Podcast Summary
Personal encounters with the unknown on The Confessionals Podcast: The Confessionals Podcast explores personal stories of paranormal experiences and unexplained phenomena, encouraging listeners to share their own encounters.
Tony Merkel, the host of The Confessionals Podcast, shares his personal encounters with the unknown, ranging from paranormal experiences to potential Bigfoot sightings. During his runs in the forest, he has had encounters with strange entities and monsters. He encourages listeners to share their own stories and experiences by emailing him at theconfessionals@theconfessionalspodcast.com or visiting the website, theconfessionalspodcast.com. Merkel Media, the company behind The Confessionals, may soon be renamed to reflect the expanding content, including a new show called Legion of Legends, and potential plans for a voicemail call-in show and retold stories in a production way. Brooke, a guest on the show, shares her own experiences, including an imaginary friend named Hopscotch with a ghost friend when she was five years old. These stories highlight the mysterious and unexplained phenomena that Merkel explores on his podcast.
Childhood experiences with imaginary friends and potential paranormal encounters: Speaker's childhood was filled with imaginary friends and possible paranormal encounters, including a black blob entity and moving shadows. These experiences may have been caused by dealing with trauma.
The speaker's childhood experiences involved imaginary friends and potential paranormal encounters. The speaker describes playing with an imaginary friend named Hopscotch, who had a friend that appeared as a black blob in the corner of the room. The speaker's brother tried to get rid of Hopscotch by pretending to threaten him, which would result in the appearance of the blob. The speaker notes that this entity seemed to be annoyed with her brother and would only appear at home. The speaker also mentions seeing shadows moving as a child, which they chalked up to being sleepy. The speaker reflects on these experiences and wonders if they were truly imaginary or if there was more to them. The speaker's sister also had imaginary friends growing up, and the speaker wonders if they should discuss the nature of their imaginary friends. The speaker also mentions seeing an angel on the door when they were young, but did not mention this to anyone at the time because they did not realize that seeing angels was possible. The speaker suggests that these experiences may have been the result of dealing with trauma.
An encounter with an angel at a young age left a lasting impact: A supernatural encounter with an angel alleviated fear and shaped beliefs about the supernatural
The speaker experienced a supernatural encounter with an angel at a young age, which left a profound impact on her and alleviated her fear of a traumatic experience. During this encounter, she felt a sense of dread and saw a small ball of light on the doorknob of her closet, which revealed an angelic figure. The angel communicated with her, expressing disappointment that she didn't believe in angels and scolded her for her disbelief. After this encounter, the speaker felt a sense of relief and the fear from the closet disappeared. She never shared this experience with her family until much later in life, when she heard similar stories and became more certain of its validity. This event shaped her beliefs about angels and the supernatural.
Childhood fears during bedtime and shower: Individual's fearful experiences during bedtime and shower as a child, intensified during baptism, left lasting impact on family's spiritual beliefs
For this individual, their experience of getting ready for bed as a child was filled with fear and vulnerability, which was intensified during a shower when they felt particularly exposed. They coped with this fear by singing a religious song, but on one occasion, they saw a shadow figure in the shower that they believed to be demonic. This experience, which occurred during their baptism, left a lasting impact on them and contributed to their family's belief that their attempts to get closer to God were met with evil encounters. The figure's faint red eyes and unexpected appearance added to the sense of unease and fear. The individual's mother was concerned about the experiences her children had during their baptisms and saw the absence of threes in the sequence of events as a positive sign. The family continues to grapple with the idea that their spiritual pursuits may be accompanied by unsettling encounters.
Encountering Paranormal Activities in Childhood: Speaker shares personal experience of finding evidence of satanic practices and experiencing unexplained occurrences in childhood home, leading to feelings of unease and fear. Introduces Cerebral, an affordable and convenient online mental health service.
The speaker shared a personal experience of encountering paranormal activities in his childhood, which included finding evidence of satanic practices in his new house and experiencing unexplained occurrences, such as objects moving and a computer turning on by itself. These experiences left him feeling uneasy and scared, especially since the previous occupant of the house was known to practice satanic religion. The speaker also mentioned the discovery of a dead black widow spider, which is not native to Wisconsin, adding to the strange occurrences. The speaker's father was initially suspicious of him, but eventually, they came to suspect that the house was haunted. The speaker's cousin's death also occurred around the same time, and the family attended the funeral, adding to the overall sense of unease and uncertainty. In a lighter note, the speaker introduced Cerebral, an online mental health service that offers affordable and convenient access to counseling, therapy, and medication management. The speaker emphasized the affordability and convenience of Cerebral, making it a great option for those in need of mental health services.
Unexpected discoveries in unfamiliar environments: Discoveries in new places can evoke strong emotions through memories and shared experiences.
Unexpected experiences and discoveries in unfamiliar environments can be jarring and emotional. The speaker shared an experience where they found a dead black widow spider in their mom's bedroom during a family visit. This discovery added to the sense of unease and mystery surrounding the house, as the deceased resident was rumored to have been involved in questionable activities. The experience was made even more poignant when, during a movie night, the TV played a song that was a favorite of the deceased cousin, causing an emotional reaction from the speaker's mother. These events served as a reminder of the connection between the past and the present, and the power of memories and shared experiences to evoke strong emotions.
Strange occurrences at a bone den: A boy discovers evidence of frog and rabbit killings, unusual footprints, and unexplained occurrences in a wooded area, leading him to believe it may be the work of a Sasquatch.
The discovery of a bone den in a secluded wooded area led to a series of strange occurrences that were beyond explanation for a young boy. The den was believed to be that of a large predator, possibly a coyote or wolf. However, as the boy and his friends continued to explore the area, they found evidence of frogs being brutally killed and rabbits hanging from branches, high above the ground. These discoveries, along with the fact that other children were also visiting the area, led the boy to believe that it was just other kids being mischievous. However, the strange occurrences continued with the discovery of unusual footprints, which were unlike anything the boy had seen before. The prints were large, with a human-like heel and only two distinct toe prints, but with what appeared to be four or five toe nails. The boy became uneasy and stopped visiting the area, feeling that he was being watched. He later came to believe that these strange footprints may have been left by a Sasquatch, trying to warn him away. The footprints were indeed odd and did not match the description of typical Sasquatch prints, leaving the true identity of the creature a mystery.
Encounters with the Unknown: Strange Experiences and Mysterious Encounters: From possible Bigfoot sightings to unexplained pet behavior, the speaker shares their personal experiences with the unknown and the fascination they hold despite feeling uneasy
The speaker had encountered strange and unsettling experiences in various places, from the woods of Northern Indiana to a supposedly haunted log home during their senior year of high school. These experiences ranged from possible encounters with mythical creatures like Bigfoot and Mister Wolf, to the unexplained behavior of pets and the feeling of negative energy in a particular living space. The speaker also mentioned their friend Kyle's dabbling in witchcraft, adding to the overall sense of mystery and unease. Despite these experiences, the speaker seemed to find a sense of fascination and even enjoyment in the strange and spooky stories and legends they encountered.
Strange occurrences in a family's old log cabin home: A family experienced unexplained disturbances, including wakings and belongings being moved, in their old log cabin home. Despite attempts to ward off negative energy, the experiences persisted, leaving the family feeling uneasy and relieved to eventually leave.
The speaker and their family experienced strange and disturbing occurrences in their living room of their old log cabin home. These experiences included being woken up at 3 a.m., feeling as if they were being watched, and having their belongings disturbed. The speaker's mother, who was the most religious in the family, seemed to be the most affected, and she attempted to hang up crucifixes to ward off the negative energy, but they kept getting knocked off the walls. The family tried to sleep in different areas of the house, but nothing seemed to provide relief. The experiences left the family feeling uneasy and glad to eventually leave the house.
Strange occurrences during sleep and hiking: The speaker shares unexplained experiences of blankets being removed during sleep and getting lost while hiking, leaving her feeling scared and uncertain.
The speaker experienced strange occurrences involving the removal of her blankets while sleeping, which she believes happened when her boyfriend was present. She recalls three distinct instances of this happening, despite not being certain if it occurred when he was away. The speaker also shared an experience from her early twenties while hiking, where she became distracted and ventured off the trail, leading her to an unsettling discovery. These experiences left her feeling uneasy and scared, but she didn't share them with her loved ones at the time. The connection between these events is the sense of fear and uncertainty that accompanied them.
Encountering unexpected fears on a solo hike: Be aware of surroundings, listen to intuition, and stay prepared when venturing into unfamiliar places to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary fears.
Sometimes, when we venture into unfamiliar territories, we may encounter unexpected fears and challenges. The speaker in this story went on a solo hike and encountered what seemed like signs of a serial killer, leading him to feel intense fear and run away. Despite the initial excitement of being in a more natural environment, the sudden silence and stillness made him feel afraid, reminding him of a past traumatic experience. It's important to remember that our minds can play tricks on us, and sometimes, our fears may be unfounded. However, it's essential to trust our instincts and prioritize our safety. The speaker's experience serves as a reminder to be aware of our surroundings and listen to our intuition, especially when we're alone in unfamiliar places. Additionally, it's crucial to have a map or a clear understanding of the terrain to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours. Overall, the speaker's story highlights the importance of being prepared, staying aware, and trusting our instincts when we venture into the unknown.
Encountering the Unknown: Fear and Suspension: The fear of the unknown can lead to irrational thoughts and heightened anxiety, but approaching the unknown with an open mind and seeking out experiences can lead to meaningful connections and memories.
The fear of the unknown can be a powerful force, leading to irrational thoughts and heightened anxiety. The speaker's encounter with a seemingly abandoned truck in the woods set off a chain reaction of fear and suspicion, leading her to believe that a murder had taken place and that Bigfoot was responsible. This experience, though terrifying, did not deter her from her love of hiking and the great outdoors. Instead, she approaches the unknown with a different mindset, seeking out encounters and experiences rather than fearing them. Additionally, the speaker mentioned the significance of keepsakes and memories, as represented by her late husband's dog tags and sweatshirt. These items, though seemingly insignificant, hold deep meaning and serve as a reminder of the past and the connections we make with others. Lastly, the speaker's experience serves as a reminder to keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions based on limited information. The strange occurrences she encountered in the woods could have had multiple explanations, but her fear and imagination led her to a rather dramatic conclusion. For our 2nd sponsor of today's show, we are brought to you by Acorn TV, a commercial-free British streaming service with compelling stories, exclusive premieres, and originals you won't find anywhere else. Try Acorn TV free for 30 days by going to acorn.tv and use promo code Tony.
Encountering the Unexplained: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena: Unexplained occurrences can cause fear and unease, sometimes requiring help or explanations to alleviate our concerns.
Unexplained occurrences in our environment can cause feelings of unease and fear, leading us to believe in the presence of supernatural entities. The speaker in this discussion shared her experiences of encountering ghosts and other strange phenomena, which left her feeling disturbed and unable to explain. She sought help from a church, and after the pastor's wife took away an object that the speaker believed was causing the disturbances, the occurrences ceased. However, new unexplained phenomena emerged in her new home, leaving her feeling uncertain and scared. Despite her skepticism and her partner's dismissal of her experiences, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was following her. The experiences served as a reminder that sometimes, the unexplained can be unsettling and may require seeking help or finding explanations to alleviate our fears.
Unexplained occurrences in a home and a protective instinct towards family: A woman felt threatened by unexplained occurrences in her home, especially after her daughter's birth. She tried various methods to resolve the situation, but found peace when she believed her late husband was watching over them.
The speaker experienced unexplained occurrences in her home that she perceived as potentially threatening, particularly after the birth of her daughter. These incidents included the lights going off, shadows, and objects moving. The speaker felt a strong protective instinct towards her daughter and became increasingly frustrated and fearful as the occurrences continued. She tried various methods to explain and resolve the situation with her partner, including using crystals and religious symbols. The incidents seemed to be connected to a specific sweatshirt belonging to her late husband, which was hung above her daughter's crib. After packing away the sweatshirt, the occurrences stopped, but new incidents involving her daughter's nightmares and objects moving began. The speaker sought help from her parents and found solace in religious symbols and her late husband's belongings. Eventually, she heard a voice telling her "I got you," which she believed was a message from her husband. Overall, the speaker's experience involved feelings of fear, frustration, and a strong protective instinct towards her family, as well as a belief in the presence of her late husband.
Childhood experiences with paranormal activity impact present life: Paranormal experiences from childhood can continue to affect individuals and their families, causing stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness.
The speaker's experiences with paranormal activity in her childhood have carried over into her present life, affecting her children and causing feelings of helplessness and frustration. The speaker's ex-partner, who was known for playing pranks, may have been involved in some of these incidents, but the exact nature of the paranormal activity remains unclear. The speaker's daughter, Luna, has reported seeing a figure with red eyes, and the family has experienced various unexplained occurrences, including pranks and moved objects. The family's experiences have caused stress and anxiety, and the speaker feels a strong protective instinct towards her children, wanting to shield them from these experiences. The paranormal activity seems to have intensified around a specific sweatshirt and a drawing, and the speaker has tried to maintain a sense of calm and normalcy for her children, even as the incidents continue. The speaker's emotions are palpable as she recounts these experiences, and she expresses a hope that her children will not have to deal with similar paranormal experiences in their own lives. The auras mentioned in the email are believed to be around people, but their significance to the overall story is unclear.
Seeing auras as Crayola crayons: The speaker's ability to perceive auras as distinct colors influences her emotions, memories, and interactions with people and situations.
The speaker experiences seeing auras in the form of Crayola crayons. These auras can be associated with certain emotions or memories. For instance, a brown crayon may evoke feelings of discomfort or disgust, while yellow may bring warmth and happiness. The speaker also has the ability to influence people or situations based on these aura perceptions. For example, seeing a green aura may prompt her to help someone in need. The experiences are often spontaneous and uncontrollable, but they have a significant impact on the speaker's interactions with the world around her. The speaker's encounters with these auras range from childhood memories to present-day experiences, and they continue to shape her perspective on people and situations.
Discovering the Unique: A Speaker's Journey with Auras: The speaker's journey of discovering her unique ability to see auras and finding validation through a paranormal show highlights the importance of embracing individual experiences and seeking understanding.
The speaker grew up with a unique perception of the world, seeing auras and referring to people as "crayons." She realized not everyone shared this experience during an interaction with her mother. The speaker suppressed her experiences until high school when she learned about photography auras and discovered that seeing auras was a recognized phenomenon. Now, she tries to understand and appreciate these experiences when they occur. The speaker's sharing of her experiences on the show made her feel validated and normal. The show's content, which explores the strange and paranormal, resonated with her. The audience is encouraged to share the show with others and engage with the production through email or social media. The speaker's experiences, like a mythical creature, are a paradigm of the unknown and the unexplained, a source of fascination and intrigue.
