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John Safran vs The Occult
About This Audible Original
John Safran has fallen in with the wrong crowd - again.
He has spent months among sorcerers, satanists, and exorcists. Now he's spilling the beans in a new podcast.
Forget gentle white witches and tarot card readers. John packs his bag and fearlessly heads off to places where black magic leads not only to exorcisms but… murder. He flies to the US and investigates a gang who murdered a teenage girl for disturbing their satanic shrine. He sails to remote islands in Vanuatu, where laws have been passed to quash witchcraft and contravening them can lead to public hanging or exile. Back in his hometown of Melbourne, he spends time with a Muslim professional who, convinced she is possessed by spirits, seeks an Islamic exorcism.
John discovers that a belief in black magic can bring people together... and tear them apart. But why - in an age where we have scientific knowledge at our fingertips - are so many people still fearful of the spirit realm? And what are police and psychologists meant to do to rein all this in?
This is an Audible Original Podcast and free for everyone for limited time. You can download all five episodes to your library now.
Please note: This series contains mature themes and listener discretion is advised.
John Safran has fallen in with the wrong crowd - again.
He has spent months among sorcerers, satanists, and exorcists. Now he's spilling the beans in a new podcast.
Forget gentle white witches and tarot card readers. John packs his bag and fearlessly heads off to places where black magic leads not only to exorcisms but… murder. He flies to the US and investigates a gang who murdered a teenage girl for disturbing their satanic shrine. He sails to remote islands in Vanuatu, where laws have been passed to quash witchcraft and contravening them can lead to public hanging or exile. Back in his hometown of Melbourne, he spends time with a Muslim professional who, convinced she is possessed by spirits, seeks an Islamic exorcism.
John discovers that a belief in black magic can bring people together... and tear them apart. But why - in an age where we have scientific knowledge at our fingertips - are so many people still fearful of the spirit realm? And what are police and psychologists meant to do to rein all this in?
This is an Audible Original Podcast and free for everyone for limited time. You can download all five episodes to your library now.
Please note: This series contains mature themes and listener discretion is advised.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 9, 2022
The last book for 2021 helped me achieve my reading goals, given that I needed one more book by an Australian male author in order to complete my Aussie Author reading challenge. In John Safran Vs The Occult, Australian satirist John Safran explores his interest in religion, expanding his research to include witchcraft, black magic, satanism and the occult.
If you're expecting to learn more about what these practices are and their brief history, this isn't that book. Rather, Safran researches and then investigates current cases and crimes specifically attributed to witchcraft, black magic, satanism and the occult and takes the reader along for the experience. This makes for an individual case perspective rather than an analysis of these practices as a whole.
Written before the pandemic and published in 2019, Safran travels to Los Angeles, Texas and Vanuatu, and even meets a Muslim woman seeking an Islamic exorcism in his hometown of Melbourne.
Originally published as an Audible Original, Safran's unassuming personality and genuine interest in people and their beliefs enables him to get locals to open up and talk to him. I'll admit I got lost in the sea of people in Vanuatu and the myriad ways in which they were connected to the case, but hearing directly from the people being interviewed via excerpts was definitely a highlight. Safran's interview techniques build trust and rapport and listening to the stories it's clear the interviewees trust Safran to represent them honestly and with respect.
John Safran Vs The Occult is a solid introduction to the author's research style, varied fields of interest and unique delivery. As always, Safran manages to find the lighter moments and there are many chuckles along the way.
If you're expecting to learn more about what these practices are and their brief history, this isn't that book. Rather, Safran researches and then investigates current cases and crimes specifically attributed to witchcraft, black magic, satanism and the occult and takes the reader along for the experience. This makes for an individual case perspective rather than an analysis of these practices as a whole.
Written before the pandemic and published in 2019, Safran travels to Los Angeles, Texas and Vanuatu, and even meets a Muslim woman seeking an Islamic exorcism in his hometown of Melbourne.
Originally published as an Audible Original, Safran's unassuming personality and genuine interest in people and their beliefs enables him to get locals to open up and talk to him. I'll admit I got lost in the sea of people in Vanuatu and the myriad ways in which they were connected to the case, but hearing directly from the people being interviewed via excerpts was definitely a highlight. Safran's interview techniques build trust and rapport and listening to the stories it's clear the interviewees trust Safran to represent them honestly and with respect.
John Safran Vs The Occult is a solid introduction to the author's research style, varied fields of interest and unique delivery. As always, Safran manages to find the lighter moments and there are many chuckles along the way.
December 17, 2019
Vintage Safran.
January 25, 2020
John Safran is a surprising comedian, and quite refreshing. While he appears to be just another one of those atheists who enjoy ripping on religion (Christianity in particular because, unlike some religions, Christians are not likely to murder their critics) there is actually a lot more open-mindedness and respect to be found with him. Obviously it has a lot to do with the fact that he isn't entirely an atheist - he is a Jew, though I'm not sure how devout. While he does joke at the expense of certain religious rituals and those that are a little wacko, he is rarely actually disrespectful and, as evidenced in this excellent and fascinating podcast, he seems to be very drawn towards certain religious aspects. Also it was satisfying refreshing to hear someone - a popular liberal personality, no less - having a go at Richard Dawkins and his secular bubble who naively think they can ever bring an end to something as instinctively human as the consciousness of God.
January 22, 2020
John Safran vs the Occult, explores his fascination for religion and sacred rituals. He travels to Texas to track down former Salvadoran gang members purported to be Satanists (chief accusers of which include President Trump). Next John is off to the South Pacific to unravel the deaths of two men accused of being witches. And finally he's back home to Melbourne where he encounters a Muslim woman who thinks she's possessed after having a baby.
At the end of five episodes, the lessons seem to be:
- Even secular people frequently give the supernatural. The reason is that is (apparently) helps to release what’s inside.
- People in power use witchcraft and Satanism to control others.
Interesting, but not an essential listen.
At the end of five episodes, the lessons seem to be:
- Even secular people frequently give the supernatural. The reason is that is (apparently) helps to release what’s inside.
- People in power use witchcraft and Satanism to control others.
Interesting, but not an essential listen.
February 4, 2020
I felt like this was John Safran giving ‘the bird’ to Richard Dawkins.
At times I found some of the talking points interesting but the majority of the time I was not inspired by the content.
I just didn’t really feeling like there was a conclusion and I really wanted to get some sort of satisfying ending... but maybe it’s all about starting the conversation.
Probably won’t listen to another one by John Safran. For now anyway.
At times I found some of the talking points interesting but the majority of the time I was not inspired by the content.
I just didn’t really feeling like there was a conclusion and I really wanted to get some sort of satisfying ending... but maybe it’s all about starting the conversation.
Probably won’t listen to another one by John Safran. For now anyway.
January 1, 2020
The Ego has landed..
I've never heard of John Safran before but he seems to be an irritating Australian version of Louis Theroux.
This series seems to be inspired by his need to launch a personal attack on Richard Dawkins, for whom he seems to have acted as some kind of tour administrator. He feels the need to mention (twice) that he was beating Richard at Scrabble before the box was put away, and the game not finished, which put me in mind of a thwarted toddler.
Dawkins has a notorious ego, but rather more intellectual ability and credibility than Safran. I got the impression that Safran is actually a bit jealous.
The first couple of episodes deal with a gang MS13. The people interviewed raise a number of very interesting questions about the intersection between faith, politics and poverty. Unfortunately instead of trying to explore some of these complex issues Safran is cynical, patronising and dismissive and fails to answer any of the questions he raises in relation to a particularly distressing case.
He is more successful in relation to an investigation in Vanatu, perhaps because it is a specific case in a small community.
Throughout he addresses sensitive complex personal issues in a scathing and cynical tone. My impression is that this investigation was more just a massive ego/adrenaline kick than any real attempt to understand the basis of people's faith in the supernatural.
Sorry Safran, but you are not even close to Dawkins. Maybe you should try some magic to enhance your abilities.
I've never heard of John Safran before but he seems to be an irritating Australian version of Louis Theroux.
This series seems to be inspired by his need to launch a personal attack on Richard Dawkins, for whom he seems to have acted as some kind of tour administrator. He feels the need to mention (twice) that he was beating Richard at Scrabble before the box was put away, and the game not finished, which put me in mind of a thwarted toddler.
Dawkins has a notorious ego, but rather more intellectual ability and credibility than Safran. I got the impression that Safran is actually a bit jealous.
The first couple of episodes deal with a gang MS13. The people interviewed raise a number of very interesting questions about the intersection between faith, politics and poverty. Unfortunately instead of trying to explore some of these complex issues Safran is cynical, patronising and dismissive and fails to answer any of the questions he raises in relation to a particularly distressing case.
He is more successful in relation to an investigation in Vanatu, perhaps because it is a specific case in a small community.
Throughout he addresses sensitive complex personal issues in a scathing and cynical tone. My impression is that this investigation was more just a massive ego/adrenaline kick than any real attempt to understand the basis of people's faith in the supernatural.
Sorry Safran, but you are not even close to Dawkins. Maybe you should try some magic to enhance your abilities.
June 3, 2021
John Safran is always interesting, and most of these episodes/experiences warranted investigation. However this felt disappointingly unresolved or properly tied together. Overall, I felt like John pointed out some unusual stories, but didn't reach much of a conclusion.
February 27, 2020
What a fun and surprising series of anecdotes from MS13 in Los Angeles to Kustom murders in Vanuatu and points in between. Even here in Sydney and Melbourne Australia. Deep points to consider and like always a clear revelation of John’s ongoing fascination with all things satanic and cultic. He self-admits to curiosity about religion and heavy metal and includes them with regularity in this audible read. By the way, I really liked that John read the book to us himself. I like his rhythm.
June 4, 2020
This is an exploration of several occult groups and practices. Satanists, Witches, Jinn and more are discussed. There are interviews and some case studies. It has a difficult time deciding between comedy and drama and doesn’t do much for either. Good thing this was free. Takes what could be an interesting subject and actually made it boring. Don’t waste your time. The author narrated, and his voice isn’t really up to the task.
March 19, 2021
What was the point in this.
Very little information was revealed, nothing of interest happens, no great revelations were had.
Tame is the best word I can use for this. If John really wants to look into the Occult may I suggest he actually looks into the occult. He has touched the outskirts with a couple of murderous posers and revealed nothing of these secret societies.
Totally valueless.
Very little information was revealed, nothing of interest happens, no great revelations were had.
Tame is the best word I can use for this. If John really wants to look into the Occult may I suggest he actually looks into the occult. He has touched the outskirts with a couple of murderous posers and revealed nothing of these secret societies.
Totally valueless.
May 2, 2020
This wasn't what I really expected. It seemed to look more into the laws of certain places than into the occult itself. The first 4 episodes were OK but not great, the last one saved the series for me though hence the 3🌟
September 7, 2020
I couldn’t stand this to be honest. I spent the entire time trying to figure out if this was supposed to be a serious re-enactment of events, or merely a joke, or made up story. I couldn’t get into it at all.
December 20, 2019
Funny and thought provoking.
March 7, 2020
So. An interesting set of essays from an intelligent and erudite comedian whom is more that willing step out of his comfort zone.
Recommended.
Recommended.
May 24, 2020
Pretty disturbing but it strengthens my will to equip myself with powerful prayers to rout out demons
Read
July 22, 2020Very intriguing and informative. Thoroughly enjoyed this Audible podcast!
October 31, 2023
An entertaining listen but I'm not entirely sure it has something to say. It jumps from gangs killing and blaming it on Satan to islanders killing witches to Muslim's jinn posession.
Read
May 31, 2024This is just a podcast. I got tricked into thinking it was an audiobook.
May 24, 2020
Was definitely an interesting listen.
November 1, 2022
Interesting listen on the way to and from work.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews