The McIlwraith Statements · Ghostly Thistle

Episode 10 – Thou art in hell

July 17, 2019·20 min·2 clips

Heather's demonic voice accuses Sarah of being a witch who should burn, revealing it can see her ghostly sight.

This episode follows narrator Sarah and the skeptical researcher Strother as they investigate a young woman's alleged demonic possession. Sarah, who can see ghosts, recounts this case from her past as part of a paranormal study. The episode explores the tension between scientific and religious explanations for extreme phenomena. The subject is Heather McQueenie, a university student who began exhibiting drastic personality changes, rage, and speaking in different voices and languages. Her religious parents contacted Catholic priests, including Father Alan McClintock, who performed two unsuccessful exorcisms. The investigation team documents reports of objects moving on their own and Heather allegedly speaking fluent Latin. Sarah notes this is one of the few cases where Strother did not immediately offer a skeptical, alternative diagnosis beforehand. A surprising moment occurs when Heather appears completely normal upon their arrival, contradicting the expected image of a possessed person. During a private setup, Sarah experiences a terrifying shift where Heather's demeanor changes and a strange voice directly accuses Sarah of being a witch who can see it. The episode later reveals Sarah's discovery that their study was likely funded by a major Scottish trading company called Inverlewis, a connection she finds puzzling and is actively investigating. Sarah references the real-world case of Annalise Michel to highlight the fatal dangers of misdiagnosing mental illness as possession. The episode is structured as a first-person narrative recollection, blending memoir with investigative mystery. The tone is atmospheric and personal, focusing on Sarah's internal anxiety and the unsettling nature of the events. Listeners who enjoy slow-burn, first-person paranormal stories with a psychological edge will appreciate this episode. Those seeking definitive answers or action-heavy plots might find it too introspective.

As heard by us

A possession story that keeps skepticism uneasily in the room.

The episode follows a young woman who is said to be possessed, and it keeps medicine, faith, and skepticism in uneasy contact. Strother wants to rule demons out, while the narrator stays wary, since ghosts are one thing and demons are another.

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Why you'd press play

You want a possession story that keeps science, faith, and medicine in the same fight.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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