Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobby Washington, Carolyn Grey, Amy Tydeman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bobby Washington, Carolyn Grey, Amy Tydeman, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Bobby: In my quest to comprehend a childhood experience that profoundly shook me, I made a deliberate choice 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.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
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 my own paranormal podcast. 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. Notably, my co-host, Carolyn Grey, 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!
Bobby: We also have our amazing bonus episode host, Amy Tydeman. Upon sharing her paranormal experiences with me, she joined the podcast in September 2023 as co-host for the show’s bonus episodes.
Amy: My personal experienced 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 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!
Bobby: At Strange Darkness Radio, we utilize AI and other cutting-edge technologies to engage with our audience. Sky, our AI voice, plays a key role by assisting us with intros and bumpers, and narrating the occasional listener story that is sent to us!
Strange Darkness Radio has a clear mission: to delve into paranormal topics, and investigate unexplained phenomena. We hope to shed a light on these elusive and spine-tingling topics which remain obscured by shadow. We firmly believe in the existence of paranormal phenomena, and we value the stories and experiences of those who have had paranormal encounters.
Our primary goal is to create a safe and welcoming platform where individuals who have had extraordinary encounters can come forward to share their stories, ask questions, and seek answers. And by sharing these stories, we hope to create a community where people can connect with others who have had similar experiences.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Bobby: In reflecting on my podcasting journey, three pivotal qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have significantly impacted my path. Firstly, unwavering dedication and hard work have been essential, as success in podcasting requires relentless effort and persistence. Secondly, honing my ability to shape my ideas effectively and tailor my voice and show to resonate with the audience has been crucial. Lastly, having a clear visual concept for the podcast’s content, its direction, and the target audience has been instrumental in guiding my efforts.
For those who are just starting their podcasting journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these aspects. Invest time and energy into perfecting your craft with dedication and hard work. Strive to communicate your ideas and message effectively to your audience. Create a clear vision for your podcast and its content, and find like-minded individuals who can provide support and motivation to keep you on track, as motivation can be a powerful driving force in achieving success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Bobby: As the founder of Strange Darkness Radio and Electric Lady Podcast Studios, I’m on the lookout for potential collaborators who share a passion for podcasting and a desire to make their mark in the world of social media. If you’re interested in collaborating, here’s how you can connect with me: I’m eager to partner with music producers who can assist aspiring podcasters in crafting captivating show intros and bumpers. Additionally, I’m open to collaborating with creative artists to design logos and podcast art that make each show stand out.
Podcasting can be a daunting endeavor when you’re starting from scratch, especially if you have a unique voice and a story to tell. My aim is to help individuals find their own voice in this digital landscape and provide them with the support they need to succeed. So, if you’re someone with the skills and creativity to contribute to Strange Darkness Radio or Electric Lady Podcast Studios, whether it’s to support up-and-coming podcasters or embark on your podcasting journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Drop us a line, and let’s explore how we can work together to amplify voices and stories in the world of podcasting.
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
Bobby Washingtons images are by: STAY IN THE WAY Reeves Payne [email protected]
