Explore the unknown: Paranormal phenomena workshop

For centuries, curiosity about the unexplained has fueled human imagination. This October, will offer a workshop for those intrigued by tales of Bigfoot, UFOs and ghostly encounters.

Paranormal enthusiast Todd Martin will lead the Paranormal Phenomena and Local Mysteries workshop, a four-week exploration of cryptids, aliens, ghosts and more. Sessions will be held Tuesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This is about everyone’s experience of the unknown,” said Martin, who has been captivated by paranormal stories since childhood. “Everyone seems to have a story. It could be a strange noise in the woods, a sighting of something mysterious in the sky, or an encounter in a haunted house. These are the kinds of experiences we want to talk about in the class.”

The workshop will cover a range of topics across four sessions.

“We’ll start with Bigfoot and other cryptids, because people are really drawn to those stories,” Martin said. “Then we’ll dive into UFOs and aliens, ghostly encounters, and wrap up with a general discussion of fringe topics like the Mandela effect and how quantum physics might tie into the paranormal.”

Although the subject matter may seem fantastical, Martin emphasizes healthy skepticism.

“I believe in a lot of weird things, but I also think it’s important to approach everything with a dose of skepticism,” he said. “I don’t just believe every crazy idea that comes along. I want to investigate it, explore the possibilities and consider the evidence.”

Martin’s connection to the unexplained began with paperback books about the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and the Mothman. His interest grew deeper in the 1990s when he became involved with the in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where his band, Mothman, has performed for more than 20 years.

He also makes a point to tie in local mysteries from southern Ohio.

“Lawrence County and Ross County have their share of strange occurrences, and students have shared their own stories about haunted houses and eerie experiences in the woods. It’s a great way to connect the paranormal to our community,” Martin said.

The workshop is open to anyone with an open mind.

“You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this class,” Martin said. “It’s really for people who are curious, who want to hear about strange and unusual things. Whether you’ve had your own paranormal experience or are just intrigued by the unknown, this class is for you.”

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