About AlterNormal
A podcast about the strange, the cultish, the terrifying, and the criminal — hosted by two queer weirdos who can't stop talking about this stuff.
Paranormal
Ghost stories, cryptids, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena. We dig into the strange corners of the world with curiosity and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Cults
Deep dives into manipulation, control, and belief systems. We explore the psychology behind how ordinary people end up in extraordinary situations.
Horror
Reviews and discussions of the horror genre — from classic slashers to modern elevated horror. What scares us, and why?
True Crime
Real cases, unsolved mysteries, and criminal psychology — approached with empathy for victims and a refusal to sensationalize tragedy.
The Origin Story
AlterNormal started life as Paranormal Maine — a hyper-local show about hauntings, strange sightings, and unexplained events in the great state of Maine. It was scrappy, charming, and deeply weird. We loved it.
But the hosts' curiosity refused to stay inside state lines. They both kept finding stories that had nothing to do with the Pine Tree State. Kel was deep in true crime and cult rabbit holes; Aster was chasing UFO sightings across the country. The podcast grew with us — and AlterNormal was born out of that expansion: a show that covers the full spectrum of the strange, nationwide.
We record in-person whenever we can, usually in marathon retreat sessions where we drink too much coffee and argue about whether orbs are real (they're not, Kel). New episodes drop every two weeks.
Meet the Hosts
Aster
Tech & Skepticshe/her · Utah transplant living on 10 acres in the Maine woods. Software engineer, paranormal tool builder, and skeptic who still keeps an open mind. Works in trans healthcare by day. End game: lesbian cryptid in flannel.
Read more →Kel
Research & Believershe/they · Lifelong Mainer with chaotic neutral energy. Research powerhouse, true crime obsessive, and the believer who keeps Aster honest. Works in criminal justice by day. Self-described real life troll.
Read more →