Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobby Washington . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bobby, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In my quest to comprehend a childhood experience that profoundly shook me, I made a deliberate choice and risk to embark on a journey into the world of paranormal podcasting. My aim was to provide a platform for my distinct perspective as an African American, while simultaneously challenging the social stereotypes that suggest African Americans don’t engage in or discuss paranormal topics through podcasts. While exploring the landscape of paranormal podcasts, I noticed a striking absence of African American voices in this realm. Culturally, many African Americans are hesitant to delve into discussions about the supernatural and the unseen. With a mission in mind, I founded “Strange Darkness Radio.” On our show, we delve into the paranormal, including ghosts, UFOs, psychics, and crystal healing, alongside my co-hosts Carolyn Grey and Amy Tydeman. Despite being a newer show, our efforts were recognized when we were nominated for the Best UFO Show at the Parapod Podcast Awards in April 2023. The risk has been well worth the effort as the show continues to grow and gain new listeners.

Bobby, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Bobby: Throughout my life, music has always been a part of me, and being in the studio feels like second nature. In the early stages of my son’s career, I took on the role of his manager, embarking on a beautiful journey that saw us reach great heights and navigate a few lows. With determination, I secured a deal for my son with Interscope Records, personally overseen by the chairman, Jimmy Iovine of Interscope Records and Geffen A&M. However, just before the ink could dry on the contracts, we decided to pivot and join forces with none other than P Diddy of Bad Boy Records for a new venture he was launching on MTV called P Diddy Starmaker. All of this happened while I was working at the local blood bank, formerly known as BloodSource in Sacramento, California, now called Vitalant. This musical journey often led to late-night writing sessions that transformed into discussions of the paranormal, reflecting on my own profound paranormal encounter that challenged the very foundations of my understanding of reality. In August 2022, I made a pivotal decision to start the “Strange Darkness Radio” podcast. On our show, we delve into the paranormal, including ghosts, UFOs, psychics, and crystal healing.

I’m proud of successfully launching “Strange Darkness Radio” and consistently delivering high-quality content with exceptional production standards. Our dedication to sound quality and production sets us apart, rivaling even major podcasts. What defines our brand is the commitment to telling unique and unexplainable stories. We want to be a platform for individuals who’ve had paranormal or UFO encounters, providing a space for them to share their experiences. Our show is inclusive, aiming to amplify diverse voices and assure storytellers that their narratives are valid. Built for the people by the people, we strive to empower individuals to overcome doubt and share their extraordinary encounters.

I’d like to introduce you to my first co-host, Carolyn Grey, who joined our podcast in May 2023, hailing from the paranormal group “Paranormal Haunts.”

Carolyn: I have always been obsessed with the paranormal, for as long as I can remember! And though I don’t have many (or any) paranormal experiences of my own, I have met some amazing people over the years who have shared their incredible stories and experiences with me. I have spoken to people who have had out-of-body or near-death experiences, people who remember their past lives, or have done past life regression, people who have seen UFO’s, or ghosts, or grew up in haunted houses. I have spoken to psychics, spiritual gurus, and ghost hunters, and I have debated with non-believers and skeptics as well. I believe that every person from every walk of life has valuable insights that I can learn from, and I love listening to other people’s stories! I have also been shown some incredible, documented evidence, and I know with 100% certainty that this stuff is real! Despite my obsession, and as badly as I might have wanted to, I never thought I could make a career out of it. Then one day, Bobby found me and asked if I would be interested in co-hosting on his podcast – and the rest is history! It was totally meant to be, and I can’t thank Bobby enough for the opportunity! I am very proud to be a part of “Strange Darkness Radio” and am looking forward to continuing on this exciting journey!

Bobby: We also have our new co-host, Amy Tydeman. Upon sharing her paranormal experiences with me, she joined the podcast in September 2023 as a co-host for the show’s bonus episodes. In December 2023, she joined the main show.

Amy: My personal experiences with the paranormal as a young girl led to my fascination with the topic, leading to my journey with the “Strange Darkness Radio” podcast. My lifelong interest in the supernatural, as well as being a lover of horror movies, stories, and books, has allowed me to dive into the podcast, satisfying a desire to connect with and share with others who have similar, unexplained experiences. Since joining “Strange Darkness Radio”, I am excited to continue exploring other mysterious, dark realms outside of my own personal experiences. This journey has truly been a lot of fun, and I’m grateful to Bobby for encouraging me to delve into the unfamiliar landscape of podcasting! I am proud to have stepped outside of my comfort zone for a topic I am passionate about and am really looking forward to talking with and meeting even more people along the same path.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Bobby: In podcasting, creativity plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience for both the creator and the audience. It begins with having a clear vision, a mental picture of how you want your podcast to be. This vision guides decisions ranging from your public image to the podcast’s aesthetics, such as logo design. Even if you’re not artistically inclined, the ability to articulate your preferences is crucial. Creativity extends to technical aspects, including the quality of sound through your microphone and the airwaves. It encompasses choosing topics that resonate with your passion and engaging your audience. For those less inclined towards creativity, the key is to surround yourself with creative individuals. Embrace their insights, be open to advice, and be willing to take calculated risks. Collaboration and a willingness to learn from those with creative prowess can enhance the non-creative person’s podcasting journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Bobby: In the early days of my podcast journey, I teamed up with a coworker who initially seemed poised to share the responsibilities of nurturing and growing our paranormal show. However, as time unfolded, he couldn’t meet the demands, eventually choosing to step away. Undeterred by this setback, I faced the challenge head-on. Fueled by the belief that a cohost is pivotal for a thriving paranormal podcast, I embarked on a search for the right fit. Amid the uncertainty, I stumbled upon Carolyn Grey, a perfect match for the show’s essence.

This journey wasn’t without its twists. As Carolyn and I discovered our paranormal groove, another curveball came our way when I discovered the remarkable Amy Tydeman. The resilience wasn’t merely about recovering, it was about thriving despite setbacks. Refusing to shut down, I pressed forward, showcasing not just a commitment to success but an unwavering determination to grow and evolve the podcast. This chapter stands as a testament to my resilience, demonstrating that in the face of challenges, I choose to adapt, overcome, and continue the pursuit of podcasting excellence. Always.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @strangedarknessradio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strangedarknessradiopodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: @SDRadio
• Youtube: @StrangeDarknessRadio
• Other: We can be found at any podcast, hosting site, iTunes, Spotify, Google podcast
• Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-h6j6s-dd140a
• Threads : https://www.threads.net/@strangedarknessradio

Image Credits
Carolyn Grey Amir Sharafeh Amy Tydeman Bobby Washington