Joining the discussion is David C. Smalley, a fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host renowned for debunking myths. Together, they explore the fascinating origins of Ouija boards, tracing back to a prank by two sisters that sparked a spiritualism sensation in the 19th century. The conversation highlights the psychological aspects behind the board’s movements, including the ideomotor effect, and addresses misconceptions while revealing its cultural impact. Expect a mix of humor, history, and critical thinking as they dissect this iconic tool of the supernatural!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Daughter Issues Podcast
David C. Smalley's daughter initiated a podcast with him called "Daughter Issues".
They discuss generational differences, including slang, music, and past experiences.
insights INSIGHT
Ouija Board's Ancient Origins
The Ouija board's origins trace back to 1100 AD China, where planchette writing was used to communicate with spirits.
Early planchettes had holes for writing utensils to record spirit messages.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Fox Sisters and Commercial Spiritualism
In 1848, the Fox sisters in New York popularized spiritualism, using knocks and a talking board to contact spirits.
They toured, performing for paying crowds, marking the commercialization of spiritualism.
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Every year around Halloween, millions of teenagers, drunk adults, and terrified believers gather around Ouija boards to contact "The Other Side." We've all been a part of it, and we know we weren't moving that little thing, but it was definitely moving. So what’s really going on here?
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
How a pair of sisters playing a prank on their parents in upstate New York escalated into a spiritualism craze that took the 19th century United States — and then the world — by storm.
The Medieval Chinese origins and evolution of what we know today as the Ouija board.
How the spiritualism craze boosted the Ouija board's adoption into millions of households (even outselling Monopoly in 1967).
The indelible marks the Ouija board has made on our lives — from pop culture to the law.
The science behind what makes the Ouija board "work."
The Jordan Harbinger Show