Australia is famous in so many ways -- from the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House and from Margot Robbie to its friendly and easy-going people with their laid-back nature, unique sense of humor, and love of sport, recreation, and the great outdoors.
What is less well-known is the nation's thriving podcast community. Australia has one of the highest levels of podcast listenership in the world. That's no surprise because it's home to some of the highest quality podcasts -- From All In The Mind and Hamish & Andy to The Party Room and The Orchard.
To add to that impressive national podcast excellence comes Ghost Or Fiction? a new podcast by Kate Green from Canberra.
Here's how Green describes her podcast: "I'm Kate Green and I'm not here to tell that ghosts don't exist. I'm here to debunk the ghost stories that have simple explanations, leaving space for the stories that might truly be paranormal. Because nothing would make me happier than meeting a grey lady."
What a incredible premise. There are a number of podcasts that seek to debunk the paranormal, throwing shade on ghosts and hauntings. On the flip side, there are thousands of paranormal podcasts.
Like so many inventive indie podcasters, Kate Green has discovered the space between those two positions. Essentially saying, "there could be ghosts but I'm going to tell you about the stories in which a more scientific explanation explains the phenomena."
The show just began in October and has produced a trailer and two episodes so far.
In the debut episode of Ghost or Fiction?, host Kate Green describes what may be one of the most common sources of ghost sightings—sleep paralysis. Titled The Ghost in the Room, the episode explores how this unsettling sleep condition can make people believe they've encountered a ghost.
Kate, a science communicator, takes a closer look at the phenomenon that causes people to wake up unable to move, sensing a presence or even seeing something terrifying in their room. These vivid experiences have led to centuries of ghost stories, from medieval folklore to modern-day hauntings. Kate Green breaks down the science behind sleep paralysis, offering a rational explanation for what many interpret as paranormal encounters.
Green's approach is calm and investigative without being judgmental, and she invites listeners to question what they know about ghost sightings and consider how our minds—and sleep states—can deceive us.
In the following October 27th episode, Green explains how ghosts became known as apparitions with white sheets. Simply put, in past centuries, people who died were often buried in white shrouds instead of coffins. Hence, the ghostly apparel.
When I spoke to Kate Green, here's what she told me about herself: "I live in Canberra, Australia, and spend my spare time—and any cooking session—listening to podcasts. My favorites feature the paranormal. One standout is the BBC's Uncanny, where Danny Robbins investigates eerie experiences like hauntings, time slips and other unexplained phenomena. His mastery of suspense and storytelling makes every episode compelling. I also enjoy shows that feature listener-submitted ghost stories, which bring a range of strange encounters to the mic."
Green then elucidates a key point. The best podcasters have listened to many podcasts. It's like the maxim that good writers read a lot.
Green continues: "After months of listening, I started noticing recurring themes in ghost stories. People seem quick to jump to paranormal conclusions, perhaps fueled by a wish to believe or a limited understanding of human psychology and physiology. A dream during sleep, for example, isn’t paranormal—it’s just a dream, even if it happens to be very meaningful. Feelings of fear, such as when visiting a haunted location, can create physical sensations that some people interpret as supernatural. And when people report seeing a ghost or hearing footsteps, I sometimes wonder if it wasn’t just another person—considering there are about eight billion of us out there."
Green answers with: "As a science communicator, I want to bring facts to the table, encouraging a pause for reflection before reaching any conclusions. This approach extends beyond ghost stories: a healthy skepticism can improve how we interpret everything we hear—in the news, on social media, or from politicians, friends and family.
Green goes on to say: "But once we filter out the explainable, some stories remain puzzling. Those are the stories I want to create space for—the ones that make you wonder if there really could be something out there.”
What makes Ghost Or Fiction? so ear worthy? First, Green is a superb host. Her cadence is measured and suffused with meaning. The narrative structure is well-designed and organized. Green's use of sound effects adds to the timbre of the show without overwhelming the episode. In a podcast world of ever-expanding episode runtimes, Green is thankfully concise.
Finally, she knows how to tell a story, present facts, and arrive at conclusions.
When asked about her podcasting experience so far, Green said: "One of the biggest challenges in podcasting, besides getting over hearing the sound of your own voice, is building an audience. But with each episode, I hope to invite more people to join the search for what might—or might not—exist in the shadows and to submit their own stories to the show."
I highly recommend Ghost Or Fiction? If you are a logical thinker, the science Green details will appeal to you. However, if you are a believer in the paranormal, Green is hoping she sees "a grey lady" just like some of her listeners.
Kate Green also solicits stories about paranormal interaction from her listeners. So, if you've spotted Elvis or just Aunt Rose, let her know by emailing her at: ghostorfiction@gmail.com.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank You for your input and feedback. If you requested a response, we will do so as soon as possible.