Spooked Podcast Summary: "Dead or Alive?"
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: Lynne Washington
Storyteller: Aisling Clark (Ashleen)
Introduction
In the episode titled "Dead or Alive?" from the Spooked podcast by Snap Judgment, Aisling Clark shares her haunting experiences living in two distinct houses in Ireland. Hosted by Lynne Washington, the episode delves deep into the thin veil between the living and the dead, exploring personal encounters with the supernatural.
Background
Aisling Clark, a young single mother and student, recounts her journey from living with her parents to seeking independence by renting a new house. Her experiences are set against the backdrop of Irish folklore, where tales of ghosts and the afterlife are commonplace and treated as everyday reality rather than mere fiction.
Early Beliefs
- Ashleen (Aisling): "It was just a fact. It was just ghosts existed and that's how it was." [04:36]
From an early age, Aisling accepted the existence of ghosts without question, a belief ingrained by her family and community. This foundational perspective sets the stage for her later, more personal encounters.
Experiences in the Priest's House
At seventeen, shortly after the birth of her son, Aisling moves into a rented house previously occupied by a priest who baptized her child. The house is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, near a mountain, and features a sizable garden. Despite her efforts to personalize the space with vintage wallpaper and paint, Aisling feels an uneasy presence.
Initial Unease
- Ashleen: "I don't feel happy in that house. I don't feel comfortable... I can't shake this feeling that... I'm not alone." [06:35]
Her discomfort stems not only from her isolation as a single mother but also from the judgmental behavior of nearby neighbors, which contributes to a persistent sense of being watched.
The First Encounter
One late night, while alone in her living room with her child asleep upstairs, Aisling senses a presence. She describes seeing a woman in a floral housecoat with no visible head:
- Ashleen: "There is nothing where her head should be... I thought she had no head." [06:35]
Frozen in fear, Aisling watches as the apparition disappears abruptly, leaving her shaken but safe.
Moving to the John Hewitt House
Seeking a fresh start, Aisling and her partner move into the John Hewitt House in Belfast, a cottage once home to the renowned Irish poet John Hewitt. The house is picturesque, featuring fruit trees and a herb garden, symbolizing a more positive chapter in Aisling's life.
Initial Ghostly Activity
Despite the welcoming environment, subtle supernatural occurrences begin:
- Taps and Cabinet Doors: Appliances and furniture move without explanation.
- Smell of Pipe Smoke: An inexplicable scent reminiscent of Aisling's late grandfather.
During a recording session for a theater production about the Titanic, Aisling and her musical director experience an unsettling auditory phenomenon:
- Ashleen: "We hear the sound of a man singing 'Working Man' by the Chieftains... We didn't say the words. It's just our eyes communicated. This is weird." [19:00]
Unlike her previous experience, Aisling feels a thrilling excitement rather than fear, intrigued by the unexplained events.
The Little Boy's Story
The most profound encounter occurs when Aisling's sister stays overnight during their move. The sister experiences a vivid vision of a little boy emerging from a cupboard, questioning their presence in the house.
Discovery in the Attic
Upon inspection, Aisling finds remnants of the boy's past:
- Artifacts Found: Kids' drawings, art projects, and a photograph of a boy dressed as Joseph from "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat."
When Aisling shows the photograph to her sister, it confirms the apparition's identity.
Confrontation with the Past
Aisling eventually meets the wife of the boy, who still resides in the area. She retrieves letters intended for the family, revealing that the boy is alive and has a strong attachment to the house.
- Ashleen: "I was happy that he was alive because I had this horrible feeling that something had happened to this child." [27:06]
This encounter challenges Aisling's perceptions of ghosts, suggesting that not all apparitions are spirits of the dead but could be manifestations of unresolved attachments.
Reflections and Conclusions
Aisling reflects on her experiences, embracing the mystery rather than seeking concrete explanations. She finds joy in the unexplained, appreciating the lingering connections that transcend death.
- Ashleen: "I take a certain amount of joy in not knowing the explanation to these things. For me, that's kind of thrilling, exhilarating." [27:06]
Her story underscores the complex relationship between the living and the supernatural, highlighting how places imbued with positive memories can retain echoes of the past.
Notable Quotes
- Ashleen on Initial Ghost Sighting: "I don't hear voices anymore... but I wonder if a door has locked fast behind me." [01:19]
- Ashleen on Her Faith in Ghosts: "I didn't really start thinking about it more critically until I was older." [04:57]
- Ashleen on the Little Boy's Apparition: "I have no explanation. I'm happy with that." [27:06]
Conclusion
"Dead or Alive?" offers a compelling narrative that blends personal experiences with broader themes of memory, attachment, and the unseen influences that shape our lives. Aisling Clark's story serves as a testament to the enduring connections that linger beyond the physical realm, inviting listeners to ponder their own experiences with the supernatural.
For more haunting tales, subscribe to Spooked on your favorite podcast platform and share your own ghostly encounters at spookednapjudgment.org.