The Night Owl: True Ghost Stories

Episode 61 – Haunted Freddo ATX, Part III (June 30, 2025)

Overview

In this climactic third part of the Haunted Freddo ATX series, host Stephen Belyeu and the Night Owl Paranormal Research Society return for one last investigation at Freddo ATX, a historic Victorian-era home turned cafe in Austin, Texas, known for persistent paranormal activity. Building on revelations from earlier episodes—where psychics detected child spirits, a strong maternal presence, a second unidentified woman, a male entity (Walter), and the recurring name Mary—this episode is the most experimental to date. The team brings back all three psychic mediums, integrates advanced techniques (Estes and Ganzfeld experiments), seeks answers from the lingering spirits, and thoughtfully examines the family history behind the home.

The episode transitions between historical research, interviews, and extensive live-channeling sessions. The ultimate aim: to pierce the mysteries of Freddo ATX and give voice to the spirits—particularly Walter and Mary Tipps—while striving to understand how history and hauntings intertwine.

Episode Structure & Key Segments

1. [00:00–09:13] – Introduction

• Stephen contextualizes the investigation, recaps previous findings, and outlines new goals and experimental methods (tri-psychic collaboration, updated equipment).
• He details the process of bringing psychics together, contrasts past isolation protocols, and previews a deeper historical dig into the Tipps family and the house.

2. [09:13–22:18] – Historical Deep Dive: The Life of Walter Tipps & the Home

• Stephen gives an exhaustive, carefully researched account of Walter Tipps’ life, family, career, and the home's migration throughout Austin’s history.
• Key facts:
  • Built in 1876 for Walter Tipps Sr., a German immigrant, Civil War veteran, merchant, banker, and state senator.
  • House hosted funerals and presidential visits, and witnessed several family tragedies—most notably the early death of an infant daughter (Clara), Walter Jr. (age 16), and Walter’s own passing at home.
  • The building has been relocated, repurposed, and restored multiple times, eventually becoming Freddo ATX cafe.

3. [13:59–20:51] – Guest Interview: Danielle "Paranormal Princess"

• Danielle shares impressions from her own investigation at Freddo ATX, conducted without historical context or prior knowledge.
• Notable insights:
  • Felt unusually comfortable upstairs, especially in the right/front room.
  • Esteemed method session produced names (“Alex”, “Sarah”, “Walter”), repeated themes of “dad” and “family,” and the numbers 4 and 6.
  • EMF activity matched reported hotspots; SLS camera detected possible movements.
  • Spirits seemed eager to talk about family, but became reticent or told them to "stop" when pressed.

“Right after I heard the name Walter come through the headset, I just sat there, stunned.” – Danielle, 18:05

Cross-validation: Danielle’s session echoed names and dynamics picked up by the Night Owl team—especially the children, the “dad” figure, and “Walter.”

4. [22:18–31:55] – Psychics’ Baseline Impressions & Historical Validations

• Each psychic is briefed to listen to part one, shifting focus toward new revelations.
• Jeffrey (Psychic Medium):
  • Visualizes children (possibly twins), maternal figure, and Walter very much “living in the house.”
  • Notes a gentle, non-angry energy, especially strong on the second floor.
  • Indicates the spirits seem “still just living in the house.” ([23:28])
• Kate (Psychic Medium):
  • Immediately recognizes “Mary” as the dominant female presence; feels her desire for recognition.
  • Identifies playful, familial dynamics among spirits—particularly children, but notes confusion about their actual historic identities.
  • Detects a more shadowy, unrelated male spirit lingering downstairs (possibly Edward, a coachman per newly found records).
  • Observes: “It feels like Walter especially is very particular… he'll slam drawers or things like that.” ([36:56])
• Meg (Psychic Medium):
  • Emphasizes a non-threatening environment; dynamic, but not dark.
  • Senses lost babies, women’s unspoken stories, and possible residual trauma from miscarriages (“It just sort of happened, and the women would deal with it… not discussed.” – [54:24])
  • Distinguishes between family spirits and those who may be transient or land-attached.

5. [62:25–84:27] – Experiment 1 & 2: Dual-Psychic Channeling Sessions (Estes + Ganzfeld)

Session 1: Kate (Estes) + Jeffrey (Ganzfeld)

• Findings:
  • Both independently describe children (“a little girl with braids… five years old”), a maternal figure, and Walter (“the guy with the mustache”).
  • Themes: crying, loss, trying to communicate (“It’s hard for me to communicate, but I am trying.” – Kate, [64:11]), confusion about timelines, music (“I hear music. Almost like singing.” – Jeffrey, [63:31]).
  • Family references (grandchild, sons, granddaughter), mention of specific names (“Mary,” “Walter,” “Ann”).

“Walter giggling... speak the truth.” – Kate, [65:11]
“He winked at me.” – Jeffrey, [70:10]

• Session ends with clear signs of agitation (“Get out”, “Frustration”), as well as consistent musical interruptions whenever deeper truths are approached.

Session 2: Meg (Estes) + Alexis (Ganzfeld)

• Findings:
  • Immediate feeling of overwhelming masculine energy; “too many men” in the room seems to impede contact (“It’s too many men, it’s too hard.” – Meg, [76:41]).
  • Classical music again appears as a distraction.
  • Alexis feels physically affected (“Pressure… Like on the body… being crushed” – [78:05]); mentions of “baby,” “accident,” “get up.”
  • Unclear, possibly land-tied or non-family female presence described as “oppressed,” resistant to speak, and feeling watched.

Reflections:

• Reactions indicate distinct, possibly overlapping, spirits exist on separate “timelines.”
• Spirits seem sensitive to group energy (especially males), suggesting the environment impacts communications significantly.

6. [87:19–95:23] – Experiment 3: Franklin (Skeptic Team Member) Solo Hybrid Session

• Findings:
  • Jumps at a spirit woman’s face, feels overwhelmed.
  • Encounters classical music manifestations, repeated mentions of “babies,” and strangely profane language not typical for an AM band scan.
  • Spirit shows personality (and some attitude) — believed to be Walter.
  • Suggests spirits may have hidden “something in the walls or floor,” which is always blocked out by classical music after being mentioned.

“Every time I would want to say like ‘floor, hardwood, wall, balcony,’ classical music would cut me off.” – Franklin, [95:07]

• Strong impression of multiple presences: “There was a younger man’s voice, an older man’s voice, and a woman’s voice.” – Franklin

7. [96:20–107:41] – Experiment 4: Kate (Ganzfeld) + Alexis (Estes)

• Findings:
  • The session captures back-and-forth banter, interruption, and crosstalk between a strong male (Walter) and the female spirit (Mary).
  • Unusually modern and profane language comes through (“You look stupid,” “shut up,” “stupid head”), all within the parameters of the AM scan.
  • Each side continually tries to “talk over” the other.
  • Kate and Alexis seem to debate—sometimes sound like an argumentative, yet familiar, couple.
  • There are direct, sometimes protective, instructions about the business (“Be respectful. No smoking, OK, near the pipe.” – [100:42]).
  • Kate/Mary: “We want our voices heard. Our stories to be told… we can’t be pushed out. This is our home too.” ([103:05–103:10])

Humor & Personality

• Walter’s personality surfaces: direct, occasionally rude but witty, seemingly enjoying the attention (“I love Walter so much… That was his personality. I wish I knew more about him.” – Stephen, [107:23])

8. [111:44–118:55] – Conclusions & Final Reflections

• Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of historic respect (“He comes from a different time. His name is Mr. Tipps… seeing him almost as a silent partner or mentor might change the energy.” – [112:20])
• Alexis: Proposes ceremonial intervention to “get them on the same page,” allowing spirits needing to cross over to do so, while integrating others as positive presences tied to the home and business.
• Stephen reflects: “We didn’t walk away with clear answers, but maybe that’s okay… Not every haunting is a mystery to solve; sometimes it’s just stories that need telling.” ([118:55])

Recognition of Stories Previously Unheard

• Mary’s narrative, largely lost to history, is finally honored:

  “I’d like to believe what my psychics felt and described: that Mary was a kind, nurturing soul… If she still lingers here, it’s not to haunt, but to remain with the people and place that shaped her most.” – Stephen, [118:55]

Core Episode Themes & Insights

- Complex Haunting, Layered Presences

• Core family spirits: The evidence most clearly supports the continued presence of Walter (“Mr. Tipps”) and Mary Tipps.
• Children and others: Multiple child spirits are seen, but their ages and details don’t match the Tipps’ known children; psychics lean toward these being “passersby” or land-tied spirits.
• A younger, agitated woman may be connected to the land or previous house sites along the structure’s relocation path (per Alexis).
• Downstairs male presence (possibly “Edward”) not easily tied to the family—may be coachman Edward Erickson; remains much more shadowy.

- Spirit Personalities (Notable Quotes and Moments)

• Walter/Mr. Tipps:
  • A dominant, direct, sometimes playful energy, frustrated by lack of respect for history, yet interested in the home’s present.

  "He comes across as intelligent and direct. And that tone was beginning to surface again here." – Stephen [74:00]
  “Short, impatient replies, interruptions from classical music overriding other voices.” – Stephen [110:19]

• Mary Tipps:
  • Persistent desire to have her story told; nurturing, occasionally overwhelmed by Walter’s force of personality.

  “She was like, ‘I want my story told. They always just talk about him, but never about me.’” – Kate [36:56]

- Communication Barriers & Paranormal Phenomena

• Classical music interruptions:

  • Whenever deeper questions are asked (especially about the past, hidden things, or the more oppressed female spirit), classical music flares up, making it hard to get straight answers.

• Profanity and modern language:

  • The channeling sessions frequently produce profanity and pointed insults, despite AM bandwidth restrictions—suggesting a spirit deliberately aiming for impact.

  “I was just repeating it the way he was saying it… and you really were hearing that, like, clear.” – Alexis [109:01]

• Environmental & Group Energy:

  • Spirits appear more or less communicative depending on the psychic’s technique, group makeup, and gender balance ("too many men" theme).

• Residual vs. Intelligent Hauntings:

  • The psychics sense both: sometimes events seem replayed (children playing), other times there’s direct, live interaction (banter, jokes, requests).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [13:59] Danielle’s investigation at Freddo ATX (EMF findings, names Alex & Sarah, Estes session results)
• [23:28] Jeffrey’s baseline impressions: twins, children, “still living in the house”
• [36:56] Kate validates “Mary”, describes the overlooked story of Walter’s wife, and highlights motherly energy
• [52:34] Meg discusses lost babies, untold women’s stories, and possible land-tied spirits
• [62:25] Dual-Psychic Experiments begin: session highlights include “Speak the truth,” “Walter giggling,” “I can almost hear a voice”
• [70:10] “He winked at me” – Jeffrey
• [76:41] “Too many men. It’s too hard.” – Meg, as female presence resists dialogue
• [87:27] Franklin’s solo session: “I saw this woman face just come right at me… yelling at me in my face.”
• [100:42] “Be respectful. No smoking, OK, near the pipe.” – Alexis (Estes)
• [107:16] Banter, insults, and humor peak: “You look stupid.” – Spirit via Alexis
• [112:20] Jeffrey’s recap: Reverence for Mr. Tipps, role of historical protocol in reducing friction
• [118:55] Stephen’s closing thoughts: Mary’s story honored; not all hauntings need solving, some need telling

Summary Table of Recurring Entities

| Entity | Connection | Evidence/Phenomena | Psychic/Investigator Comments | |------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Walter Tipps | Patriarch, main owner | Classical music, “Mr. Tipps”, mustache, directness | “Treat him as a silent partner or mentor” | | Mary Tipps | Matriarch, wife | Wanting her story told, window, nurturing, name “Mary” | Felt overlooked, “always just talk about him”| | Child Spirits | None confirmed as Tipps’ | Young boy/girl, “Sarah,” play, window sightings | May be land-tied/passerby, timelines unclear | | “Edward” (Coachman?) | 1910 census, servant | Shadowy figure downstairs, technical malfunctions | May explain electrical phenomena | | Young woman | Unknown (land?) | Resists men, overlapped voices, anger, feeling watched| Possibly picked up during house relocation |

Final Takeaways

• Fredo ATX’s haunting is multilayered—anchored by Walter and Mary Tipps, but also colored by transient or land-tied spirits, the effects of the home’s relocation, and a potent mix of residual and intelligent presences.
• Walter’s personality is undeniable: proud, protective, sometimes comical, seeking respect and acknowledgement.
• Mary steps out of the shadows at last, her longing to be remembered validated through psychic impressions and historical research.
• Communication blocks (music, banter, attitude) seem to reflect both the personalities of spirits and a possible friction between past and present—needing negotiation, respect for history, and inclusive narrative.
• Not every mystery is meant to be solved; sometimes, “the activity seems to carry one consistent thread – the desire to be seen, heard and remembered.” (Stephen [118:55])

“Thank you for letting us share your stories, Mr. And Mrs. Tipps. Thank you Walter and Mary.” – Stephen Belyeu ([closing])

For more information, future episodes, or to attend the annual Halloween Spirit Social event, visit thenightowlpodcast.com.

This summary provides an immersive, accurate retelling of episode 61, capturing every key discussion, major revelation, and memorable moment—as if you experienced this eerie, fascinating night at Freddo ATX firsthand.