Podcast Summary: Morbid Network | Wondery
Episode 604: Listener Tales 90
Release Date: September 26, 2024

Overview

In Episode 604 of Morbid, titled "Listener Tales 90," hosts Ash and Elena delve into a series of compelling listener-submitted stories that intertwine elements of true crime, paranormal encounters, and personal anecdotes. This episode is characterized by heartfelt narratives, humorous exchanges between the hosts, and an exploration of the supernatural's role in everyday life.

Listener Tale 1: A Ghost Cat's Comfort

Submitted by Chris Chapman

Summary:
Chris Chapman shares a deeply personal and heartwarming story about experiencing the presence of her deceased cat, Leroy, during a challenging period in her life. Following a move to a new home with her husband and dog, Chris began feeling intense physical pain due to a chronic illness. During her recovery, she started sensing the presence of a ghostly cat every night, which she believes was Leroy providing her with comfort and solace.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Chapman: "[...] after drinking Kachava first thing in the morning [...], I feel satiated for hours. I feel focused, calm and ready to take on my day." (00:00)
• Ash: "The spirit of love always continues." (13:00)

Key Points:

• Background: Chris's struggle with chronic illness and increased physical pain.
• Paranormal Encounter: Sensing a ghostly cat providing comfort during her nights.
• Emotional Impact: The ghostly presence helped her cope with pain and provided emotional support.
• Conclusion: Chris expresses gratitude and belief in Leroy's continued presence as a comforting spirit.

Listener Tale 2: Picking Up a Murderer

Submitted by Sam

Summary:
Sam recounts a harrowing experience where his aunt unknowingly transported a hitchhiking murderer. Initially trusting the man, his aunt offered him a ride, only to later discover from neighbors that the man was a wanted criminal responsible for a double murder. Sam's aunt bravely contacted the authorities and provided crucial information, leading to the man's swift apprehension.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam: "How could I forget? [...] He could have easily overtaken my sweet cancer-ass kicking motorcycle riding, jet ski riding pontoon driving on if he wanted to." (14:30)
• Ash: "Now we have the trifecta of cute." (25:23)

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Aunt Sam's decision to help a seemingly harmless hitchhiker.
• Discovery: Learning from neighbors about the man's criminal activities.
• Aunt's Courage: Contacting the police and assisting in the man's capture.
• Outcome: The murderer was apprehended and Sam's aunt had to testify in court.

Listener Tale 3: Meeting Children Before They Were Born

Submitted by Amanda

Summary:
Amanda shares an eerie and emotional story about dreaming of her future children before their birth. These lucid dreams depicted her daughters, Autumn and Olivia, at various stages of childhood, providing her with moments of joy and anticipation. After Olivia's birth, Amanda experienced unexplained paranormal occurrences that suggested her dreams were more than mere figments of imagination, hinting that her unborn daughters' spirits were interacting with her.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda: "When I kissed my son goodnight, covered him with his blanket [...] It was the ghost of my deceased father's six-year-old former self who had been coming into my son's room to play with him at night." (26:17)
• Elena: "He handed you a walker?" (12:34)

Key Points:

• Lucid Dreams: Visions of twin girls before their actual birth.
• Paranormal Activity: Unexplained noises and movements suggesting ghostly interactions.
• Emotional Connection: Sense of comfort and bonding with her deceased father through her son's experiences.
• Resolution: Understanding that her son's interactions were with the spirit of her deceased father, fostering a sense of closure and connection.

Listener Tale 4: Descendant of a Witch

Submitted by Cindy

Summary:
Cindy, a descendant of Grace Sherwood—the last woman tried for witchcraft in Virginia—relates her family's rich and tumultuous history with the supernatural. She narrates her great-great-grandmother's resilience and the legacy of witchcraft trials. Additionally, Cindy shares her own paranormal encounter as a child, linking her family's past to her personal experiences with ghosts and haunted places.

Notable Quotes:

• Cindy: "I am a direct descendant of Grace Sherwood, the Witch of Pungo, who was the last woman who was put on trial for witchcraft." (44:48)
• Elena: "She was strong like a warrior. I love it." (45:56)

Key Points:

• Family History: Grace Sherwood's trial and legacy as a witch.
• Personal Ghost Encounter: Cindy's face-to-face meeting with a ghostly girl in her hotel room.
• Cultural Impact: How her ancestry influences her current experiences with the paranormal.
• Emotional Reflection: Balancing pride in her heritage with the fear and intrigue of ghostly encounters.

Listener Tale 5: Robbing a Man with Grandma

Submitted by Hannah

Summary:
Hannah delivers a humorous and chaotic story about her unconventional grandmother, Kitty, who possesses a larger-than-life personality. During a trip to a Verizon store, Kitty concocted a dramatic scenario to demand a refund, which unexpectedly led to her robbing a man alongside Hannah. This tale highlights the eccentricity of Kitty and the surreal experience Hannah had witnessing her grandmother's antics.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah: "I love this woman. Her spirit is everywhere." (61:59)
• Elena: "That was one of the best tales we've ever read." (76:32)

Key Points:

• Character Profile: Kitty, Hannah's spirited and mischievous grandmother.
• Incident at Verizon: Kitty's elaborate scheme to obtain a refund, leading to the unexpected robbery.
• Impact on Hannah: The surreal experience of witnessing her grandmother's audacious behavior.
• Legacy: Kitty's influence on Hannah's perception of family and eccentric personalities.

Host Reflections and Interactions

Throughout the episode, Ash and Elena engage in lively and humorous exchanges, adding depth and personality to the narrative. Their interactions often provide comic relief and a balance to the intense and emotional listener tales.

Notable Exchanges:

• On Ghost Cats:
  Ash: "What is the spirit of your cat from your childhood." (13:10)
  Elena: "I love it so much." (13:12)

• On Aunt Helping a Murderer:
  Elena: "That was a survivor story." (14:30)

• On Meeting Children in Dreams:
  Ash: "I'm obsessed with Leroy." (12:58)
  Elena: "I know, because otherwise I'm like, who is that?" (44:30)

Key Highlights:

• Humor and Empathy: The hosts often use humor to navigate through the emotional weight of the stories.
• Engagement with Listeners: Frequent acknowledgments of listener submissions and personal anecdotes enhance listener connection.
• Balanced Tone: The blend of serious, spooky tales with lighthearted banter creates an engaging and relatable atmosphere.

Conclusion

Episode 604 of Morbid successfully blends true crime, paranormal experiences, and personal narratives, offering listeners a multifaceted exploration of the macabre and the supernatural. Through heartfelt listener tales and the hosts' engaging commentary, the episode provides both chills and heartfelt moments, embodying the podcast's signature mix of research-driven storytelling and comedic flair.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ash on Plant-Based Protein:
  "Adding more plant-based protein to your diet is a fantastic way to nourish your body and support the planet." (00:00)

• Chris on Feeling Satiated with Kachava:
  "After drinking Kachava first thing in the morning [...], I feel satiated for hours. I feel focused, calm and ready to take on my day." (00:00)

• Sam on Aunt's Heroism:
  "She's riding a beautiful bike and he's got one arm. How could I not talk to him?" (23:08)

• Ash on Keeping It Weird:
  "Keep it weird, but not so weird that you try to get a Verizon employee to grow up your pacemaker while your granddaughter sweats through her clothes trying not to shit herself." (75:48)

Final Thoughts

Morbid Episode 604 continues to uphold the podcast's reputation for delivering captivating and spine-tingling stories, enriched by the hosts' dynamic interactions. Whether you are a long-time listener or new to the series, this episode offers a memorable dive into the eerie and the extraordinary, wrapped in engaging storytelling and genuine host camaraderie.