• Demons for Believers
    Thought Seeds

    Demons for Believers: The Demon of Judgement

    This article is for everyone but written specifically to be read by those who, mostly because of popular media, now believe in demons. Many years ago I had the pleasure of chatting with theologian and former Jesuit Fr. Malachi Martin. We discussed his history working with the Vatican’s Biblical Institute, conspiracy theories surrounding the Vatican, and of course exorcisms. A warm and open conversation was had about topics which, at the time, almost 20 years ago now, the general public would, I believe, have found unbelievable. Now, due to the influence of reality TV and the extreme over-exposure of so-called “demonic forces” by popular films and books the concepts of…

  • in your head
    Ghosts and Hauntings,  Thought Seeds

    It’s All In Your Head

    Sometimes I just have to get an idea out and this is one I’ve talked about at lectures for years and still have never really seen anyone else talk about it. When discussing “ghosts” I often hear people say, “It’s all in your head” to which I respond, “Right! Everything is in my head!”So let’s get on with it shall we? Millions of people, for thousands of years, have made the claim that they’ve seen what could be called a “ghost”. Over the years I’ve read and heard countless variations on the stories and each time I wonder to myself, “Where are people seeing ghosts?” My question has little to…

  • Ghosts and Hauntings

    5 Things to Do in Detroit Once You’re Dead

    I’ve seen a dozen lists that discuss places people should go to in and around the Motor City before “you die,” and it got me thinking about all the amazing places that most people aren’t allowed to see. For reasons we won’t discuss, there can be some pretty heavy security and massive safety issues at certain locations in metro Detroit so you may never get the chance to visit them … if you’re alive. But if you were a ghost, you’d have unlimited access to these exciting — and sometimes bizarre — locations. Think of being dead as having a ghostly VIP pass. Of course, while you’re alive, it can’t…

  • A Primer
    Ghosts and Hauntings,  Thought Seeds

    Phantological Investigation: A Quick Primer

    For Halloween I’ve jotted down a few notes for those of you that are interested in “ghost hunting” and perhaps have never had the opportunity. First and most importantly, have fun and be safe.The following is a quick and easy starters guide to investigations. As with any research there must be a followed method or procedure this is true as well in phantological investigations. The following tips and tricks should guarantee at least an enjoyable time. CLOTHING Always wear the appropriate clothing for whatever weather circumstances you may encounter. Be sure that jewelry is not loose and is not apt to jingle or rattle. If possible try and have two…

  • Traverse City UFO
    Audio,  UFOlogy

    The Traverse City Police & The UFO

    Back in 1999 I got an email from a man in Traverse City, Michigan who wanted to know if I had heard about the police chasing a UFO. I hadn’t heard anything so I told him I’d try and find out. The Short version of the short version. To make a long story short, I’ll tell you over dinner sometime, I gained possession of the dispatch recording from that night and sure enough someone was seeing something. Now you can listen to the police officer’s amazement at the object, listen to other police officers and dispatchers make jokes like “We come in Peace” and “Someone call Art Bell”. The entire…

  • Cryptozoology

    Big Toe and The Whatzit

    Every state seems to have its mysterious creatures but where most people only know the “big” names in the cryptid world, (Mothman, Bigfoot, Jersey Devil, etc.), there are also local legends and lore that the residents seem to keep to themselves. Michigan has had its share of Bigfoot sightings, some say we even have a Dogman and a devilish little red imp but most people have never heard of two of the strangest creatures which may inhabit the Great Lakes, I’m talking about The Whatzit and Big Toe. Welcome The Whatzit In the late 1950’s in a suburb of Detroit the first sightings of The Whatzit were made. Residents of…

  • Ghosts and Hauntings

    Gone Yesterday Hear Today. EVP?

    For those researching anomalistic/paranormal phenomena one thing is certain, there is not a lot of certainty. The inherent problems with researching that which is “unknown” is that we are very limited in what we do “know” and how directly related what is “known” to the “unknown” we research. Whew. The Quest Do digital cameras have a better chance at revealing “ghostly” manifestations or are film cameras the better option? Does analog audio tape more adequately reproduce the voices of the unseen world due to its influence-ability by electromagnetic fields or are the chip-sets in digital recorders more sensitive to the “spirit” world? Questions like these, and others like them, I…

  • Ghosts and Hauntings

    2008 Most Haunted Cities in Michigan

    Every year WeirdLectures.com ranks the most haunted cities in Michigan. These rankings are based on news-stories, witness reports and investigations which occur throughout the year. If you have a strange “ghostly” experience feel free to drop an email to john(at)weirdlectures.com. The 2008 Top 10 Haunted Michigan Cities (2007 rankings in parentheses) Troy (4) Traverse City (1) Kalamazoo (6) Detroit (2) Ann Arbor (3) Flint (5) Alpena (-) Bay City (-) Jackson (7) Rochester Hills (9)

  • Fragile Locations

    Did you ever see that? Transient Environment Phenomena

    How often do you drive the same route to work or home? How long have you lived in a certain location? Now, have you, after all that time, over months, years, even decades ever noticed a structure that you’ve never noticed before? Every year I am confronted by dozens upon dozens of individuals who swear buildings are appearing and vanishing seemingly overnight. An empty street corner sudden has become home to a fully functioning drive-thru bank or grocery store. A home, by the side of the road, that has be vacant for years suddenly isn’t there. Now, it would be easy to say that the house was demolished or that…

  • Updates

    A new home

    Rebuilding the site. After many years of hosting this site on various different platforms I am proud to announce the new home for Weird Lectures at weirdlectures.com. I will be rebuilding and updating this site over the next few months and hopefully it will become a repository for all the news, articles, and thoughts I feel are worth sharing. Thanks for everyone’s support and I look forward to many years of exploring our weird world together. John