Episodes

  • Living with the Unexplained: Modern Families and Their Noisy Spirits

    Living with the Unexplained: Modern Families and Their Noisy Spirits
    Jul 1 2026
    Join host Eleanor Voss as she explores the fascinating world of modern families reporting unexplained phenomena in their homes. This episode of Poltergeists examines documented accounts of contemporary households experiencing unusual disturbances, from traditional unexplained sounds and moving objects to modern technological anomalies involving smart devices and electronic equipment.

    Discover the cultural and historical context surrounding poltergeist phenomena, exploring how these experiences have been documented across different societies and time periods. Learn about the research approaches used to investigate these reports, including the importance of ruling out conventional explanations like structural issues and electromagnetic interference.

    The episode delves into the psychological and social aspects of these experiences, examining how family dynamics, cultural beliefs, and life transitions may influence both the occurrence and interpretation of unexplained household phenomena. From ancestral presence to environmental factors, explore the various frameworks different cultures use to understand these mysterious occurrences.

    Whether you're interested in folklore, cultural anthropology, or simply curious about the unexplained, this episode offers a balanced exploration of one of humanity's most enduring mysteries. Perfect for listeners fascinated by paranormal phenomena, family psychology, and the intersection of technology with traditional ghost stories.
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    4 mins
  • Cross-Cultural Chaos: Poltergeists Around the World

    Cross-Cultural Chaos: Poltergeists Around the World
    Jun 24 2026
    Join Eleanor Voss on a captivating journey exploring poltergeist phenomena across different cultures and continents. This episode examines how various societies have documented and interpreted unexplained household disturbances throughout history. From Japan's tsukumogami tradition and German poltergeist origins to Scandinavian nisse folklore and Native American spiritual concepts, discover the remarkable consistency of reported phenomena paired with beautifully diverse cultural interpretations. Explore Latin American duende traditions, modern urban cases like Enfield, and contemporary Indian perspectives on unexplained disturbances. This cross-cultural examination reveals fascinating patterns in human experience while respecting diverse spiritual and cultural frameworks. Perfect for listeners interested in folklore, cultural anthropology, unexplained phenomena, and comparative religious studies. Eleanor presents these documented historical accounts with sensitivity and balance, treating all cultural traditions with respect while exploring the enduring mysteries that connect human experiences across time and geography. Discover how ancient wisdom continues to inform modern interpretations of household disturbances worldwide.
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    5 mins
  • The Science of the Supernatural: What Physics Says About Poltergeists

    The Science of the Supernatural: What Physics Says About Poltergeists
    Jun 17 2026
    In this thought-provoking episode of Poltergeists, we examine what modern physics might tell us about centuries of documented unexplained phenomena. From electromagnetic fields and infrasound to quantum mechanics and static electricity, we explore scientific principles that could potentially contribute to understanding poltergeist reports throughout history. We discuss how geological factors like piezoelectric effects in quartz-rich bedrock might create unusual environmental conditions, and examine the role of human perception in documenting unexplained experiences. The episode delves into fascinating connections between historical accounts and our modern understanding of forces like low-frequency sound waves and electromagnetic disturbances that were unknown to previous generations. We explore how sleep deprivation, stress, and environmental factors might influence perception while maintaining respect for the cultural significance of these experiences across different societies. The discussion includes analysis of why certain locations and conditions seem to correlate with reported phenomena, and how the scientific method applies to investigating spontaneous, non-reproducible events. Perfect for listeners interested in the intersection of science and unexplained phenomena, this episode encourages critical thinking while acknowledging the enduring mystery of poltergeist accounts in human cultural history.
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    6 mins
  • Investigating the Investigators: Harry Price and the Evolution of Ghost Hunting

    Investigating the Investigators: Harry Price and the Evolution of Ghost Hunting
    Jun 10 2026
    In this episode of Poltergeists, we explore the fascinating evolution of paranormal investigation from pioneering researcher Harry Price to modern ghost hunting techniques. Harry Price, born in 1881, revolutionized the field by introducing scientific methodology to supernatural investigations, most famously at Borley Rectory, which he called 'the most haunted house in England.' We examine Price's systematic approach, including his use of controlled conditions, detailed documentation, and early recording equipment at his National Laboratory of Psychical Research. The episode also addresses the controversies surrounding Price's work and how they influenced modern investigative standards. We trace the development from Price's glass plate cameras and basic instruments to today's sophisticated digital equipment, electromagnetic field detectors, and full-spectrum cameras. Despite technological advances, the fundamental challenges remain unchanged - distinguishing genuine unexplained phenomena from natural events while accounting for psychological factors. The episode highlights how Price's emphasis on scientific rigor, public documentation, and educational outreach continues to influence contemporary paranormal researchers. We explore how modern investigators have learned from Price's controversies, emphasizing skeptical analysis and peer review. The cultural impact of Price's work on popular entertainment and folklore is also discussed, showing how his methodical approach established templates still used today in literature, film, and television portrayals of ghost hunting.
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    6 mins
  • The Amherst Mystery: Nova Scotia's Violent Spirit

    The Amherst Mystery: Nova Scotia's Violent Spirit
    Jun 3 2026
    Explore the Great Amherst Mystery, one of North America's most documented cases of alleged supernatural activity. In 1878, the small Nova Scotia town of Amherst became the center of extraordinary events surrounding nineteen-year-old Esther Cox and the Teed family home on Princess Street. This episode examines the extensive contemporary documentation, including medical reports by Dr. Nathan Tupper, investigations by stage magician Walter Hubbell, and newspaper coverage that brought national attention to the case. Unlike typical ghost stories passed down through oral tradition, the Amherst Mystery generated written records from multiple independent sources including physicians, clergy, journalists, and skeptical investigators. The phenomena allegedly included moving furniture, flying objects, spontaneous fires, and physical effects that witnesses claimed they couldn't explain through natural causes. The case occurred during the late 1800s spiritualism movement, reflecting broader cultural tensions around science, religion, and unexplained phenomena. Walter Hubbell's detailed investigation and subsequent book 'The Great Amherst Mystery' provides unique insight from a professional familiar with stage illusions. The events reportedly followed Esther Cox to different locations, continuing for several years before gradually diminishing. Today, the case remains significant for its unusual level of historical documentation and continues to interest researchers studying the intersection of folklore, psychology, and unexplained events in maritime Canadian history.
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    6 mins
  • Adolescent Energy: The Teen Connection to Poltergeist Activity

    Adolescent Energy: The Teen Connection to Poltergeist Activity
    May 27 2026
    Explore the fascinating historical pattern connecting teenagers to poltergeist phenomena in this compelling episode of Poltergeists. From the famous Bell Witch case of early 1800s Tennessee to the well-documented Enfield incident of 1970s England, we examine why adolescents frequently appear at the center of reported supernatural activity. Discover the cultural and psychological theories that attempt to explain this recurring pattern across different societies and time periods. We delve into the emotional turbulence of teenage years, family dynamics during crisis, and how communities have traditionally understood these mysterious events. Learn about the 'agent theory,' the role of stress in poltergeist cases, and the cultural significance of these stories in processing adolescent behavior. This episode presents documented historical cases and various research perspectives while treating these phenomena as fascinating cultural stories rather than verified supernatural events. Perfect for listeners interested in folklore, cultural anthropology, and the intersection of psychology with unexplained phenomena. Join us for an engaging exploration of one of the most intriguing patterns in poltergeist documentation, examining both famous cases and lesser-known incidents that have shaped our understanding of these mysterious reports throughout history.
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    6 mins
  • The Mackenzie Poltergeist: Terror in Greyfriars Cemetery

    The Mackenzie Poltergeist: Terror in Greyfriars Cemetery
    May 20 2026
    Explore the chilling case of Edinburgh's Mackenzie Poltergeist in this episode of Poltergeists. Since 1998, visitors to Greyfriars Cemetery have reported over 450 documented incidents near the tomb of Sir George Mackenzie, the notorious 17th-century persecutor of Scottish Covenanters. From unexplained physical sensations to sudden illness, witnesses including tourists, locals, and police officers have described consistent phenomena around the Black Mausoleum. We examine the historical context of 'Bloody Mackenzie's' violent legacy during Scotland's Killing Times, the incident that allegedly triggered the activity, and the ongoing mystery that has attracted international paranormal researchers. The episode explores both skeptical explanations including psychological suggestion and environmental factors, as well as the puzzling consistency of witness accounts. Discover how this case intersects history, psychology, and unexplained phenomena, making it one of Scotland's most documented supernatural cases. Join us as we investigate the terror in Greyfriars Cemetery and examine what makes the Mackenzie Poltergeist one of the most compelling modern paranormal cases in the world.
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    5 mins
  • Borley Rectory: England's Most Haunted House

    Borley Rectory: England's Most Haunted House
    May 13 2026
    Explore the legendary Borley Rectory case in this detailed examination of England's most famous haunted house. Located in Essex, Borley Rectory was home to multiple families between 1862 and 1939, all of whom reported extraordinary supernatural phenomena. From the Bull family's early encounters with a mysterious nun apparition to the intense activity experienced by the Foyster family in the 1930s, this Victorian rectory became the subject of extensive paranormal investigation. Harry Price, Britain's most prominent paranormal researcher, spent over twenty years documenting thousands of alleged incidents at Borley, including unexplained sounds, moving objects, mysterious messages, and apparitions. His investigations culminated in two influential books that brought international attention to the case. However, the Borley phenomena remain controversial, with critics questioning the methodology and conclusions of the original investigations. Despite being destroyed by fire in 1939, Borley Rectory continues to influence paranormal research and popular culture. This episode examines the documented history, key figures, reported phenomena, and ongoing debates surrounding this fascinating case that has captivated researchers and the public for nearly a century. Whether viewed as evidence of supernatural activity or as a compelling cultural phenomenon, Borley Rectory remains one of the most thoroughly documented and debated cases in paranormal literature.
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    7 mins