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Sept. 23, 2026

Phantom Drilling and Footsteps: Clairvoyance or Sleep Paralysis? | Real Ghost Stories & Theories | Ep #65

Phantom Drilling and Footsteps: Clairvoyance or Sleep Paralysis? | Real Ghost Stories & Theories | Ep #65
Phantom Drilling and Footsteps: Clairvoyance or Sleep Paralysis? | Real Ghost Stories & Theories | Ep #65
Madame Strangeways: True Paranormal Stories Podcast
Phantom Drilling and Footsteps: Clairvoyance or Sleep Paralysis? | Real Ghost Stories & Theories | Ep #65

Key Takeaways

  • In this episode, Amanda and her boyfriend experience a terrifying combination of a disembodied voice, mysterious footsteps, and a chilling case of phantom drilling right in her ear.
  • Madame Strangeways explores both paranormal and mundane theories behind the strange events, comparing the experiences to historical concepts like clairvoyance and CIA-backed ESP research.
  • The phenomenon of sleep paralysis is analyzed as a potential psychological explanation for waking up to auditory and physical disturbances in the bedroom.
  • Listeners are reminded that while supernatural encounters can feel terrifying, you can feel afraid and not be in danger.

Join Madame Strangeways for a true spooky story about Amanda and her boyfriend hearing a voice call out in their home as they both slept, followed by footsteps in their room and a strange drilling sound in her ear. A terrifying story! Let's discuss theories, both paranormal and mundane, like clairvoyance, ESP like the CIA was really into back in the day, and, of course, sleep paralysis.

Stick around after the story for my strange thoughts and strange research.

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Remember, Strangers & Strangelings & Strangecetera: you can feel afraid and not be in danger.

🖤 Huge spooky thanks to my Patrons who help make the podcast possible: TJ Hodder, Gmanmusic, Ted, Keith, Tori, Octavia Corvidae, Keith 2, Mariel, Doozerpindan and Rebekah!


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Podcast Credits

Produced by Madame Strangeways

Theme music by Marina Ryan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠marinamakes.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cover art by Andrea Giselle Roldån: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@cultofteddy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

All true scary stories are shared with permission from the original authors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during an episode of phantom drilling?

Phantom drilling involves hearing the distinct, high-pitched or mechanical sound of a drill, sometimes right next to or inside the ear, even when no physical source exists in the environment.

Could phantom drilling and footsteps be caused by sleep paralysis?

Yes, sleep paralysis often causes waking hallucinations that include auditory disturbances like footsteps or unusual noises, as well as the sensation of a heavy presence in the room.

What paranormal theories explain mysterious sounds like voices and drilling?

Paranormal theories range from residual hauntings and psychic sensitivity to clairvoyance and extrasensory perception (ESP), suggesting the mind or space is tuning into unseen frequencies.