Maurice Barbanell: The Forgotten Architect of Modern Spiritualism
I join Michelle Fisher to discuss my new book, Silver Birch's Medium, and the extraordinary life of the man behind one of the most influential voices in twentieth-century Spiritualism. We explore Barbanell's remarkable journey from sceptic to believer, his role as the medium for Silver Birch, his decades editing Psychic News, his investigations into mediumship, his legal battles, and the lasting influence he had on Spiritualism in Britain and beyond.
But this conversation is about much more than one historical figure.
Together we ask how belief is formed, what people consider to be evidence, how personal experience shapes conviction, and why these questions remain just as relevant today. From science and religion to media, authority and public trust, Maurice Barbanell's story offers a fascinating window into the way people negotiate extraordinary claims in the modern world.
The Secrets of Physical Mediumship & Séances: Silver Birch's Medium
We Don’t Die Radio - August 29, 2026
I join Sandra Champlain and we explore the incredible, rare world of physical and trance mediumship, as well as my book, Silver Birch’s Medium: Maurice Barbanell & Twentieth-Century Spiritualism.
Guided By Spirits: The Story Of A Movement
Hidden History Chronicles - August 21, 2025
I discuss the world of spirit guides: what they are, how mediums have worked with them, and why they became such an important feature of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Spiritualism.
Nick Richbell on Maurice Barbanell
Friday Afterlife Report - May 19, 2025
I discuss the life and career of Maurice Barbanell, long-time supporter of Spiritualism.
The Spirits Speak: Inside The Séance Room
Hidden History Chronicles - December 6, 2024
In this episode I explore the intriguing world of spiritualism, séances, and mediumship through the story of Jenny O’Hara Pincock and the American medium William Cartheuser.
Voices From Beyond: Inside Thomas Lacey's Séances
Hidden History Chronicles - August 16, 2024
In this episode I talk about the British-born, Canadian medium, Thomas Lacey. Lacey was a direct voice medium who presided over a home circle for more than 40 years in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Maurice Barbanell's Life And Legacy In Spiritualism
Maurice Barbanell's Life And Legacy In Spiritualism
Hidden History Chronicles - July 12, 2024
In this episode I discuss my doctoral research about Maurice Barbanell, businessman, editor, spiritualist propagandist, and channel for his spirit guide, Silver Birch.