#6 The Ghostbuster: Dan Aykroyd and His Close Encounters
Jun 7, 2023
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Join legendary actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd as he dives into the fascinating world of the paranormal. Known for his roles in Ghostbusters and Saturday Night Live, Dan shares his family's ghost hunting legacy and his experiences with ectoplasm and crystal skulls. He also reminisces about his childhood memories and reflects on the mystique of UFOs, blending humor with haunting tales. From sleeping next to a ghost to the legacy of Ghostbusters, this conversation is a delightful mix of the supernatural and the comedic.
Dan Aykroyd discusses his family's legacy in paranormal investigation, highlighting the influence of spiritualism on his personal and professional life.
The podcast explores the mystique surrounding crystal skulls, emphasizing the stories of their alleged supernatural properties and historical origins.
Aykroyd reflects on how the Ghostbusters franchise popularized ectoplasm and renewed public interest in ghost hunting and the supernatural.
Deep dives
The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls
The podcast delves into the enigma of crystal skulls, particularly one displayed at the British Museum that is categorized as a fake by experts. Despite its classification, many believe these skulls possess mystical properties, claiming they can enhance psychic abilities or induce paranormal experiences. Narratives surrounding these artifacts suggest that simply being near them can evoke sensations of warmth and healing. The discussion also touches on the historical context, including the lore popularized by the Indiana Jones franchise, raising questions about the true origins and technologies behind their creation.
Dan Aykroyd's Ghost Hunting Legacy
Dan Aykroyd, a guest on the podcast, shares his deep-rooted connection to ghost hunting, a legacy that spans generations in his family. He discusses his father's work, including a definitive book on ghosts that explores exceptional cases and mediums throughout history. Aykroyd emphasizes his family's commitment to spiritualism, recounting fascinating anecdotes about ghostly encounters, including the story of Howard Carrington, who allegedly levitated in front of witnesses. This historical lineage provides Aykroyd with unique insights into the paranormal, which he integrates into both his personal life and his work in film.
Aykroyd's Encounters with the Paranormal
The conversation shifts to Aykroyd's personal experiences with the paranormal, where he describes multiple UFO sightings that left a lasting impression on him. He recalls a remarkable sighting in Montreal, where he observed a large rectangular object hovering silently outside his hotel window. Aykroyd also recounts a chilling encounter one night at his farm, where an eerie light drifted overhead without any sound. These vivid experiences contribute to Aykroyd's strong belief in extraterrestrial life and the existence of otherworldly phenomena.
The Impact of Ghostbusters on Public Perception
The discussion highlights how the Ghostbusters franchise has reshaped public interest in the paranormal, particularly the concept of ectoplasm. Aykroyd notes that before the film's release, ectoplasm was largely unknown outside specific academic circles. He reflects on how the movie brought ghost hunting and spiritual concepts into the mainstream, igniting a renewed curiosity about the supernatural. This cultural impact is evident in the way people now discuss ghosts and spirits, prompting more open conversations around the topic.
The Need for Scientific Exploration of the Paranormal
The podcast advocates for more scientific inquiry into paranormal phenomena, emphasizing the importance of studying ghost sightings and other unexplained occurrences. Aykroyd suggests that there is a wealth of material worth investigating, such as the phenomenon of apparitions and their connections to the physical world. He references intriguing stories like that of the Spirit of Flight 401, which involved a haunted aircraft that prompted discussions about psychometry and spirit manifestation. This push for exploration underlines the gap between popular belief in the paranormal and the scientific community's reluctance to engage with it.
Dan Aykroyd is a legendary actor, comedian, screenwriter and musician. He is known for Saturday Night Live, as Elwood Blues of The Blues Brothers (with John Belushi), and as Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters. He also founded the music venue chain House of Blues and the vodka brand Crystal Head Vodka.
What you may not know, is that he’s from a dynasty of paranormal investigators – ghost busting runs in his family. Dan and Dan talk ectoplasm, UFOs, crystal skulls and the time he slept butt-to-butt with a ghost.
Don’t forget you can watch these interviews, fully extended, exclusively on Global Player. Download it from the App Store, or head to globalplayer.com and search ‘We Can Be Weirdos’.
You can get in touch with Dan Schreiber on Twitter and Instagram (@Schreiberland). In his bio, you'll find the link to our Discord channel - a global community of likeminded weirdos!
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