Radio Rental: Episode 85 Summary

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Rainn Wilson as Terry Carnation
Produced by Tenderfoot TV & Audacy

Overview

In Episode 85 of Radio Rental, host Terry Carnation delves into chilling real-life horror stories that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. This episode features two gripping tales of unexplained occurrences, both set against the eerie backdrop of the fictional 80’s video rental store, Radio Rental. Interspersed with subtle humor and atmospheric storytelling, Terry guides listeners through narratives that evoke suspense, fear, and intrigue.

Story 1: The Haunted House of Claire [04:58 - 25:55]

Narrator: Sandy Van Duser, a local librarian and longtime listener of Terry Carnation's AM radio show, Dark Air, introduces the first story. She recounts a disturbing experience involving her friend Claire, who lacked legal identification and worked as a nanny for a family living in an isolated house.

Key Points:

• Isolation and Unease: Claire moves to a secluded house under two strict conditions: "Do not get rid of anything" and "Do not add locks" ([02:54] Rainn Wilson). These rules hint at hidden secrets within the property.

• Mysterious Incidents: Strange occurrences start with unexpected dogs appearing around the property, including a bizarre dog-like creature with human-like eyes, raising Claire's suspicions ([04:58] Guest Storyteller).

• Escalating Tension: Claire accuses her roommate of playing pranks, claiming someone is tampering with the house, such as locking her in the bathroom ([04:58] Guest Storyteller). These accusations strain their relationship and heighten the sense of dread.

• Unexplained Break-Ins: The basement chain lock is found broken, and Claire experiences persistent noises suggesting someone—or something—is dwelling in the basement ([19:56] Guest Storyteller).

• Confrontation with Reality: Eventually, Claire discovers a man was secretly in the basement, revealing that the disturbances were not supernatural but orchestrated by individuals exploiting her vulnerable situation ([25:10] Guest Storyteller).

Notable Quotes:

• Terry Carnation ([03:05]): "You did agree. Yes, you did. I feel like you were just thinking."

• Guest Storyteller ([19:49]): "He said, I don't think so. No, that must be the pipes."

• Guest Storyteller ([25:55]): "This is the perfect victim. She didn't exist at all."

Insights:

The story underscores themes of vulnerability and exploitation, showcasing how individuals in precarious situations can be manipulated by those they trust. It also plays on the fear of intrusion and the unknown, blending real-world dangers with the eerie ambiance typical of Radio Rental.

Story 2: The Real Estate Photographer’s Encounter [28:07 - 39:17]

Narrator: Sandy Van Duser transitions to the second story, sharing the unsettling experience of a real estate photographer who encounters a creepy stranger while working in an empty house.

Key Points:

• Initial Encounter: The photographer arrives at an estate sale house and meets a man claiming to be a friend of the deceased's daughter. His unnerving proximity and persistent following create discomfort ([28:07] Guest Storyteller).

• Basement Revelation: The man insists the photographer take photos of the basement, a detail previously unknown, pushing boundaries and escalating tension ([30:42] Guest Storyteller).

• Heightened Suspense: As the photographer refuses to enter the basement, the man’s demeanor shifts to aggression, leading to a tense standoff ([30:45] Guest Storyteller).

• Missing Lens Cap: A suspicious interaction over a missing lens cap entangles the photographer further, suggesting possible ulterior motives or hidden threats ([37:05] Guest Storyteller).

• Unresolved Mystery: The story concludes without clear answers, leaving the photographer—and listeners—to ponder the man’s true intentions and the nature of the residence ([39:17] Guest Storyteller).

Notable Quotes:

• Guest Storyteller ([30:45]): "The basement, the basement, the basement, the basement."

• Host Commentary ([37:52]): "If that's actually where Terry was right now? In my basement, locked up, wearing athletic shorts. Wouldn't that be wild?"

Insights:

This narrative plays on the fear of stalking and unwanted surveillance, amplified by the solitary setting of an empty house. The persistent stranger represents an unknown threat, embodying the anxiety of being watched and the uncertainty of encountering malevolent forces in mundane environments.

Host Commentary and Interludes

Throughout the episode, Terry Carnation and guest host Rachel Dratch provide atmospheric commentary that enhances the storytelling experience. Their interjections, often laced with humor, serve to balance the tension of the horror stories, making the narratives more engaging and relatable.

Notable Host Contributions:

• Rachel Dratch ([00:08] - [00:40]): Delivers promotional content for Boxlunch, blending pop culture references with charitable messaging.

• Terry Carnation ([02:00] - [03:28]): Promotes Radio Rental and encourages listeners to subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus for exclusive content.

• Sandy Van Duser ([02:00] - [39:25]): Acts as the storyteller, weaving personal anecdotes with the central horror narratives.

Conclusion

Episode 85 of Radio Rental masterfully combines real-life horror with fictional storytelling, creating an immersive experience that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Through tales of manipulation, unseen threats, and unresolved mysteries, the episode explores the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural. Terry Carnation’s hosting, complemented by engaging storytelling and strategic humor, makes this episode a standout installment in the Radio Rental series.

Stay Tuned: For more spine-tingling stories and early access episodes, subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus at tenderfootplus.com.

Follow and Share: Share your own scary stories by emailing yourscarystorymail.com or visiting radiorentalusa.com. Follow Radio Rental on Instagram @radiorental for updates and community interactions.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments and non-content portions to focus solely on the core storytelling elements of the episode.