Bobby Washington of Sacramento on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Bobby Washington shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Bobby, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time, Strange Darkness Radio has been about storytelling—sharing the strange, the unexplained, and the experiences people carry with them. But what I’m being called to do now goes beyond just talking about the paranormal. I feel pulled toward actually stepping out into the field and doing ghost investigations myself.

In the past, I was hesitant—maybe even a little afraid—of diving that deep. But now I feel strongly that it’s time to assemble a dedicated team and start going into haunted sites and private homes where people are struggling with paranormal disturbances. My goal is two-fold: to help those who feel overwhelmed by activity in their spaces, and to explore and document evidence that could bring people closer to understanding that ghosts—and the afterlife—are real.

It’s not just about chasing thrills; it’s about service and discovery. This new direction feels like the natural next step for Strange Darkness Radio, and though it’s something I once held back from, I’m ready to embrace it fully now.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Bobby Washington, the founder and host of Strange Darkness Radio, a paranormal podcast that dives deep into the unexplained. What started as my own curiosity about the supernatural has grown into a full brand with a passionate team of hosts and a community of listeners who connect with us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and beyond.

One of the things that makes Strange Darkness Radio unique is the way we balance storytelling, history, and real human experience. On our main show, I’m joined by Amy Tydeman and Vanessa Scaduto—two incredible hosts who bring their own knowledge, perspective, and personality to the table. They help us explore everything from haunted entities to paranormal folklore with depth and authenticity.

For our Bonus Episodes, I’m lucky to work with Marlee Grounds, Ed DonGilli, and Kyler Jackson. Each of them adds something special—whether it’s humor, insight, or a unique perspective on paranormal culture. Together, this lineup of voices creates a dynamic, engaging atmosphere that feels less like a podcast and more like sitting around with friends swapping ghost stories—except ours are backed with research into haunted locations, folklore, and firsthand accounts.

What I love most is that Strange Darkness Radio isn’t just about telling scary stories—it’s about giving our listeners a voice. We take their experiences, their hauntings, and their mysteries seriously, and we bring those stories to life in a way that honors their experiences while also digging into the history behind them. The fact that our YouTube presence and podcast audience continue to grow tells me people are hungry for that mix of entertainment, history, and genuine connection.

Right now, we’re leaning into expanding the brand by creating more investigative content, exploring haunted sites, and building even deeper connections with our audience. To me, that’s what makes Strange Darkness Radio special—it’s not just a show, it’s a community of people who believe the world is stranger, darker, and more fascinating than it first appears.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I was about 10 years old when I had an experience that forever changed the way I see the world. One night after a late trip to the Sacramento Six Drive-In with my dad, we came home tired and ready for bed. As soon as we walked inside, I noticed a faint glow coming from the kitchen. I was in a rush to use the restroom, but my dad suddenly called my name, his voice urgent, and told me to stop and get out of the house.

Confused, I hesitated and instead of heading to the restroom, I walked down the hallway toward my parents’ bedroom. My dad was in the military, so I knew how perfectly he kept the bed made, with the sheets tucked tightly in place. But as I stepped closer, I saw something that shook me—a long figure stretched out under the covers, spanning nearly the entire king-sized bed. As I stood there staring, my dad came running down the hall, yelling for me to get out. Just as he reached me and put his hand on my shoulder, I watched the figure sink into the bed and vanish. The once-tidy blankets were suddenly left disheveled.

My dad rushed me outside, saying someone was in the house. Soon his friends and the police arrived. The refrigerator had been emptied, dishes shattered from the cabinets, yet the officers found no signs of forced entry. The house was locked tight, as if nothing had happened. Their explanation was that we must have left a door open, but my dad and I knew better—something was there.

That night, at 10 years old, my world shifted. It was the first time I realized that life isn’t just what we see on the surface. There are forces and presences beyond our understanding, and that moment planted the seed for the curiosity and drive that would eventually become Strange Darkness Radio.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is, surprisingly, the fear of success. For reasons I’m still working to fully understand, I’ve noticed that when I set my mind to something, I usually achieve it—whether or not I start out with all the knowledge or skills. I’ve always been able to rise to the occasion and succeed, but instead of celebrating that, success often scares me.

A good example is my journey with Strange Darkness Radio. In the first six months of launching the show, I was nominated for the ParaPod Awards, where I came in second place in the UFO category. That experience gave me the chance to meet people I had admired in the field—Jimmy Church, Linda Moulton Howe, Billy Carson, and others. It was an incredible honor, especially so early in my podcasting journey. But instead of leaning into that momentum, I felt myself pulling back. That’s a pattern I’ve noticed in my life: when success comes quickly, I sometimes sabotage myself by switching things up, stepping away, or making things harder than they need to be.

The difference now is that I’ve recognized this about myself—and I haven’t quit. I’ve reformatted and reshaped my show, not as a way to run from success, but as a way to grow into it. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t failure—it’s allowing yourself to accept success, embrace it, and keep moving forward.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
For me, it’s my co-hosts. Each of them brings something unique to Strange Darkness Radio, and I admire them deeply for their character, not just what they do.

Amy Tydeman is the definition of calm and professional. She’s always focused, always steady, no matter what’s happening around her. Amy has an incredible ability to keep a positive attitude even when things get tough, and she’s quick to step in, help, and solve problems. She’s an amazing individual who makes everything she touches better.

Vanessa Scaduto inspires me with her honesty and intuition. She’s also a comedian who has an incredible ability to control a room—just like she controls her gifts. Her passion for learning, discovering, and improving herself is unmatched, and she uses her abilities not just for her own growth but to help, inform, and reassure others. Vanessa is an incredible woman on a journey of discovery, and she brings so much light and perspective to the show.

Marlee Grounds is one of the hardest-working moms I’ve ever met. Her drive is incredible—whether she’s supporting her kids at cheer practice, helping them with schoolwork, excelling in her career, reading up on haunted locations (and pushing me to go!), or creating for her Etsy store. She has a caring nature and an unstoppable energy that makes her a true lifesaver and a wonderfully creative soul.

Ed DonGilli is someone I often joke about because his wife calls him “the most incredible man on the planet.” The truth is, he lives up to it. Ed is the guy you want in your corner—loyal, dependable, and ready with either a Guinness and a story or simply an ear when you need one. He’s traveled the world, connected with many cultures, and has a gift for conversation that’s unmatched. Knowing him is an honor.

Kyler Jackson always brings levity to any situation. Beyond that, he’s a wealth of knowledge and experience, especially when it comes to the paranormal. I believe he’s been touched in a unique way, and once he fully channels that, it’s going to serve him—and others—well. He’s someone I trust deeply, and whenever I head out on a ghost hunt, I hope Kyler’s right there beside me.

These are the people I admire. Not for the titles they hold or the jobs they do—though many of them have powerful positions—but for their character. For their honesty, creativity, loyalty, drive, and humanity. They’re the heart of what makes Strange Darkness Radio so special.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Strange Darkness Radio is proof of that. No one is standing behind us with applause after every episode, and we’re not doing this for praise—we do it because we love it. We do it because we’re driven to seek answers to mysteries that may never fully be explained in this lifetime.

We’re not paid to produce the show. Everything we create comes from passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to bring our listeners the best content we can with the tools and abilities we have. From uncovering the history behind haunted locations to bringing our audience’s personal stories to life, we pour everything into making each episode as strong as possible.

Yes, our listeners do show appreciation from time to time, and that means a lot. But at the end of the day, the recognition that matters most comes from within the team itself—we thank each other, support one another, and know the work we’ve put in. Even without outside praise, I believe we’ve done a hell of a job, and that makes it worth it.

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