The Confessionals

What happens when AI's appetite for power exceeds our grid's capacity? The discussion dives into the fragility of the power system and the potential for rolling blackouts as data centers grow. With AI becoming integral to daily life, the hosts ponder privacy issues and the societal impacts of constant tech reliance. They explore innovative energy solutions like small modular reactors and discuss the chilling concept of AI becoming a utility. Finally, tips for preparedness in a world increasingly driven by technology are shared, urging listeners to think about their energy future.

A retired Alaska State Trooper shares gripping tales of high strangeness from his years on the force. He recounts an eerie dome-like bubble on the Dalton Highway, where temperatures plummeted dramatically. Legends of giant beings and mysterious little folk emerge from Indigenous stories. After moving to Kentucky, he encounters massive footprints and a fast-moving humanoid. Richie's experiences include demonic manifestations and an angelic visitation, sparking deep reflections on the nature of reality.

Strange activity is intensifying across East Tennessee, and longtime locals are starting to connect the dots. In this conversation, Tony sits down with Stephen Watson of Arcane Discoveries to explore why the Cherokee National Forest and surrounding mountains may function as a seasonal corridor for cryptids and paranormal phenomena. Stephen shares firsthand accounts of Bigfoot encounters, closed campgrounds plagued by rock-throwing and vocalizations, mysterious orbs, and unexplained handprints left on homes. He also recounts sightings tied to Dogman territory, a massive blonde Bigfoot moving at impossible speed, a black panther encounter, and a rare face-to-face meeting with what he believes was a red wolf. As the conversation unfolds, physical encounters give way to deeper questions about portals, vibration, and supernatural intelligence, suggesting these phenomena may be far more connected than anyone wants to admit. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com Stephen Watson: Instagram MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Tony Merkel - Static In The Pines

In Episode 464: The Bigfoot, The Witch, and The Dogman we are joined by Erick Szilagyi from the uNcomfortable podcast. Erick was connected to me by Joel from VanTesla, who has been a guest on Erick's show several times. Erick comes to the table with many experiences to share, but it was his experience with a witch that kicks off the show. Erick was just beginning his podcast and got connected to a witch who was willing join his show for a conversation. Erick decided to meet up with her in person to record, and that meeting turned into dinner plus more. What then ensues Erick describes as one of the most bizarre nights of his life. From Bigfoot coming close to their location, unexplainable vocalizations, unnatural hyper-sexualized tensions, to dogman guarding the witch and the witch herself physically transforming before Erick's eyes! Needless to say, he has a jaw-dropping story. Following the initial episode, we decided to do an Overtime segment for members that lasted almost three hours! Erick shares all his other experiences and they are just as bizarre as the first hour, including a story that is so personally sensitive for him that we can't speak or even hint about it publicly. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Joel Thomas - ShutUp N Drive YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

This conversation features Tony and Vlad exploring the unseen mechanics of spiritual warfare and the idea that many supernatural encounters and spiritual struggles begin not with intentional invitation but with unrecognized access. Through personal testimonies, deliverance theology, experiences with darkness, and reflections on trauma, unforgiveness, fear, and compromise, they explain how “open doors” function spiritually and why manifestations often surface long after access has already been granted. Their dialogue weaves together encounters in the woods, church-related warfare, inherited and environmental influences, and the concept of legal spiritual ground, presenting darkness as operating methodically rather than randomly and emphasizing discernment, responsibility, and the necessity of identifying and closing doors before they escalate into deeper conflict. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com Vladimir's YouTube Channel: God's Voice Today MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Joel Thomas - Photosynthesis YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

In this Q&A episode, Tony and Vicki Joy Anderson respond directly to member-submitted questions, diving headfirst into the realities of spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the dream realm. Pulled from both the Confessionals members app and YouTube members, the questions probe recurring demonic dreams, astral attacks, generational doors, and why committed Christians often find themselves on the front lines of spiritual conflict. Vicki unpacks the biblical difference between deliverance and exorcism, explains how dreams can function as spiritual training grounds, and shares practical strategies for closing legal loopholes opened during sleep. From prophetic discernment to reclaiming authority through Christ, this episode is a raw, unfiltered field manual shaped by the very questions listeners are wrestling with right now. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com Vicki Joy Anderson Website | YouTube MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Joel Thomas - Free The Rabbits YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

Joe’s encounters don’t just blur the line between myth and reality, they obliterate it. In this episode, he recounts the night he came face-to-face with a Dogman and made a split-second decision that ended the creature’s life, an act that still follows him years later. But that moment was only one chapter in a much larger pattern that includes repeated Bigfoot encounters, territorial aggression in the woods, and intelligent creatures that seemed to understand weapons, intent, and fear. Joe describes behavior that goes far beyond animals, strategic movements, government intimidation displays, and moments that felt deliberately personal. As the stories stack up, a disturbing question emerges: what happens after you cross the line from witness to participant? This conversation explores the cost of survival, the reality of predatory entities in the wilderness, and why some encounters don’t end when you leave the woods, they follow you home. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Tony Merkel - The Forest Woke

A woman recounts her harrowing journey with demonic entities disguised as spirit guides during her New Age practices. As she transitions to Christianity, these guides turn hostile, leading to a terrifying possession. Her husband's desperate prayers culminate in a dramatic exorcism that reveals troubling visions and a host of malevolent spirits. Through this turbulent experience, she reflects on her marriage's restoration and the challenges faced by those leaving the occult. The podcast dives deep into the intersection of faith, spirituality, and personal battles.

A viral statue in Joshua Tree is rumored to open a spiritual portal, sparking discussions on why this location has been linked to otherworldly encounters. The episode explores the symbolism behind the statue, the role of music and art in potentially opening spiritual gateways, and how concerts might influence dreams, especially in children. Intriguing personal accounts of encounters with cloaked figures and glitching technology add to the mystery. The hosts analyze the connection between rituals, pop culture, and outcomes like community impacts and unsettling events.

Josh Smith, creator of the Mysteries Unknown Podcast, shares hair-raising tales of his encounters with cryptids and paranormal phenomena in the Ozarks. He vividly recounts a chilling experience with a towering black silhouette at age fourteen and the moment a massive white beast leaped over his car, leaving no trace. Drawing parallels to local legends, he reveals a network of entities defying the laws of physics while reflecting on his time as a police officer dealing with the supernatural. The Ozarks, it seems, harbor secrets that time can’t erase.