How embracing the paranormal could produce a deeper meaning of life

Researcher Joshua Cutchin and Detroit artist Renee Willoughby join CultureShift to discuss their experiences with death, grief and ghosts.

book cover for "Ecology of Soul: A New Mythology of Death and the Paranormal, Volume One" by Joshua Cutchin

“Ecology of Souls: A New Mythology of the Paranormal” is a highly researched investigation into the intersection of grief, death and the phenomena itself. 

Researcher Joshua Cutchin is one of the leading voices of today’s paranormal community who are calling for a vast reconsideration of strange and unusual experiences. Those experiences include spirit visitations, Sasquatch sightings, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and even alien abductions.

Despite decades of reports of anomalous phenomena, no conclusive evidence has yet been accepted for the existence of aliens, cryptids or ghosts. However, millions of people continue to have inexplicable, personal contact with these beings and many more. Cutchin, taking a cue from longtime investigator Jacques Vallée, began wondering if something deeper may be at play.

His latest book is called “Ecology of Souls: A New Mythology of the Paranormal.” It’s a highly-researched investigation into the intersection of grief, death and the phenomena itself.

While the book outlines a thread of profound meaning between these experiences, a new work by Detroit artist Renee Willoughby seeks a similar understanding through music. “Her Shape is Light” explores Willoughby’s journey to begin a relationship with her mother, who passed away in 1992. A tape release for the sound project will take place at Ghost Light in Hamtramck on Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

pink, yellow and black illustration promoting "Her Shape is Light" on February 10th, 2023
“Her Shape is Light” explores Willoughby’s journey to begin a relationship with her mother, who passed away in 1992.

Cutchin and Willoughby joined CultureShift to talk about finding renewed meaning in life through a new view on the paranormal. Hear their conversation using the audio player above.

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Author

  • Amanda LeClaire is an award-winning host and producer of CultureShift on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station. She’s a founding producer of WDET’s flagship news talk show Detroit Today, and a former host/reporter for Arizona Public Media. Amanda is also an artist, certified intuitive and energy healer, and professional tarot reader.