Radio Rental - Episode 82 Summary

Introduction In Episode 82 of Radio Rental, released on July 18, 2025, listeners are immersed in spine-chilling true horror stories meticulously woven into the enchanting 80’s-themed setting of Terry Carnation’s fictional video rental store. Hosted by Rainn Wilson and guest-hosted by Tig Notaro, the episode delves into eerie camping experiences and supernatural encounters, all while maintaining a perfect blend of horror and subtle humor. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key narratives, notable quotes, and the eerie ambiance that Radio Rental is renowned for.

Story 1: The Creepy Campground Incident

Narrated by Liz

[05:10] Liz recounts a harrowing camping trip from 2007 with four friends and her puppy, Eddie. The group arrives at a secluded campground with minimal amenities, setting the stage for unsettling events. The initial encounter with the campground owner is unnerving:

Campground Owner: “Oh, you brought me lunch.”
[05:30] Liz describes the owner’s disheveled appearance and unsettling demeanor, sparking immediate discomfort among the campers.

As the night unfolds, the tension escalates when the owner returns, brandishing a grotesque wooden spear adorned with a human head:

Liz: “There was a human head stabbed onto the top of it... it's all bloody.”
[07:45]

The friends experience strange occurrences, including an abandoned amusement park hidden within the campgrounds, overrun with weeds and mystery. A pivotal moment occurs when Liz and her friends venture into the park, only to encounter horrifying sights:

Liz: “There was a two-gallon-sized jar of darkish liquid with white flesh floating in it... muscle tissue and fatty pieces.”
[18:20]

Desperation sets in as the group tries to escape, only to confront the ominous campground owner again, leading to a frantic departure. Their attempt to seek help is dismissed by a gas station attendant who is indifferent to their terrifying account:

Liz: “Jars of body parts... It felt like a scary movie.”
[19:00]

The story concludes with a chilling revelation that one of the friends, Alyssa, discreetly keeps a jar of the gruesome contents, hinting at lingering horrors beyond their escape.

Story 2: Rainn Wilson’s Wart Nightmare

Narrated by Rainn Wilson

[22:48] Rainn shares a deeply personal and paranormal experience from his childhood involving persistent warts that medical treatments couldn’t eliminate. During a family trip to France, an enigmatic healer is introduced, reputed to communicate with illnesses to expel them from the body.

Rainn: “He said, I already took care of it. She never questioned it again.”
[24:15]

Later that night, Rainn’s mother and brother wake to a terrifying apparition standing at the foot of their bed:

Rainn: “They both describe it as this tall entity... my mom whispers, shut up.”
[25:10]

The next morning reveals a gruesome scene: Rainn is found with all his warts inexplicably open and drenched in blood, despite no evidence of how this occurred during his sleep. The family’s return to the United States brings the nightmare to a close when the warts vanish entirely without explanation:

Rainn: “Every single one of my warts... they were completely gone. It’s like this thing that still spooks us to this day.”
[31:05]

Rainn reflects on the eerie coincidences surrounding the healer’s intervention, leaving listeners pondering the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.

Notable Quotes

• Liz on the Campground Owner’s Appearance:
  “He had a real creepy sort of look to him.”
  [06:10]

• Rainn on the Healing Incident:
  “It’s like this thing that still spooks us to this day.”
  [31:05]

• Malachi the Cat’s Commentary:
  “That’s disgusting. Jars of body parts in viscous water.”
  [19:03]

Conclusion Episode 82 of Radio Rental masterfully intertwines personal horror stories with the show's signature atmospheric storytelling. From unsettling encounters at a remote campground to a mysterious childhood healing session, the episode delivers gripping narratives that resonate with fans of true horror. The inclusion of Malachi the cat adds a quirky layer to the haunting tales, ensuring that Radio Rental remains a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking both thrills and chills.

Production Credits Radio Rental is brought to life by Tenderfoot TV & Audacy, with Rainn Wilson as the main host and Tig Notaro as the guest host. The episode features storytelling written by Meredith Stedman and Mark Laughlin, with production led by Eric Quintana and Meredith Stedman. The immersive sound design is crafted by Stephen Perez and Cooper Skinner, ensuring each story enthralls and unsettles the audience.

For more episodes and merchandise, visit Shop Tenderfoot TV and follow Radio Rental on Instagram @radiorental.