Morbid Network | Wondery Podcast
Episode Title: Episode 622: Listener Tales 92
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Hosts: Elena and Jeremy Fisher
Overview
In Episode 622 of Morbid, titled "Listener Tales 92," hosts Elena and Jeremy Fisher delve into a series of chilling, true-to-life stories submitted by their listeners. These narratives range from near-miss encounters with potential kidnappers to terrifying home invasions and demonic confrontations. Blending meticulous research with their characteristic humor, Elena and Jeremy guide listeners through each tale, offering insights and emotional reflections that resonate deeply.
1. Devin’s Story: Almost a Play Date with a Kidnapper
Timestamp: [11:34 - 20:54]
Summary: Devin recounts a harrowing experience from her childhood in the early 1990s. Growing up in a financially struggling household on the outskirts of Antioch, California, Devin often played unsupervised in her front yard, which was picturesque yet bordered by two cemeteries. One summer day, a seemingly benign encounter with a mysterious woman and her daughter took a sinister turn.
Key Points:
- Initial Encounter: Devin notices a woman and her older daughter approaching her gate, offering to play with her despite instructions about stranger danger.
- Red Flags: The older girl’s lack of eye contact and the woman’s aggressive gesture when reaching through the fence raised Devin’s suspicions.
- Intervention: Just as the woman tries to engage Devin further, her mother intervenes, chasing the strangers away. Later, the neighborhood is shaken by news of a kidnapping linked to the same woman, revealing that Devin narrowly escaped becoming a victim.
- Emotional Impact: The realization that she had unknowingly met her kidnapper as a child leaves Devin with lingering trauma and gratitude for her mother’s swift action.
Notable Quotes:
- Devin: “Something was wrong and even my small child brain knew it.” [17:05]
- Jeremy: “Can you imagine? And to know that you happened to have an experience where you met her, and then to realize that Nancy was trying to kidnap your ass, too.” [19:26]
2. Molly’s Tale: The Home Invasion
Timestamp: [21:49 - 32:46]
Summary: Molly shares a terrifying account of a home invasion that occurred in 2020. While Molly and her then-boyfriend were out of town, their Vermont apartment was broken into, resulting in the theft of personal items, including a significant diamond meant for her engagement ring.
Key Points:
- The Break-In: Returning home a day later, Molly discovers that predefined security measures (like pushing furniture against the door) were bypassed by intruders.
- Evidence Collection: Reviewing security footage, Molly observes her cats reacting fearfully and notices two unfamiliar men enter the property. The perpetrators carelessly leave behind pieces of evidence, including a note, which surprisingly aids in their capture.
- Emotional Fallout: The violation of her personal space and belongings causes significant distress. Jeremy empathizes deeply, acknowledging the profound sense of insecurity that follows such an event.
- Resolution: The police link one of the intruders, Kevin, to multiple previous burglaries. Audio evidence from the footage becomes the key to his arrest, leading to justice for Molly and her boyfriend. Despite the ordeal, they find solace in restoring their sense of security by moving to a new home and investing in a comprehensive security system.
Notable Quotes:
- Molly: “I can only guess now what might have happened to me if I had gone with that woman that day. I'm so glad you didn't.” [20:28]
- Jeremy: “I did not see that coming. No, I did not read these ahead of time.” [18:49]
- Molly: “Spoiler alert. No cats were harmed in the making of this listener tale.” [26:08]
3. Eli’s Story: Confrontation with a Parkouring Demon
Timestamp: [33:32 - 44:53]
Summary: Eli narrates a bizarre and supernatural-sounding encounter in her early twenties while living alone in a Montreal apartment. After hearing unnerving, demonic sounds outside her window late at night, Eli faces an intruder displaying extraordinary physical abilities.
Key Points:
- Unsettling Sounds: Late one night, Eli hears loud, incomprehensible yelling emanating from an alley adjacent to her building. Curious and concerned, she investigates by looking out her curtains.
- The Intrusion: A man exhibiting parkour-like agility bursts into her apartment, shouting in a manner that suggests possession or madness. Eli, armed with an 8-inch blade for protection, confronts the intruder.
- Host Reaction: Despite the fear, Eli stands her ground, brandishing the knife and issuing a firm directive to the intruder: “Don't fucking try me.” Her assertiveness compels the man to retreat temporarily.
- Police Intervention: Shortly after, the authorities arrive and apprehend the intruder. Eli’s quick thinking and bravery prevent potential harm, leaving her with a mix of relief and lingering fear.
- Emotional Reflection: Eli reflects on the surreal nature of the encounter, emphasizing the importance of personal security and preparedness in the face of unexpected threats.
Notable Quotes:
- Eli: “Don't fucking try me.” [40:44]
- Jeremy: “They’re gonna get the fuck out of there. Like, they’re gonna get the fuck.” [40:32]
- Elena: “I felt absolutely sick to my stomach watching the news.” [20:05]
Hosts’ Interactions and Reflections
Throughout the episode, Elena and Jeremy engage in lively banter, providing comic relief amidst the dark narratives. Their chemistry shines as they empathize with the storytellers, share personal anecdotes, and inject humor to balance the gravity of each tale.
Notable Interactions:
- Empathy and Support: Jeremy frequently expresses his admiration for the bravery of the storytellers, saying things like, “You did,” to acknowledge their courage.
- Humor Amidst Horror: The hosts lighten the mood with jokes about "Salad Fingers" and playful comments about their own reactions to the stories.
- Encouragement for Listeners: They invite listeners to share their own eerie experiences, fostering a community of shared stories and support.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeremy: “I liked that one. And can I say your name? April.” [11:07]
- Elena: “We love you. We want to smooch your faces.” [47:28]
Conclusion and Takeaways
Episode 622: Listener Tales 92 of Morbid offers a captivating blend of true crime and personal horror stories that highlight the unpredictable nature of human encounters and the importance of vigilance. Through Devin’s near-miss with a kidnapper, Molly’s harrowing home invasion, and Eli’s supernatural confrontation, listeners are reminded of the thin line between safety and danger. Elena and Jeremy’s compassionate yet humorous approach ensures that each story is not only heard but felt, leaving the audience both entertained and contemplative.
Final Thoughts:
- Resilience and Courage: The stories emphasize the resilience of individuals in the face of terrifying situations.
- Community and Support: The hosts foster a sense of community, encouraging listeners to share and support one another.
- Balance of Emotion: The episode masterfully balances fear with moments of levity, making the dark tales accessible and engaging.
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Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to capture the essence and key elements of Episode 622: Listener Tales 92 of the Morbid podcast.