nightmare when two experi…

1
Stephen Harris, "Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path: Santideva on Virtue and Well-Being" (Bloomsbury, 2023) 1:18:20

28d ago1:18:20

1:18:20

An influential eighth-century Buddhist text, Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra, or Guide to the Practices of Awakening, how to become a supremely virtuous person, a bodhisattva who desires to end the suffering of all sentient beings. Stephen Harris’s Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path: Śāntideva on Virtue and Well-Being (Bloomsbury Academic, 2024)…

1
Stephanie Balkwill, "The Women Who Ruled China: Buddhism, Multiculturalism, and Governance in the Sixth Century" (U California Press, 2024) 1:06:54

1M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

In the late fifth century, a girl whose name has been forgotten by history was born at the edge of the Chinese empire. By the time of her death, she had transformed herself into Empress Dowager Ling, one of the most powerful politicians of her age and one of the first of many Buddhist women to wield incredible influence in dynastic East Asia. In th…

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 3 1:07:20

1M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Welcome to "Old News Nonsense Vol. 3," a special bonus episode of Chambers of the Occult! In this episode, we're diving into more quirky, funny, and unusual newspaper clippings that are sure to tickle your funny bone. From sneaky snakes and a Florida man's quest to win a jet from Pepsi, to frogs with a taste for bees, mischievous hamsters biting ki…

1
EP# 13 Courtroom Controversy and Eerie Dolls: The O.J. Simpson Trial and La Isla de las Muñecas 1:55:26

2M ago1:55:26

1:55:26

In this gripping episode of Chambers of the Occult, we delve into two chillingly different tales that have captivated public imagination. First, we revisit the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, a courtroom drama that unfolded in Los Angeles, California, and left the world questioning justice and truth. We'll explore the key events, controversial moments…

1
Rory Lindsay, "Saving the Dead: Tibetan Funerary Rituals in the Tradition of the Sarvardurgatipariśodhana Tantra" (WSTB, 2024) 43:04

1M ago43:04

43:04

Saving the Dead: Tibetan Funerary Rituals in the Tradition of the Sarvardurgatipariśodhana Tantra (WSTB, 2024) explores Tibetan funerary manuals based on the Sarvadurgatipariśodhana Tantra (SDP), focusing on the writings of the Sa skya author Rje btsun Grags pa rgyal mtshan (1147–1216) and the diverse forms of agency—human, nonhuman, and material—a…

1
Neena Mahadev, "Karma and Grace: Religious Difference in Millennial Sri Lanka" (Columbia UP, 2023) 1:24:28

2M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

Around the turn of the millennium, Pentecostal churches began to pepper majority-Buddhist Sri Lanka, setting off a sense of alarm among Buddhists who saw Christianity as a neocolonial threat to the nation. Rumors of foul play in the death of a Buddhist monk, as well as allegations of proselytizing in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami and during the…

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 2 1:11:25

2M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Welcome back to Volume 2 of Old News Nonsense! We've gathered some of the quirkiest, funniest, and most unusual newspaper clippings for your enjoyment. We all need a breather sometimes and just a good laugh, so sit back and enjoy. In this volume, we'll delve into tales of mummy curses, the delightful word "scrumdiddlyumptious," the celebration of E…

1
EP# 12 Flight and Fright: The Disappearance of D. B. Cooper and The Southend Werewolf Case 1:53:57

2M ago1:53:57

1:53:57

In this spine-chilling episode, we delve into two of the most baffling and eerie mysteries of modern times. First, we soar into the clouds to unravel the disappearance of D. B. Cooper, the audacious hijacker who vanished without a trace after leaping from a Boeing 727 with $200,000 in ransom money. Despite decades of investigation, his fate remains…

1
Cameron Bailey and Aleksandra Wenta, "Tibetan Magic: Past and Present" (Bloomsbury, 2024) 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

Tibetan Magic: Past and Present (Bloomsbury, 2024) focuses on the theme of magic in Tibetan contexts, encompassing both pre-modern and modern text-cultures as well as contemporary practices. It offers a new understanding of the identity and role of magical specialists in both historical and contemporary contexts. Combining the theoretical approache…

1
The Religious Landscape of Taiwan: A Discussion with Yushuang Yao 55:40

2M ago55:40

55:40

How is Buddhism seen and practiced in Taiwan? And how do neighbouring countries influence Taiwanese Buddhism? In this episode we explore the religious landscape of Taiwan in conversation with Dr. Yushuang Yao, a leading expert on religion in contemporary Taiwan. Yushuang Yao is an Associate Professor at Fo Guang University, Taiwan, specializing in …

1
Old News Nonsense Vol. 1 1:12:46

2M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Welcome to "Old News Nonsense," a special bonus episode of Chambers of the Occult! In this episode, we're diving into quirky, funny, and unusual newspaper clippings that are sure to tickle your funny bone. From mischievous monkeys and curious cats to baffling insomnia cures, pesky gremlins, banana mishaps, and adventurous ducks, we've got it all. J…

1
EP #11 Innocence Lost: The JonBenét Ramsey Mystery and The Devil Made Me Do It Case 2:03:32

3M ago2:03:32

2:03:32

In this episode, we unravel the dark and perplexing mysteries behind two of the most chilling cases in recent history. First, we delve into the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey. This shocking crime gripped the nation and remains unsolved to this day, shrouded in controversy, speculation, and a web of unanswered questions. We'll exami…

1
The Enlightenment of the Body, with Naomi Worth 54:12

3M ago54:12

54:12

In this episode, Dr Pierce Salguero sits down with Naomi Worth, a scholar and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism’s postural yoga tradition. We dive into Naomi's experiences in yogic retreats, highlight the vigorous movement and intense visual elements of the practice, and explore yoga’s role in the Nyingma contemplative path. Naomi also shares how sh…

1
EP# 10 Murder Castle and Terror in the French Countryside: The Crimes of H.H. Holmes and The Beast of Gévaudan 2:48:03

3M ago2:48:03

2:48:03

In this chilling episode, we delve into the dark and twisted tales of two infamous figures who left a trail of terror in their wake. First, we explore the horrifying legacy of H.H. Holmes, America's first documented serial killer. Known for his "Murder Castle" in Chicago, Holmes lured victims into his labyrinthine hotel, filled with hidden passagew…

1
Benjamin Brose, "Embodying Xuanzang: The Postmortem Travels of a Buddhist Pilgrim" (U Hawaii Press, 2023) 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Xuanzang (600/602–664) was one of the most accomplished and consequential monks in the history of East Asian Buddhism. Celebrated for his sixteen-year pilgrimage from China to India, his transmission and translation of hundreds of Buddhist texts, and his training of a generation of masters in China, Korea, and Japan, Xuanzang’s life and legacy are …

1
Wei Wu, "Esoteric Buddhism in China: Engaging Japanese and Tibetan Traditions, 1912–1949" (Columbia UP, 2023) 1:08:02

4M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

During the Republican period (1912–1949) and after, many Chinese Buddhists sought inspiration from non-Chinese Buddhist traditions, showing a particular interest in esoteric teachings. What made these Buddhists dissatisfied with Chinese Buddhism, and what did they think other Buddhist traditions could offer? Which elements did they choose to follow…

1
EP# 9 Watery Graves and Docked Spirits: The Mystery of Elisa Lam and Haunts of The Queen Mary 2:37:10

4M ago2:37:10

2:37:10

In this episode, we embark on a journey into the a chilling true crime mystery and a haunting paranormal tale that have both captivated the world. Our first stop takes us into the perplexing case of Elisa Lam, a young woman whose disappearance and tragic demise at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles sparked widespread intrigue and speculation. We'll unr…

1
Richard M. Jaffe, "Seeking Sakyamuni: South Asia in the Formation of Modern Japanese Buddhism" (U Chicago Press, 2019) 1:06:50

4M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Though fascinated with the land of their tradition’s birth, virtually no Japanese Buddhists visited the Indian subcontinent before the nineteenth century. In the richly illustrated Seeking Śākyamuni: South Asia in the Formation of Modern Japanese Buddhism (U Chicago Press, 2019), Richard M. Jaffe reveals the experiences of the first Japanese Buddhi…

1
Reiki and the Subtle Body, with Justin B. Stein 1:02:18

4M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Dr Pierce Salguero sits down with Justin B. Stein, a specialist in modern Japanese religion and the preeminent historian of Reiki. We discuss Justin’s new book, Alternate Currents: Reiki’s Circulation in the Twentieth-Century North Pacific (U Hawaii Press, 2023), about the transnational origins of Reiki, and also get into his perspective as a both …

1
EP #8 Cannibal Abroad and the Most Haunted House in England: Issei Sagawa's Crime and the Haunting of Borley Rectory 1:52:29

5M ago1:52:29

1:52:29

In this episode we explore two haunting tales that have captured global attention. First, we delve into the chilling story of Issei Sagawa, a Japanese student whose act of cannibalism in Paris shocked the world. We'll discuss the gruesome details of his crime, the aftermath, and his unnerving "celebrity" status in Japan. We then venture to the Borl…

1
Matthew Robertson, "Puruṣa: Personhood in Ancient India" (Oxford UP, 2024) 1:08:54

5M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

The concept of the puruṣa, or person, is implicated in a wide range of ancient texts throughout the Indian subcontinent. In Puruṣa: Personhood in Ancient India, published in 2024 by Oxford University Press, Matthew I. Robertson traces the development of this concept from 1500 BCE to 400 CE: in the Ṛg Veda, the Brāhmaṇas, the Upaniṣads, Buddhist Pāl…

1
EP #7 School Tragedy and Elevator to Hell: The Columbine High School massacre and the Elevator Game 2:20:55

5M ago2:20:55

2:20:55

In this episode we delve into the darkness of human nature and the mysterious realms of the paranormal. First, we revisit the harrowing events of April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. This tragedy stands as one of the most infamous school massacres in history, where two students embarked on a deadly rampage, leaving an in…

1
William S. Waldron, "Making Sense of Mind Only: Why Yogacara Buddhism Matters" (Wisdom Publications, 2023) 2:14:11

5M ago2:14:11

2:14:11

Through engaging, contemporary examples, Making Sense of Mind Only: Why Yogacara Buddhism Matters (Wisdom Publications, 2023) reveals the Yogacara school of Indian Buddhism as a coherent system of ideas and practices for the path to liberation, contextualizing its key texts and rendering them accessible and relevant. The Yogacara, or Yoga Practice,…

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