If you dig the twisted, admire the outlandish, are enamored by the unusual, you’re in the right place. True Crime, the Supernatural, the Unexplained, now you’re speaking our language. If you agree, join us, as we dive into the darker side ( you know, because it’s more fun over here ). Welcome to Total Conundrum.
All content for Total Conundrum is the property of Total Conundrum and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
If you dig the twisted, admire the outlandish, are enamored by the unusual, you’re in the right place. True Crime, the Supernatural, the Unexplained, now you’re speaking our language. If you agree, join us, as we dive into the darker side ( you know, because it’s more fun over here ). Welcome to Total Conundrum.
Episode 58 - The Roff House Possession Case: America's First Documented Spirit Takeover
Total Conundrum
50 minutes 19 seconds
4 months ago
Episode 58 - The Roff House Possession Case: America's First Documented Spirit Takeover
In this chilling deep dive, Jeremy and Traci unravel one of America’s strangest and most documented cases of spirit possession: the story of Lurancy Vennum and Mary Roff, known as the Watseka Wonder.
We journey through the quiet streets of 19th-century Watseka, Illinois, into the lives of two families connected by tragedy, belief, and the beyond. From Lurancy’s terrifying seizures and trance states to the eerie return of Mary Roff’s spirit — and the emotional testing that convinced a grieving family they had their daughter back.
We also explore the haunting legacy of the Roff House itself, now an Airbnb where guests continue to report chilling encounters. Plus, modern investigations, séances, and what it means to be “possessed” — both then and now.
Are these echoes of grief, spiritual miracles… or something darker still lingering in the hallways?
Episode Highlights
• Life and early struggles of Lurancy Vennum
• The tragic and violent story of Mary Roff
• Dr. E. Winchester Stevens’ detailed sessions
• The séance and emergence of Mary’s spirit
• Astonishing tests — including Mary’s bonnet and personal memories
• Life after possession: Lurancy’s future and Mary’s lasting impact
• The Roff House today — Airbnb hauntings and guest experiences
• Our own thoughts after visiting the house
• The legacy of spiritualism, skepticism, and belief
Love this eerie journey?
Like, follow, and subscribe wherever you listen!
Share your own strange stories at totalconundrum.com — you might hear them featured on an upcoming episode!
#WatsekaWonder #RoffHouse #ParanormalPodcast #TrueCrime #Haunted #Possession #TotalConundrum
Total Conundrum
If you dig the twisted, admire the outlandish, are enamored by the unusual, you’re in the right place. True Crime, the Supernatural, the Unexplained, now you’re speaking our language. If you agree, join us, as we dive into the darker side ( you know, because it’s more fun over here ). Welcome to Total Conundrum.
