Podcast Spotlight: Blurry Photos
Goblin, ghoul, a zombie with no conscience
Question: What do these things all have in common?” – Jay Z in Monster
Jay Z probably didn’t intend this when he rapped about those monsters, but all of those things are actually topics in Blurry Photos, a podcast about mysteries, legends, and myths. Blurry Photos explores the ghost stories you were told around a campfire and dives into their origin story, attempting to separate the fact and fiction. Though they discuss the mainstream legends like Bigfoot and Nessie, their real passion is educating listeners about lesser-known myths with equally (if not more) compelling stories.
The podcast as whole has basically had two lives. Earlier episodes were co-hosted by Dave Stecco and David Flora, who come from improv backgrounds and subsequently made a more light-hearted comedic podcast. Since Stecco has left, Flora has helmed Blurry Photos solo and the podcast is more informational and straightforward — but no less entertaining.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with David Flora and talk about the podcast, the challenges, and some of his favorite myths. See below for our full Q&A.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting?
FLORA: I was in an improv group back in 2012 that started a short-lived podcast, and each of us would bring a topic to discuss for each show. At the time, I was listening to Mysterious Universe and Coast 2 Coast AM quite a bit, and I would bring topics of the unknown or paranormal to talk about. Eventually I decided I wanted to learn more about those topics and share what I learned, so I asked one of my fellow improvisors if he’d be interested in doing a show specifically about that stuff with just the two of us. He said yes, and we began our journey.
DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune into Blurry Photos?
FLORA: Listen to Blurry Photos for the high entertainment and information value. From the start, I’ve poured a lot of work into researching each topic, so the informative aspect is solidly-based. My old co-host Dave Stecco and I tried to present it in a fun way, owing to our personalities and improv backgrounds. That grew into original intro sketches, characters, accents, and even a spin-off podcast called Candy Chat, which is our middle-aged southern women characters reviewing candy. There’s a ton of variety and we tried to push the envelope with the audio experience, including full radio plays, Ken Burns-type episodes, and an annual monster beauty pageant. Dave had to leave the show recently, so I’ve forged ahead into new territory. The show is now more focused on the information and the storytelling/audio experience, and less on the comedy we found before. I’d compare it to Lore, but with my personality, production variety, and puns thrown in. I’ve been doing the show for almost 6 years now, so I think I’m inching into veteran status, if longevity is a selling point for you.
DP: What are some of the best, lesser-known mysteries or legends?
FLORA: This is what I thrive on, as I don’t like presenting the often-tired topics of Bigfoot, Nessie, JFK, and other “A-list” mysteries. My favorite has always been Spring-Heeled Jack, a Victorian-era mystery “assaulter” who would leap at people from the shadows, breathe blue flames on them while tearing at their clothes, then bound away in an almost inhuman manner. He was also fond of bouncing up and slapping cops on the face before bouncing off into the night. No one ever figured out who (or what) he was. If you like creepy true crime, we did an episode on the Hinterkaifeck Murders, a gruesome, unsolved mystery of a German family found dead in their barn in 1922, with some seriously spooky details surrounding the case.
DP: Are there any folklore or conspiracy theories that you 100% believe?
FLORA: Not 100%, no. There might be a part of a theory or legend that I can’t refute (especially in cases where you follow the money trail), but after years and years of researching these topics, I fall more on the skeptic end of the spectrum. It just seems like most of them can be dismissed with a little critical thinking and reasoning. But the stories are always fascinating and worth delving into.
DP: What’s the most difficult part of podcasting for you?
FLORA: Releasing episodes consistently haha! Since I’ve set out on my own, my research and writing is taking a lot longer because I’m creating a complete show each episode, as opposed to bringing notes and bantering half the time. Other than that, it’s pretty smooth sailing!
DP: What podcasts are you listening to now?
FLORA: Blastropodcast, Rumor Flies, Dragons in Genesis, My Dad Wrote a Porno, Secret Transmission
DP: Anything else you’d like to add?
FLORA: For me, podcasting is the most rewarding thing I’ve done as a “performing artist.” I went to school for theatre and have been in many plays, sketch/improv shows, web videos, etc., but none of them have had the reach and effect that my podcast has had. It’s exciting to be a part of a growing art form, and I hope it continues to flourish in the age of streaming media.
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