Paranormal Peep Show - The Great Mediums: The Secrets of the Séance

In this special episode of The Paranormal Peep Show, Michael Tymn and Stephen Sakellarios explore the evidence for physical mediumship, Daniel Dunglas Home, the Fox Sisters, Houdini and the history of Spiritualism .In this special edition of The Paranormal Peep Show, host Neil Ward introduces a rare archival interview generously shared by researcher and author Stephen Sakellarios.

Recorded some years ago, the interview features Stephen in conversation with respected psychical researcher and author Michael Tymn and is presented here, with Stephen's permission, for Paranormal Peep Show listeners. Together they explore what took place in the séance rooms of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and why so many distinguished scientists, scholars and public figures became interested in the evidence for physical mediumship, while others remained unconvinced.

Drawing on historical records, eyewitness testimony and decades of research, the discussion examines the lives and reported phenomena of celebrated mediums including Daniel Dunglas Home, the Fox Sisters and several of the lesser-known figures who helped shape the Spiritualist movement. Adding a more personal perspective, Michael also recounts his own visit to the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain (SAGB) in London in 1999, where he witnessed demonstrations of evidential mediumship that left a lasting impression. Among the many fascinating subjects discussed are: The remarkable physical phenomena reported during Victorian and twentieth-century séances. How investigators attempted to distinguish genuine mediumship from fraud. The linguistic tests carried out during trance communications said to involve the spirit of Confucius, and what researchers hoped to learn from them. Harry Houdini's lifelong campaign against fraudulent mediums, together with the intriguing story of the secret code that his widow, Bess Houdini, believed she received after his death.

Why these historical cases continue to be debated by psychical researchers, historians and sceptics alike. Whether you approach the subject as a believer, a sceptic or simply someone with an interest in history, this conversation offers an informed and thoughtful exploration of one of the most intriguing periods in psychical research.

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