Welcome to Loreplay—the comedy-paranormal podcast where haunted history meets hot takes. In this episode, host Dayna Pereira dives deep into one of America’s most infamous ghost stories: The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee.
From John Bell Sr.’s mysterious illness to Lucy Bell’s eerie protection, and from Kate Batts’ petty neighbor drama to the witchy shenanigans that terrified Andrew Jackson himself, this story has everything: curses, poltergeist activity, demonic sass, and enough Tennessee gossip to fuel a century of spooky sleepovers.
With a mix of historical research, folklore, and laugh-out-loud commentary, we unpack why the Bell Witch still haunts our imaginations today—and why she’d absolutely run a chaotic TikTok account if she were alive now.
Whether you’re here for the true crime-style timeline, the paranormal chaos, or just the comedic meltdown of a host who relates way too much to a vengeful spirit, you’re in for a ride.
📚 Sources for Loreplay Episode: The Bell Witch
- Ingram, M.V. An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch. (1894).
- Bell, Richard Williams. Our Family Trouble: The Story of the Bell Witch of Tennessee. (Written in 1846, published 1934).
- Nickell, Joe. Entities: Angels, Spirits, Demons, and Other Alien Beings. Prometheus Books, 1995.
- Johnston, Charles Bailey. The Bell Witch: A Mysterious Spirit of the Cumberland. (1930s pamphlets, later collected).
- Radford, Benjamin. “The Bell Witch Haunting: The Real Story.” Skeptical Inquirer (2012).
- Bell Witch Cave official site & tourism information: bellwitchcave.com
- Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture – Entry on The Bell Witch Legend
- Local oral traditions, legends, and retellings preserved in Adams, Tennessee historical society archives.
👉 Keywords: Bell Witch, Tennessee ghost stories, haunted history podcast, paranormal comedy, Loreplay podcast, American folklore, John Bell, Kate Batts, Bell Witch Cave, haunted Tennessee, spooky legends, ghost podcast, paranormal podcast funny.
What is Loreplay?
Dayna Pereira is the sarcastic solo host of Loreplay, serving up paranormal stories, haunted history, creepy folklore, and weird legends with a playful twist. Equal parts storyteller and skeptic, she blends dark humor, spooky vibes, and a love for the bizarre into binge-worthy episodes for fans of ghost stories, urban legends, and true crime with a paranormal twist.