Otherworld Podcast Episode 117: "The Clearing" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In Episode 117 of Otherworld, titled "The Clearing," host Jack Wagner delves into a chilling and enigmatic paranormal experience shared by Zach, a cannabis farmer from rural Washington state. Released on March 31, 2025, this episode explores themes of unexplained phenomena during life transitions and examines Zach's encounter with an otherworldly entity in the secluded woods surrounding his family home.

Background: Zach’s Life and Environment

Zach provides a comprehensive background of his life, highlighting his roots and current occupation. Born in Provo, Utah, into a third-generation Mormon family, Zach moved to Olympia, Washington, at the age of five. His upbringing was deeply influenced by his religious environment, attending church regularly and adhering to strict moral codes. However, as he approached adulthood, Zach began to question and eventually distance himself from his religious beliefs, seeking a different path that led him to cannabis farming.

“I grew up third generation Mormon... and now I’m a cannabis farmer in Olympia, Washington.” ([04:51])

Zach describes his job as more industrial than idyllic, involving meticulous harvesting processes and strict adherence to regulations. Living on his parents' rural property, which was previously a sheep ranch, Zach enjoys the seclusion provided by vast evergreen forests and open grassy fields. This remote setting becomes the backdrop for his paranormal encounter.

The Paranormal Encounter: “The Clearing”

Zach recounts the night of his first strange experience in detail. After moving back home temporarily, he developed a nighttime routine of walking his dog, Olive, around the property. On one particular night, Zach noticed unusual noises coming from an open barn door, which was out of the ordinary as the barn was rarely accessed.

“It's like somebody was dragging something or like a creature that had an injured leg.” ([04:55])

Despite his initial fear and the unsettling sounds, Zach chose not to investigate further, believing it could be a large animal. The next significant event occurred a few months later—an ordinary evening turned extraordinary. While walking Olive, who suddenly ran off into the darkness, Zach pursued her down a familiar path. In the dim light, he encountered a figure that first appeared canine and then transformed into a human shape.

“I saw it just standing there in a small pile of bush... It didn't immediately strike me as so odd because it's in a familiar shape, like a canine.” ([07:30])

The figure was an eerie, all-white canine that seemed unnaturally luminous, almost as if it emitted its own light source. As Zach approached, the creature morphed smoothly into a tall, featureless human silhouette with an iridescent aura. The transformation was swift and seamless, leaving no trace of the canine form.

“It was as if it was putting out light that it shouldn't have... like a reverse creature made out of light.” ([15:20])

The human form stood motionless, observing Zach before suddenly sprinting away at an impossible speed—estimated between 50 to 60 miles per hour—without disturbing the surrounding foliage or making any sound. This baffling movement left Zach both terrified and awestruck.

Reactions and Aftermath

Following the encounter, Zach grappled with disbelief and uncertainty. Initially hesitant to share his experience, he eventually confided in his uncle and parents. His uncle had never witnessed anything similar, and his parents attributed the event to potential substances Zach might have consumed, despite his clear recollection of being sober.

“I'm not super far from the house, but the light... was like a bad photoshop.” ([07:15])

Zach's inability to label the entity led him to consider various explanations, ranging from extraterrestrial beings and cryptids to spiritual or religious entities. This encounter profoundly impacted his worldview, making him more open to the possibilities of the unknown and less dismissive of others' paranormal experiences.

“It's given me a bit of a sense of wonder... feeling small knowing there's a lot we don't know.” ([43:10])

Host’s Reflections

Jack Wagner reflects on Zach's account, particularly fascinated by the entity's anomalous movement and light emission. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the event, noting the impossibility of conventional explanations and the lasting impression it left on both Zach and himself.

“The way it described this thing's movement... I've never heard anything like that before.” ([43:15])

Wagner underscores the episode's exploration of the thin veil during life transitions, where individuals might be more susceptible to unusual experiences. He commends Zach for his detailed and earnest recounting, which adds depth to the show's exploration of the paranormal.

Conclusion

Episode 117, "The Clearing," offers a compelling narrative of unexplained phenomena intertwined with personal transformation. Zach's story serves as a testament to the mysteries that lie beyond conventional understanding and the profound effects such encounters can have on one's perception of reality. Otherworld successfully captures the essence of the unknown, inviting listeners to ponder the vastness of unexplored mysteries that exist in the world around us.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Wagner [03:27]: “I think Zach was in one of those during this time... Everything just seems a little bit thinner, if that makes sense.”

• Zach [04:55]: “It's like somebody was dragging something or like a creature that had an injured leg.”

• Zach [07:15]: “It was as if it was putting out light that it shouldn't have... like a reverse creature made out of light.”

• Zach [43:10]: “It's given me a bit of a sense of wonder... feeling small knowing there's a lot we don't know.”

• Jack Wagner [43:15]: “The way it described this thing's movement... I've never heard anything like that before.”

Final Thoughts

"The Clearing" stands out as a thought-provoking episode that melds personal vulnerability with the quest for understanding the inexplicable. Zach's willingness to share his story, despite initial skepticism from those around him, underscores the show's commitment to uncovering genuine accounts of the paranormal. Listeners are left with lingering questions about the nature of the entity Zach encountered and the broader implications of such sightings.

For those intrigued by real-life paranormal stories and the human experiences behind them, Episode 117 of Otherworld is a must-listen.