In the episode of Midnight in the Desert from November 9, 2015, host Art Bell speaks with Ralph Sarchie, a retired NYPD sergeant and self-described demonologist, about his work investigating cases of demonic possession and participating in exorcisms. Art begins by addressing societal issues like the disturbing rise in violence and erosion of spirituality, suggesting a connection to the decline in moral values and possibly demonic influence, to which Ralph concurs. They discuss Sarchie’s police background and how, over time, he became exposed to what he saw as inexplicably evil acts, which led him to delve into demonology. Sarchie shares memories of his early spiritual experiences, including being an altar boy, but recalls how his interest in God waned until violent experiences in the police force revived his faith. He recounts specific paranormal incidents, particularly cases he worked on with Father Malachi Martin, who was a renowned exorcist and spiritual mentor to him.
Art and Ralph then reflect on the connection between rising occult practices and the societal shift away from religious principles, a trend they believe is leading to more demonic manifestations. Sarchie also shares eerie stories of children allegedly possessed, highlighting one case where a young girl exhibited knowledge of Latin despite no prior exposure, which he viewed as proof of possession. The conversation intensifies as Art asks if demonic possession should be considered a legal defense, which Sarchie hesitates to endorse due to the court system’s reluctance to acknowledge supernatural explanations. They explore signs of possession, such as unnatural strength or knowledge of ancient languages, as defined in religious doctrine.
Both men speculate that society may be approaching what could be interpreted as end times, citing increases in violence, oppression, and occultism as indicators. Sarchie, drawing from his discussions with Father Martin, believes that this moral decay opens the door for demonic forces to influence the world more freely. He emphasizes the need for people to strengthen their spiritual ties to resist such influences. They further discuss the Book of Revelation and prophecies related to the rise of a one-world religion as potential harbingers of the end times.
Art Bell and Ralph Sarchie continue their intense discussion by exploring specific instances of demonic activity that Sarchie encountered, emphasizing how certain cases left a lasting impression on him. Sarchie reflects on the inner turmoil he faced in balancing his roles as a police officer dealing with violent criminals and a religious investigator fighting supernatural evil. He reveals that working in the Bronx exposed him to frequent brutality, which initially drove him to a hardened perspective, but as he witnessed inexplicable, malevolent actions, he felt the presence of a darker, supernatural force. This spurred him to pursue exorcism training to confront evil beyond the limits of ordinary law enforcement.
They move into a philosophical discussion, contrasting the spiritual environments of places like the Philippines—where religion remains central to daily life—and the U.S., where Art and Ralph perceive a decline in faith and moral grounding. Sarchie sees the increased societal violence as evidence of God being “pushed out,” leaving a void that he believes demonic forces are ready to fill. Art agrees, sharing his own observations from travels in the Philippines, where the strong Catholic culture seems to contribute to lower crime rates. Both men ponder whether society’s shift away from religious beliefs is making it more susceptible to demonic influence, an opinion Sarchie supports with anecdotes of rising interest in occult practices and the dangers he believes this curiosity entails.
Ralph recounts his friendship with the late Father Malachi Martin, a noted exorcist who warned of rising demonic activity. Sarchie notes Martin’s prophetic claims, saying that Martin often pointed to an increasing need for exorcists due to the widespread rejection of spirituality in modern life. Art and Ralph discuss the “one-world religion” concept, proposed by Martin as a future religious structure imposed by political forces, which they believe could lead to a less personal, more controlled faith. Both are convinced that this trend, along with societal chaos and immorality, are signs that humanity is moving closer to an apocalyptic climax described in various religious texts.
Art asks Ralph about specific indicators of possession that he has observed during his work. Sarchie explains that signs can include unusual physical strength, the ability to speak languages unknown to the possessed person, and an aversion to sacred items, such as religious artifacts or the names of holy figures. He shares chilling stories of encounters with individuals, particularly children, who exhibited these symptoms, describing one memorable exorcism in which a young child answered questions in fluent Latin without any formal instruction. Art is visibly moved and remarks on how unsettling these details are, while Sarchie emphasizes that such cases have convinced him of the reality of demonic possession.
The dialogue deepens as Art poses a hypothetical question: should possession be a legitimate defense in court? Although Sarchie acknowledges the possibility, he is doubtful the legal system would accept it, as most judges and juries do not recognize supernatural phenomena as valid explanations for criminal behavior. Art presses further, asking what Ralph would do if he were called as a witness in a case where he believed the defendant was genuinely possessed. Sarchie, unwavering, says he would speak the truth based on his belief, even though it might cause professional challenges. He explains that, in his view, the defense could be credible in specific instances, especially where there is documented evidence of the possession signs laid out in religious teachings.
The two then touch on Father Malachi Martin’s teachings about the hierarchy of heaven and hell. Sarchie elaborates on his belief that there are “levels” in the afterlife, based on the virtue or vice displayed in one’s life. He notes that certain sins, like murder and unrepentant lust, are particularly severe and lead to deeper suffering in hell, reflecting Catholic doctrines on moral transgressions. Art and Ralph consider the intensity of suffering associated with various sins, and Sarchie adds that he believes some people’s earthly actions align them closer to demonic influences, potentially placing them at risk of damnation. As the interview winds down, Ralph advises listeners to cultivate a sincere relationship with God, especially during a time he sees as morally turbulent.
Art and Ralph address broader implications of demonic activity and the current state of the world. Ralph voices his belief that rising incidents of possession, along with increased interest in occult practices, are indicative of a spiritual crisis. He points out that the internet has made information on occult rituals more accessible, leading people to experiment with dark practices that may unknowingly invite harmful forces into their lives. Art, intrigued, asks if Ralph believes this behavior could lead to irreversible damage for those involved, to which Ralph affirms, warning that meddling with such practices opens “doors” that can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to close.
The conversation takes on a solemn tone as they discuss the concept of “end times.” Both men express a shared sense that modern events, from escalating global violence to moral decay, suggest humanity may be approaching a period of profound reckoning. Sarchie cites the Book of Revelation, explaining how it prophesies a final struggle between good and evil and highlighting the numerous signs he believes are manifesting in contemporary society. He recalls Father Malachi Martin’s warnings that humanity’s increasing distance from God would pave the way for greater evil. Art agrees, suggesting that events worldwide hint at something larger unfolding.
Ralph concludes by urging listeners to prioritize their spiritual well-being, emphasizing that the best defense against evil is a close, personal relationship with God. Art echoes this sentiment, expressing his gratitude for Ralph’s insights and stressing that these issues deserve serious consideration.