IN THIS EPISODE: When the supernatural intrudes into our lives, it's not just our minds that are affected. We’ll delve into a few bizarre cases where individuals fell gravely ill after brushes with the paranormal. Is it coincidence? Or something more sinister? And could these illnesses be due to the paranormal literally draining us of life? (Supernaturally Sick, Paranormally Poisoned) *** Helen Duncan made a living from conducting séances—until her uncanny knowledge of classified World War II tragedies spooked British authorities. (Britain’s Last Witch) *** Jeremy Bentham was a philosopher whose ideas about mortality and utility extended beyond death. Bentham's wish for his body to be preserved and displayed as an "auto-icon" – so it could be seen publicly by all. And while his wishes were granted, it came with a few hiccups along the way… mostly with his poor head. (The Strange Story of Mr. Bentham’s Corpse) *** Annie Dorman was discovered lifeless with a gunshot wound, sending shockwaves through her tight-knit community. Suicide seemed improbable, leaving detectives baffled and family perplexed. Was it a crime of passion, an accident, murder… or truly suicide? In a similar case, just a few years later, in the serene countryside of Greenwich, New York, the lifeless form of Maggie Hourigan is found, floating in a tranquil pool, speculation runs rampant. Were these cases suicide, as hastily concluded, horrible accidents… or sinister murders? (The Mysterious Deaths of Annie Dorman and Maggie Hourigan) *** AND MORE!

SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Supernaturally Sick, Paranormally Poisoned” by Nick Redfern for Mysterious Universe: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/6bu93dju
“The Mysterious Deaths of Annie Dorman and Maggie Hourigan” by Robert Wilhelm for Murder By Gaslight:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/meu37k4m; https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4y9mn9a4
“The Strange Story of Mr. Bentham’s Corpse” by Melissa Sartore for Weird History: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yt6uetju
“Britain’s Last Witch” by Parissa Djangi for National Geographic: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8by87t
“Eccentric Habits of History’s Elite” by John Munoz for ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdh2dw3x
Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library.
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"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46
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Originally aired: April 17, 2024

PARTIAL TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.com/can-the-paranormal-drain-life-from-us/