Six Questions with Shannon M. Utz: Creator of Odious Soul and iTreasure Hunt

The Thrill of the Chase by Forrest Fenn has captured many a soul.  One of these is Odious Soul or AKA Shannon M. Utz.  MW wanted to catch up with her and learn more about the exciting treasure hunts she is creating, and just how she came about to The Thrill of the Chase. 

It is always a joy to learn more about the different searchers in the Chase.  The various ways the net was cast and brought in is fascinating.  I believe each of us are part of the search community for a reason, and each can be seen as beautiful.

So let’s learn more about Shannon!

• 1Q) Thanks Shannon for participating in Six Questions with MW!  I suppose I’d first like to ask how did you get involved in The Thrill of the Chase? When did you hear about Forrest Fenn’s hidden treasure adventure and want to get searching?

I vaguely remember seeing Fenn on the Today Show back in 2013, but I wasn’t in a place where I could travel to the Rocky Mountains, so I didn’t spend much time contemplating the notion at that time.  In November of 2017, my then boyfriend showed me a YouTube video that had several treasures that were still out there to be found.  Forrest’s treasure was one of them.  Something was different this time though.  I immediately went to work on the poem and have been hooked ever since.

• 2Q) What are you enjoying most about the Chase and had you searched for Treasure before Forrest’s hidden treasure chest?  Were you ever involved in previous Armchair Treasure Hunts?

What do I enjoy the most about the Chase?  I enjoy the possibility.  I enjoy the feeling of hope.  It doesn’t matter what is going on in my real life, if I want to escape the reality of any situation, I can easily and quickly fall down one of the rabbit holes in the hunt.  I enjoy reading, researching, and exploring nature with a purpose.

Before Forrest Fenn, I have never searched for treasure, neither armchair or BOTG.

• 3Q) Can you share more about the details for the iTreasureHunts you are creating on your YouTube Channel and blog? What inspired you to create the hunts? How many do you plan to make? How long might each one last?

I knew I was getting laid off from my day job, so I needed to create something to help take my mind off of it.  I thought some sort of game would be fun for both myself, and for my subscribers.  I am a big technology and Google junkie, so I figured some sort of armchair treasure hunt would be perfect!

The iTreasure Hunt is a series of 10 YouTube video Clues, to which you need to answer in succession on my website, odioussoul.com.  After you successfully answer all 10 Clues, you will be led to a page where you can claim your prize.  We have Silver Searcher Coins, Bronze Searcher Coins, Copper Art (thank you Dan and Frances Hedblom!), and a very special surprise figure doodle by Forrest Fenn himself.  The doodle will be awarded to the First Place Winner of the iTreasure Hunt, along with their choice of prize.  In total, 6 Winners will be awarded a prize.

I had so much fun creating this one, I would expect more in the future.  As for this one, all videos will be released by the end of January.  There are a lot of smart people out there, so I don’t expect it to take very long for all 6 of the prizes to be claimed.

• 4Q) Creating a treasure hunt is lots of fun, but also lots of work. Thanks for adding to the many treasure hunts out there for searchers to enjoy! What are you most looking forward to with offering the hunts to searchers? What do you hope searchers will get out of them?

I hope searchers will gain research skills and new knowledge.  Our brains like to be tested.  It makes us smarter, wiser, and more adaptive.  When I was in grades 5-7 in school, I was in a special “extended enrichment program”, where we got to do amazing and different things.  Our problem-solving skills were constantly tested, and I always reflect back on some of the activities we did.

As for me… I love seeing people have fun!  I love watching people achieve, and push pass the struggle.

• 5Q) I always love to hear about the wonderful things or adventures discovered while out searching.  Treasure can be found in so many different ways.  What is the most unique thing you discovered on the Chase?

Besides all of the bones, it would have to be my engagement ring. 🙂

• 6Q) Treasure hunting can be a roller coaster ride; up one minute, down the next, but the thrills are always worth it in the end.  Do you have any advice for searchers who might not like roller coasters, so to speak? What keeps you enjoying the Chase? Do you think you will ever just give up?

It is not in my personality to give up.  The best advice I can give anyone is to remember to live.  Life is short, and you shouldn’t put 100% of your focus on any treasure hunt.  Go out, meet people, socialize, and spend time with the people you love.  I think in this day and age, we underestimate the value of the treasure called family.  Be sure your priorities are aligned correctly.

What powerful and inspiring answers, Shannon!  Thank you so much for sharing them with us all!  Congrats on your engagement!  My husband and I have just celebrated our 30th anniversary, and there is nothing like sharing a life with your best friend.  The best TREASURE found of all!  So happy for you!

Although discussions on the itreasurehunts can of course be found under their videos, please feel free to open up discussions on the MW Forum.  There is a special section for hunts for Silver Searcher Coins, for  not only Shannon’s hunts but CopperDan’s.

Best of luck with all that you seek!  Always Treasure the Adventure!