The Midwest Mystic — A Conversation with Joe Diamond

Episode 67: The Smurl Family Haunting | The True Story Behind The Conjuring: Last Rites

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536916/fan_mail/new] For more than a decade, the Smurl family claimed they shared their Pennsylvania home with something terrifying. What began as unexplained noises, foul odors, and strange disturbances would eventually escalate into one of the most controversial haunting cases in American history. The family reported shadowy figures, violent attacks, unexplained scratches, and encounters with an unseen presence that seemed determined to drive them from their home. As the activity intensified, the Smurls sought help from renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who concluded that multiple spirits—and a powerful demonic entity—were responsible for the haunting. But were the Smurls truly experiencing a demonic infestation, or was there another explanation behind the events that unfolded on Chase Street? In this episode, we explore the complete history of the Smurl haunting, the Warrens' investigation, the reported exorcisms, and the debate that continues to divide believers and skeptics decades later. This is the real story that helped inspire The Conjuring: Last Rites. ──────────────────── 🎙️ EPISODE CONTENTS • The Smurl family's move to West Pittston, Pennsylvania • Strange noises, odors, and unexplained activity • The alleged attacks and escalating hauntings • Ed and Lorraine Warren's investigation • The infamous mirror message • Reported exorcisms and church involvement • Skeptics vs. believers • The lasting legacy of one of America's most debated hauntings ──────────────────── 🌫️ ECHOES FROM THE VEIL Have a paranormal experience, unexplained encounter, true crime experience, or strange story you'd like to share? Email us at: veilofechoespodcast@gmail.com [veilofechoespodcast@gmail.com] Your story may be featured in a future episode of Echoes From The Veil. ──────────────────── 📱 FOLLOW VEIL OF ECHOES Instagram: @veilofechoespodcast TikTok: @veilofechoespodcast Facebook: Veil of Echoes Podcast ──────────────────── 🎁 MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS Want a chance to win exclusive Veil of Echoes merchandise, collector tarot cards, crystals, candles, and other haunting surprises? Follow us on social media to learn how to enter our monthly giveaways. ──────────────────── ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This episode discusses alleged paranormal experiences and claims. Portions of this episode include historical reporting, witness testimony, and reported paranormal accounts that remain debated and unverified. ──────────────────── 🎵 MUSIC & AUDIO CREDITS Original music featured in this episode was composed by Dave DAddario and created exclusively for Veil of Echoes and Missing Veil Files. Listen to more of Dave's work: YouTube: @davedaddario This episode also contains brief excerpts of historical news broadcasts and publicly available interviews featuring members of the Smurl family, Ed Warren, and Lorraine Warren. These clips are used for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion purposes. ──────────────────── 📚 SOURCES The Haunted (1986) By Robert Curran, Jack Smurl, Janet Smurl, Ed Warren, and Lorraine Warren Historical newspaper archives and contemporary reporting Interviews with Jack Smurl and Janet Smurl Interviews with Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren The Haunted (1991 Television Film) Research from paranormal investigators, clergy statements, and skeptical analyses of the Smurl case Additional historical and investigative sources examining the Smurl haunting and its lasting cultural impact ──────────────────── 🎙️ Veil of Echoes A cinematic true crime and paranormal podcast. Because some stories refuse to stay buried. ✨ Step through the veil with us… 🔮 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @VeilOfEchoesPodcast 👻 Share your stories: VeilOfEchoesPodcast@gmail.com 🕯️ New episodes drop every Monday (True Crime) & Friday (Paranormal) — where true crime meets the supernatural.

Ep. 66 - Columbine Part 2: The Library | Inside the Deadliest Room at Columbine High School

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536916/fan_mail/new] In Part Two of our Columbine series, we step inside the library at Columbine High School, the deadliest location during the April 20, 1999 attack. As students hid beneath tables and computer desks, librarian Patti Nielson remained on the phone with 911 while chaos unfolded around her. We examine the events inside the library, the stories of the victims and survivors, the heroism of teacher Dave Sanders, and the terrifying moments that forever changed American history. This episode contains discussions of mass violence, murder, trauma, suicide, and graphic emotional content involving minors. Listener discretion is advised. In our next and final installment, we'll explore the aftermath of Columbine, the survivors, the media frenzy, the myths and misconceptions surrounding the case, and the lasting impact of April 20, 1999. Echoes From the Veil Have a paranormal encounter, true crime experience, near-death experience, stalking encounter, or unexplained story? Send your story to: 📧 veilofechoespodcast@gmail.com Your story may be featured in a future installment of Echoes From the Veil. Monthly Listener Giveaways Our monthly listener giveaways begin this month and include: 🔮 Tarot Cards  🕯️ Candles  ✨ Crystals  📜 Wax-Sealed Letters  👁️ Veil of Echoes Collectibles Follow us on social media for details and future giveaway announcements. Audio Used * Columbine-related 911 dispatch audio * Patti Nielson 911 call excerpts * Historical news audio used for commentary and educational purposes * Original music and sound design by Dave Daddario * Additional editing, production, and sound design by Veil of Echoes Music & Sound Design Original music, theme music, trailer music, and sound design by Dave Daddario. 🎵 YouTube: youtube.com/@davedaddario Sources *  Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Columbine Report  *  Columbine by Dave Cullen  *  FBI Columbine Documents  *  Columbine Review Commission Materials  *  Survivor Testimony and Witness Statements  *  CNN Archive Coverage  *  History Channel Archives  *  Denver Post Columbine Coverage  ✨ Step through the veil with us… 🔮 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @VeilOfEchoesPodcast 👻 Share your stories: VeilOfEchoesPodcast@gmail.com 🕯️ New episodes drop every Monday (True Crime) & Friday (Paranormal) — where true crime meets the supernatural.

Episode 46 - The Survival of Alison Botha: Refusing to Be Erased

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536916/fan_mail/new] On December 18, 1994, Alison Botha parked in her driveway like she had done so many times before. She had no idea what was waiting behind her. Kidnapped. Brutally attacked. Left for dead on a deserted road outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa — her throat cut, her body nearly destroyed — Alison did the unthinkable. She survived. In this episode, we examine one of the most extraordinary survival stories ever recorded. From the attack and investigation to the controversial parole of her attackers decades later, we explore not just the crime — but the resilience that followed. This is not a story about how she died. It’s a story about how she lived. 🎧 Episode XLVI — Out Now. If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a rating or written review on Apple or Spotify. It helps independent shows like ours continue telling stories that matter. 📚 SHOW NOTES / SOURCES * Alison (2016 Documentary Film) * Court records and sentencing reports (South Africa, 1995) * News24 (South Africa) – Coverage of 2023 parole decision * BBC News – Reporting on parole and public response * Express UK – “Woman forced to carry her own intestines…” (2023 coverage) * Public statements from Alison Botha (Facebook post regarding parole decision) * South African Department of Correctional Services updates ✨ Step through the veil with us… 🔮 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @VeilOfEchoesPodcast 👻 Share your stories: VeilOfEchoesPodcast@gmail.com 🕯️ New episodes drop every Monday (True Crime) & Friday (Paranormal) — where true crime meets the supernatural.

Ep. 22 - The Murdaugh Murders: Part I — Echoes of a Dynasty

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536916/fan_mail/new] This is Part I of our two-part deep dive into one of the most haunting and explosive cases in modern true crime: the Murdaugh Murders. Tonight, we walk the long shadow of the Lowcountry…  through privilege, generational power, unanswered tragedies, and the storm that had been brewing long before June 7th, 2021. In this episode we cover: • The Murdaugh legacy and influence over the Lowcountry  • The death of Stephen Smith  • The death of Gloria Satterfield  • Paul Murdaugh’s escalating behavior  • The 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach  • The tension building within the family  • The timeline leading up to the murders of Maggie and Paul  • A cinematic POV from Moselle itself  • And the moment everything changed… Part I ends at the kennels on the night of June 7th —  and next Monday, Part II will take you inside the aftermath, the investigation, the unraveling of Alex Murdaugh, and the case that shocked the nation. If you enjoy this episode, please follow, rate, and review Veil of Echoes — it helps our independent podcast reach more listeners. 🖤 📚 SHOW NOTES / SEGMENT GUIDE 00:00 – Opening Hook (POV: Moselle) 04:00 – Intro + Content Warning 06:00 – The Murdaugh Legacy 14:00 – The 2019 Boat Crash 32:00 – Stephen Smith & Gloria Satterfield 50:00 – Mounting Pressure 57:00 – June 7th, 2021 (The Kennels) 1:13:00 – Cliffhanger Into Part II 1:14:00 – Outro + Black Monk teaser 📎 SOURCES USED Documentaries / Series: • Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (Netflix) • The Murdaugh Murders (Investigation Discovery / ID Channel) • Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty (HBO Max) • 48 Hours – The Strange Case of Stephen Smith (CBS) • Dateline NBC – The Murdaugh Murders Articles & Investigative Reports: • CNN: “Timeline: The Murdaugh Murders and the Investigation” • New York Times: “The Murdaugh Murder Mystery” • NBC News: “Alex Murdaugh lied about dogs causing longtime housekeeper’s fatal fall” • FITSNews Investigative Timelines (Stephen Smith, Gloria Satterfield, Mallory Beach) • Greenville News: “What Happened the Night of the Boat Crash?” • The State: “New Details in the Murdaugh Murders Investigation” • Court transcripts from State v. Richard Alex Murdaugh (2023) • SLED case updates (2021–2023) Legal Documents: • Mallory Beach wrongful death lawsuit filings • Gloria Satterfield estate settlement documents • Autopsy / coroner findings for Stephen Smith • Testimony from witnesses in the 2019 boat crash investigation ✨ Step through the veil with us… 🔮 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @VeilOfEchoesPodcast 👻 Share your stories: VeilOfEchoesPodcast@gmail.com 🕯️ New episodes drop every Monday (True Crime) & Friday (Paranormal) — where true crime meets the supernatural.

Ep. 24 - The Murdaugh Murders: Part Two — When Truth Takes the Stand

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536916/fan_mail/new] The truth doesn’t stay buried forever.  In Part 2 of our Murdaugh Murders series, we follow the unraveling of Alex Murdaugh’s alibi, the explosive kennel video, the shifting timelines, and the trial moments that sealed his fate. From the lies he confessed to on the stand, to the theories that still haunt the Lowcountry, this episode dives deeper into the chaos, the contradictions, and the verdict that shattered a century-old dynasty. We examine the autopsies, forensics, missing evidence, the “egg juror” controversy, Alex’s upcoming 2026 appeal, and the heartbreaking fallout left behind.  And before we close, we honor the lives at the heart of this tragedy: Maggie, Paul, Mallory, Gloria, and Stephen. This is where truth meets consequence. 📝 SHOW NOTES In Part Two, we explore: • The timeline breakdown & where Alex’s alibi collapsed  • The kennel video and how it changed everything  • Autopsy findings for Maggie and Paul  • Digital forensics: phones, steps, and OnStar data  • Alex’s testimony — what he admitted, what shifted, what shattered  • The “good liar” moment & courtroom reactions  • The defense strategy and why it struggled  • Juror insights from deliberations  • Theories suggesting Alex didn’t act alone  • Juror 785’s perspective & book discussion  • The “egg juror” controversy and its impact  • Alex’s February 2026 appeal  • The emotional aftermath for Buster  • Tribute to Maggie, Paul, Mallory, Gloria, and Stephen PLUS: A chilling teaser for Friday’s paranormal episode — The Enfield Poltergeist. 📚 SOURCES & REFERENCES • South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh — full trial testimony  • Prosecution and Defense Exhibits (timelines, phone data, OnStar records)  • Autopsy reports & Dr. Ellen Riemer’s forensic testimony  • Judge Clifton Newman’s sentencing statements  • FITSNews coverage of the Murdaugh trial  • Crime & Cask / Myra Catherine Crosby — Because Enough Is Enough: How Juror 785 Was Wrongly Removed From the Alex Murdaugh Jury • Law & Crime Network — livestream analysis and expert commentary • CNN, CBS, ABC trial reporting archives • Court filings regarding the “egg juror” appeal objection • South Carolina Supreme Court schedule for Alex Murdaugh’s 2026 appeal • Interviews and public statements from jurors post-verdict ✨ Step through the veil with us… 🔮 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @VeilOfEchoesPodcast 👻 Share your stories: VeilOfEchoesPodcast@gmail.com 🕯️ New episodes drop every Monday (True Crime) & Friday (Paranormal) — where true crime meets the supernatural.