HistoryExtra podcast A short history of ghost hunting
Dec 15, 2025
Ben Machell, a journalist and author of 'Chasing the Dark,' dives into the intriguing history of ghost hunting and spiritualism. He explores how the Fox sisters ignited a supernatural craze in the 19th century, becoming celebrities through their mediumship. Machell discusses the evolution of spiritualism, its ties to Christianity, and the role of mass media in spreading these beliefs. He also sheds light on modern investigations, including Tony Cornell's methods and the shift to online communities for sharing paranormal experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Spiritualism's Flexible Belief Structure
- Spiritualism wasn't a single creed but an open set of beliefs about consciousness surviving death.
- That openness let people pick elements they liked, fueling its broad cultural appeal.
Science Created The Spiritualist Question
- Rapid 19th-century scientific and technological gains created an existential hole about consciousness and death.
- That 'mechanical universe' anxiety helped drive mass interest in spiritualist ideas.
Applying Science To The Supernatural
- The Society for Psychical Research aimed to apply scientific methods neutrally to supernatural claims.
- Their approach shifted some debates from dismissal to systematic investigation.
