In this episode, Heather dives deep into the mysterious and often misunderstood history of the Ouija board—from its spiritualist roots to its pop culture reign and scientific scrutiny.

We begin in the mid-1800s with the rise of the Spiritualist movement, a time when grief and curiosity collided in the wake of the Civil War. We explore practices like table-turning (No DJs involved apparently) and alphabet boards, precursors to the talking boards we know today.

We spotlight Margaret and Kate Fox, whose “spirit rapping” (knock once for yes, twice for no) helped launch the movement. Their claimed mediumship sparked a wave of interest in communicating with the dead. We also break down the difference between a psychic and a medium.

From 1850 to 1870, Spiritualism had its own newspapers and a growing public presence. We discuss Mary Todd Lincoln’s séances in the White House following the tragic death of her son Willie in 1862, and touch on the broader cultural backdrop of grief, tuberculosis, and the infamous Typhoid Mary.

The first reports of a talking board emerged in 1886, used in Ohio spiritualist camps. In 1890, Elijah Bond patented the board, and Charles Kennard helped commercialize it. We explore the legends behind the name “Ouija”.

We trace the board’s evolution through the Parker Brothers and Hasbro eras, with William Fuld often credited for popularizing it in the early 20th century. By the 1960s, it was a household staple, outselling Monopoly at one point.

Heather and Sharon muse about the original instructions—did they include a way to “close” the session? Turns out, modern Ouija boards do include closing guidance.

Finally, we unpack the ideomotor effect—the unconscious muscle movements that could explain how the planchette seems to move “on its own,” driven by our expectations and subconscious cues.

Whether seen as a game, a gateway, or a psychological mirror, the Ouija board remains a cultural icon—one that continues to fascinate, frighten, and fuel conversation.

#Ouija #Hasboro