Episode 168

full
Published on:

19th Feb 2026

The InSight Out Show | Ep. 168 | A Principal Used Hypnosis on Students. Three Later Died. Was There a Connection?

A high school principal was hypnotizing students.

Not as part of a psychology program. Not as a licensed clinician.

This episode looks at the story featured on "The Curious Case Of"... about Dr. George Kenney, who conducted hypnosis sessions with more than 70 students over several years.

Some parents signed off. Some students said it helped their grades and performance. Others, not so much.

In 2011, three students who had participated in private sessions died within weeks of each other. Two deaths were ruled suicides. One was a fatal car crash. Dr. Kenney later pleaded no contest and permanently lost his teaching certificate.

Investigators did not establish that hypnosis caused the deaths. But the situation leaves people asking questions.

Why was a school leader practicing hypnosis at all? Where were the boundaries?

And how should Christians think about willingly handing someone influence over their minds?

Scripture (NIV):

1 Peter 5:8

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

This episode reflects on authority, responsibility, and what it means to stay sober-minded in a culture that often encourages the opposite.

💬 Want to talk about it more?

Who has influence over your thinking right now?

Are you intentional about who you allow that access?

👉 Join the conversation in the InSight Out Community on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/insightoutcommunity

📩 Stay connected:

Get encouragement, reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and more in the weekly newsletter:

👉 Subscribe here:

https://insightout.beehiiv.com/


🎥 Referenced Clips and 📰 Articles (used under fair use for commentary & teaching):

Dr. George Kenney Case Interview Clip – Watch

Florida Schools Settle With Parents of Three Teens After Hypnosis Sessions | via NBC News – Read

Dr. George Kenney and the Teen Hypnosis Deaths: What to Know | via People – Read

Show artwork for InSight Out

About the Podcast

InSight Out
Clarity for your mind. Joy for your heart. Timeless biblical truth for everyday life. A Christian podcast offering devotionals, conversations, and encouragement to help you grow in faith and flourish in life.
Think, See, and Live Differently.
As God reveals His truth and removes the blinders that keep us from seeing clearly, He calls us not only to reflect on these truths when we rise, when we lie down, and in all we do, but by His Spirit to proclaim the gospel and live in faithful obedience in every area of life.

Faith In Everything.
As Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Faith transforms us from the inside out. As the gospel we proclaim takes root, it changes how we see ourselves, others, and the world. And it becomes evident in what we think, what we say, and what we do.

This is more than a podcast; it’s a way of life. A call to see life InSight Out; to live as we were created to live, to flourish as God intends, and to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word. Because how we live matters.

About your host

Profile picture for Devin Almonte

Devin Almonte

Devin Almonte is a broadcaster, journalist, and podcaster dedicated to media-driven discipleship. As the host of InSight Out and Encouraging Star Stories, she challenges audiences to think deeply about faith, culture, and purpose, offering clarity for the mind, joy for the heart, and truth for the times.

A Colson Fellow and graduate of the World Journalism Institute, Devin has written for The Stream and other outlets, integrating theology, worldview, and storytelling to address today’s pressing issues.

With a diverse background in business, broadcasting, film, commercial work, and media production, she has worked with companies like QVC, HSN, and Macy’s Merchandising Group in media, journalism, and product development. Her experience in storytelling, faith-based media, and on-screen work enables her to engage audiences in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply relatable, inspiring a Christ-centered life.

Devin is also the founder of InSight Out Media, a faith-based company committed to media-driven discipleship, equipping people to see the world through a biblical lens and live out their faith with confidence.