Actress Vanessa Hudgens recently revealed her passion for trying to speak with spirits. Here's why this matters and why the mainstreaming of these activities is deeply concerning. Plus: a preview of season two of "Playing With Fire!" 

Find out more about the "Playing With Fire" book: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

As a child, Brian Cole was desperate for love and adoration and found himself fitting in with older kids who happened to be Satanists. 

That set him on a 33-year journey into Satanism and the occult — a journey that finally came to an end when he discovered "The Case For Christ" mysteriously sitting on his jail-room floor. Today, Brian is a pastor who is speaking out about the dangers of evil.

This is his story.

Amy Stamatis was a healthy nurse, wife and mother – until one day something bizarre unfolded. "I told my husband I think I’m having a nervous breakdown," she told The Playing With Fire Podcast. 

But as the days wore on, she realized something far more diabolical was unfolding. Overtaken by sudden suicidal inclinations, Amy dropped herself out of a two-story window and nearly died. But it was a stranger who, under a prompting from God, helped heal her.

This is Amy's story.

For more on this topic, be sure to read Billy Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts:" https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Bob Cranmer was a well-respected businessman and former politician when absolute pandemonium broke out inside of his home. As he desperately sought help, he and a group of faith leaders embarked on a two-year journey to heal the home. 

Listen for the shocking and harrowing details that unfolded along the way — and better understand what people might really be dealing with when they fear a so-called "ghost" in their home.

And for more on this topic, be sure to read Billy Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts:" https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Modern-Investigation-Exorcism/dp/0785234500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Evil is real. But are demons active today? Can evil inhabit human beings? Is exorcism real? Join investigative journalist Billy Hallowell as he delves into the strange phenomena of supernatural activity through the harrowing stories of people who believe that have experienced ultimate evil, fought a battle they never expected — and have found healing. Premiere episodes coming this month!

This podcast is based on Hallowell's book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."