Morbid Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Episode 595: Listener Tales 89
Release Date: August 29, 2024
Hosts: Ash and Elena
Podcast Network: Morbid Network | Wondery
Introduction to Listener Tales
In this episode of Morbid, Ash and Elena delve into Listener Tales 89, featuring chilling true crime stories and eerie ghostly encounters shared by their listeners. As always, the hosts blend in-depth research with their unique comedic flair, creating an engaging and spine-tingling experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
Listener Tale 1: Babysitting for a Cold-Blooded Killer
Submitted by: Allie (Timestamp: [04:34])
Summary:
Allie recounts a harrowing experience from her adolescence when she began babysitting for the Carter family next door. The family consisted of John and Tracy Carter and their young son, Ben. Initially, John appeared charming and outgoing, often socializing during neighborhood block parties, while Tracy was more reserved and seldom seen.
Over time, Allie grew comfortable babysitting Ben, often interacting only with John. However, in early 2003, during one of her babysitting nights, John returned home unexpectedly and appeared unsettled. He abruptly ended their conversation, never looking back, and subsequently requested Allie babysit again. The following night, after declining due to school commitments, tragedy struck: John fatally shot Tracy in their master bedroom, leaving Ben unharmed but traumatized.
Allie reflects on the unsettling possibility that her presence might have influenced the events, pondering whether John altered his actions because of her refusal or if he had other motives entirely. The incident left lasting scars on Allie, leading her to avoid further babysitting gigs and contributing to the neighborhood's ominous reputation surrounding the Carter household.
Notable Quotes:
- Allie: "I was torn on what could that could have meant for his story. Would I have been there when he killed Tracy?" (Timestamp: [14:04])
- Elena: "It's so weird. I hope you have no guilt over this because that's just mindful you were a 15-year-old kid." (Timestamp: [14:07])
Hosts' Reflections:
Ash and Elena express profound empathy for Allie's experience, emphasizing the difficulty of processing such traumatic events. They discuss the lingering "what ifs" that often haunt survivors of violent crimes, highlighting the psychological impact of being indirectly connected to tragedy.
Listener Tale 2: Ghostly Encounters in a Haunted House
Submitted by: Ralph (Timestamp: [20:12])
Summary:
Ralph shares his experiences living in a century-old home with his boyfriend and two roommates, Karen and Frank. The house, nestled in a rough neighborhood, quickly revealed its unsettling nature. Ralph, working as a psychologist in a prison, brings a scientific perspective to his paranormal encounters.
He describes eerie occurrences, including:
- Puzzling Objects: A wooden box in the attic containing a doll, and claw marks on a door jamb, suggesting a hidden presence or past mistreatment.
- Psychic Impressions: Karen's friend, a self-proclaimed psychic, sensed the presence of a man in overalls, deepening the house's mysterious aura.
- Unexplained Sounds: Loud growls near the piano, broken mirrors appearing without physical cause, and sudden, intrusive noises that defied logical explanations.
- Visual Apparitions: Ralph and his roommates witnessed the upper half of a man floating past an archway in the attic, with multiple accounts reinforcing the ghostly presence.
- Personal Haunting: Ralph experienced a hallucination while on a night shift, feeling a hand press against him in an empty closet, prompting him to avoid returning during similar hours.
Despite their attempts to rationalize the events, the persistent hauntings led Ralph and his boyfriend to eventually move out, seeking peace from the house's malevolent history.
Notable Quotes:
- Ralph: "I have so much weird shit happen to me over most of my life that I am here to say with certainty there might be ghosts." (Timestamp: [22:03])
- Elena: "It's like a dollhouse. What was inside this random box, you ask? A doll?" (Timestamp: [24:07])
Hosts' Reflections:
Ash and Elena engage in a lively discussion about the plausibility of Ralph's experiences, delving into topics like psychic abilities, the psychological effects of living in a haunted environment, and the challenges of distinguishing reality from supernatural phenomena. They emphasize the importance of mental resilience when confronting unexplainable events.
Listener Tale 3: Ghost Tea Parties and Spiritual Connections
Submitted by: Kaylin (Timestamp: [62:00])
Summary:
Kaylin narrates her deep-seated connection with the spiritual world, recounting experiences from her childhood and adulthood. From a young age, she exhibited the ability to communicate with spirits, foreseeing events like her uncle's near-fatal incident and her father's girlfriend's attempted suicide.
Her most profound experience involves dating a man referred to as "X," who was plagued by a succubus due to his family's Santeria practices. Kaylin describes moving across states with X, only to encounter increasing paranormal disturbances in his home:
- Persistent Hauntings: Flickering lights, TVs turning on and off at odd hours, and a chilling mirror that felt like a portal.
- Spiritual Interference: Ghostly apparitions, including a gray woman and spirits warning her to leave, communicated through relentless auditory and visual disturbances.
- Emotional Turmoil: The intensity of the hauntings exacerbated X's mental health struggles, leading to the eventual dissolution of their relationship.
- Personal Growth: Despite the traumatic experiences, Kaylin finds solace and happiness in her later life, marrying her best friend and raising children, though remnants of her past still occasionally surface.
Kaylin concludes by reflecting on the enduring bonds with her deceased grandmother and the subtle presence of spirits in her life, suggesting a balance between embracing the spiritual and maintaining everyday normalcy.
Notable Quotes:
- Kaylin: "It was the first time I ever felt truly helpless and fearful of what the paranormal world could do." (Timestamp: [57:19])
- Elena: "You can wholeheartedly use my name because anyone who knows me knows that I am a creepy freak." (Timestamp: [44:15])
Hosts' Reflections:
Ash and Elena commend Kaylin for her vulnerability and the depth of her story. They explore themes of spiritual sensitivity, the impact of paranormal experiences on personal relationships, and the journey toward healing and happiness despite past horrors. The hosts also touch upon the cultural aspects of spiritual practices like Santeria and their influences on individuals’ lives.
Conclusion
In Listener Tales 89, Ash and Elena expertly weave together stories of true crime and the supernatural, offering listeners a captivating blend of suspense and heartfelt discussion. Through Allie's traumatic encounter with a murdering neighbor, Ralph's eerie experiences in a haunted house, and Kaylin's profound spiritual interactions, the episode underscores the diverse ways humans grapple with fear, loss, and the unknown.
Key Takeaways:
- Emotional Impact: Personal narratives reveal the deep psychological effects of confronting life-threatening and supernatural events.
- Human Resilience: Despite facing unimaginable horrors, individuals find paths to healing and happiness.
- Curiosity of the Unknown: The episode highlights humanity's enduring fascination with true crime and the supernatural, balancing skepticism with open-mindedness.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- Ash: "It's not easy to process such traumatic events." (Timestamp: [14:04])
- Elena: "Keep it weird, but don't keep it so weird that somebody sees a ghost version of you in your house because you're still alive." (Timestamp: [68:25])
Final Thoughts
Morbid continues to deliver compelling and spine-chilling content, inviting listeners to explore the darkest corners of human experience and the enigmatic realms beyond. Whether you're a true crime aficionado or a fan of ghostly tales, Morbid offers a rich tapestry of stories that educate, entertain, and provoke thought.