Podcast Summary: "Past Life Detective"
Episode Details
- Title: Past Life Detective
- Podcast: Spooked by KQED and Snap Studios
- Host: Glynn Washington
- Source: Snap Judgment
- Release Date: June 24, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Spooked, Bob Snow shares his extraordinary journey from skepticism to conviction as he investigates memories from a possible past life. Hosted by Glynn Washington, the story delves deep into themes of reincarnation, obsession, and the thin line between belief and evidence.
Bob Snow’s Skepticism and the Catalyst (02:38 - 02:57)
Bob Snow, a former commander of Homicide, introduces his initial stance on past life regression therapy. Highly disciplined and driven by logic, Snow recounts his interaction with psychologist Kathy Graben, which set the stage for his unexpected exploration.
Bob Snow [02:57]: "I read a book about past life aggression therapy and I was talking to her about it. I didn't realize that Kathy used past life regression. So I think I was being kind of obnoxious putting it down so bad."
His dismissive attitude towards past life regression was soon challenged when Kathy referred him to Dr. Mary Ellen Griffith, prompting Snow to reluctantly attend a session.
The Hypnosis Session and the Unveiling of Memories (02:38 - 07:31)
Snow details his first hypnosis session, which he initially approached with skepticism. Determined to debunk the process, he brought a tape recorder to capture evidence.
Bob Snow [02:57]: “I decided I would take my own tape recorder along, record the session so I could bring it back to Kathy and show her how silly it was.”
Despite his intent to remain detached, Snow experienced vivid memories during the session, portraying himself as a caveman and an artist from the late 1800s. These detailed recollections conflicted with his rational beliefs, leading to an obsession with uncovering the truth behind these memories.
Bob Snow [02:54]: “...when she reached one, something really bizarre happened, something really stunning. All of a sudden I was in a valley... It was vividly clear.”
The Quest for Evidence: Research and Investigation (08:01 - 10:27)
Driven by the undeniable details from his regression, Snow embarked on an exhaustive search for evidence. He immersed himself in hundreds of art books, visited numerous bookstores, and consulted art galleries, striving to find the portrait he remembered.
Bob Snow [09:06]: “I went through every book the public library had. I went through all the books each bookstore had...”
His relentless pursuit led him to a gallery in New Orleans where he encountered a portrait eerily identical to his regression memory. The identification of the artist, J. Carroll Beckwith, further complicated his beliefs.
Bob Snow [12:39]: “It seemed like too important a story to keep quiet. So many things happened. So much information came from so many unexpected sources.”
Confronting Doubts and Seeking Validation (10:53 - 16:13)
Snow’s research appeared promising until he sought validation from his wife, Melanie, a skilled detective herself. Her impartial investigation revealed no contradictions to his past life memories, reinforcing his belief.
Bob Snow [14:16]: “If I prove reincarnation is real again, you have to throw away all your thoughts about how the universe works.”
Despite his wife’s skepticism and concerns about the impact on his career, Snow continued to delve deeper, meticulously cross-referencing every detail from Beckwith's extensive diaries.
Bob Snow [16:11]: “There is no doubt this case is solved.”
Repercussions on Career and Personal Life (16:30 - 19:43)
Snow’s public revelation of his experiences led to significant professional setbacks. Despite maintaining a high clearance rate in his department, his fixation on the supernatural resulted in his reassignment to less prominent roles.
Bob Snow [17:52]: “My career basically flatlined after that.”
Undeterred, Snow visited Beckwith’s grave to solidify his connection, only to experience a profound panic attack, highlighting the personal toll of his revelations.
Bob Snow [18:05]: “I was terrified. After that, I left. I can't worry about James Carroll Beckwith.”
Ultimately, Snow resolved to integrate his past life experiences with his present identity, choosing to continue his life as Bob Snow while grappling with the implications of his discoveries.
Conclusion and Reflection
Bob Snow concludes his narrative with a reflection on the balance between logic and belief. Despite the profound evidence supporting his past life memories, he remains cautious about the broader implications of such experiences on one's worldview.
Bob Snow [16:13]: “No. Absolutely. I mean, how else do you explain it? How would I have Carol Beckwith's memories in my mind?”
His story serves as a compelling exploration of the human psyche, the quest for truth, and the challenges of accepting phenomena beyond conventional understanding.
Notable Quotes
- Bob Snow [02:57]: “I thought I'd doing this was just foolishness.”
- Bob Snow [02:54]: “It was vividly clear. I could see the leaves on the trees...”
- Bob Snow [14:16]: “If I prove reincarnation is real again, you have to throw away all your thoughts about how the universe works.”
- Bob Snow [16:13]: “No. Absolutely. I mean, how else do you explain it?”
Final Thoughts
"Past Life Detective" is a thought-provoking episode that challenges listeners to consider the intersections of memory, belief, and identity. Bob Snow's meticulous journey from skepticism to conviction provides a nuanced perspective on the enigmatic concept of reincarnation, leaving audiences both intrigued and contemplative.
Connect with Spooked: Have a supernatural story to share? Send your experiences to spook@snapjudgment.org and visit snapjudgment.org for more intriguing tales.