Morbid Podcast Episode 673: "Random Creepy Things with Nicholas"

Released May 19, 2025 by Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction: Embracing Summer's Spookiness

The episode kicks off with Elena and Ash engaging in their characteristic banter about the unseasonably humid weather, setting a lighthearted tone before delving into the darker themes of the episode. Their playful arguments about missing fall and embracing "Summerween and Slasher summer" establish a relatable and humorous foundation for the listeners.

Notable Quote:

• Elena (03:24): "You guys know I don't love summer, but I've decided to get into it this year because the Summerween and Slasher summer, I'm trying to get in that vibe. It's gonna be fun and I'm excited for that."

Segment 1: Unveiling the Horrors of Forest Haven Asylum

Elena introduces the grim history of Forest Haven Asylum, an institution in Laurel, Maryland, originally established in 1925 as a progressive farm colony designed to treat children and young adults deemed mentally ill. Initially, the asylum was a nurturing environment with therapies, sports, and community involvement. However, the narrative takes a dark turn as funding cuts in the 1960s lead to severe neglect and abuse.

Key points discussed include:

• Overcrowding and Neglect: At its peak, Forest Haven housed over a thousand patients but failed to provide adequate care.
• Abuse and Torture: Patients suffered physical and sexual abuse from staff, including improper feeding practices that led to deaths from aspiration pneumonia.
• Unmarkered Mass Graves: Over the years, many patients died under deplorable conditions and were buried in unmarked graves on the property.

Notable Quotes:

• Elena (12:47): "We're just put in this place to be forgotten about. Yeah. So this is huge."
• Ash (19:15): "Aspiration pneumonia was a leading cause of death there, which happens when, and especially in this kind of environment, when feeding procedures are basically not being followed safely."

The hosts highlight poignant testimonies, including those of mayor Vincent Gray, who expressed haunting memories of the inhumane treatment at the asylum. Despite multiple lawsuits in the 1970s aimed at addressing the atrocities, systemic issues persisted, culminating in the institution's closure in 1991 after decades of suffering and neglect.

Notable Quote:

• Elena (21:08): "Mayor Vincent Gray... said the place was inhumane. It was a very negative experience. And he told the Washington examiner his most vivid memory... seeing nude residents paraded outdoors to be hosed down by staff members."

Segment 2: Exploring Spider Gates Cemetery in Lester, Massachusetts

Transitioning from the dark history of Forest Haven Asylum, Elena and Ash delve into the eerie Spider Gates Cemetery in Lester, Massachusetts. Established in the 1700s and also known as the Eighth Gate to Hell, this cemetery is surrounded by legends and paranormal tales.

Key elements discussed:

• Architectural Anomalies: The cemetery's gates, designed in an art deco style resembling spiders, were stolen and vandalized, leading to their relocation by the Lester Historical Society in 2022.
• Haunted Legends: Tales of ghostly apparitions, such as the lingering mist resembling human forms and inexplicable cold touches in hallways.
• Mythological Connections: The cemetery is linked to Greek mythology, with references to Charon, the ferryman who requires a coin for passage to the afterlife, and the river Sticks, a portal to hell.

Notable Quotes:

• Ash (41:00): "Ghost to hate. Apparently the other seven are at various locations spread throughout the country. I don't know where they are."
• Elena (35:33): "There’s a... a river on the property that a lot of people think is the river sticks. Which, like, if you show up with the intention of heading to hell and you don't have payment, I don't recommend that personally because they say that if you do that to the ferryman, he will... you will have to wander around the river, the shore river, all of it."

The hosts emphasize the cemetery's chilling reputation, discussing firsthand accounts and recorded EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) experiences that lend credence to its haunted status. They explore the psychological impact of such places, noting the pervasive feeling of dread and sadness that visitors often report.

Notable Quote:

• Elena (36:25): "One of the things people really talk about is just the intense feeling of dread in that place. People say it's like sadness is something you can touch in there."

Segment 3: Listener Tale – A Spooky Date at Spider Gates Cemetery

A significant portion of the episode features a listener story contributed by a fan named D. Ash narrates D's chilling experience during a date at Spider Gates Cemetery, which culminates in supernatural occurrences that ultimately lead to a tale of love and lingering mystery.

Story Highlights:

• The Date: Ash meets a romantic interest through Tinder who suggests a night-time visit to Spider Gates Cemetery.
• Supernatural Encounters: The date night includes eerie phenomena such as a foggy mist resembling a human form, an unexplained touch on Ash's back, and a distant scream from the woods.
• Resolution: Despite the terrifying events, the date proves to be fatefully significant, resulting in marriage and the birth of a child five years later.

Notable Quotes:

• Ash (53:21): "What a casual sentence."
• Elena (55:27): "What's going on?"
• Ash (57:08): "A shiver went down my back, through my crack, and around the corner. I had never in my life been touched by a spirit, and it was the most natural yet unnatural feeling ever."
• Ash (58:13): "To this day, I talk about that experience with my husband and he still laughs at how freaked out I got."

This segment beautifully intertwines personal storytelling with spooky elements, showcasing how true crime and paranormal experiences can lead to unexpected life paths.

Segment 4: The Role of Nicholas – A Paranormal Presence

Throughout the episode, a recurring character named Nicholas adds an extra layer of eerie interactivity. Although not a traditional guest, Nicholas appears to be a spectral entity interacting with the hosts, often interjecting with cryptic or humorous remarks.

Notable Interactions:

• Nicholas (05:34): "Elena has a problem with the poltergeist."
• Ash (08:47): "He just... he's a King Nicholas for life. He said. Serving Nicholas. Very, very much. Okay. I think Nicholas is a gay icon. Personally."
• Nicholas (58:55): "You can’t make this shit up. He’s being so mean."

These interactions serve to blend humor with horror, creating a unique dynamic that keeps listeners engaged and adds depth to the spooky narrative.

Notable Quote:

• Elena (59:15): "Nicholas, do you have anything nice to say? Understand? Do you understand that I'm mad at you?"
• Ash (60:07): "Does that freak you out, says. Because, by the way, you couldn't make this up, hates it!”

Conclusion: Reflecting on Horrors and Hauntings

As the episode wraps up, Elena and Ash reflect on the tragic histories and lingering hauntings of both Forest Haven Asylum and Spider Gates Cemetery. They emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring those who suffered in such inhumane conditions, underscoring the supernatural elements as echoes of past horrors.

Closing Thoughts:

• The hosts express a mix of fascination and horror, highlighting their desire to explore these eerie sites further while acknowledging the real human tragedies behind the legends.
• The episode closes with heartfelt messages to their listeners and a playful nod to their spectral friend, Nicholas, maintaining the blend of humor and horror that defines Morbid.

Notable Quote:

• Elena (60:00): "And we hope you keep it weird."
• Ash (60:12): "What does that mean?"

Key Takeaways:

• Forest Haven Asylum serves as a chilling reminder of historical abuses within mental health institutions, highlighting systemic failures and human rights violations.
• Spider Gates Cemetery is steeped in myths and paranormal activity, making it a focal point for ghost enthusiasts and storytellers.
• Listener tales like D's add personal depth and relatability, bridging the gap between fictional horror and real-life experiences.
• Nicholas, the spectral presence, enhances the episode's spooky atmosphere while providing comic relief.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Elena (03:24):

   "You guys know I don't love summer, but I've decided to get into it this year because the Summerween and Slasher summer, I'm trying to get in that vibe. It's gonna be fun and I'm excited for that."

2. Elena (12:47):

   "We're just put in this place to be forgotten about. Yeah. So this is huge."

3. Ash (19:15):

   "Aspiration pneumonia was a leading cause of death there, which happens when, and especially in this kind of environment, when feeding procedures are basically not being followed safely."

4. Elena (21:08):

   "Mayor Vincent Gray... said the place was inhumane. It was a very negative experience. And he told the Washington examiner his most vivid memory... seeing nude residents paraded outdoors to be hosed down by staff members."

5. Ash (41:00):

   "Ghost to hate. Apparently the other seven are at various locations spread throughout the country. I don't know where they are."

6. Elena (36:25):

   "One of the things people really talk about is just the intense feeling of dread in that place. People say it's like sadness is something you can touch in there."

7. Ash (53:21):

   "What a casual sentence."

8. Ash (57:08):

   "A shiver went down my back, through my crack, and around the corner. I had never in my life been touched by a spirit, and it was the most natural yet unnatural feeling ever."

9. Elena (59:15):

   "Nicholas, do you have anything nice to say? Understand? Do you understand that I'm mad at you?"

10. Elena (60:00):

    "And we hope you keep it weird."

Final Note: Episode 673 of Morbid masterfully intertwines historical horror, personal storytelling, and paranormal fun, delivering a rich and engaging narrative that captivates both true crime aficionados and ghost story enthusiasts. Through detailed exploration of haunted sites and interactive banter with the enigmatic Nicholas, Elena and Ash provide a compelling listening experience that is both informative and spine-chilling.