In the remote outback of Victoria in 1993, Ralph Vollmer believed his wife, Joan, was possessed.

Ralph enlisted members of his local religious community to perform an exorcism, hoping to rid Joan of the ten demons they believed controlled her. What followed was a horrific four-day ordeal that ended… In the remote outback of Victoria in 1993, Ralph Vollmer believed his wife, Joan, was possessed.

Ralph enlisted members of his local religious community to perform an exorcism, hoping to rid Joan of the ten demons they believed controlled her. What followed was a horrific four-day ordeal that ended in Joan’s death. 

Margaret Thanos is the director of Furious Mattress, a play based on Joan Vollmer’s tragic story. It raises the question: what are the ethics of turning a real-life tragedy into entertainment?

You can find tickets to see Furious Mattress here.

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Guest: Margaret Thanos

Host: Gemma Bath

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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When 49-year-old Joan Vollmer begins acting strangely, her husband Ralph blames spiritual problems and turns to religion for answers. Rather than seeking help for Joan’s obvious mental health issues, Ralph consults with other members of the couple’s church, who believe they know the truth – that Joa… When 49-year-old Joan Vollmer begins acting strangely, her husband Ralph blames spiritual problems and turns to religion for answers. Rather than seeking help for Joan’s obvious mental health issues, Ralph consults with other members of the couple’s church, who believe they know the truth – that Joan has fallen victim to demonic possession.

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Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host
Episode researched and written by Erin Munro 

Creative Director: Milly Raso

For all credits and sources please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-128-joan-vollmer

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