Spookernatural

This week, listen to the final part of the exorcism of Robert Mannheim. Father Bowdern continues the fight to save the child's soul from the devil. The prayers don't seem to be working and the demon continues to tighten his grip on the boy. It's time for a new plan and Bowdern, with the help of his cronies Bishop and Halloran, embark on a renewed mission to rid Robbie of the evil that plagues him. Listen as Leigh and Nate share their ideas of what really happened to the kid - was it a hoax or a genuine possession? Sources: Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism by Thomas B. Allen

The Mannheim family have fled to St Louis, hoping a change of scenery would put a stop to the paranormal activity plaguing their son. However, the move seems to exacerbate Robbie's torment, so his terrified parents once again put their faith in the Catholic Church to save their boy. Two priests - Father Bishop and Father Bowdern - pick up where the injured Father Hughes left off. Can they banish the evil trying to take over Robbie? Listen and let us know what you think! Sources: Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism by Thomas B. Allen

This week, Leigh and Nate take you back in time to the 1940s, where young Robert Mannheim was plagued by something evil. The terrified family sought help from doctors, psychologists, and priests, but nothing seemed to help ease the child's torment. Was the child possessed or playing increasingly spectacular pranks on his family? Listen and let us know what you think. Source: Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism by Thomas B. Allen

This week, Leigh and Nate discuss the fascinating case of Shanti Devi: the child who claimed to be walking this earth for the second time. From the moment she talked, Shanti told stories about the woman she used to be and these seem to be confirmed by the man she claimed to be married to. Is Shanti's story proof that reincarnation is real or was it an intricate hoax that fooled the world? Listen and let us know what you think. Sources: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/signs-of-past-life-brian-weiss_n_3613092 https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/resources/advice-to-parents-of-children-who-are-spontaneously-recalling-past-life-memories/ https://goop.com/gb-en/wellness/spirituality/uncovering-past-lives/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/reincarnation https://edtimes.in/heres-the-story-of-shanti-devi-the-woman-who-convinced-mahatma-gandhi-of-her-reincarnation-and-remembering-her-past-life/ https://www.reincarnationresearch.com/reincarnation-case-of-lugdi-chaubey-shanti-devi-mathur-and-the-orb-phenomenon/

We're dipping our toe into Hindu mythology this week and focusing on Pishachas. According to the myth, these are flesh-eating demons that disguise themselves as human beings in order to stalk their prey. You could have one in your inner circle of friends and never know it, so make sure you listen to the episode to find out how to banish a Pishacha! Sources: https://www.hinduwebsite.com/symbolism/symbols/egg.asp https://www.britannica.com/topic/creation-myth/Creation-by-world-parents#ref409863 https://theinnerworld.in/state-of-affairs/ways-of-the-pishach/ https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/4429-supernatural-beings-and-deadly-deadline

This week, Leigh and Nate take you to Tranquille, British Columbia, Canada. A place steeped in a rich and bloody history that could be the perfect melting pot for paranormal activity. Could the cultural trauma of the indeginous people ripped from their lands or pain and suffering of those that lost their lives to TB still linger? Listen to this week's episode and let us know whether you think this is the real deal or an ingenious marketing scheme. Sources: https://infotel.ca/newsitem/the-deep-dark-and-mysterious-history-of-tranquille-sanatorium-and-psychiatric-hospital/it64157 https://infotel.ca/newsitem/kamloopss-tranquille-sanatorium-named-one-of-10-most-haunted-places-in-canada/it77600 http://www.superstitioustimes.com/is-tranquille-the-victim-of-wild-imaginations/ https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/tranquille-sanatorium/ https://tranquille.ca/living-tranquilles-history/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqHsHk0yG20&t=37s

In 18th Century France, a beast roams the woods and feasts on the people of Gevaudan. The terror felt by the townsfolk extended far beyond their homes and the story became an international sensation. Hunters, even those sent on a royal command, descended on the area, hoping to be the one that fired the fatal shot. But what they found when they arrived would shake them to their core. Will we ever truly know what creature the Beast of Gevaudan was? Sources: https://www.history.com/news/beast-gevaudan-france-theories The Wolf Threat in France from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century, Jean-Marc Moriceau https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01011915/document Monsters of Gevaudan: Making of a Beast, Jay M. Smith https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karl-Hans-Taake/publication/339458501_Carnivore_Attacks_on_Humans_in_Historic_France_and_Germany_To_Which_Species_Did_the_Attackers_Belong/links/5e53fee892851c1dcb8a0419/Carnivore-Attacks-on-Humans-in-Historic-France-and-Germany-To-Which-Species-Did-the-Attackers-Belong.pdf

Stocksbridge, a town famous for steel, mills, and local charm, could also be home to something more sinister. Could the bypass built to keep the town quiet have disturbed some long dormant evil or are the people who drive down the stretch of road all feeding into each other's delusion? Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz58LKMufic https://www.stocksbridgehs.co.uk/archive/stocksbridge/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAP-7pCUuQg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8bwFG8bf3c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTNAhebSSxc

Last week, Nate and Leigh talked about the bloodstained history of the Cecil Hotel, this week, they look at the alleged paranormal activity that plagues the building. They talk about the possibility of the Cecil Hotel being charged by the negative energy released during violent murders and accidental deaths. Could this energy be responsible for the many suicides that happened at the Cecil Hotel? Could it be the reason behind Elisa Lam's erratic behaviour captured on camera before her death? Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to Spookernatural! Sources: Haunted Encounters (S1 E4) Ghost Adventures: Cecil Hotel CECIL HOTEL Solo Explorations into its Dark Side - YouTube Is LA's Cecil Hotel the most haunted hotel in the world? – Film Daily Cecil Hotel: Death, Serial Killers and Ghosts in Los Angeles - Amy's Crypt

A new Netflix documentary looks at the infamous disappearance of 21-year-old student Elisa Lam, but that's not the only tragedy at the Cecil Hotel. This week, Nate and Leigh talk about the history of this infamous building, which seems to be popular among those who wish to commit suicide or murder. The roaring 20s birthed the Cecil Hotel and the Great Depression crippled it, transforming it from an upmarket escape for the middle class to a dilapidated boarding house for Los Angeles' down and out. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to us! Sources: Cecil Hotel: How many deaths have happened there? (popbuzz.com) The Cecil Hotel: The deaths and dark history (cosmopolitan.com) A Complete Timeline of the Cecil Hotel (cosmopolitan.com) The Tragedy of Pigeon Goldie. The 65-year-old was raped and murdered… | by Jessie London | The True Crime Edition | Feb, 2021 | Medium Richard Ramirez - Murders, Death & Facts - Biography Jack Unterweger - Movie, Crimes & Facts - Biography 6 Brutal Moments In Cecil Hotel's History That Aren't Elisa Lam's Death (pedestrian.tv) Horror at the Cecil Hotel: Suicidal woman jumps to death from 9th floor and lands on passer-by (monstersandcritics.com) The Black Dahlia — FBI The Crime Scene – The Black Dahlia (unc.edu) Crime Scene: The Vanishing at The Cecil Hotel (Netflix) True Crime Kent, Cecil Hotel (Podcast)

This week, Leigh is back at the helm and armed with the true story behind the 2014 film Deliver Us From Evil. Ralph Sarchie, a former NYPD sergeant who moonlights as a demonologist, claims to have performed at least 25 exorcisms. In his book, Beware the Night, he provides his account of five cases he worked on, adding strange asides about his work as a cop. Listen as Leigh tells Nate about Sarchie's opinions about scientific methods when it comes to the paranormal, and how there is very little objective evidence to back up his grandiose claims. One thing is for sure though, he really wants you to know that he never charged a cent for performing “God's work”. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you listen to the show! Sources: https://theweek.com/articles/445607/real-story-behind-deliver-from-evil https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/deliver-us-from-evil/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL4DaJ0aJt0 https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/06/29/deliver-us-from-evil-ralph-sarchie-/10280479/ https://medium.com/@taliav266/ralph-sarchi-paranormal-investigater-and-father-b56cb9c891a5 Beware the Night, by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool

If you're hearing a howl in the night, it could be the death knell for you or someone you know. This week, Nate and Leigh discuss the Banshee, a mysterious figure from Celtic folklore. While descriptions vary, one thing is consistent: a sorrowful and gut-wrenching wail that heralds death for any person that hears it. The hosts discuss whether they think she is an evil creature or a neutral entity that has been forced into a life of sorrow. You can also listen to Leigh talk about how she may be being haunted! Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to us! Sources: The Wailing Irish Banshee - Irish Folklore Stories From Ireland (yourirish.com) The Banshee: Celtic Messengers of Death | Historic Mysteries Banshee - Female Spirit in Irish Mythology | Mythology.net The Banshee - Also Known as The Wailing Woman (myrealireland.com) A Little Bit Irish - Folklore - Part 2 - The banshee - Bing video

Apologies in advance! We look forward to seeing you next week!

Are your eyes playing tricks on you or is there something lurking in the shadows? This week, Nate and Leigh talk about the strange phenomenon of shadow people and the different theories of what they could be. Are they leftover energy from the recently deceased? Could they be demons wanting to feed off our fear? Listen as the hosts discuss the theories that they buy and the fringe ones that are too funny to be true. Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Sources: Shadow People & Dark Beings - NATALIA KUNA | Psychic, Energy Healer | Spiritual Course Academy launching 2021 4 Types of Shadow People – What They Are And What They Want – ParaRational Explanations for the "Shadow People" Phenomenon (liveabout.com) Shadow People Is a Phenomenon of a Fleeting Human Shape (liveabout.com) Shadow People 101 - What Are They, What Do they Look Like? | Haunted Rooms®

This week, Leigh takes the reins and tells the truly terrifying tale that inspired Kevin Williamson to write his breakthrough screenplay, Scream. Basing the film on the Gainesville Ripper, Williamson tries to capture the fear that grips a small community when an unknown killer goes on a murderous spree. Let us know which you think is scarier: the film or the true story of a man that killed five college students in less than a week. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you listen to Spookernatural. Sources: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/women-leave/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/danny-rolling-gainesville-ripper https://www.biography.com/news/danny-rolling-scream-killer-gainesville https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r1/rolling-daniel-harold.htm https://www.nine.com.au/entertainment/latest/gainesville-ripper-real-life-murders-inspiration-scream-movies/c2e36b90-a6a7-4f7f-82f5-3fa4887d4a94

What makes living in swamp lands in the early 20th century even better? Well, it certainly isn't catching tuberculosis. Opened in 1910, Waverly Hills Sanatorium was the place to be if you lived in Louisville and happened to contract the disease. During the 50 years it was open, thousands of people died, making it a big attraction for those on the hunt for something supernatural. Many claim to have seen apparitions, but is this just confirmation bias? Listen to this week's episode and let us know what you think! Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you listen to Spookernatural. Sources: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/waverly-hills-sanatorium-ky/amp/ https://kyhi.org/other/tuberculosis-sanatoria/waverly-hills-sanatorium/ https://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/about/ https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/waverlytb S4 E4 of Ghost Adventures S2 E9 of Ghost Hunters

This week, Nate and Leigh talk about the fascinating phenomenon of déjà vu, which is when you feel like you're experiencing something for the second time. They discuss the most common paranormal theories behind the sensation, such as immortal creatures that like to body swap and multiple timelines accidentally interacting. Listen as Nate dons his tin foil hat and takes you down a rabbit hole that you may feel like you've been in before. Have you ever experienced déjà vu? Let us know by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us! Sources: Spiritual Meaning of Déjà Vu - Forever Conscious Déjà Vu Dreams: What They Mean (And Why You Have Them!) (backpackerverse.com) 7 Possible Causes of Déjà Vu You Might've Heard Before - ActiveBeat Michio Kaku: What Is Déjà Vu? | Big Think - YouTube

As the year draws to a close, Spookernatural looks at the horror stories surrounding New Year's Eve - some cultural and some personal. Nate and Leigh discuss folklore in China and Japan, where the celebrations are linked to keeping evil at bay, and their own nightmarish tales linked to December 31st. It's probably best not to eat anything while you listen to this episode, as vomit is mentioned more than the hosts would like. Do you have any horror stories about New Year's Eve? Let us know by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us! Sources: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-legends.htm https://chinesenewyear.net/myths/ https://scarylittlechristmas.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/new-years-eve-with-demons/amp/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/meet-namahage-japans-straw-caped-demon-like-deity/%3famp=1 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/krystieyandoli/new-years-horror-stories-that-will-make-you-want-to-stay

France is the last stop on Spookernatrual's tour of European festive folklore. This week, Nate and Leigh discuss Père Fouettard, the murderous butcher forced to repent for his crimes, and Hans Trapp, a man who's banishment led him straight to cannibalism. Both men work for St Nick as his Christmas cronies, handing out the punishment to kids who haven't behaved. Would the prospect of a beating from Père or an eating from Hans keep you on the straight and narrow when you were a child? Let us know what you think by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us! Sources: Ten Terrifying Christmas Customs and Legends From Around the World Will Give You Chills (historycollection.com) The Terrible Tale Of Hans Trapp, The Christmas Scarecrow - Ripley's Believe It or Not! French Christmas Lore: Père Noël and His Assistant, Père Fouettard - Holidappy - Celebrations Le Père Fouettard: The French Christmas cannibal who serves Santa Claus | All About History (historyanswers.co.uk)

Deck the halls with guts and innards, fa la la la la la la. This week, Nate and Leigh look at Germany's festive folklore, which involves being taken away by Krampus or having your belly slit open by Frau Perchta. They also debate which is worse: being murdered by a Christmas monster or finding sticky sweets in your shoes. Would the thought of your innards becoming outards make you behave as a child or would you risk the wrath of a holiday horror? Let us know what you think by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us! Sources: http://www.stephenmorrisauthor.com/?s=Perchta&submit=Search https://boroughsofthedead.com/frau-perchta/ https://open.spotify.com/episode/04iy58PjuUQsCRtkr7c0Mg?si=YOd3J9QQS92-wyCG-o4vjQ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/12/131217-krampus-christmas-santa-devil/ https://www.history.com/.amp/news/krampus-christmas-legend-origin https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/krampus-could-come-you-holiday-season-180957438/ https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/krampus-percht

Have you been good this year or will your name appear on Santa's naughty list? If it's the latter and you live in Iceland there might be harsher consequences than finding a lump of coal in your stocking on Christmas morning. This week, Nate and Leigh talk about Icelandic folklore surrounding the festive period. The episode includes a cannibalistic ogress that's on her third husband, and a bunch of mischievous lads that might leave you a gift or a gag, depending on your behaviour. Would these creepy tales keep you in line as a child? Let us know what you think by getting in touch with the show and leaving us a review wherever you listen to us! Sources: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-thirteen-yule-lads-icelands-own-mischievous-santa-clauses-180948162/ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/568050/gryla-christmas-troll-iceland https://www.google.com/amp/s/guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/gryla-and-leppaludi-the-parents-of-the-icelandic-yule-lads/amp https://adventures.is/blog/the-icelandic-yule-lads/ https://youtu.be/PQNet3oRm4Q

Voodoo, hoo dis? This week, Nate and Leigh discuss the voodoo that developed in Haiti between the 16th and 19th centuries. They talk about the common misconceptions the West has about this particular religious practice and how it was made out to be sinister by white people that didn't understand what they were seeing (try not to be too shocked at this). Get in touch with us and let us know what you think of this week's episode. Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vodou https://www.learnreligions.com/vodou-an-introduction-for-beginners-95712 https://www.google.com/amp/s/glitternight.com/2014/08/13/the-top-eleven-deities-in-voodoo-mythology/amp/ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a34115081/hoodoo-vs-voodoo-facts-history/ https://www.voodoobeginner.com/chapters/the-dark-side-of-voodoo/

In this month's movie club, Leigh and Nate look at how Netflix's ‘Veronica' measures up against the true story of Estefanía Gutiérrez Lázaro, a teenager who died in Madrid in very suspicious circumstances. Listen as Leigh explains how this is still considered one of the most infamous cases of paranormal activity in Spain, enjoying the same kind of notoriety attached to the Amityville murders and the Enfield hauntings. Get in touch and let us know which is scarier: the movie or the true story. Was Estefanía killed by a sinister supernatural entity or was she the victim of a human killer? Sources: https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/veronica-scariest-horror-film-ever-2252230 https://auralcrave.com/en/2019/10/27/the-vallecas-case-the-true-story-behind-veronica-movie/

Double, double, toil and trouble; this week's episode will make you chuckle (hopefully). Leigh and Nate are talking about the reasons you could be labelled a witch in the 18th Century, including having red hair and having too many children. They discuss what was involved in witchcraft trials in the UK and how those who were convicted were executed. This week's story is about using a spell to get revenge and it not turning out exactly as expected. Do you believe witches walk among us in the 21st Century? Do you practice witchcraft? Get in touch with the show and tell us your thoughts. Sources: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/87880/5-british-witch-trials#:~:text=Witch%20trials%20were%20being%20carried%20out%20all%20across,last%20in%20England%20to%20lead%20to%20an%20execution. https://www.salemtarot.com/archive/seminar.html https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/55276/17-signs-youd-qualify-witch-1692 http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/witchcraft.html#:~:text=Throughout%20Europe%20in%20the%2016th%20and%2017th%20centuries%2C,time%2C%20especially%20in%20Germany%20%2C%20France%20and%20Scotland.

This week, Nate and Leigh discuss the fascinating history of the Ouija board. They talk about who created it, the trouble it caused investors, and how it was reimagined as a game for children. You can listen to them chat about their own experiences using the board, including how much Leigh had to cajole Nate into trying it out. This week's story explores the idea that you never know who's coming through from the other side when you meddle with Ouija boards. Have you used one before? Did you make contact with something otherworldly? Get in touch and tell us about your experiences. Sources: https://vocal.media/horror/why-does-hasbro-make-ouija-boards https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-strange-and-mysterious-history-of-the-ouija-board-5860627/ https://www.kennardnoveltycompany.com

Mirror, mirror on the wall, are they spooky or just banal? This week, Nate and Leigh discuss this staple of horror films and delve into why they are used to scare people. They talk about urban legends and even try one to see if anything happens. Leigh's spooky tale uses a famous mirror-inhabiting ghoul to try and scare you silly. As always, we'd love to hear your spooky mirror stories. Get in touch with us and let us know if an urban legend has worked for you. References: Story 1 ‘Bloody Mary', based on u/Panda_Roo42's comment on: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/iggkz3/has_anyone_ever_performed_the_bloody_mary_ritual/

Welcome to Spookernatural's inaugural Movie Club! Nate takes the reins this week and describes the real-life story of Annabelle, a doll so evil that it has to be imprisoned in the Warrens' occult museum and regularly blessed by a priest. The hosts discuss the differences between the real life story and the movie adaptation, as well as which doll is scarier. Get in touch with the show to tell us what you think of Annabelle - is she really as evil as we've been led to believe? References: https://tonyspera.com/ https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/annabelle/ https://www.nhregister.com/lifestyle/article/Real-Annabelle-story-shared-by-Lorraine-11382545.php https://allthatsinteresting.com/annabelle-doll

This week, Nate and Leigh go through the basics of Demonology. They delve into the history of demons and the religious background, as well as having an argument of who went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus or Moses. Listen and find out why Leigh hasn't been able to sleep or the last week while finding material for her spooky tale. As always, get in touch with the show and share your demonic experiences!

This week, Nate and Leigh bring you Hauntings 101. They discuss the difference between residual and intelligent hauntings, as well as their own ghostly encounters, and whether they are skeptics or true believers. You will also hear two tales based on real-life experiences that Leigh has twisted into terrifying stories that will keep you up at night. Get in touch with the show to share your own stories! Resources: Story 1 ‘The Shadow Mother', based on https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/ihaivf/shadows_of_a_mother_and_her_child/ Story 2 - ‘We've Finally Sold It', based on https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/ikdir0/you_just_dont_know_the_relief/

Purveyors of the paranormal. Slingers of the spooky. Hawkers of haunting tales. This is Spookernatural! Join us every Tuesday as we explore supernatural phenomena, generally-accepted theories, and stories based on real-life experiences. If you like to be alarmed and amused, you're in the right place. We'd love to hear from you, so follow us @spookerpod on Instagram and Twitter.