Podcast Summary
Childhood Encounters with the Supernatural: Tony Merkel shares his experiences of witnessing time travel, encountering extraterrestrial beings, and dealing with demonic entities during his childhood in Chicago, maintaining a positive outlook despite the traumatic nature of these events.
The speaker, Tony Merkel, has had numerous encounters with the supernatural throughout his life, which he shares on his podcast, "The Confessionals." These experiences include witnessing time travel, encountering extraterrestrial beings, and dealing with demonic entities. Merkel's childhood in Chicago was particularly eventful, with strange occurrences happening in his home, including the presence of angelic and demonic entities and a possible demonic possession. Despite the traumatic nature of these experiences, Merkel maintains a positive outlook and continues to share these stories to connect with others who may have had similar experiences.
Early childhood experiences leave lasting impressions: Childhood memories, no matter how insignificant they seem, can hold meaning and resurface as we grow older.
Our early childhood experiences can leave lasting impressions on us, even if we don't fully understand or remember them at the time. The speaker shared a memory from their childhood in Chicago, where they encountered an old maid named "poet and a babushka" while going up the stairs of their home. They described her as an old woman with dark hair in a bob cut, a heavy set frumpy figure, and a broom in hand. The speaker was not scared of her, but rather intrigued. Years later, they discovered that this woman was indeed their family's former maid, who had been let go when the speaker and their twin brother were born due to financial reasons. Despite being fired, the maid continued to live nearby and the speaker even saw her on several occasions after the initial encounter. This experience highlights the significance of seemingly insignificant memories from our past and how they can resurface and hold meaning in our lives as we grow older.
Encountering a Likeness from the Past: Unexpected encounters with people who resemble loved ones from the past may hold unexplained connections, possibly due to residual energy, astral projection, or other phenomena.
The speaker shared an intriguing experience of encountering a woman who resembled her mother at the grocery store, who she later learned had been absent during her birth. The speaker and her mother put the pieces together years later, and the speaker couldn't explain the encounter, speculating it could be residual energy or some other phenomenon. The speaker also mentioned hearing similar stories from others, and the artist of the show, Alika, shared his own experiences of encountering people who appeared to be in two places at once. The speaker emphasized the unexplainable nature of the experience and left open the possibility of various explanations, such as residual energy, astral projection, or remote viewing.
Personal stories and experiences of the supernatural: Personal anecdotes, whether factual or not, can significantly impact individuals and instill belief in the supernatural
Personal experiences and stories, whether they are considered factual or not, can hold significant weight and impact on individuals. The speaker shared anecdotes of people being present in multiple places at the same time, or being able to travel great distances instantly, which he had heard growing up in the church. He questioned the veracity of these stories but acknowledged their prevalence and the belief they instilled in people. He also shared a personal story of his mother's encounter with his deceased father, which added to the discussion of the supernatural and the impact it can have on people's lives. The speaker acknowledged the diversity of beliefs and encouraged open dialogue about such experiences.
Encounters with a deceased abuser's spirit: The speaker's mother experienced multiple encounters with her late husband's spirit, who apologized for past actions but was rejected, and the strange events continued with a Chicago PD officer feeling an urge to use a gun as evidence on himself.
The speaker's mother claimed to have encountered the spirit of her late abusive husband on multiple occasions after his suicide. The first encounter occurred shortly after his death, when the husband appeared in full bodily form and apologized for his past actions. However, my mother firmly rebuked him and told him to leave, never to return. A few weeks later, she felt his presence in the pilot seat of their van and heard him apologize again, but she rebuffed him once more. The encounters ended instantly each time. Chicago PD handled the situation discreetly and took good care of the family during the aftermath of the suicide. One officer reported experiencing a strong urge to use the gun as evidence on himself while driving it back to the precinct, adding to the strange events surrounding the incident.
Personal stories can challenge our beliefs: Stay open-minded and consider new evidence, even if it contradicts previous beliefs. Reading texts with an open mind can lead to reconsidering views on unexplained phenomena.
Our perspectives and beliefs can evolve over time. The speaker shares a personal story about his mother's encounter with a possible ghost, which challenged his long-held skepticism. He emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded and considering new evidence, even if it goes against previous beliefs. The speaker also mentions how reading religious texts with an open mind led him to reconsider his views on the existence of ghosts. He acknowledges the complexity of these phenomena and the many unanswered questions they raise. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of being open to new experiences and ideas, even if they initially seem contradictory to our beliefs.
Understanding 'Elohim' in the Bible: The term 'Elohim' in the Bible can refer to various beings in the spirit realm, not just God, and attempting to contact them carries risks.
The term "Elohim" in the Bible refers not only to God but also to other inhabitants or residents of the spirit realm, including angels, divine beings, human spirits, and even demons. This understanding can provide a more nuanced interpretation of scripture and help avoid limiting beliefs based on specific ideologies. Additionally, the speaker warns against attempting to contact or communicate with these beings due to the unknown risks involved. The speaker also suggests that certain practices and knowledge may have been forbidden by God to protect humanity, and recommends checking out Michael Heizer's teachings on Psalm 82 for a deeper understanding of the divine hierarchy in the Bible.
Childhood Encounter with a Glowing Figure: A speaker recalls an unusual childhood experience involving a glowing, humanoid figure in his stepfather's house, highlighting the intrigue surrounding supernatural beings like angels.
The speaker shares an unusual experience he had as a child involving a glowing, humanoid figure in his stepfather's house. He describes the figure as tall and radiating a golden glow. The experience occurred during a mandatory nap after church, and the speaker was the only one awake to witness it. The speaker also mentions that the house had an eerie vibe and that they didn't spend much time there. The speaker refers to this experience when discussing the topic of angels or beings of a supernatural nature. Additionally, the speaker recommends checking out scholar Michael Pyser's interpretations of ancient texts, specifically Psalm 82, for those interested in the topic of Elohim and its usage in the Bible.
Encounter with a Tall, Radiant Being in Childhood Home: An encounter with a supernatural being left a lasting impression on the speaker, challenging typical expectations of their appearance and reminding us of their ability to take any form.
The speaker encountered a supernatural being, described as a living beam of light or an angelic figure, which appeared in their childhood home. This being was tall, possibly around 8 feet, and radiated a powerful presence. The speaker was deeply affected by the encounter and ran back to hide, praying for protection. The exact nature of the being's presence in the room is unclear, but it may have been ministering to or guarding the speaker's mother. The experience left a lasting impression on the speaker, who found it difficult to fully describe the being's appearance. This encounter challenges our typical expectations of what supernatural beings might look like and reinforces the idea that such beings have the ability to appear in whatever form they choose. The house where the encounter took place was an older one, likely built in the 1920s or 1930s, and the ceilings were probably around 8 feet tall, making the being a very tall presence in the room.
Encounters with the supernatural: Awe and Fear: Encounters with the supernatural can evoke feelings of awe and fear, leaving individuals with a profound sense of the divine and a reminder of the spiritual realm's mystery and complexity.
Encounters with the supernatural, whether perceived as angelic or otherwise, can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The speaker's experience involved an encounter with a being that exhibited a peaceful and commanding presence, but its appearance did not match typical depictions of angels. The experience left the speaker with a sense of the divine and a profound sense of awe, but also fear due to the being's overwhelming presence. Similar experiences throughout history, as recounted in scripture and personal anecdotes, demonstrate the range of emotions and reactions that can arise from encounters with the supernatural. Ultimately, these encounters serve as reminders of the mystery and complexity of the spiritual realm.
Childhood Encounter with the Unexplained: Witnessing a bizarre event in childhood left a lasting impression, unexplained phenomena can leave one feeling uneasy and uncertain.
The speaker shared an eerie experience from their childhood where they witnessed a disembodied arm emerging from a wall in their new home. This event occurred on the first night they moved in and left a lasting impression on them, as the arm disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a smudge on the wall. This strange occurrence set the tone for their entire stay at the house, leaving them feeling uneasy and uncertain. Despite the uncertainty, the speaker and their brother both saw the event and were unable to explain it. The smudge remained on the wall, a permanent reminder of the unexplained experience.
Unusual childhood experiences with eerie occurrences: The speaker's childhood was filled with strange and unexplained events, including the appearance of a protective arm and living in a high-strangeness area, shaping their worldview
The speaker's childhood was marked by unusual and eerie experiences, starting with the appearance of a muscular arm in their old family home. The arm, which was not abnormally large but looked like a well-built man's arm, appeared in a hallway near their mother's room, leading the speaker to believe it may have been protecting her. The basement of the house was also a source of fear, as no one ever went down there, and the place was rumored to be a laundry room. The arm-sighting set the tone for the rest of their time in that house, which was otherwise filled with strange occurrences. Later, the family moved to a farm in southeastern Wisconsin, where they lived in an old homestead with additions. The area was known for its high strangeness, with reports of the Beast of Bray Road and other unexplained phenomena. Despite the oddities, the speaker fondly recalled the best years of their life on the farm. The experiences in both homes left a lasting impact on the speaker, shaping their perception of the world around them.
Strange occurrences in an old farmhouse: The speaker grew up in a house surrounded by woods and fields, which was believed to have unexplained occurrences including sleep paralysis, unexplained noises, and UFO-like incidents, leaving the speaker uncertain of the cause.
The speaker experienced strange and unexplained occurrences in the old farmhouse they grew up in. The house, which had a long history and was surrounded by woods and fields, was believed to have been the site of various unusual activities. The speaker and their brother shared a bedroom, and each of them reported seeing a presence or feeling a sense of fear in their space. The occurrences included hearing unexplained noises, feeling the presence of something unseen, and experiencing sleep paralysis. Additionally, there were reports of UFO-like incidents, such as the sound of a jet engine hovering over the house, which turned out to be nothing when the speaker went outside to investigate. Despite these experiences, the speaker is unsure if there was a specific cause for these occurrences or if they were simply a part of the house's history.
Childhood encounter with unexplained phenomenon leaves the speaker puzzled: The speaker's unexplained childhood experience with a jet engine sound left him feeling troubled and uncertain, despite his mother's dismissive attitude. The strange and unusual area where this occurred may be connected to the history and folklore of the place, leaving the speaker with enduring questions.
The speaker experienced an unexplained auditory phenomenon during his childhood that left him feeling troubled and uncertain. He heard what sounded like a jet engine, but there was no visible plane or impact. His mother became angry and dismissive, and the incident left the speaker with no satisfactory explanation. The area where this occurred was described as strange and unusual, with reports of Indian burial mounds and unexplained occurrences. The speaker also mentioned experiencing other unexplained phenomena, such as seeing things following his brother home. While he is unsure of the cause of these events, he believes they may be connected to the history and folklore of the area. Overall, the speaker's story highlights the mysterious and unexplained experiences that can shape our childhood memories and leave us with enduring questions.
Teenager's Unique Attempt to Unite Friends Leads to Unexplained Phenomenon: A teenager's effort to bridge the gap between his religious and secular friends resulted in an inexplicable encounter that left a lasting impact on all involved.
Tony Merkle, during his teenage years, had an unusual experience where he felt the need to bring together his two distinct groups of friends - his church friends and his secular friends - for a bonfire party on their property. The event was meant to be a way for him to unify his two worlds and potentially show his secular friends that Christians weren't as different as they thought. However, during the party, they encountered an inexplicable phenomenon: a tall, dark figure that blocked out the light in the windows and moved around the area, sometimes appearing ahead and other times behind them. This event was not limited to their property but seemed to be a common occurrence in the region. The experience left a lasting impact on Tony and his friends, adding an unexplainable and mysterious element to their lives.
Speaker's unexpected act of bravery during friend's seizure: Despite societal pressure and discomfort, it's important to take charge and support friends in need.
During a gathering, the speaker found himself in a situation where his friend Rachel, who was known to have seizures, was having an episode. The group was hesitant to help, but the speaker felt a strong urge to take charge and provide support. This was unusual for him as his youth leaders had discouraged him from listening to punk rock music and preferred more mainstream acts like Jars of Clay. Despite the discomfort and uncertainty, the speaker took action, providing a safe space for Rachel and trying to calm her down. This experience taught him the importance of taking charge and helping friends in need, regardless of societal pressure or discomfort. It also highlighted the complexity of adolescence and the need for understanding and support during challenging times.
The transformative power of communal prayer: Communal prayer can bring about profound transformation in people's lives, providing relief, peace, and a deeper connection to faith.
The power of communal prayer and faith can bring about significant transformation in people's lives. The speaker's experience of praying for a troubled friend, Rachel, in a circle of friends and family, resulted in a palpable presence of the divine that brought relief and peace to Rachel, who appeared to be a different person afterwards. The experience left a profound impact on the speaker, inspiring them to explore the deeper aspects of their Christian faith and the potential for supernatural intervention in people's lives. The unusual and powerful experience also left an indelible impression on the other attendees, many of whom were skeptical but unable to deny the tangible evidence of something extraordinary happening.
Traumatic events and hidden sins lead to disturbing nightmares and sleep paralysis: Traumatic experiences can trigger intense nightmares and sleep paralysis, potentially linked to unresolved emotional issues or hidden sins. Using calming techniques, such as physical reassurance, may help alleviate these disturbances.
The speaker experienced disturbing nightmares and sleep paralysis after a traumatic event, which they initially couldn't recall. These nightmares intensified and involved demonic creatures and a sense of foreboding. The speaker's mother also reported having similar nightmares around the same time, and they later discovered that their stepfather was experiencing the same disturbances. The speaker realized that these experiences may have been connected to their own hidden sins and bondage, and that something may have been left behind in their room after the traumatic event. The speaker's friend suggested a method to calm down during these experiences, which involved physically holding down the person and reassuring them. This method was used on the mattress in the speaker's room, which may have helped to address the presence of whatever was causing the disturbances.
Mother's encouragement leads to spiritual breakthrough: During tough times, pray for others and focus on positivity to find peace and empowerment. Spiritual growth and protection are important.
During a time of spiritual struggle, the speaker was encouraged by her mother to rebuke negative influences in the name of Jesus. After feeling defensively focused, the speaker shifted to an offensive stance by praying for others and experiencing a sense of peace and empowerment. The encounter culminated in a mysterious event where the speaker felt like the roof of her room separated, allowing starlight to enter, but the meaning and cause of this experience remain unclear. Overall, the speaker's experience highlights the importance of prayer, focusing on positive thoughts, and seeking spiritual growth and protection.
Childhood Encounter with an Unidentified Entity: A childhood encounter with an unidentified entity left a lasting impact, inspiring a newfound sense of reality and a desire for personal exploration.
The speaker described a terrifying encounter with an unidentified entity that appeared in their bedroom during their childhood. The entity matched the speaker's position and seemed to challenge them before disappearing suddenly. The experience left the speaker feeling shaken and changed, and the presence never returned. Despite the fear, the speaker did not tell their mother about the incident for years, possibly due to the spiritual nature of their upbringing and the lack of understanding or reference for such an experience. The encounter had a profound impact on the speaker, leaving them with a newfound sense of reality and a desire to process the experience on their own terms.
Childhood experiences can shape our lives: Childhood experiences, even seemingly insignificant ones, can impact us deeply. It's important to create a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their stories, regardless of how they may be perceived.
Childhood experiences, even those that may seem insignificant or scary, can have a profound impact on our lives. The speaker shared a memory of seeing a shadow on his ceiling as a child, which he believed could have been a figure. He didn't share this experience with his parents out of fear of sounding silly or being dismissed. This fear of not being taken seriously or misunderstood is a common feeling, especially during childhood when we rely on our parents for security and guidance. The speaker also mentioned that he didn't always have a strong relationship with his parents, which made it even more challenging to open up to them about his experiences. It's important to remember that we're not alone in our experiences, and it's okay to seek help when we need it. Everyone's experiences and perspectives are valid, and it's crucial to create a safe and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their stories.
A safe space for personal stories and connections: Listeners can share their experiences, form connections, and access new episodes weekly through email or the website.
The podcast "The Confessional" provides a platform for people to share their personal stories and connect with each other. The host, Tony, emphasizes the importance of communication and encourages listeners to reach out with their own experiences. The show can be accessed through email or the website, and new episodes air every Saturday night at 6 PM Eastern Standard Time. The podcast aims to create a safe space for individuals to express themselves and form meaningful connections. The host signs off with a hope that everyone stays safe and tunes in next week. The lyrics from the song "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel add an emotional depth to the show's closing, emphasizing the value of love and connection.
