Podcast Summary: Dark History – Episode 187

Title: Possessed Nuns, Mass Hysteria, and an Influencer Priest: DH of Exorcisms
Host: Bailey Sarian
Air Date: October 29, 2025
Podcast Studio: Audioboom Studios

Overview

In this spooky Halloween-themed episode, Bailey Sarian takes listeners through the chilling and often bizarre history of exorcisms. From a mass possession scandal involving French nuns to the cultural hysteria fueled by "The Exorcist" movie and the rise of modern-day exorcist influencers, Bailey unpacks how societies have tried to explain—and monetize—unexplainable behavior by blaming demons, the devil, and sometimes, each other. The episode blends dark history with Sarian's signature humor and eyebrow-raising side notes, offering an engaging look at the evolution of exorcisms from ancient times to the age of apps.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Exorcism—Origins and Early Perceptions

(00:50–06:10)

• Exorcism is now a term we often joke about (e.g., "my cat looks possessed"), but for centuries it was taken seriously as the explanation for unexplainable behavior.
• In ancient Mesopotamia and other societies, conditions like epilepsy were interpreted as demonic possession since science couldn’t explain seizures and symptoms.
• "If you think about it, someone who has a severe form of epilepsy... back then they’re like, ‘Demon!’, right?" — Bailey (02:19)
• Remedies included hanging dead animals on doors or undergoing exorcisms by people in red cloaks.
• Every major religion and culture developed ways to expel these supposed demons; Catholicism later standardized public exorcisms.

2. The Mass Possession of the Loudun Nuns (1632–1634, France)

(06:11–32:50)

Setting the Scene

• The town of Loudun, recently devastated by the bubonic plague, is described as frightened and cloistered, especially within its convent of nuns—many forced into the life by family wealth or appearance.
• "How do you break the news to your child, like, ‘Hey, you’re ugly, so you’re gonna go to this convent?’" — Bailey (09:54)

The Hauntings Begin

• Nuns start reporting bizarre happenings: shadowy orbs, evil skeletons in the corridors, unexplainable physical attacks, outbreaks of cackling, and sudden, wild behavioral changes.
• The behaviors escalate: self-mutilation, animal-like noises, sexual outbursts, and loss of memory.

Public Exorcisms Turn Into Public Spectacle

• Exorcisms are held in the town square, drawing crowds. Nuns scream, convulse, vomit nails, and accuse demons of inhabiting them.
• "These were essentially a tourist attraction for the town of Lou Dun." — Bailey (20:50)

The Scapegoating of Urbain Grandier

• Under pressure, nuns identify their possessor as Urbain Grandier, a controversial priest with a notorious libido and anti-celibacy writings.
• Possessions intensify until Grandier is accused of witchcraft, subjected to show trials, and ultimately burned at the stake.
• "Plot twist... Not long after the trial, the truth came out. Apparently, the head nun, Jeanne... had a certified sexual obsession with Urban... She teamed up with powerful people in town to get Urban in trouble." — Bailey (29:30)
• Mass hysteria may have been at play, muddying the line between political retribution and genuine supernatural fear.

Notable Quote

• "Hell hath no fury like a horny nun scorned." — Bailey (32:35)

3. The "Real" Exorcist Case and its Cultural Impact

(33:10–54:00)

The Ronald Hunkeler Case (1949)

• In Washington, D.C., Ronald, age 13, undergoes a terrifying transformation with nightly violent outbursts, mysterious wounds, and trance-like states.
• Priests turn to the Catholic "Ritual Romanum" for exorcism rites but repeatedly fail, even as Ronald’s bed moves and he speaks in deep voices. Eventually, success is declared after an intense session with a giant crucifix.
• "After seven minutes, Ronald woke up, turned to the priest and said, simply said, ‘He’s gone.’" — Bailey (39:42)

Hollywood and "The Exorcist" Effect

• William Peter Blatty adapts the case into the novel (1971) and later the infamous movie (1973) "The Exorcist."
• Upon its release, mass panic ensues: fainting, vomiting, and claims of possession run rampant at screenings. The term "cinematic neurosis" is coined to describe the mental health fallout.
• "The truth was... some left the movie so disturbed they were convinced that they were possessed. There was a surge in exorcisms after this movie came out. That is... the Exorcist effect." — Bailey (49:31)
• The media, church, and film industry all profit as exorcism requests skyrocket.

Notable Quotes

• Theater owner: "I've been in the business 47 years and I've never seen anything like it going on."
• "There was even a new mental illness diagnosis created specifically because of the movie." — Bailey (51:22)

4. Exorcism in the Internet Age: The Influencer Priest

(54:10–01:03:30)

The Rise of Padre Manuel Acuña, Social Media’s Exorcist (Argentina, 2015+)

• BBC journalist Andrew Gold documents the phenomenon of Padre Acuña, whose exorcisms are live-streamed and staged with church walls covered in pop culture posters starring himself.
• Viral videos, including "The Exorcism of Laura" (actually Paula), fuel his celebrity. Paula, after her exorcism, becomes his assistant and helps run his exorcism school.
• "Padre is not a gatekeeper. He runs his own school for aspiring exorcists... He averages like one to two exorcisms per week. Good for him, you know?" — Bailey (01:02:02)

Exorcism Apps and On-Demand Services

• In 2025, the Internet offers exorcism booking apps, priest chatlines, and even on-demand spiritual aid—though Bailey expresses skepticism about their legitimacy.
• "It's like TaskRabbit for exorcisms... Sounds scammy to me. I don't like it." — Bailey (01:03:02)

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Bailey mixes humor and skepticism, breaking down dark history with asides about Fabio romance novels, her own cat, movie analogies, and mock self-help advice.
• Regular tangents about pop culture, personal anecdotes (cats, Animal Crossing), and rapid-fire side jokes keep the pace lively.

Important Timestamps

• 00:50 – Exorcism in ancient history and early misattributions (e.g., epilepsy)
• 06:11 – Introduction to Loudun convent story
• 17:15 – Nuns' mass possessions and physical symptoms
• 20:50 – Public exorcisms as a town spectacle
• 27:40 – Urbain Grandier scandal & witch trial
• 32:35 – "Hell hath no fury like a horny nun scorned."
• 38:36 – Ronald Hunkeler case details and failed exorcisms
• 45:15 – Writing and release of "The Exorcist" novel and movie
• 49:31 – The Exorcist Effect and cinematic neurosis
• 54:10 – Exorcism goes viral: Padre Acuña and social media
• 01:02:02 – "Padre is not a gatekeeper..."
• 01:03:02 – Exorcism apps and on-demand services in 2025

Expert Highlight

• Special acknowledgment to Dr. Joseph Laycock, associate professor of religious studies at Texas State University, and author of the Penguin Book of Exorcisms, as a primary expert for this episode.

Notable Quotes

• "If you think about it, someone who has a severe form of epilepsy... back then they’re like, ‘Demon!’" (02:19)
• "These were essentially a tourist attraction for the town of Lou Dun." (20:50)
• "Plot twist... Not long after the trial, the truth came out." (29:30)
• "Hell hath no fury like a horny nun scorned." (32:35)
• "The Exorcist Effect." (49:31)
• "Padre is not a gatekeeper. He runs his own school for aspiring exorcists..." (01:02:02)
• "It's like TaskRabbit for exorcisms... Sounds scammy to me." (01:03:02)

Conclusion

Bailey wraps with reflections on how exorcisms persist as a form of mass hysteria, religious ritual, public entertainment, and now, digital content and business. From ancient misunderstandings to internet-age influencers, demon-busting has always been as much about society as it is about spirits.

Bailey's sendoff:
"From a horny, angry nun to mass hysteria to following your dreams and ruining lives... Now, exorcism influencers. Yeah. What a time to be alive, huh?" (01:04:07)

Looking Ahead

Next week: The Dark History of the Armenian Genocide.