The Poltergeist and the Girl: Tina Resch’s Unbelievably Strange Story

🔮 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Nightland Frights, we dive into the haunting and heart-wrenching tale of Tina Resch, a 14-year-old girl from Ohio who, in 1984, became the center of one of America's most notorious poltergeist cases. When objects began flying through her home, her foster mother reached out—not to a priest or psychologist—but to a journalist.

What followed was a media circus, a scientific investigation, and a national debate between believers and skeptics. But behind the flashing cameras and flying phones was a deeply troubled girl navigating trauma, fame, and suspicion. Was Tina truly haunted? Or was she crying out in the only way she knew how?

We explore the broader history of poltergeists, the bizarre preference these spirits seem to have for teenage girls, and how centuries of folklore, misogyny, and media hysteria shaped this unforgettable story.

👻 Topics Covered:

• The chilling events in the Resch household
• Photo evidence and national media attention
• The role of parapsychologist William Roll
• The skeptical intervention of magician James Randi
• The history of poltergeists and why they often focus on young women
• How trauma and adolescence may fuel hauntings
• The tragic and complex aftermath for Tina Resch

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Poltergeist cases often center around vulnerable, adolescent girls.
• The intersection of media, trauma, and the supernatural can distort reality.
• The Tina Resch case serves as both a paranormal mystery and a sobering commentary on how we treat troubled youth.

📚 Resources & References:

• VICE article: “The Unbelievably Sad and Strange Story of a Girl and Her Poltergeist”
• Unleashed: Of Poltergeists and Murder by William Roll
• James Randi’s investigations into paranormal claims
• Historical records of 19th-century poltergeist cases

🎧 Listen If You Like:

• Real-life haunting stories with a psychological twist
• Exploring the dark side of supernatural fame
• Paranormal phenomena grounded in history and social commentary

🔗 Stay Connected:
Follow us on @dairylandfrights on Instagram, @dairylandfrights on X, @dairylandfrigthspodcast Facebook, and if you’ve ever experienced a haunting—or been haunted by your past—drop us a line at dairylandfrights@gmail.com. We’d love to share your story.