Re-Release Rissa from Tea & Smoke - The Ouija Board Stories
Summary
Hosts John and Rissa explore the history of the Ouija board, tracing its origins from Victorian spiritualism and the Fox sisters to its 1891 commercialization by Baltimore businessmen. The episode details the invention of the planchette, the board’s naming by medium Helen Peters, and the tragic death of manufacturer William Fould. It also covers the board’s cultural impact, including its surge in popularity during wartime grief and its use by famous writers and musicians for creative inspiration.
Topics discussed
Introduction and show promotion
Guest introduction and topic overview
The Ouija board's cultural longevity and popularity
Victorian era context: grief, mortality, and anxiety
The rise of Spiritualism and the Fox sisters
Spiritualism as a movement and its social impact
Evolution from automatic writing to the planchette
The invention of the commercial talking board
The key figures behind the Ouija board's creation
The naming of the board and the origin myth
The patent process and early commercial launch
Marketing strategies and the board's accessibility
Rapid business growth and manufacturing expansion
William Fuld's acquisition and aggressive marketing
Peak sales in 1967 and the Vietnam War connection
Ouija boards in literature and music
The ideomotor effect and scientific explanations
Pop culture shift: The Exorcist and public perception
The Satanic Panic and moral panic of the 80s
Collecting vintage boards and their value
Guidelines for safe and respectful use
Personal anecdotes and paranormal experiences
Conclusion, museum recommendations, and sign-off
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