Old Gods of Appalachia - Episode 85: "When You're Strange"

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host/Author: DeepNerd Media

Introduction

In Episode 85 of Old Gods of Appalachia, titled “When You're Strange,” listeners are plunged into the eerie and shadowed landscapes of Baker's Gap, Tennessee, and Cherry Hill Mobile Home Park in Glamorgan, Virginia. This installment masterfully intertwines supernatural elements with the gritty realities of small-town life, exploring themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown. Written and produced by Steve Schell, this episode delivers a chilling narrative complemented by rich character development and atmospheric storytelling.

Cody Blevins: A Day in Baker's Gap

The episode opens with Cody Blevins, a dedicated tow truck operator in Baker's Gap, navigating a grueling workday. From [04:11], Cody's repetitive tasks of towing cars and managing vehicle blowouts establish the mundane yet taxing nature of his job. However, his routine takes a dark turn when he encounters a mysterious young girl under an overpass.

At [13:37], Cody notices the girl crouched in the shade, her appearance striking against the late afternoon sun. She is described as wearing all black, with “box-dyed black hair” and “dark sunglasses,” creating an immediate sense of otherworldliness. When Cody attempts to offer help, the girl reacts unnaturally to sunlight, recoiling as if she touched an electric fence:

"Do you need help?" [01:29] Cody asks, to which she responds dismissively:

"Please, sir, just go." [13:37] She implies a dire consequence should she remain in the sunlight, hinting at her supernatural nature.

The Investigation at Windsor Park

Determined to uncover the truth behind the girl's mysterious behavior, Cody revisits the location and deduces her possible origins. His investigation leads him to Windsor Park, a gated private residence, where he confronts Glenn Shelby, an older resident responsible for overseeing any supernatural entities in the area.

At [35:43], Cody demands answers about the girl's whereabouts, leading to a tense exchange. Glenn initially deflects, listing other residents without addressing the immediate concern:

"Who's staying out back right now?" [35:49] Cody persists, revealing his understanding of the town's hidden supernatural dynamics. The conversation escalates when a malevolent presence, Troy, emerges from the basement, emphasizing the peril Cody has unwittingly entangled himself in.

Supernatural Lore: Vampires in Appalachia

The narrative delves deeper into the lore of vampires and other supernatural beings inhabiting Appalachia. The episode explains that vampires are relatively rare in the region due to competition from other entities like haints, shapeshifters, and ancient gods dwelling beneath the mountains. The vampires that do exist are regulated through a night registry established during the Civil War, allowing them limited residence to minimize disruption.

Key lore details include:

• Windsor Court: A sanctuary for vampires like Ms. Rosalie, who oversees the compliance of her kind in the region.
• Fangit Society: Families sworn to hunt supernatural threats to protect their communities, maintaining a fragile balance between the mundane and the magical.

At [34:25], the episode reveals Ms. Rosalie's critical role in maintaining this balance, ensuring that vampires do not disrupt the small-town tranquility. Cody's intrusion into this hidden world threatens to upset this delicate equilibrium, setting the stage for impending conflict.

Denise Ramey: Struggles in Cherry Hill Mobile Home Park

Parallel to Cody's supernatural ordeal, the episode introduces Denise Ramey and her tumultuous family life in Cherry Hill Mobile Home Park. Denise's narrative, starting at [27:10], paints a vivid picture of her struggles with an abusive uncle, Bunk Ramey, and her troubled cousin Micah, who faces both familial abuse and bullying at school.

Denise's passion for underground music serves as her escape from the oppressive environment. Her connection to the local music scene in the Tri Cities highlights a community of like-minded individuals seeking solace and expression through art. Key aspects of Denise's story include:

• Family Dynamics: Bunk Ramey's abusive behavior towards Micah and Denise, showcasing the toxic environment she seeks to escape.
• Music as Escape: Denise's involvement in the local underground music scene provides her with a sense of identity and belonging.
• Community Connections: The introduction of bands like Violent Fear and no More Light illustrates the vibrant yet challenging nature of pursuing one's passion in a conservative setting.

Denise's storyline converges with Cody's when her cousin, Micah, excitedly reveals a concert flyer for Violent Fear at [35:43]. This moment underscores the intersection of everyday struggles with the lurking supernatural threats in their world.

Themes and Insights

"When You're Strange" seamlessly blends the supernatural with the personal, exploring how individuals navigate fear, acceptance, and isolation. The juxtaposition of Cody's encounter with vampires and Denise's fight against familial oppression highlights:

• Isolation and Otherness: Both Cody and Denise grapple with feeling out of place—Cody in uncovering hidden supernatural realms and Denise in her oppressive family and unrecognized passion.
• Fear of the Unknown: The episode delves into Cody’s fear of the supernatural and Denise’s fear of her family's wrath, emphasizing how fear shapes their actions.
• Seeking Belonging: Denise's involvement in the music scene represents a quest for community and acceptance, paralleling Cody's desire to understand and perhaps belong in the hidden world he stumbles upon.

Notable quotes that encapsulate these themes include:

• Cody's realization of impending danger:
  "There was trouble on the wind. He had the unsettling feeling something bad was coming." ([27:10])

• Denise's reflection on her life's path:
  "I really just took the classes to learn how to bleach her own hair without it falling out." ([28:35])

Conclusion

Episode 85 of Old Gods of Appalachia masterfully intertwines supernatural horror with grounded, relatable struggles of small-town life. Through the characters of Cody Blevins and Denise Ramey, the episode explores the depths of fear, isolation, and the pursuit of belonging amidst hidden threats. As the narrative progresses towards its climax with the upcoming concert, listeners are left with a sense of impending doom intertwined with the hope found in camaraderie and personal passion.

The episode concludes with an ominous hint that the supernatural disturbances at Windsor Park may soon escalate, setting the stage for future storylines and deepening the rich lore of Alternate Appalachia.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cody's Determination:
  “If she needs help, I can get you help. Just say the word.” ([27:50])

• Ms. Rosalie's Authority:
  “We stay right here on our land, and them that pass through here only stay their appointed time.” ([34:15])

• Denise's Passion for Music:
  “Those road trips and adventures were the only things that kept her sane.” ([32:10])

Episode Credits

• Written and Produced by: Steve Schell
• Edited by: Cam Collins
• Voice Actors:
  • Miranda: Andy Marie Tillman
  • Troy: Adam Campuris
  • Denise Raimi: Autumn Bogamin
  • Micah Ramey: Aaron Bentley
• Music:
  • Theme Song: Brother Landon Blood
  • Outro Music: Neon Dracula by Violent Fear (Available on Jacob's Bandcamp)

Stay Connected

To continue exploring the dark and mysterious world of Old Gods of Appalachia, visit www.oldgodsofappalachia.com. Join the community, access exclusive content in "the Holler," and support the show to gain access to additional stories and merchandise.