Phantom Detectives: When the Spirits Fight Back, Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
The episode opens with a jarring ad for Shopify, immediately followed by a deep dive into the world of paranormal investigation through the lens of Phantom Detectives, a team founded in 2020 by Joshua Chairs. What begins as a nostalgic journey through classic paranormal TV shows like *Unsolved Mysteries* and *In Search of* evolves into a compelling narrative about how personal experiences—like Rick Warner’s childhood sighting of a saucer-shaped object and Melissa Ferrazano’s lifelong encounters with spirits—shaped their professional paths. The team’s first major investigation at the Selma Mansion becomes a turning point, where Melissa’s psychic intuition uncovers a connection to Abraham Lincoln before the team even arrived, validating her abilities in real time. This moment—where a psychic’s premonition aligns perfectly with historical research—challenges the boundary between intuition and evidence, suggesting that some truths emerge not from data, but from unexplained perception. The episode reveals that Phantom Detectives aren’t just chasing ghosts; they’re building a new model of investigation that blends historical rigor, scientific equipment, and psychic insight, all while confronting the emotional weight of places that hold collective trauma and memory.
When a psychic medium identifies Abraham Lincoln before visiting a location, and historical research confirms the connection, it suggests remote viewing or intuitive knowledge may be a valid investigative tool.
Phantom Detectives use a hybrid method: historical research, scientific equipment, and psychic insight—blending rigor with the unquantifiable.
The strongest paranormal evidence often comes not from devices, but from the emotional and psychological impact on investigators during an investigation.
Many ghost hunters suppress their abilities as children; Melissa Ferrazano’s journey from fear to acceptance shows that psychic sensitivity can be developed with time and self-acceptance.
The team prioritizes 'untapped' locations—places not already saturated by media—to uncover stories that have been forgotten or ignored by mainstream investigation.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing Phantom Detectives
The episode launches with a formal introduction to Phantom Detectives, a paranormal investigation team founded in 2020 by Joshua Chairs in Wilmington, Delaware. The team is defined by its mission to bring scientific rigor to the paranormal, investigating both private homes and famous haunted locations like the Betsy Ross House and Summerwind Mansion.
Origins of a Paranormal Passion
Joshua Chairs traces his fascination with the supernatural back to childhood viewing of *Unsolved Mysteries* and *In Search of*, particularly the episode on the General Wayne Inn. He recounts his early experiences with unexplained phenomena, including a photo with green and yellow streaks of light, and his deep dive into paranormal literature and radio shows like Art Bell’s *Dreamland*.
Rick Warner’s UFO and Ghostly Beginnings
Rick Warner shares his early interest in the paranormal, sparked by living in a haunted house as a child. He recounts a childhood sighting of a saucer-shaped object during the day on the 22 Freeway in Southern California, which he believes was not a man-made craft. He also discusses how paranormal phenomena like flickering lights and unexplained sounds can often be explained by mundane causes.
Melissa Ferrazano’s Psychic Journey
Melissa Ferrazano reveals she has seen spirits since age three, describing them as 'monsters' and fearing them deeply. She suppressed her abilities for years, only embracing them in adulthood. She explains that the quiet of night may make it easier for spirits to communicate, and that her ability to sense energy is central to her work as a psychic medium.
Building Phantom Detectives from Scratch
Joshua details how he founded Phantom Detectives in 2020 after being inspired by the Summerwind Mansion episode on the Travel Channel. He researched the mansion, purchased its blueprints, and connected with local investigators. He built the team’s identity around the 1930s comic *The Phantom Detective*, creating a brand that blends classic detective aesthetics with modern investigation.
“That will always be a mind blowing experience because I hadn't even entered the place. And I don't know if that's if that might fall into the realm of remote viewing. You know, I'm really not sure.”
“And I'm a big Abe Lincoln fan. That's why that jumped out to me. I'm like totally in him. I don't have any idea why.”
“The whole ghost stories around summer when Mr. Lamont supposedly told the servants, told him, hey, the house is haunted. He's like, hey, why don't you grow up? There's no such thing as ghosts.”
Host
Guests
Phantom Detectives
organization
Joshua Chairs
person
Melissa Ferrazano
person
Rick Warner
person
Summerwind Mansion
place
Selma Mansion
place
Art Bell
person
Abraham Lincoln
person
Betsy Ross House
place
General Wayne Inn
place
Phantom Detectives: When the Spirits Fight Back, Part Two | Grave Talks CLASSIC
31m • 6/11/2026
Living With the Ability to See the Dead, Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
28m • 5/31/2026
Reiki Healing and Communicating with Spirits, Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
10m • 6/4/2026
Inside the Villisca Axe Murder House: Evil Still Lives Here, Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
32m • 6/5/2026
Inside the Villisca Axe Murder House: Evil Still Lives Here, Part Two | Grave Talks CLASSIC
25m • 6/5/2026
The Man Who Knew Too Much | Real Ghost Stories
26m • 5/30/2026
Woman in Blue Still Waits at Moss Beach Distillery, Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
35m • 5/30/2026
Woman in Blue Still Waits at Moss Beach Distillery, Part Two | Grave Talks CLASSIC
19m • 5/30/2026
What Really Lives in the Olde Park Hotel? Part One | Grave Talks CLASSIC
47m • 5/30/2026
The Haunting Wasn’t the Creepiest Part of the House | After Midnight
21m • 5/30/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime