After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal The Truth about the Conjuring's Ghost Hunters
Jan 1, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Joseph Laycock, an expert on exorcism and demonic belief, delves into the iconic ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren. He explores how the Warrens shaped American supernatural beliefs and their controversial methods, including their alleged exploitation of families for fame. Joseph provides insights into the origins of their famed cases, like the Amityville Horror and the Annabelle doll, questioning the authenticity behind these tales. Their lasting impact on pop culture and folklore is examined, shedding light on how myths are created.
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Warrens As Media-Savvy Mythmakers
- Ed and Lorraine Warren crafted a public persona as ordinary, respectable Catholics who became America's most famous demon hunters.
- Their theatrical storytelling and media-friendly presentation turned local cases into national folklore.
Mohegan Sun Paracon Experience
- Joseph Laycock attended the Mohegan Sun Paracon and saw the Warrens' museum items, including a plastic dinosaur on display.
- The event drew thousands and presented 'cursed objects' as revenue-generating spectacle.
Religious Shift Fueled Their Rise
- Vatican II's reforms created a space for lay Catholics like the Warrens to claim a renewed battle against the devil.
- They filled a post-Exorcist cultural demand by offering folk Catholic remedies when the Church often redirected people to therapy.