The Living History of Ouija w/John Kozik
In this podcast episode, Justin & Erik discuss Ouija boards with guest John Kozik, who operates the world's only Ouija board museum. The conversation explores Kozik's personal history with Ouija boards, sparked by his grandmother's use of one, and his journey into collecting and preserving their history. The discussion highlights the cultural evolution of Ouija boards, from being marketed as a game by Parker Brothers to their portrayal in media, particularly after the release of "The Exorcist," which shifted public perception towards a more fearful view. Kozik emphasizes the importance of using Ouija boards responsibly, noting the potential negative experiences associated with them. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of using these boards without proper understanding and respect. This conversation is significant as it sheds light on the historical and cultural implications of Ouija boards, encouraging listeners to approach them with caution, especially during the holiday season when they may be more commonly used. The episode was recorded recently, aligning with the start of the Christmas season.
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Owner of the Salem Witch Board Museum
John Kozik grew up in “America’s Hometown,” Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he was close with his grandmother Franny. So close, in fact, that some of his earliest memories are watching her use an Ouija board. Her hands would fly across the board, with each message rubbing more and more of the ink away. After she passed John inherited her worn board sparking his collecting obsession.
John is a musician, writer, and manager, recording and touring the world over the past 30 years and appearing on over 40 records to date.
He is a founding member and treasurer of the Talking Board Historical Society, a non-profit that researches, preserves, and celebrates the history of talking boards.
In 2019 John opened The Salem Witch Board Museum, the world's only museum dedicated to the history and lore of Ouija and talking boards.”
