Into the Woods with Timothy Renner: Power of Place, Fear, and the Other

Don't Turn Around

In this episode of Don’t Turn Around, I welcome back Timothy Renner—author, illustrator, musician, and host of Strange Familiars. Timothy has long explored the boundaries of folklore, high strangeness, and the wilderness, and tonight we dive deep into his experiences in the woods and beyond.

From his unforgettable “chessboard” encounters in Hex Hollow to the strange lights and vanishing houses at the now-legendary Site 7, Timothy shares stories that challenge our perception of what’s possible. We talk about the role of fear, the importance of authenticity, and how the energy we bring into the wilderness often shapes the encounters we have with the unknown.

We also discuss Timothy’s latest book, I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories, a work that blends history, folklore, and spirituality in ways that mirror the paranormal itself.

Whether you’re drawn to Bigfoot, ghost lights, or simply the mystery of the woods, this conversation will remind you that the paranormal is as much about us—our creativity, awareness, and authenticity—as it is about the phenomena themselves.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Timothy’s solitary childhood fostered a deep relationship with the woods.
• The eerie “chessboard” of Hex Hollow: rocks rearranged by unseen hands.
• Terrifying and transformative moments—strange smells, overwhelming fear, and mysterious mechanical sounds.
• The ongoing mysteries of Site 7: glowing lights, pale entities, and a possible disappearing house.
• Why respect, calm, and authenticity are essential when entering wild, liminal spaces.
• The parallels between hermits, folklore, and the paranormal in Timothy’s new book.

Resources & Links:

• Timothy Renner’s work: StrangeFamiliars.com
• Timothy’s music: Bandcamp (linked through his site)
• I Have Never Minded the Loneliness: Hermits and Their Stories (available via Amazon, local bookstores, and Timothy’s Etsy shop)
• Don’t Turn Around on Instagram: @dontturnaroundpodcast

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