This podcast explores rivalries that go beyond the big screen and delve into the realm of the supernatural. From Houdini's clash with Doyle's spiritualism to the rivalries within ghost hunting, this episode uncovers intriguing stories. It delves into the rivalry between Nandor Fodor and Harry Price in the field of paranormal research, their attempts to investigate a Poltergeist situation, and the haunting of Alma's house. The chilling account of the Enfield Poltergeist investigation adds an extra layer of suspense.
The rivalry between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini showcased the clash between belief and skepticism regarding spiritualism.
The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) was founded in the late 19th century and established itself as a scientific think-tank dedicated to studying the paranormal using scientific methods.
Deep dives
The Rivalry between Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini were bitter rivals in the 19th century. Doyle was obsessed with proving spiritualism was real, while Houdini aimed to debunk it. Doyle's wife claimed to receive a message from Houdini's dead mother, but the message was in English even though Houdini's mother barely spoke English. This rivalry highlights the clash between belief and skepticism.
The Rise of Ghost Hunting and the Formation of Scientific Research Groups
Ghost hunting became popular in the late 19th century, leading to the formation of organizations like the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in 1882. The SPR aimed to study the paranormal using scientific methods. They published books and conducted surveys to study the public's experiences with the paranormal, establishing themselves as a scientific think-tank dedicated to providing hard data.
The Rivalry between Harry Price and Nandor Fodor
Harry Price, a controversial figure in the SPR, left and founded the National Laboratory of Psychical Research in 1926. He was known for sensational ghost hunts and love of the limelight. Nandor Fodor, a psychical investigator, focused on psychological aspects of paranormal cases. They competed for recognition and investigated cases like Alma Fielding's haunting, where Fodor believed her trauma played a role in manifesting paranormal phenomena.