Share

cover art for #68 Echoes of the Past

The Real HPG

#68 Echoes of the Past

Season 4, Ep. 8

Summary


In this episode, author and historian John Brassard Jr. joins The Real HPG Podcast to discuss his interest in strange and dreadful things, including true crime and the paranormal. He shares intriguing stories from the Quad City region, such as the butcher's love triangle and the Valeska Axe Murder House. John emphasizes the importance of exploring the darker aspects of history and how it connects us to the past. He also discusses the line between belief and skepticism in investigating the supernatural.


Takeaways


  • Exploring the darker aspects of history helps us understand the past better and appreciate our own culture and beliefs.
  • Belief and skepticism can coexist in investigating the paranormal, allowing for a balanced and open-minded approach.
  • True crime stories and paranormal phenomena provide insights into human nature and the motivations behind historical events.
  • The unexplained phenomenon, such as the Valeska Axe Murder House, challenges our understanding of the natural world and invites further exploration.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Living in Eastern Iowa

03:17 True Crime Story: The Butcher's Love Triangle

07:04 True Crime Story: The Tragic Tale of Mary Schultz

08:12 Interest in True Crime and its Connection to History

09:11 Exploring the Dark Side of History

14:24 Supernatural Phenomena and its Connection to History and Culture

31:08 Unexplained Phenomenon: The Valeska Axe Murder House

40:30 Where to Find John Brassard Jr.


Listeners can find John's books on Amazon and his podcast, Strange and Dreadful Things, on various platforms. Connect with John through his website at https://johnbrassardjr.com/.


To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 10. #70 Embracing Your Inner Truth

    26:04||Season 4, Ep. 10
    SummaryCarolina Gutierrez, a counselor, mental health advocate, and medium, discusses her journey with ADHD and how she turned it into a superpower. She shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s and how it helped her understand herself better. Carolina emphasizes removing societal pressure and embracing ADHD as an asset. She also talks about spiritual progression and the role of spirit in her life. She encourages listeners to trust their intuition and work with their ancestors for spiritual guidance.TakeawaysADHD can be seen as a superpower and embraced as an asset.Removing societal pressure and expectations is crucial for embracing ADHD.Spiritual progression often requires leaning into the process and trusting your intuition.Working with ancestors can provide guidance and wisdom in spiritual practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mission02:04 Carolina's Introduction and Background03:02 ADHD as a Superpower04:26 The Journey of ADHD Diagnosis07:14 Spiritual Progression and Trusting Intuition12:22 The Role of Ancestors in Spiritual Practices24:08 Staying Spiritually Aligned25:07 Conclusion and Social MediaListeners can find Carolina and her work here.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 9. #69 Exploring Metaphysical Fiction and Mystery

    13:00||Season 4, Ep. 9
    SummaryKirsten Weiss is a seasoned author who specializes in metaphysical fiction and mystery. Her work explores themes of witchcraft, mysticism, and personal transformation. Metaphysical fiction delves into deeper philosophical and metaphysical questions about life and our place in the world. Mysticism focuses on personal transformation and connecting with the divine, while magic is more about changing the world. Kirsten's books often incorporate elements of ancient Greek wisdom, such as Neoplatonism and Stoicism, as well as modern spiritual practices. She has also created an Un-Tarot deck that explores ancient Greek and psychological connections.TakeawaysMetaphysical fiction explores deeper philosophical and metaphysical questions about life and our place in the world.Mysticism focuses on personal transformation and connecting with the divine, while magic is about changing the world.Ancient Greek wisdom, such as Neoplatonism and Stoicism, has influenced modern spiritual practices.Kirsten Weiss has created an Un-Tarot deck that explores ancient Greek and psychological connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kirsten Weiss and her Work01:33 Exploring Metaphysical Fiction and Mystery04:46 Ancient Greek Wisdom and Modern Spiritual Practices10:30 Un-Tarot: Ancient Greek and Psychological Connections11:53 Where to Find Kirsten Weiss's Book and Contact InformationListeners can find Kirsten's books on Amazon. Find out more about Kirsten here.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 7. #67 Crossing Over Spirits

    47:38||Season 4, Ep. 7
    SummaryIn this episode, Tina Erwin discusses the concept of life after death and the existence of ghosts. She explains that when a person dies, their soul continues to exist as energy, attached to the physical heart by a silver cord. The soul then moves into the fourth dimension, a place without time, space, or gravity. Tina emphasizes that ghosts are real because energy is real, and they can manifest in various ways, such as smells, moving objects, or footsteps. She also discusses the importance of crossing over spirits to help them find peace and heal the grief of the living.TakeawaysWhen a person dies, their soul continues to exist as energy.Ghosts are real because energy is real.Ghosts can manifest in various ways, such as smells, moving objects, or footsteps.Crossing over spirits can help them find peace and heal the grief of the living.Chapters00:00 Exploring Life After Death18:00 The Eternal Soul36:50 The Reality of Ghosts46:05 The Importance of Crossing OverConnect with Tina by visiting https://ghosthelpers.com/ to learn how helping the dead helps the living.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 6. #66 Healing from Narcissistic Abuse

    41:36||Season 4, Ep. 6
    SummaryIn this episode, Heather interviews Dana Diaz, an advocate for survivors of narcissistic abuse. Dana shares her journey of enduring narcissistic abuse from childhood to her marriage, and how it led her to become an advocate. The conversation focuses on three key topics: narcissistic abuse, healing from narcissistic abuse, and loving after narcissistic abuse. Dana explains that narcissistic abuse is a compilation of all forms of abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, legal, and financial abuse. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the mental and physical effects of narcissistic abuse and offers insights into the healing process for survivors. Dana also provides advice for navigating new relationships after experiencing narcissistic abuse, highlighting the importance of self-regulation and being with someone who accepts and supports your authentic self.TakeawaysNarcissistic abuse is a compilation of all forms of abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, legal, and financial abuse.Survivors of narcissistic abuse may experience PTSD, depression, and anxiety.The healing process for survivors of narcissistic abuse is ongoing and requires self-regulation and self-care.When navigating new relationships after narcissistic abuse, it is important to be with someone who accepts and supports your authentic self.Go easy on yourself and prioritize your well-being as you embark on your healing and self-discovery journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:35 Understanding Narcissistic Abuse12:21 Healing from Narcissistic Abuse38:02 Advice for SurvivorsConnect with Dana by visiting http://www.danasdiaz.com/ to find out more about victim advocacy. If you or anyone you know feels like they are in an abusive relationship, please get help.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 5. #65 Finding Balance

    37:26||Season 4, Ep. 5
    SummaryIn this episode, Jennifer Schwytzer, a certified life coach and social worker, guides us through overcoming anxiety and transitioning into a career focused on mindfulness coaching. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, stress management, and boundary-setting throughout the discussion. Practical tips for recognizing stress signs, managing time effectively, and overcoming procrastination are provided. Learn to prioritize self-care and create supportive environments for increased productivity and well-being.For a free guide and to connect with Jennifer please visit https://kindfulnesscoaching.com/To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 4. #64 Heists and Little Green Men

    20:10||Season 4, Ep. 4
    SummaryIn this episode of the Real HPG Sidebar, Heather and her co-host explore two intriguing topics: the Great Easter Heist of 2024 and the recently released Pentagon report on UAPs (formerly known as UFOs). They discuss the details of the heist, including the possibility of it being an inside job, and delve into the government's investigation of UAP sightings. They express skepticism towards the government's findings and speculate on the existence of extraterrestrial life. Overall, the episode combines elements of true crime, paranormal, and conspiracy theories.TakeawaysThe Great Easter Heist of 2024 was a major cash burglary in Los Angeles, with thieves making off with an estimated $30 million.The heist was highly sophisticated and possibly an inside job, given the precision and secrecy of the operation.The recently released Pentagon report on UAPs found no evidence of extraterrestrial technology and concluded that most sightings were ordinary objects and phenomena.There is skepticism towards the government's findings and a belief that they may be hiding information about extraterrestrial life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview07:19 Unidentified Aerial Phenomena12:05 Decoding the Easter Heist15:49 The Pentagon Report on UAPsFor more information and to connect with Mr. Wilson please visit https://instagram.com/podcastmechanic.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 3. #63 Whole Human Leadership

    21:36||Season 4, Ep. 3
    SummaryIn this conversation, Victoria Pelletier discusses her approach to whole human leadership and its impact on organizational culture. She emphasizes the importance of building authentic connections, being vulnerable, and leading with empathy. Victoria also shares insights on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, highlighting the need for strategic intentionality and creating a sense of belonging. Lastly, she opens up about the challenges she has faced in her career and how they have shaped her leadership style and approach to overcoming adversity.TakeawaysWhole human leadership involves building authentic connections, being vulnerable, and leading with empathy.Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion requires strategic intentionality and creating a sense of belonging.Overcoming adversity can shape leadership style and lead to personal growth and resilience.Chapters00:00 Whole Human Leadership and Organizational Culture09:30 Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace14:00 Overcoming Adversity and Shaping Leadership StyleFor more information and to connect with Victoria please visit https://victoria-pelletier.com/.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.
  • 2. #62 Finding Resilience

    33:58||Season 4, Ep. 2
    SummaryHeather interviews Sara Webb, a resilience coach empowering individuals to overcome heartbreak and embrace resilience. Sarah shares her inspiring journey of resilience, coming out at 40, and finding healing through meditation and spirituality.TakeawaysProductivity and relaxation are not mutually exclusive; relaxation is essential for productivity.Meditation is a powerful tool for relaxation and accessing the subconscious mind.Sara's journey of coming out at 40 highlights the challenges and growth that can come from embracing one's authentic self.Moving from a strict Southern Baptist upbringing to a more inclusive and spiritual perspective can be a transformative experience.Chapters00:00 Productivity, Relaxation, and Healing26:00 Sara's Journey of Coming Out at 4033:33 From Southern Baptist to SpiritualityFor more information on Sara Webb and to sign up for her free "Revive Your Power" webinar, please visit https://webinar.sarawebbsays.com/s/Qi28p6/.To support The Real HPG follow and share this podcast in your Instagram stories. Tag @therealhpgpod and send us a DM.