Billy Hallowell's Playing With Fire Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Edifi Podcast Network
Evil is real. But are demons active today? Can evil inhabit human beings? Is exorcism real? Join investigative journalist Billy Hallowell as he delves into the strange phenomena of supernatural activity through the harrowing stories of people who believe they have experienced ultimate evil, fought a battle they never expected — and have found healing. This podcast is based on Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."
Are aliens and UFOs real? Astrophysicist Hugh Ross, who is also a Christian apologist, has intensely looked at this issue for decades.
Ross became a UFO expert by accident, though his theological take on the issue — particularly in light of the newfound cultural obsession with the topic — is fascinating.
On today's episode of "Billy Hallowell's Playing With Fire," he explores the nature of aliens, why he believes things might not be what they seem, and what people (and, in particular, Christians) might want to pay attention to.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
An ex-medium who found Jesus and abandoned the occult is speaking out and issuing a warning after actress Raven Symoné recently spoke about having "psychic" moments.
Jenn Nizza, a former fortune teller who hosts the podcast "Ex-Psychic Saved," joins the show to break it all down.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Evil is real.
Tailah Scroggins felt dead inside. After growing up in a Christian home, she somehow fell into the occult, embracing astrology, witchcraft, and the New Age. But after embarking on a dark journey and losing the will to live, she had an incredible interaction with God that changed everything.
Today, Tailah is an online evangelist, writer, and truth-teller on a mission to help others escape evil. She joins "Billy Hallowell's Playing With Fire" to share her testimony, her journey into — and out of — the occult, and what she believes about deliverance ministry. Most notably, she explains what led her to dive into social media to share her vulnerable story.
When Tailah saw witchcraft, Tarot cards, crystals, and astrology blowing up on the Internet during the pandemic, she said she was grieved.
"I was into New Age, I was into the false spirituality, in witchcraft ... so, I saw people going through what I had been set free from by Jesus," she says on the show. "And I was like, 'This is not OK. It's not OK that these videos are getting millions of [views].'"
Listen to Tailah share her powerful journey.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in New York City, is sounding the alarm on "Pauline," a new Disney+ show Deadline describes as a "German original about a teenager who falls in love with the devil." It's just the latest in a slew of Satan-themed content that should be giving Christian parents pause, and causing us to ponder why Hollywood continues to progress the "cartoonification" of evil.
"My reaction [to the show] was: Satan always comes masquerading as an angel of light, and so he's going to portray himself in the form that people are most readily able to accept," Signorelli said. "Because he wants to appeal to the masses, and we're seeing this over and over and over again."
Listen to the broad conversation about evil, Disney, and why these spiritual issues are of great importance.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Julie Lopez says she was walking in "darkness" until her father's horrific suicide sent her and her family on a path that snapped them out of generations of witchcraft and into a relationship with Jesus.
"I basically come from five generations of [witchcraft]," she recently told CBN's Faithwire. "I think it actually goes [further back], but ... it ends in me. I cut that generational course."
Lopez, who is now a Christian working to help others discover the Lord's voice, explained what practicing witchcraft looked like for her and her family -- and why everyone must be on guard. Here's her harrowing story.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
"I found myself giving myself to Satan."
That's not an admission one would expect to hear from a preacher, but Ben Atkins wasn't always a believer. In fact, the U.K.-based pastor went through quite a harrowing journey — one that took him into the bowels of a Satanic worldview before he discovered hope in Christ.
"This is my story. These are my experiences," Atkins said on "The Playing With Fire" podcast, noting his story involves "supernatural things" and that he is careful not to go beyond what he experienced and what he sees in Scripture. "I'm quite hesitant to go beyond what the Bible says, what Jesus taught, and my experience. That's really all I can share with any sort of authority."
Atkins described growing up in a chaotic household that looked comfortable from the outside — a scenario he likened to the "English equivalent of the American Dream." But beneath the surface was a lot of trauma, with the situation leaving him "questioning everything" at an early age.
Then, he found Satanism.
Preachers like Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in New York City, is among those concerned over the rising obsession and prevalence of the occult. And he has some perspectives on "Hocus Pocus 2," the sequel to the 1993 film about three witches.
“It seems all too common in today’s culture that we are being bombarded with everything except for Christianity,” he said.
Signorelli pointed to 2 Corinthians 11:14 when reacting to claims “Hocus Pocus 2” puts a more friendly face on witchcraft. The verse reads, in part, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Listen to the conversation.
Preachers like Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in New York City, is among those concerned over the rising obsession and prevalence of the occult. And he has some perspectives on "Hocus Pocus 2," the sequel to the 1993 film about three witches.
“It seems all too common in today’s culture that we are being bombarded with everything except for Christianity,” he said.
Signorelli pointed to 2 Corinthians 11:14 when reacting to claims “Hocus Pocus 2” puts a more friendly face on witchcraft. The verse reads, in part, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Listen to the conversation.
Evil is real. In this second part of our conversation with Jareb and Petra Nott, Bible teachers who operate a deliverance ministry and train others to help set people free from demonic influence, we discuss generational issues and why the occult, witchcraft, and evil are so everpresent in today's world.
The key question: what's driving the increase? And how should Christians respond?
"So, the fascination with evil in society right now — we have a huge interest in the supernatural and people don't know where to turn to learn about that," Petra explained. "So, they're turning to the wrong side."
Authors of the book "The Science of Deliverance: How Spiritual Freedom Brings Physical Healing," the husband and wife duo say they take a scientific approach to healing the influence of evil. Listen to them explore these themes among others.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
“Little Demon,” a new animated show about a woman who mates with Satan and produces the Antichrist, is raising eyebrows and making cultural waves. Mike Signorelli, senior pastor of V1 Church in New York City, issues a dire warning and breaks down why people need to be wary of the show.
“I … can’t believe that this show exists,” Signorelli said. “I think if we could go back 30 years … everybody would universally be shocked and appalled.”
Read more about "Little Demon."
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Satanists continue to dominate headlines, but who are they, what do they believe — and do they really worship the devil? Headlines about Satanists can be confusing and confounding, particularly when it comes to attempts to understand their belief system.
There are two general Satanist camps: theological and atheistic/rationalists. Understanding these umbrella terms and what people within each believe helps us better comprehend the headlines, process the news, discern the biblical implications, and be better prepared to respond to questions about these groups and individuals who reject Christ.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Evil is real. On "Billy Hallowell's Playing With Fire," we'll be speaking with Jareb and Petra Nott, Bible teachers who operate a deliverance ministry and train others to help set people free from demonic influence.
Authors of the book "The Science of Deliverance: How Spiritual Freedom Brings Physical Healing," the husband and wife duo say they take a scientific approach to healing the influence of evil. Today we'll explore their take on deliverance, evil, oppression, and the complex discussion about the passing on of trauma. Here's part one of our discussion.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Evil is real.
Today we tell the story of Jenn Nizza Hofacker, a woman whose encounter with Tarot Card reading as a young girl led her on a years-long journey into the New Age practices and the occult.
After spending years doing reading and communicating with what Jenn believed were the dead, she had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything. Today, we'll discuss her story, and we'll explore the mystery, myths, and truths surrounding psychic abilities and what the Bible truly has to say. Jenn's convicting warning is something every Christian must heed.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
Famous tattoo artist, entrepreneur, model, and reality TV star Kat Von D issued a fascinating statement on her Instagram last week, noting she knows there's a spiritual battle afoot. While she has always seen "beauty in the macabre," something recently changed.
"I've always found beauty in the macabre, but at this point, I just had to ask myself what is my relationship with this content?" she said, sharing a photo of the books and Tarot content she purportedly tossed. "And the truth is, I just don't want to invite any of these things into our family's lives, even if it comes disguised in beautiful covers, collecting dust on my shelves."
Listen to this mini-episode of "Playing With Fire" for the whole story — and understand why this is a truly unique and fascinating move.
Guy and Tana Miller had a unique and fascinating ministry in a surprising place: Salem, Massachusetts. The husband and wife duo, who are pastors, break down their ministry, how they interacted with witches, Satanists, and others in the community — and what some Christians get wrong when it comes to trying to reach out to these groups.
Explore this powerful episode of "Playing With Fire!"
MORE INFORMATION:
- Want to know more? Read Billy's book, "Playing With Fire: A Modern Investigation Into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts"
- Follow Billy on Facebook
- Follow Billy on Twitter
- Follow Billy on Instagram
What are demons? What's deliverance (and how does it differ from exorcism)? Is Catholic exorcism effective? Mike Signorelli, pastor of V1 Church in NYC, tackles these issues among many others on this episode of "Playing With Fire With Billy Hallowell." We also tackle:
- Do Christians need deliverance?
- Can a Christian have demons inside of him or herself?
- Talk about your ministry. You do large, mass deliverance events. What are those like?
- ...and plenty more!
Listen to other episodes of "Billy Hallowell's Playing With Fire Podcast" on Edifi.
And be sure to grab copies of the "Playing With Fire" book!
Sarah Anne Sumpolec was once a teenage witch. The chaos she invited in — after being led into the practice by her father — overtook her life and nearly caused her to commit suicide.
"Within months I had collected crystals, conducted séances, and built an altar in my room to worship the god and goddess I had chosen," she once wrote. "I read incantations, used Tarot, cast spells and took on a brand new identity. I was a witch, and proud of it."
Today, Sarah is a Bible-believing Christian, but her journey to getting to this place was anything but easy.
Listen to her incredible story on The Playing With Fire Podcast.
Jeannie Ortega Law had a turbulent childhood. Introduced to witchcraft at an early age, she saw animal sacrifices, faced spiritual torment, and eventually came to experience suicidal inclusions.
But her journey into Santeria ended up concluding with Law finding Jesus. She expels some myths, helps people understand what she faced, and offers powerful challenges to believers everywhere.
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Read more stories like this in "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."
What is Our Fascination with the Other Side?
Join investigative reporter Billy Hallowell as he delves into the strange phenomena of supernatural activity. Themes of demonic possession, exorcism, and ghosts have overtaken Hollywood, with countless films and TV shows delving into the age-old struggle against evil. But the question is why?
Even with so much focus on the topic, there seems to be very little public knowledge and discussion about the theology and real-life claims surrounding demons. Quite often, many people remain silent about their experiences or resort to quietly whispering about what they’ve seen, heard, or felt for fear of being labeled as crazy. The truth is, even pastors, priests, and clergy who have observed firsthand accounts of possession and deliverance can succumb to the strange and terrifying effects of intense spiritual warfare.
For people of faith, Playing with Fire addresses these core questions:
- Are demons active today?
- If they do indeed exist, what are they? Fallen angels? Nephilim?
- Can demons inhabit human beings?
- According to the Bible, can people die and remain behind as “ghosts”?
Playing with Fire explores the theological underpinnings surrounding the supernatural. Relying on firsthand accounts, newspaper reports, and Christian experts, Hallowell takes readers through the various views and perspectives surrounding supernatural activity.
Is Satan real? Does he have an impact on our lives? Should Christians be fearful? These are just some of the questions we tackle on today's podcast.
Kyle Winkler is a Christian speaker and author who believes there are key strategies Christians can use to push back against the lies Satan tells. Founder of the popular Shut Up, Devil! app and author of the new book, "Shut Up, Devil: Silencing the 10 Lies Behind Every Battle You Face," Winkler offers some practical advice, discusses topics like "deliverance" and explores the spiritual battles the Bible says are raging around us.
Explore more episodes of the "Playing With Fire Podcast" on Apple and Edifi, among other podcast platforms.
Evil is real. That’s the reality we deal with on the Playing With Fire Podcast. And now we’re back with season two – and things are going to look a bit different. This season, we’re telling real and raw, unfiltered and unedited stories. This special season of "Playing With Fire" begins right after the Easter season – and that’s by design.
Often, the conversation around evil is used to scare and terrify people. Stories of exorcism, fighting demons, and evil are used to entertain people through immeasurable fear. But, for the Christian, we know that Christ defeated evil on the cross – that the stage has been set and that God has triumphed.
On season two of Playing With Fire we will explore stories of people who have left behind Satanism, witchcraft and other elements of the occult. These unfiltered conversations might shock and captivate us – but they will ultimately point us toward hope in Christ.
Actress Vanessa Hudgens recently revealed her passion for trying to speak with spirits. Here's why this matters and why the mainstreaming of these activities is deeply concerning. Plus: a preview of season two of "Playing With Fire!"
Find out more about the "Playing With Fire" book: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
As a child, Brian Cole was desperate for love and adoration and found himself fitting in with older kids who happened to be Satanists.
That set him on a 33-year journey into Satanism and the occult — a journey that finally came to an end when he discovered "The Case For Christ" mysteriously sitting on his jail-room floor. Today, Brian is a pastor who is speaking out about the dangers of evil.
This is his story.
Amy Stamatis was a healthy nurse, wife and mother – until one day something bizarre unfolded. "I told my husband I think I’m having a nervous breakdown," she told The Playing With Fire Podcast.
But as the days wore on, she realized something far more diabolical was unfolding. Overtaken by sudden suicidal inclinations, Amy dropped herself out of a two-story window and nearly died. But it was a stranger who, under a prompting from God, helped heal her.
This is Amy's story.
For more on this topic, be sure to read Billy Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts:" https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Bob Cranmer was a well-respected businessman and former politician when absolute pandemonium broke out inside of his home. As he desperately sought help, he and a group of faith leaders embarked on a two-year journey to heal the home.
Listen for the shocking and harrowing details that unfolded along the way — and better understand what people might really be dealing with when they fear a so-called "ghost" in their home.
And for more on this topic, be sure to read Billy Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts:" https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
From a terrifying childhood of seeing "shadow people" to a 38-year stretch as a medium who lived in the grips of evil without even knowing it, Ivani found herself on a troubling journey that ended in a dramatic deliverance that changed absolutely everything. Listen to Ivani and her family share the unsettling, stunning and powerful moments that led to her healing. And for more on this topic, be sure to read Billy Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."
Evil is real. But are demons active today? Can evil inhabit human beings? Is exorcism real? Join investigative journalist Billy Hallowell as he delves into the strange phenomena of supernatural activity through the harrowing stories of people who believe that have experienced ultimate evil, fought a battle they never expected — and have found healing. Premiere episodes coming this month!
This podcast is based on Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."