The Holzer Files season 2 returns Halloween week as part of Travel Channel’s Ghostober lineup. I had a chance to talk with the show’s stars, Dave Schrader, Cindy Kaza, and Shane Pittman ahead of their season premier on Thursday, October 29.
Like I do before calls with other Travel Channel paranormal stars, I asked if anyone else had questions they’d like me to ask if I got the chance. Two people did, so I started with those. (Time was limited and of the essence!)
Below is a quick summary of the call. Also embedded below are a couple of clips from The Holzer File’s ,____ as well as the my interview with Dave, Cindy, and Shane if you’d like to listen to the whole thing.
Priscilla’s Question
Author Priscilla Bettis wanted to know if they only investigate dark spirits and demons, or if they ever investigate angels?
Dave fielded that question and said in season 1 they didn’t really confront any demons. He said it’s easy to hop on the Demon Bandwagon when you’re dealing with a darker energy, but really demons are much less common than we’re led to believe.
Sometimes they’re just misunderstood spirits. He talked about getting knocked to his butt in the Whaley House episode. Even though that happened, it wasn’t demonic. That spirit felt he needed to make a point and was being protective, not demonic.
Dave also said in season 2 they captured something on film that he didn’t want to say was angelic, but it definitely gave them all pause and it was “spectacular,” “stunning,” and “profound.” #Intriguing.
Deedee’s Question
Deedee is one of my A Haunt Mess podcast co-hosts. For one of our episodes, we tried the Haunted Walk’s A Haunting at Home paranormal adventure. Among the things you try is automatic writing. Deedee, Sara (our other co-host), and I had no luck with it really, so Deedee’s question was for Cindy, who employs automatic writing as one of her ways to extract information from the other side.
Deedee wondered if that just comes to her, or is it in her head first? And is it something you have to practice or does it just happen naturally?
Cindy said it just comes naturally to her and it’s a matter of stream of consciousness. She doesn’t really see anything in her head first. She just lets herself be guided. Where she had to practice, however, was with slowing herself down and controlling it spilling out too fast.
When she said that you have to lose your mind and step outside of yourself long enough to let things come through, Dave joked that’s why they all get along. They’ve all lost their minds.
What Unnerved Shane More
My first questions went to Shane. I wanted to know what had unnerved him more in the “Phantom Hand” episode: when Cindy said she was looking through the eyes of the killer, or when Dave assigned him to investigate in the pit at the train museum, the B & O Roundhouse.
Shane said that was a tough question. Even though he might be a bit alarmed by the info Cindy conveys, he believes what she’s saying and trust her. Same with Dave. He knows Dave isn’t trying to pick on him when he tells him where to set up. He trusts Dave has his best interest and safety in mind.
Which of course, was a perfect opening for Dave to give Shane a little ribbing.
Shane’s Experience in the Pit
Shane has a pretty big experience in the pit at the train museum in the “Phantom Hand” episode. I was curious if Shane saw what they caught on camera?
He didn’t see it as it happened. He was too concerned with trying to escape the feeling of something grabbing his leg.
Shane and Hobbits
It was at this point of the conversation where Shane joked about his age, which prompted hilarious comments from Dave. Shane said he was getting older so getting into tight spaces like the pit wasn’t as easy as it once was.
Dave protested that before anyone gives him a hard time about sending Shane down there, they had to realize he’s 6’1″ and 53-years-old, whereas Shane’s a spry 35-year-old man and four feet shorter than him.
Four feet? Of course, I questioned that. Dave responded that TV adds four feet and that Shane is really the size of a hobbit. He spikes his hair up to look taller, whereas Dave is losing his to try and look shorter.
Season 5
They’re only on The Holzer Files season 2, but Dave was already looking ahead to season 5 and what he hopes to be able to do then. Namely, have fun with the cases that Hans cared a bit less about so they can goof off more.
This was the point where I realized Dave, Cindy, and Shane are fun to watch on TV, but they’re even more fun to talk to. I’m really glad I got the chance to do that.
Haunted History Mixed with True Crime
The “Phantom Hand” episode is a fascinating blend of haunted history, true crime, and paranormal investigation. I wondered if viewers could expect to see more of that in season 2?
Dave said there are always aspects of that really, but it really stood out in the “Phantom Hand” episode. However, overall, yes. They do seem to uncover facts otherwise whitewashed by history this season.
He referred to the Surratt Tavern where John Wilkes Booth rode after Lincoln’s assassination. Season 2 also finds them investigating there and that episode, too, merged history and mystery.
He also commented that they enjoy diving deep to uncover the truth and what is causing the spirits to haunt where they do and who they do.
Favorite Colors
This was just a last random question I threw out to them: What is each of their favorite colors?
Cindy answered first and didn’t hesitate to pick red and black.
Shane was next and also said black but instead of red, he chose blue.
Dave didn’t miss his chance at levity. He picked chartreuse and periwinkle. He could’ve picked black too, he said, but he quipped that he’s tired of it…even though it’s slimming and TV is known to add 118 pounds. (118?! Holy crap. I thought it was just 10 or 20. I’m investing in a whole new black wardrobe STAT!)
Aid from a Consummate Pro
I get so excited to talk to Travel Channel stars that I end up asking goofy questions like “What’s your favorite color?”
Dave, however, the ever consummate pro, demonstrated the right way to end a call: Ask where else people can find them when they’re not busy filming for the Holzer Files. I’ve included the info they shared under the For More Info section below.
The Holzer Files season 2 Death Train Clip
The Holzer Files season 2 Serial Killer Clip
Listen to the Interview
For More Info
Listen to Dave Shrader on Darkness Radio. New episodes drop every Wednesday and Thursday.
Medium Cindy Kaza hosts live Zoom galleries. Find out how to join those by following her on Facebook and Instagram.
Shane Pittman is revealing more of how he got into the paranormal and what he does outside of the show. Follow him on Facebook to learn more and how to join him at events he hosts.
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, as well as obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of healing, to learn how she channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
Loading ...
Hey, that’s me. Thanks for including my question. I wonder if a “spectacular, stunning, and profound” being is guiding or protecting Dave, Cindy, and Shane on their investigations.
DAGNABIT!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had thought to ask that as a follow-up!!!!!!