In 2024, the podcast about profoundly disabled, non-speaking autistic children who knew what their caretakers were thinking debuted and skyrocketed to the top of the charts. What the “Telepathy Tapes Podcast” didn’t discuss was that these individuals were also seeing angels, demons, and Jesus himself. They even reportedly received messages from God for the rest of us. Tahni Cullen joins Messiah Podcast to share her family’s remarkable journey raising a non-speaking autistic son, and how Scripture, prayer, and discernment shaped their response to mystical experiences that challenged a material worldview. This conversation focuses less on telepathy and more on theology, biblical guardrails, and the goodness of God.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The Gift of Prophecy: Jewish tradition says that when the Temple was destroyed the spirit of prophecy was given to the “simple.” This offers a framework for understanding why non-speaking autistic individuals like Josiah, who are marginalized by society due to their inability to speak, may be recipients of profound spiritual insights and prophetic revelations. The modern world may have "shut off" its ability to listen. But God’s desire to speak has not changed.

► Reframing Suffering: Tahni shares how the crisis of parenting a son with extreme autism challenged her to question the blessing of God. Where was the promise of blessing when walking in obedience? Her journey led her to learn the true nature of God during suffering. Josiah’s first independent sentence was: "God is a good gift giver." This realization became a foundational truth for their family to lean on in the midst of hardship.

► The Importance of Spiritual Discernment: While the broader "Telepathy Tapes" phenomenon is often framed through science or New Age spirituality, Tahni encourages Christians to "listen with discernment" rather than fear. The popular-level conversation often may "edit out Jesus" from these experiences; nevertheless, the phenomenon has actually led to spiritual awakenings, prompting seekers and even atheists to want to read the Bible and know God.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tahni Cullen and her son Josiah

02:46 Intersection of Science and Faith via Non-Speaking Autism

12:29 Personal Journey to Find a Hope in Coping with Autism

21:23 Josiah's Breakthrough: “God Is a Good Gift-Giver”

24:06 Josiah's Prophetic Insights and Spiritual Messages

30:48 The Significance of Hebrew Letters and Jewish Holidays

36:21 Learning from a Heavenly Academy

37:30 The Priestly Breastplate and a Letter Board

43:17 Communicating with the Realm of the Dead

47:29 Discernment for Spiritual Gifts and Experiences

55:32 The Interconnection of Body, Soul, and Spirit

01:03:49 Pointing to Jesus

01:10:26 Empowering Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals

👉 Resources

► Josiah's Fire Facebook page

► Book: “Josiah's Fire: Autism Stole His Words, God Gave Him a Voice”

► The Spellers

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Living on Earth: March 20, 2009