Best Justin Schaefer Podcasts (2025)

1
The Mandala of Animist Forces, with Josh Schrei 1:02:42

4d ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Today I sit down with Josh Schrei, storyteller, sound artist, and host of The Emerald Podcast. Josh helps us to embrace and center the spirit world in our understanding of contemporary Buddhism. Along the way, we talk about Tibetan weather makers, shamanic battle, the trance-inducing effect of stories, and how to diplomatically negotiate with animi…

1
393: The Man Who Shot J.P. Morgan w/ Mary Noé 1:16:02

4d ago1:16:02

1:16:02

On the morning of July 3, 1915, John Pierpont Morgan Jr., one of the most famous names in finance, was entertaining guests at his sprawling Long Island estate when the doorbell unexpectedly rang. An armed man forced his way inside. At the same time, authorities in Washington, DC, were investigating a shocking bombing at the US Capitol. While no one…

1
392: Golden Age Pirate George Lowther w/ Craig Chapman 1:10:00

11d ago1:10:00

1:10:00

George Lowther was a mutineer and a pirate, one of the most prolific during the golden age of piracy. His first mate, Edward "Ned" Low, went on to establish himself as perhaps the most sadistic and depraved of all pirate captains. Virtually all popular sources specify Lowther's death being by suicide in 1723, while marooned on the small island of B…

1
Are You Saved? - Episode 47 31:01

11d ago31:01

31:01

Are you saved? What is it that you are saved from? In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer explore the profound question: 'Are You Saved?' They discuss what it means to be saved, the role of Jesus as the savior, the One who saves, and why humanity needs salvation. The episode widens into the biblical definitions of holiness and the …

1
MoNo Encore: The Murder of Kitty Genovese w/ Catherine Pelonero 1:09:35

15d ago1:09:35

1:09:35

(Original pub. date: 9/27/2018) Catherine Pelonero, author of "Kitty Genovese: A True Account of a Public Murder and its Private Consequences", is my guest. She walks us through the murder of Kitty Genovese in Kew Gardens, New York in 1964 and its aftermath. The horrific crime is especially infamous because no one called police or stepped in to hel…

1
391: Civil War Era & Gilded Age Con Artist Charles Cowlam w/ Frank W. Garmon Jr. 1:01:11

17d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Charles Cowlam stands out as one of the most remarkable con artists of nineteenth-century America. He talked his way into receiving pardons from both President Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Through deception, he secured a role investigating Lincoln’s assassination. He preyed on lonely widows, attempted to manipulate a Florida election, and c…

1
Separating from Your Past - Episode 46 29:48

24d ago29:48

29:48

"Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new!" In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer explore the theme of separating from one's past to embrace the present and future that God has in store. They discuss how Jesus provides an opportunity to discard past burdens and live a life aligned with God's purpose. Key top…

1
390: Abingdon's Boardinghouse Murder w/ Greg Lilly 1:11:01

25d ago1:11:01

1:11:01

In November 1945, James Newton, a young World War II veteran, was shot four times—twice in the back—in his room at an Abingdon, Virginia boardinghouse owned by Helen Clark. She would soon stand trial for his murder, as speculation swirled about the true nature of their relationship. Was she a protective, motherly figure trying to prevent Jimmy from…

1
389: A History of Axe Murder w/ Rachel McCarthy James 1:08:41

1M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology―one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt for food, and whittle tools, they also used it to murder. Over time, this particular use has endured: as the axe evolved over centuries to fit th…

1
Walking in the Spirit - Episode 45 31:36

1M ago31:36

31:36

Unlocking the Spiritual Realm Through the Guidance of the Spirit This episode aims to introduce viewers to the spiritual realm, offering insights for those beginning their spiritual journey or for those looking to deepen their walk. The conversation covers how to decipher the spiritual realm, the importance of spiritual rebirth, the role of the Hol…

1
Spiritual Weirdness and Shadow Work, with Mary Shutan 1:01:26

1M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Today I sit down with Mary Shutan, a spiritual teacher specializing in awakening and shadow work. Our conversation focuses on the weirdness, emotional volatility, darkness, and other challenges that inevitably accompany serious spiritual practice. Along the way, we talk about the diverse range of awakenings, the difficulties of managing kundalini e…

1
388: The Adriatic Affair w/ Jennifer Sellitti 1:13:52

1M ago1:13:52

1:13:52

The American sailing vessel Adriatic collided with the French steamship Le Lyonnais on November 2, 1856, off the coast of Nantucket in what can best be described as a maritime hit-and-run. Adriatic’s captain, Jonathan Durham, rendered no aid and left the passenger steamship to fend for herself. 114 people died in the collision and in the days that …

1
Introducing the Slaycation Podcast 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

Just in time for summer! This is an introduction and excerpt from the Slaycation Podcast, hosted by Kim and Adam "Tex" Davis and Jerry Kolber. Pack your body bags for a darkly comic, true crime podcast that looks at murders, mysterious deaths and whodunits that happened while people were on vacation. More here! https://www.slaycation.wtf/ Spotify l…

1
Developing the Perfect Character - Episode 44 29:48

1M ago29:48

29:48

Character isn’t just about morals; it’s about preparing for the eternal journey. In this episode, the two explore the topic of developing the perfect character. They begin by defining character through the lens of moral excellence and firmness. The discussion touches on the challenges of striving for perfection and the biblical concept of being per…

1
MoNo Encore: The Murders of Stringbean and Estelle Akeman w/ Taylor Hagood 1:49:35

2M ago1:49:35

1:49:35

(original pub date 7/19/23) David "Stringbean" Akeman was a singer, clawhammer banjo player and an early Grand Ole Opry star, known for his lanky build and comedic personality. And as a cast member of the nationwide television show Hee-Haw, he was at the height of his popularity when he and his wife Estelle were murdered in their rural Tennessee ho…

1
387: The Beatle Bandit w/ Nate Hendley 57:55

2M ago57:55

57:55

On July 24, 1964, twenty-four-year-old Matthew Kerry Smith disguised himself with a mask and a Beatle wig, hoisted a semi-automatic rifle, then held up a bank in North York, Ontario. The intelligent but troubled son of a businessman and mentally ill mother, Smith was a navy veteran with a young Indigenous wife and a hazy plan for violent revolution…

1
386: America's Nazi POW Murders w/ William Geroux 1:13:51

2M ago1:13:51

1:13:51

The American government was faced with an unprecedented challenge: where to house the nearly 400,000 German prisoners of war plucked from the battlefield and shipped across the Atlantic. On orders from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Department of War hastily built hundreds of POW camps in the United States. Today, traces of those camps—which …

1
Waiting On God for An Answer - Episode 43 32:08

2M ago32:08

32:08

The Art of Waiting on God: Faith, Trust, and Persistence In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer tap into the intricate and sometimes exhausting process of waiting on God for answers. They discuss the importance of faith, persistence, and trust in God's perfect timing. Through biblical examples such as Daniel and personal anecdo…

1
385: The 1870 Murder of A.P. Crittenden w/ Gary Krist 1:09:33

2M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Shortly before dusk on November 3, 1870, just as the ferryboat El Capitan was pulling away from its slip into San Francisco Bay, a woman clad in black emerged from the shadows and strode across the crowded deck. Reaching under her veil, she drew a small pistol and aimed it directly at a well-dressed man sitting quietly with his wife and children. T…

1
384: The 1943 Murders of Dr. Roy & Mae Hunt w/ Christena Stephens 56:26

2M ago56:26

56:26

On a nearly moonless night in October 1943, a single gunshot rang out in Littlefield, Texas. A prominent Texas doctor and his wife were found bound, shot, beaten, and murdered. The only witness: their five-year-old daughter, who was bound to silence and refused to speak about what happened for 70 years. Christena Stephens is my guest, and her book …

1
Meditation Side-Effects and Other Altered States, with Miguel Farias 1:09:39

2M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Today I sit down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along …

1
MoNo Encore: The Murder of Carol Thompson w/ Bill Swanson 1:04:21

3M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

(Original pub date: 3/11/20) While the Coen brothers refuse to confirm it, many believe that their movie "Fargo" was inspired by the Carol Thompson murder case. She was viciously killed in her comfortable Saint Paul home by a hitman hired by her eccentric husband, T. Eugene Thompson, in March of 1963, leaving behind four small children. It was an a…

1
383: The Mysterious Disappearance of Molly Zelko w/ Rod Kackley 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

Molly Zelko was the crusading editor and publisher of the Spectator, a newspaper devoted to battling local gangsters operating slot machines and other rackets in Joliet, Illinois. In the late night hours of September 25, 1957 she vanished, with only her shoes and signs of a struggle left as evidence that something sinister had likely happened to he…

1
382: The Notorious Nancy Clem & the Cold Spring Murders w/ Wendy Gamber 1:19:31

3M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

On September 13, 1868, the bodies of Jacob and Nancy Young were discovered brutally murdered along the bank of the White River in Cold Spring, Indiana. Police would eventually set their sights on a charming and fascinating confidence woman named Nancy Clem, who happened to be involved in some extremely shady business dealings with Jacob Young at th…

1
381: Alabama's Kilpatrick Shooting w/ Lesa Carnes Shaul 1:27:48

3M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Close to midnight on May 17, 1951, four north Alabama lawmen drove to a bootlegger’s home to serve an arrest warrant. Before the clock struck twelve, the bootlegger lay dead in front of the house he shared with his wife and eight children, and three of the four officers were also dead. Afterward, a sixteen-year-old boy would face a series of trials…

1
Daemons, Tantra, and Cultural Exchange, with David Gordon White 55:54

3M ago55:54

55:54

Today I sit down with David Gordon White, a distinguished indologist and scholar of Tantra. Our conversation focuses on David’s most recent project tracing the transregional histories of spirits, gods, demons, and their associated rituals across Eurasia. Along the way, we dive into an intellectual conversation about dog-headed men, angry goddesses,…

1
Your Hardship Has A Purpose - Episode 42 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

From Hardship to Relationship In this episode, Dr. Don and Justin discuss the profound topic of how hardships serve a divine purpose in our lives. They emphasize that while going through tough times can be incredibly challenging, these moments are crucial for personal and spiritual growth. Don and Justin demonstrate the importance of perspective, s…

1
380: Murder in Blackout London w/ Amy Helen Bell 59:27

3M ago59:27

59:27

My guest today is Dr. Amy Helen Bell, author of "Under Cover of Darkness: Murders in Blackout London". She shares accounts of the terror, tragedy and crime experienced by Londoners during the blackout and the blitz in 1940s wartime Britain. More about the author here: https://amyhelenbell.com/ Interested in revisiting the serial killers mentioned i…

1
379: The Pan Am Flight 7 Seven Crash w/ Ken Fortenberry 1:24:07

4M ago1:24:07

1:24:07

My guest this week is award-winning journalist Ken Fortenberry, author of "Flight 7 Is Missing: The Search for My Father's Killer". He walks us through the ill-fated flight of Pan Am's luxurious "Romance of the Skies", a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser that mysteriously crashed into the Pacific Ocean in November of 1957. Forty-four people were killed, inc…

1
MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders - The Reverend Lyn George Kelly w/ Edgar Epperly 1:18:58

4M ago1:18:58

1:18:58

(Original publish date: 6/7/22) In this third and final part of my interview with Dr. Edgar Epperly, the "little minister" Lyn George Jacklin Kelly is examined as a primary suspect in the 1912 Villisca Axe Murders. Although Kelly spoke obsessively about the case and even confessed to the murders, many believed that the confession was the result of …

1
MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders: Wilkerson Vs. Jones w/ Edgar Epperly 1:18:07

4M ago1:18:07

1:18:07

(Original Publish Date: 5/31/22) Frank Fernando (F.F.) Jones seemed to be one of the most obvious suspects in the aftermath of the horrific 1912 Villisca Axe murders. He had a contentious business rivalry with the patriarch of the slain Moore family, Josiah (Joe) Moore, intensified further because Moore was having an affair with his daughter-in-law…

1
MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders: Crime Scene w/ Edgar Epperly 1:16:30

4M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

One of my absolute favorites! This is the first of a three part interview I did with Dr. Ed Epperly about the notorious 1912 Villisca Axe Murders. (Original publish date 5/23/2022) This episode is sponsored by Strawberry .me. Get a $50 credit when you use our link: https://strawberry.me/notorious On June 9th (or) 10th, 1912, America experienced of …

1
Magic, Death, and Necromancy in Thai Buddhism, with Justin McDaniel 52:17

4M ago52:17

52:17

💀💀 Warning: This episode contains potentially disturbing content! 💀💀 Today I sit down with Justin McDaniel, a scholar of Theravada Buddhist literature and art. Together we explore the darker side of Thai Buddhism, including meditation on decomposing bodies, fetus spirits, corpse oil, and the spectrum of white and black magic. We discuss the logics …

1
378: The Murder of "Elvis Girl" Jenny Maxwell w/ Buddy Moorehouse 1:16:57

4M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Jenny Maxwell was one of Hollywood's "it girls", appearing in countless television shows and films. Arguably her most memorable role was that of Ellie Corbett in Elvis Presley's 1961 movie "Blue Hawaii", where she stole every scene she was in. But despite her professional success, her personal life was a mess, muc…

1
377: The Murder of Anna Wilkens & The Birth of the Lie Detector w/ Amit Katwala 58:01

4M ago58:01

58:01

Late one evening in the summer of 1922, Henry Wilkens burst through the doors of the emergency room covered in his wife's blood. But was he a grieving husband or a ruthless killer who conspired with bandits to have her murdered? To find out, the San Francisco police turned to technology and a new machine that had just been invented in Berkeley by a…

1
Coming Out of Darkness - Episode 41 42:50

5M ago42:50

42:50

It is time for you to walk in the Light. Dr. Don and Justin discuss the concept of coming out of a dark period - both historically and personally in one's life. They explore the idea that many people live in a state of spiritual darkness, comparing it to the Dark Ages in history, where people were disconnected from the Word of God. They emphasize t…

1
376: Erie's Mausoleum Mystery w/ Justin Dombrowski 56:34

5M ago56:34

56:34

On February 8, 1911, the Scott Mausoleum, a symbol of wealth for the Scott and Strong families in Erie, Pennsylvania, was desecrated by unknown vandals, coined by nationwide papers as ghouls. With the inside of the mausoleum heavily damaged - and a body missing - the crime set off shockwaves throughout the country during a time in which grave robbe…

1
375: The Murder of Virginia Olson w/ Brian & Cameron Santana 1:25:10

5M ago1:25:10

1:25:10

On April 15, 1973, the body of Virginia Olson was discovered near the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville in an area known as the Botanical Gardens. She had been raped and stabbed to death in horrifically brutal fashion. Police would investigate this crime for decades, and even hone in one one particular suspect, but it still remai…

1
American Criminal: John Gotti - Making a Man 45:34

5M ago45:34

45:34

This is the first episode of Airship's new series about John Gotti on their American Criminal podcast. "Living in poverty as a young kid, John Gotti takes up mafia work very early on. He knows that the Gambino family is his ticket out, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to climb the ranks. Even if it means killing a guy." For more information…

1
Defying Temptation - Episode 40 30:17

5M ago30:17

30:17

Let's talk about defying temptation. In this episode, the hosts explore the nature of temptation, the ways it manifests in modern life, and the spiritual tools required to resist it. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding temptation, staying grounded in the Word of God, and developing spiritual muscles to overcome challenges wh…

1
374: The Mafia, the Kennedys & Hoover w/ Louis Ferrante 1:31:53

5M ago1:31:53

1:31:53

Louis Ferrante is back on the show, sharing more of his extensive research into the history of the American Mafia. In volume two of his trilogy, called "Borgata: Clash of Titans", he focuses on the Mafia during the height of its power in the 1960s and 70s. In our interview he talks about the origins of the animosity between the mob and Bobby Kenned…

1
373: The Murder Case that Inspired The Scarlet Letter w/ Kate Winkler Dawson 1:05:57

5M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

On a cold winter day in 1832, Sarah Maria Cornell was found dead in a quiet farmyard in a small New England town. When her troubled past and a secret correspondence with charismatic Methodist minister Reverend Ephraim Avery was uncovered, more questions emerged. Was Sarah’s death a suicide...or something much darker? Determined to uncover the real …

1
Growing in the Spirit - Episode 39 33:35

5M ago33:35

33:35

Join us for our One-Year Anniversary celebration! In this episode, the two discuss the crucial topic of 'Growing in the Spirit.' What does it mean? How do we discern if something is spirtual? They emphasize the importance of spiritual growth alongside physical growth, explaining how nurturing one's spirit is essential for a fulfilling and resilient…

1
Daoist Exorcism, with Josh Paynter & Jack Schaefer 1:12:46

5M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Today I sit down with Jack Schaefer and Josh Paynter, co-abbots of the Parting Clouds Temple, to discuss their practice of Daoist exorcism. We talk about the differences between spirits, ghosts, demons, and other entities; as well as a range of practices including talismans, body replacement, curse breaking, and spiritual battle. Along the way, we …

1
MoNo Encore: Catch Me If You Can's Frank Abagnale - Perpetrator of the Ultimate Hoax? w/ Alan C. Logan 1:37:02

6M ago1:37:02

1:37:02

Happy New Year everyone! This Most Notorious Encore episode revisits my conversation with Alan Logan, originally released on May 19, 2021. Most of us are familiar with the critically acclaimed film called Catch Me If You Can, based on the autobiography of legendary confidence man Frank Abagnale. It's the story of a brazen teenage imposter who throu…

1
372: Rhode Island's Last Execution w/ Paul F. Caranci 1:17:32

6M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

On a frigid day in 1843, Amasa Sprague, a wealthy Yankee mill owner, left his mansion to check on his cattle. On the way, he was accosted and beaten beyond recognition, and his body was left facedown in the snow. What followed was a trial marked by judicial bias, witness perjury and societal bigotry that resulted in the conviction of twenty-nine-ye…

1
371: The Barbara Graham Murder Case w/ Marcia Clark 59:18

6M ago59:18

59:18

Unwanted and neglected from birth, Barbara Graham had to overcome the odds just to survive. Her beauty was both a blessing and a curse—offering her too many options of all the wrong kind. Her innate sensitivity left her vulnerable to the harsh realities of the street, where she was left to fend for herself before she reached double digits. Her reco…

1
Sharing Our Testimonies Pt. 2 - Episode 38 44:05

6M ago44:05

44:05

Meet The Hosts : Welcome to Part Two! The Wise & the Wandering hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer share part two of their personal testimonies. The discussion focuses on their transformative journeys through faith, emphasizing the rapid changes that belief and the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring. They highlight the importance of heartf…

1
370: Britain's Notorious Hawkhurst Gang w/ Joseph Dragovich 1:04:30

6M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

South-east England, 1740s: War and heated politics bring the old practice of smuggling to new and dangerous heights. Violent gangs of smugglers terrorize communities and confound government attempts to stop them. The most famous of these, the Hawkhurst Gang, operate like a modern drug cartel fueled by illegal tea. They threaten witnesses and author…

1
369: Polly Bodine: The Witch of New York w/ Alex Hortis 1:22:36

6M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

On Christmas night, December 25, 1843, in a serene village on Staten Island, shocked neighbors discovered the burnt remains of twenty-four-year-old mother Emeline Houseman and her infant daughter, Ann Eliza. In a perverse nativity, someone bludgeoned to death a mother and child in their home—and then covered up the crime with hellfire. When an ambi…

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