Extrasensory: Episode Two - "One White Crow"

Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: Will Sharp
Produced by: Blanchard House
Available on: Apple Podcasts

Introduction: The Quest for Reincarnation

In the second episode of Extrasensory, host Will Sharp delves deeper into the enigmatic case of John Pollock, a milkman from 1950s England who made a startling prophecy about the reincarnation of his deceased daughters. This episode, titled "One White Crow," explores the intricate details of Pollock’s life, his family's tragic loss, and the subsequent birth of twin girls who seem to embody the spirits of their lost sisters.

John Pollock's Tragic Loss

The story begins in Hexham, England, in January 1950, where John Pollock and his wife, Florence, experience the devastating loss of their two young daughters, Jacqueline and Joanna, in a tragic accident. Will Sharp sets the scene:

[00:05] Will Sharp: “Charlottesville, Virginia. Spring, 1963...”

[00:05] Will Sharp: "We're in Hexham, England, to 1950... Jacqueline falls onto that metal bucket, causing a wound, a deep wound above her left eye."

[02:43] Lauren: "I can just imagine Florence rushing out, the blood pouring down Jacqueline's face..."

Florence's immediate reaction to the accident is vividly described by her granddaughter, Lauren, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy on the family.

The Birth of the Twins: Signs of Reincarnation

Thirteen years after the accident, John and Florence Pollock welcome twin daughters, Jennifer and Jillian, into their lives. These twins bear striking resemblances to their deceased sisters, particularly in the form of identical birthmarks.

[04:13] Lauren: "She had a birthmark on her waist. It was kind of like a brown thumbprint."

[04:18] Will Sharp: "Her dead sister Jacqueline had a birthmark in exactly the same place."

The presence of these matching birthmarks ignites Professor Ian Stevenson’s interest, a parapsychologist renowned for his research into reincarnation. Stevenson believes that such a coincidence could serve as "the one white crow" needed to substantiate claims of reincarnation.

Professor Ian Stevenson's Investigation

Determined to investigate this extraordinary case, Professor Stevenson travels from Virginia to Hexham. His meticulous approach is highlighted as he scrutinizes every detail:

[06:58] Lauren: "I think people would react today... it would still be front page news and people would be absolutely outraged."

Stevenson’s journey takes him to Whitley Bay, a coastal town where the Pollock family has relocated. This new setting becomes the backdrop for his in-depth interviews with John and Florence Pollock.

The Court Case of Marjorie Wynn

Parallel to Stevenson's investigation is the high-profile court case of Marjorie Wynn, the woman accused of causing the deaths of the Pollock children. The episode captures the tense atmosphere outside the Hexham Magistrates Court:

[08:15] Will Sharp: "There's a lot riding on this trip... What if Pollock's just a crank?"

Marjorie Wynn's trial garners significant attention, with the public divided between those who view her as evil and others who empathize with her troubled state.

Uncovering the Twins' Connection to the Deceased

As Stevenson interviews the Pollock family, he uncovers unsettling facts that suggest Jennifer and Jillian possess memories of their previous lives. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence involves the Pollock family's childhood dolls:

[23:27] John Pollock: "Anyway, the strangest thing happened... Jennifer pointed to the one doll and said, that's Mary."

[23:33] Dr. Jeffrey Long: "And the exact names that Jacqueline and Joanna gave to those dolls."

The twins independently name the dolls after their deceased sisters, despite no prior knowledge shared by their parents, pointing towards a possible reincarnative link.

Birthmarks as Physical Evidence

A pivotal aspect of the investigation revolves around the birthmarks on Jennifer and Jillian. These marks astonishingly mirror the injuries sustained by Jacqueline and Joanna:

[29:58] Will Sharp: "Jennifer, love, come here a moment. Stand here, love. Stand in front of Dr. Stevenson. Show him your waist... that scar above her left eye."

[30:19] Will Sharp: "There's nothing of it."

This alignment between past injuries and present birthmarks challenges conventional scientific explanations and propels Stevenson to consider the possibility of physical remnants from past lives.

The Crucial Revelation: Twins' Unawareness of Their Past

The climax of the episode centers on whether the twins are aware of their past lives. Stevenson poses the critical question:

[32:24] John Pollock: "Do the twins know they had two sisters who passed away?"

The Pollocks assert that they never discussed the accident with the twins, and no photographs of the deceased sisters are present in the household. Despite this, the twins exhibit behaviors and knowledge that suggest a haunting familiarity with the traumatic event:

[34:15] Dr. Jeffrey Long: "Have you ever talked to them about the accident?"

[34:02] John Pollock: "No. No."

The twins recount visions and distressing memories, such as:

[34:30] Dr. Jeffrey Long: "The car's coming for us... I found Jillian cradling Jennifer's head in her hands, saying, the blood's coming out of your eyes."

This deepens the mystery, indicating that the twins may be reliving their sisters' tragic deaths.

Implications and Reflections

As the episode progresses, the evidence mounts against conventional explanations, compelling Professor Stevenson to reevaluate his skepticism towards reincarnation. The case of the Pollock twins serves as a potentially groundbreaking confirmation of Stevenson's lifelong quest for credible reincarnation cases.

[25:07] Lauren: "Because... how could Gillian have known the dolls' names?"

The intertwined narratives of personal tragedy, scientific investigation, and the supernatural create a compelling exploration of what lies beyond death.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

"One White Crow" effectively intertwines the emotional journey of the Pollock family with Professor Stevenson's methodical pursuit of evidence. The episode leaves listeners contemplating the boundaries of life and death, and whether the Pollock twins are indeed reincarnated souls of their lost siblings.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:13] Lauren: "She had a birthmark on her waist. It was kind of like a brown thumbprint."
• [23:27] John Pollock: "Jennifer pointed to the one doll and said, that's Mary."
• [32:24] John Pollock: "Do the twins know they had two sisters who passed away?"

Production Credits:

Extrasensory is an Apple Original podcast produced by Blanchard House, featuring voices by Peter Peverly, Jasmine Hyde, Mark Arnold, Francisco and Edie Pineapple Bowler, Stevie Pye, and others. The episode was written by Lawrence Grisel, with additional production by Seren Jones, original music by Daniel Lloyd Evans, Louis Nank Manel, and Toby Matimong, and sound design by Vulcan Kiseltug and Daniel Lloyd Evans.

Tune in to Extrasensory on Apple Podcasts to continue exploring the mysterious and the unexplained.