Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
Psychology of the Strange

Psychology of the Strange

Tara Perreault

In this podcast, we’ll delve into the depths of human experiences that challenge our understanding of reality. From fascinating psychological disorders and intriguing cognitive biases to the realms of the supernatural and the unexplained, we’ll examine the intricate workings of the human mind and the peculiar ways it interprets the world around us. My goal is to foster a deeper understanding of these phenomena and explore the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive them. Through discussions, analysis, and thought-provoking conversations, I’ll seek to demystify the strange and offer a new lens through which to perceive the human experience. I’ll delve into topics such as delusions, hallucinations, supernatural beliefs, extraordinary experiences, and much more. By examining these intriguing aspects of human psychology, I hope to shed light on the wonders and complexities of the human mind. So, if you’re ready to embark on this captivating journey into the unknown recesses of the human psyche, join me as I unravel the Psychology of the Strange. I would love to hear from you on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PsychStrangePod
bookmark
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Psychology of the Strange Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Psychology of the Strange episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Psychology of the Strange for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Psychology of the Strange episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Psychology of the Strange - Minds Unraveled: Pont Saint Espirit Mass Hallucinations
play

08/24/23 • 20 min

Journey through time to the quaint French town of Pont Saint Espirit where reality became twisted into a nightmare for many residents. Was their shared hallucination psychological, environmental, or an experiment by the CIA?

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Intro Episode

Intro Episode

Psychology of the Strange

play

08/07/23 • 3 min

An intro episode to explain the wealth of topics that you might find in an episode of Psychology of the Strange

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - DownThe Rabbit Hole: Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and Beyond
play

09/07/23 • 22 min

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with me with the curious and sometimes perplexing world of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS). Imagine lying in bed, ready to sleep, when suddenly, the room around you starts to twist and change. Everyday objects seem to warp in size, and you might even feel like your own body is transforming. We'll delve into personal accounts from individuals who've experienced AIWS, offering a glimpse into their surreal adventures.

Uncover the science behind AIWS, exploring why it happens and how it affects those who experience it. From the way AIWS distorts perception to its emotional impact, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating neurological condition.

Could Lewis Carroll, the mastermind behind Alice's adventures, have had AIWS himself? I explore this intriguing theory and uncover the evidence that suggests a connection between Carroll's own experiences and the whimsical world he created.

I also dissect some of the psychological themes hidden within the Wonderland books. From the fluidity of identity to the boundless power of imagination, discover how Lewis Carroll's tales offer insights into the human mind.

Join me for a trip behind the looking glass into the world of AIWS, Lewis Carroll, and the psychology hidden within Wonderland's pages.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Creating Consciousness: Tulpas and Slenderman
play

09/14/23 • 27 min

In the late 1800s, Alexandra David-Neel embarked on a remarkable quest for forbidden knowledge. From Freemasonry to Theosophy, from opera singing to anarchist pamphleteering, her life was a whirlwind of intrigue. Her fascination with the mystical and the unknown led her to Asia, where she delved into the secrets of Tibetan monks and their astonishing practice of creating tulpas—sentient thoughtforms born from the fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and ancient shamanic traditions. Alexandra created her own tulpa, a journey that blurred the lines between thought and reality. Discover how her merry monk evolved beyond her control, morphing into something sinister and disturbing.

Slenderman is a faceless entity that emerged from the depths of the internet. Explore the collaborative storytelling that breathed life into this modern urban legend and learn how the fear of the unknown and the uncanny play a pivotal role in Slenderman's psychological allure.

Dive into the psychology of collective belief and shared dread as I dissect the Slenderman phenomenon. Discover how a fictional creation can have real-world consequences and why it continues to captivate and unsettle those who encounter it in the digital labyrinth of the internet.

Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of tulpas and Slenderman, where imagination blurs the line between fiction and reality. Tune in to "Psychology of the Strange" and prepare to unravel the shadows of the mind.

https://www.theawl.com/2014/11/all-my-friends-are-in-my-head/

http://anomalyinfo.com/Stories/1929-pre-alexandra-david-neel-and-tulpas-tibet

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

The mysterious realms of sleep paralysis, explore the chilling tales of the night hag, boo hag, and other entities that have haunted cultures worldwide. But the eerie journey doesn't stop there – we'll also shed light on the phenomenon of Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome that leaves us questioning the thin veil between the realms of sleep and the unknown. Get ready to unravel the secrets that lurk in the darkness of the night, as we navigate through these haunting tales that blur the line between dreams and reality.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Replaced by Imposters: Capgras Delusion
play

08/17/23 • 31 min

Reality blurs and perceptions shift in astonishing ways with Capgras Delusion, a rare psychological phenomenon that challenges our understanding of identity and cognition. Hear the chilling true crime story of Blazej Kot, a man driven by delusion to unthinkable actions. Discover the heart-wrenching case of Mary, a mother who couldn't recognize her own daughter. And Madame M who is at the epicenter of Capgras Delusion.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - I Need That Like A Hole In The Head: DIY Trephination
play

09/28/23 • 31 min

This episode is not for the faint of heart and may contain some graphic language. I explore the realms of trepanation, dreams, and self-exploration through various historical and contemporary stories. It begins by unraveling the ancient practice of trepanation, delving into its medical and mystical aspects. The narrative then shifts to the swinging sixties, where individuals like Amanda Feilding and Joey Mellen championed self-trepanation in pursuit of enlightenment.

Next, the episode introduces Mikhail, a YouTube sensation, and his daring experiment to influence dreams through self-trepanation. His audacious journey into the world of lucid dreaming pushes the boundaries of science and self-discovery.

Finally, the podcast examines the modern resurgence of self-trepanation, driven by a variety of motivations, from altered states of consciousness to the desire for ultimate control. Expert opinions caution against this practice due to its inherent risks and lack of scientific evidence.

In conclusion, the episode takes listeners on a captivating journey through history and the human psyche, shedding light on the fascinating worlds of trepanation, dreams, and the relentless quest for self-exploration.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Whispers in the Mirror: Bloody Mary and the Troxler Effect
play

08/10/23 • 22 min

Step into the shadows where superstition and psychology intertwine. In this exploration, I dive into the spine-chilling world of Bloody Mary, the legendary ghost, and the mind-bending Troxler Effect. Explore the uncanny similarities between summoning spirits and the visual tricks our mind can play. Brace yourself for a journey that blurs the lines between perception, belief, and the enigmatic realms of the mind.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Musical Madness

Musical Madness

Psychology of the Strange

play

08/08/23 • 24 min

Step into the ethereal realm where melodies dance and the mind's symphony plays on, as "Psychology of the Strange" embarks on a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of musical hallucinations. From Robert Schumann to Beethoven and a French psychiatrist that studied madness and genius.

Join me on a journey through the world of musical hallucinations. Explore the haunting and eerie melodies that can live in the minds of individuals, turning their own thoughts into haunting compositions. Discover the tragic yet fascinating stories of renowned composers like Robert Schumann, Mozart, and Beethoven, who grappled with musical hallucinations. This episode dives into the intersection of genius and madness compounded with the inner struggles of these musical luminaries shaping their creativity. Explore the hallucinogenic experiments conducted by a French psychiatrist, Jacques-Joseph Moreau de Tours, and uncover whether drugs like hashish can make madness tangible or merely add to the mystery. Is there a possibility of a hidden connection between musical hallucinations and heightened sensory perception, beyond the realm of known medical conditions. Could some individuals possess a unique ability to tap into frequencies others can't perceive?

Subscribe now to "Psychology of the Strange" and join me on a journey into the uncharted territories of the human psyche.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Psychology of the Strange - Beyond the Stars: Alien Abductions and Encounters
play

09/21/23 • 27 min

Exploring alien encounters and the mysteries that surround them. I tell the account of John, a truck driver, when one fateful night his life took an inexplicable turn. Hear the eerie details of his encounter with beings from beyond, leaving him haunted by the unknown.

Are we alone in the universe? From benevolent extraterrestrials to sinister invaders, considering recent claims of mummified aliens found in Peru

But what about the early cases of alleged abductions, like that of Antonio Villas Boas, the Brazilian farmer who claimed an otherworldly liaison in 1957? And the iconic tale of Betty and Barney Hill, who unearthed memories of alien examinations through hypnotic regression? These stories, while captivating, also raise questions about the reliability of memory.

Then, in 1987, two game-changing books thrust the world of alien encounters into the limelight. Whitley Strieber's "Communion" and Budd Hopkins' "Intruders" pushed the boundaries of belief. And even Harvard Professor John Mack weighed in, declaring these experiences as real, igniting a debate that continues today.

I explore the concept of false memories and the traits that make some individuals more susceptible to these vivid recollections. Sleep paralysis emerged as a bridge between our dreams and the tales of alien abductions, connecting the dots in the realm of human consciousness.

The uncanny valley theory shed light on the eerie familiarity of humanoid aliens, whose subtle differences create a profound sense of disquiet and fascination. These beings stand at the intersection of the familiar and the profoundly alien.

As we navigated this intricate web of human experience, I couldn't help but contemplate Arthur C. Clarke's words: "Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying." The quest to answer this question fuels our curiosity, even in the face of warnings from luminaries like Stephen Hawking.

Hawking cautioned against initiating contact with extraterrestrial civilizations, fearing unforeseen consequences. Yet, our insatiable curiosity drives us to seek answers, to scan the cosmos for signs of life, and to imagine a future where our understanding of the universe is forever transformed.

In this episode, traverse the boundaries of reality and imagination, venture into the uncanny, and glimpse the infinite possibilities that await us in the cosmos. Join me on this remarkable journey to explore the mysteries of the universe and the enduring quest to answer the age-old question: Are we truly alone in the universe?

Thank you for tuning in to this captivating episode. Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars and your mind open to the wonders of the unknown.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/alleged-aliens-corpses-displayed-to-mexican-congress-did-not-convince-scientists-180982900/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does Psychology of the Strange have?

Psychology of the Strange currently has 11 episodes available.

What topics does Psychology of the Strange cover?

The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts, Social Sciences and Science.

What is the most popular episode on Psychology of the Strange?

The episode title 'Nightmare Realms: Sleep Paralysis, Night Hags, and Nocturnal Mysteries' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Psychology of the Strange?

The average episode length on Psychology of the Strange is 24 minutes.

How often are episodes of Psychology of the Strange released?

Episodes of Psychology of the Strange are typically released every 6 days, 23 hours.

When was the first episode of Psychology of the Strange?

The first episode of Psychology of the Strange was released on Aug 7, 2023.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments