Sightings Podcast: "Phone Calls From The Dead: Illinois, 1998"

Episode Overview

In the enthralling episode of Sightings titled "Phone Calls From The Dead: Illinois, 1998," hosts McLeod Andrews and Brian Sigley delve into one of the most haunting supernatural phenomena—receiving phone calls from the deceased. Released on July 21, 2025, this episode intertwines a gripping dramatized narrative with insightful discussions, offering listeners both chills and thoughtful analysis.

Dramatized Story: A Brother's Haunting Calls

The episode opens with a gripping dramatization that sets the stage for the supernatural tale. Paul, the protagonist, recounts receiving unsettling phone calls from his brother, Nate, who was presumed dead after a tragic train derailment in Illinois in 1998.

Key Moments:

• Initial Call (06:06): Paul receives three messages on his answering machine with the last one being just slow, steady breathing—an eerie indication that Nate might still be alive.

  "And I figured they were just from friends who'd heard about the crash... but then I looked at the caller ID. Brennan, Nathan. Your cell number called at 6:47pm today, which is impossible because the crash was two days ago."
  — Paul (06:06)

• Descent into Obsession (07:45): Driven by desperation, Paul visits the crash site multiple times, seeking any sign of Nate's survival. His encounters with authorities, especially with a coordinator named Morrison, only deepen his confusion and grief.

  "And he looked at me with this expression, like sympathy and exhaustion. And I realized he'd probably had this exact same conversation with dozens of family members."
  — Paul (10:30)

• Second Call and Verification (16:39): Paul receives another call from Nate, who reminisces about a childhood memory. The conversation feels disjointed, adding to Paul's turmoil as he struggles to comprehend the reality of Nate's existence.

  "You said us and mom and dad. And I tried to get through to you. I tried, but you suddenly said you had to go, and the line went dead."
  — Paul (19:03)

• Final Closure (26:56): The narrative culminates with Paul receiving confirmation of Nate's death, juxtaposed with the mysterious phone calls that defy logical explanation.

  "But Morrison called. Twenty minutes later, they found your body. They were able to identify it using dental records. I didn't say anything. When he told me, I just kind of listened and thanked him for calling and hung up."
  — Paul (25:58)

This emotionally charged story not only captivates listeners but also sets the foundation for a deeper exploration of the phenomenon.

Hosts' Discussion: Unveiling the Phenomenon

Following the dramatization, McLeod Andrews and Brian Sigley engage in a profound discussion, dissecting the nature of phone calls from the dead and their implications.

Key Topics:

• Historical Context: Brian references the 1979 book "Phone Calls from the Dead," which cataloged numerous accounts of posthumous phone calls, laying the groundwork for understanding this phenomenon.

  "And before I dive into the actual stories themselves, it's worth noting that they kind of found some patterns in how this works and what these phone calls look like, generally speaking."
  — Brian Sigley (31:35)

• Patterns and Characteristics: The hosts outline common traits in these supernatural calls, such as the timing—often within 24 hours of death—and the nature of the communication, which ranges from incoherent noises to brief, meaningful messages.

  "Callers generally seem a little bit confused or disoriented. They're talking about nonsensical things... They make the call, they say their thing, and that's it."
  — Brian Sigley (31:35)

• Real-Life Cases: Brian discusses specific instances, including the 2008 California train crash involving Charles Peck, whose cell phone continued to ring posthumously. Despite the phone activity, autopsies confirmed Peck died instantly upon impact, leaving the true source of the calls a mystery.

  "The coroner ultimately determined that Charles died instantly on impact. So he was not there to make those calls."
  — Brian Sigley (39:34)

• Emotional Impacts: McLeod and Brian reflect on the psychological effects these calls have on the bereaved, oscillating between hope and prolonged grief.

  "It might feel like... a glitch, could almost like it just kind of prolongs that acceptance period, just like prolongs that kind of anxiety ridden moment in which you were hoping."
  — McLeod Andrews (42:04)

• Skeptical Perspectives: While acknowledging the emotional weight of such experiences, the hosts also entertain rational explanations, such as technical glitches or coincidences, emphasizing the importance of approaching these accounts with both empathy and critical thinking.

  "I think what's interesting, I'm trying to figure out how I would feel if I had been Charles Peck's family... how would you feel?"
  — Brian Sigley (41:37)

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the delicate balance between believing in the supernatural and seeking logical explanations. They encourage listeners to share their own experiences and thoughts, fostering a community of curiosity and open-mindedness.

"I think how could anybody not after losing a loved one, no matter how they lost them... it's just kind of a disjointedness... this is something you need to know."
— McLeod Andrews (29:23)

Final Reflections

"Phone Calls From The Dead: Illinois, 1998" masterfully blends storytelling with analysis, offering a comprehensive look into one of the paranormal world's most enigmatic phenomena. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode provides ample food for thought, challenging listeners to ponder the thin veil between life and death.

Notable Quotes:

• "They've used thermal cameras, listening devices, even dogs. And there were just no signs of life, no survivors."
  — Morrison, Coordinator (16:39)

• "It's the convenience of Carvana. Sorry to blow your mind."
  — Nate (16:56)

• "I think we have to take people at their word on this one. Because in my mind, if you're gonna come up with some paranormal experience, you would pick something a little less personal."
  — Brian Sigley (40:51)

Sources: For a detailed list of sources referenced in this episode, visit sightingspodcast.com.

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Stay tuned for next week's episode, where McLeod and Brian promise an adventurous tale off the coast of Florida near Bermuda. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join the journey into the unknown.