In this chilling deep dive, Jeremy and Traci unravel one of America’s strangest and most documented cases of spirit possession: the story of Lurancy Vennum and Mary Roff, known as the Watseka Wonder.
We journey through the quiet streets of 19th-century Watseka, Illinois, into the lives of two families connected by tragedy, belief, and the beyond. From Lurancy’s terrifying seizures and trance states to the eerie return of Mary Roff’s spirit — and the emotional testing that convinced a grieving family they had their daughter back.
We also explore the haunting legacy of the Roff House itself, now an Airbnb where guests continue to report chilling encounters. Plus, modern investigations, séances, and what it means to be “possessed” — both then and now.
Are these echoes of grief, spiritual miracles… or something darker still lingering in the hallways? Episode Highlights • Life and early struggles of Lurancy Vennum • The tragic and violent story of Mary Roff • Dr. E. Winchester Stevens’ detailed sessions • The séance and emergence of Mary’s spirit • Astonishing tests — including Mary’s bonnet and personal memories • Life after possession: Lurancy’s future and Mary’s lasting impact • The Roff House today — Airbnb hauntings and guest experiences • Our own thoughts after visiting the house • The legacy of spiritualism, skepticism, and belief
Love this eerie journey? Like, follow, and subscribe wherever you listen! Share your own strange stories at totalconundrum.com — you might hear them featured on an upcoming episode! #WatsekaWonder #RoffHouse #ParanormalPodcast #TrueCrime #Haunted #Possession #TotalConundrum
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com