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Curiosity about the unexplained has long been a part of human nature, and for those intrigued by tales of Bigfoot, UFOs, and ghostly encounters, 91̽»¨ Southern is offering a unique opportunity this fall. Paranormal enthusiast Todd Martin will be instructing the Paranormal Phenomena and Local Mysteries workshop, a four-week exploration of cryptids, aliens, ghosts, and more. The workshop will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., starting on Sept. 10 and running through Oct. 1.

"This is about everyone's experience of the unknown," said Martin, who has been captivated by the paranormal since childhood. "Everyone seems to have a story. It could be a strange noise in the woods, a sighting of something mysterious in the sky, or an encounter in a haunted house. These are the kinds of experiences we want to talk about in the class."

The workshop will be divided into four distinct sessions, each focusing on different facets of the paranormal. "We'll start with Bigfoot and other cryptids, because people are really drawn to those stories," said Martin. "Then we'll dive into UFOs and aliens, ghostly encounters, and wrap up with a general discussion of fringe topics like the Mandela effect and how quantum physics might tie into the paranormal."

Although the subject matter may seem fantastical to some, Martin emphasizes a healthy skepticism in his discussions. "I believe in a lot of weird things, but I also think it's important to approach everything with a dose of skepticism," he noted. "I don't just believe every crazy idea that comes along. I want to investigate it, explore the possibilities, and consider the evidence."

Martin's journey into the world of the unexplained began with little paperback books from his childhood. "I remember reading about the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, and the Mothman when I was a kid," he recalled. "Back in the early '70s, no one really knew about Mothman, but I found it fascinating." His connection to the subject deepened in the 1990s when he became involved with the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where his aptly titled band Mothman has performed for over two decades.

While the workshop will cover a broad range of paranormal topics, Martin is excited to tie in local mysteries from southern Ohio.

"I do try to build in some of the local stories," he said. "Lawrence County and Ross County have their share of strange occurrences, and students have shared their own stories about haunted houses and eerie experiences in the woods. It's a great way to connect the paranormal to our community."

Martin encourages anyone with an open mind to attend the workshop. "You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this class," he says. "It’s really for people who are curious, who want to hear about strange and unusual things. Whether you’ve had your own paranormal experience or are just intrigued by the unknown, this class is for you."

Registration for the workshop is available online at ohio.edu/southern-workshops, and the cost for all for sessions is $25 total.