In 1892, the small town of Exeter, Rhode Island, became home to one of the most infamous vampire cases in American history. Mercy Brown, a young woman who succumbed to tuberculosis, became the center of a desperate and chilling ritual—one designed to stop what her family believed was a supernatural force draining their lives.

But was Mercy truly a vampire? Or was her story a tragic intersection of outdated medical practices and deep-rooted folklore? In this episode, we explore how tuberculosis fueled vampire legends, the shocking exhumation of Mercy’s body, and the lasting impact of her tale on both medical advancements and vampire mythology.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Tuberculosis in the 19th century and its misunderstood effects
• How disease contributed to vampire folklore
• The ritual performed on Mercy Brown and its significance
• Connections between Mercy Brown and Dracula
• The evolution of vampires in mythology and pop culture

In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of the Fox Sisters, the women who ignited the Spiritualist movement in the 19th century. From their humble beginnings in Hydesville, New York, to their rise as celebrated mediums, their mysterious spirit rappings captivated audiences—but was it all a hoax?

Together, we'll uncover how their influence shaped the Spiritualist movement, drawing in believers and skeptics alike. Their séances sparked curiosity, and their supposed ability to communicate with the dead fueled an era of supernatural intrigue. But as the movement gained momentum, cracks began to form. Margaretta Fox’s shocking confession in 1888 revealed the truth behind their spirit communications, sending shockwaves through the world of Spiritualism.

Join me as we unravel the rise and fall of the Fox sisters and the lasting impact of their legacy. Were they visionaries or frauds? And how did their deception shape the future of Spiritualism?