Prayers for the Damned - Part One

The Devil Within Prayers for the Damned — Episode One: The Girl Who Wouldn’t Stay Saved At 3:17 AM, the screaming stopped. For twenty-three days, a convent in Earling, Iowa endured sounds that tested the limits of faith — inhuman voices, violent manifestations, and a woman whose suffering stretched back more than a century. But the story of Anna Ecklund didn’t begin in America. It began in a remote Austrian village… with a father’s betrayal. Episode Overview In Episode One, we follow the origins of what would become America’s most documented case of demonic possession. This episode explores: Emma Schmidt’s childhood in 19th-century Austria The abuse and trauma that preceded her first possession in 1823 Early exorcism attempts by local priests Strange phenomena: foreign languages, supernatural knowledge, violent reactions to sacred objects The role of occult practices allegedly performed by her father and a local witch The growing isolation of a family marked by fear, shame, and suspicion The Church’s early failures — and the long shadow those failures would cast As Emma becomes Anna Ecklund and emigrates to America, her symptoms disappear for years… until the darkness returns — stronger, more organized, and waiting. Themes in This Episode The intersection of trauma, faith, and possession Generational sin and spiritual consequence When religious intervention fails — and what that does to belief How a single case can ripple through communities, clergy, and institutions What Comes Next By 1928, Anna is sixty-nine years old. The Church prepares for one final attempt. It will take twenty-three days. And it will change how the Catholic Church understands possession forever. 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW If you’re enjoying the show, make sure you’re following the entire Evio Creative lineup wherever you get your podcasts — The Devil Within, The Ides of April, Criminal Mischief, Taboo Treasures, Finding Me with Josh Wolf, and more — so you never miss a new episode. ⭐ RATE & REVIEW Ratings and reviews genuinely help independent shows grow. If you have a moment, leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more than you think, and yes… we read them. 📺 WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE You can now watch full video episodes, clips, and exclusives from all Evio Creative shows on YouTube. 👉 Subscribe to Evio Creative on YouTube and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new drops across the network. 📲 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL Follow for updates, visuals, and behind-the-scenes content: • @thedevilwithinpod • @idesofaprilpod • @eviocreative • @findingmewithjoshwolf (Instagram, TikTok & Facebook) 🌐 VISIT THE NETWORK Explore all of our shows, projects, and upcoming releases at eviocreative.com ✉️ GET IN TOUCH Have a story, tip, correction, or something you think we should cover? Email us at [email protected] 🔁 SHARE THE SHOW If you know someone who loves true crime, history, horror, or stories that refuse to let go — share the episode. Word of mouth keeps this network alive. 💼 SPONSORS 🛋️ RULA Online therapy that takes your insurance. Get matched with a licensed therapist today: 👉 http://www.rula.com/IDES 🧥 QUINCE Luxury essentials at affordable prices. Free shipping + 365-day returns: 👉 http://www.quince.com/MISCHIEF 📱 MINT MOBILE Premium wireless for just $15/month. Switch and get free shipping: 👉 www.mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN 🛰️ EXPRESSVPN Protect your data anywhere. Get up to 4 months free: 👉 http://www.expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN 🌿 MOOD CBD and THC gummies shipped nationwide. 20% off with code DEVILWITHIN: 👉 http://www.mood.com/DEVILWITHIN 🐶 OLLIE DOG FOOD Real, fresh, human-grade meals for your dog. 60% off your first box: 👉 http://www.ollie.com/IDES 💰 MONARCH The only finance app you’ll ever need. 50% off your first year: 👉 www.monarchmoney.com/IDES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices