Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Barnes.
Hi Sean, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of the unexplained began long before I ever sat behind a microphone. Like many people in this field, I was fascinated by mysteries, strange experiences, folklore, and the questions that don’t always have easy answers. That curiosity eventually led me to become a certified paranormal investigator and spend years investigating paranormal claims firsthand.
Professionally, I came from a very different world. I worked as a government contractor and held a Top Secret security clearance, which taught me the importance of evidence, critical thinking, and separating fact from speculation. Those experiences helped shape the approach I bring to paranormal and conspiracy research today. I’ve always believed that extraordinary claims deserve both an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism.
In 2004, I launched the ParaReality Podcast to create a platform where these subjects could be explored thoughtfully and respectfully. What started as a passion project has grown into one of the longest-running independently produced podcasts in the paranormal field. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to interview researchers, authors, experiencers, and experts from around the world while covering everything from ghosts and cryptids to UFOs, conspiracies, folklore, and the occult.
Along the way, the podcast has received industry recognition, including The Paranormal Awards and multiple Podcast Excellence Awards, and has built an international audience. More recently, I’ve expanded into writing, publishing books such as Palo Santo & Sage: Sacred Smoke and Spiritual Cleansing for the Beginner and 50 Cryptids in 50 States: A Field Guide to America’s Most Mysterious Creatures, which allowed me to share my research and experiences in a different format.
Today, whether I’m hosting the podcast, speaking at conferences, writing books, or conducting investigations, my goal remains the same as it was when I started: to encourage people to think critically, stay curious, and explore the mysteries of our world without fear of asking difficult questions. After more than two decades in this field, I still believe that the search for truth is often just as important as the answers we find.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggles revolve around producing episodes for the Podcast. I work a full time job, and own a home with my wife. Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, and it can be very difficult finding time to produce quality podcast episodes whenever you also need to do household chores, maintain the lawn, walk the dogs, shop for groceries, and spend quality time with the wife.
She and I have an agreement that I get to spend part of my Sunday afternoon working on my podcast, but I still end up with a lot of late-night recording sessions throughout the week as well. The podcast has become somewhat of a second job for me, but it’s something that I love doing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the host and creator of the ParaReality Podcast, one of the longest-running independently produced paranormal and conspiracy podcasts in the world. Since launching the show in 2004, I have spent more than two decades exploring subjects such as UFOs, cryptids, ghosts, folklore, conspiracy theories, and the occult. In addition to podcasting, I am a published author, conference speaker, certified paranormal investigator, and researcher who has conducted investigations and interviews throughout the United States.
My work specializes in examining extraordinary claims through a balanced lens. I am fascinated by the mysteries that surround us, but I also believe in critical thinking, evidence, and intellectual honesty. Rather than telling people what to believe, I encourage them to explore the facts, consider multiple viewpoints, and draw their own conclusions.
I am probably best known for the ParaReality Podcast and my commitment to presenting paranormal and alternative research topics in a thoughtful, professional, and respectful manner. Over the years, that approach has helped the show earn multiple industry awards, including The Paranromal Awards for best Ghost Hunting Radio Show and Podcast Excellence Awards for Best Podcast Host and Best Conspiracy & Alternative Research Podcast, while building an international audience of listeners who appreciate serious discussion of unconventional subjects.
What I am most proud of is longevity. Many podcasts, websites, and research projects come and go, but ParaReality has continued to evolve and grow for more than twenty years. Reaching hundreds of episodes, publishing books, speaking at conferences, and building a loyal community of listeners are accomplishments that I never take for granted. I am especially proud that people have trusted me with their stories, experiences, and perspectives for over two decades.
What sets me apart is my background and approach. Before entering this field professionally, I worked as a government contractor and held a Top Secret security clearance. That experience taught me the value of careful analysis, attention to detail, and separating evidence from speculation. As a result, I approach the paranormal from a unique position—someone who is open-minded enough to consider extraordinary possibilities, but disciplined enough to ask hard questions and follow the facts wherever they lead.
Ultimately, my goal has always been simple: to create a place where curiosity is welcomed, respectful discussion is encouraged, and people can explore the unknown without fear of ridicule. Whether I am interviewing a guest, investigating a claim, writing a book, or speaking at an event, that mission remains at the heart of everything I do.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I absolutely love that Nashville is so diverse! There are so many people from all over the world living here, and all them bring a piece of their culture with them. This has led to festivals, celebrations, parades, and restaurants.
Oh, the restaurants! Nashville has definitely become a foodie town. There are so many places to eat, and so much food from different cultures to try that you could eat at a different restaurant every week and never get to them all. We’ve got James Beard Award winners, Michelin Stars, and celebrity chefs – each one bringing their unique culinary style to our city.
Speaking of the city, Nashville is known as Music City USA, so there’s never a shortage of live music here. There’s a musician on every corner that can play the guitar better than anyone you’ll ever meet. There’s songwriters everywhere, too. A lot of the time those two get together and form a band that is out of this world. That creates a mighty powerful independent music scene in Nashville. If you want to hear and see some great live music, all you need to do is go downtown anytime, any day. Walk into any random bar or club and you’ll get to hear something special.
What I dislike about Nashville is that it has become so trendy, that the downtown area is now a tourist spot. You absolutely cannot walk around downtown anymore without feeling like you’re a sardine in a sardine can. There are people everywhere. So much so that the city has now closed off Lower Broadway at night so the people can walk in the street. The sidewalks can’t hold them!
All this has really taken the “coolness” away from the downtown Nashville area. Downtown Nashville used to be a place where the locals could go and hang out for a fun evening of food, drinks and music, and not have to worry about it being overcrowded. All that is gone now, and the locals pretty much avoid the downtown area at all costs, leaving it a place for tourists only. It’s sad, actually.
Oh, and the traffic here sucks! That’s enough about that, though.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parareality.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pararealradio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sandman.parareality
- Twitter: https://x.com/pararealradio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParaReality1
