RISK! Podcast Summary
Episode: Scary Stories #3: Ack!
Release Date: October 31, 2024

Welcome to "RISK!", the podcast where individuals share true stories they never thought they'd dare to reveal. In this chilling episode titled "Ack!", host Kevin Allison presents a collection of spine-tingling tales that delve into the supernatural and the unexplained. This summary captures the essence of each story, highlights key discussions, provides notable quotes with timestamps, and offers insightful conclusions for both longtime listeners and newcomers alike.

1. Matt Mercier: The Edgar Allan Poe House

Timestamp: 05:52 – 16:00

Overview:
Matt Mercier recounts his unsettling experience as a caretaker for Edgar Allan Poe's former residence in New York. Initially motivated by the allure of free rent, Matt soon discovers that he may have accepted more than he bargained for when a mysterious visitor attempts to resurrect Poe's spirit.

Key Points:

• Job Acquisition:
  Matt moves to New York in 2002, loses his jobs, and accepts a caretaking position for Poe's house in the Bronx in exchange for free rent. (05:52)
  Quote: "I thought, no, I can do this. And for free rent, I'll do anything." (07:15)

• Encounter with the Spirit Summoner:
  A man dressed in purple arrives intent on summoning Poe's spirit on October 7th, the anniversary of Poe's death. Matt's attempts to reason with him escalate as the man insists on conducting a seance. (09:30)
  Quote: "You can't, you know. No, that's no question. I'm closing up." (11:45)

• Supernatural Events:
  After the man's departure, Matt experiences eerie occurrences, including a giant rat invading his home and realizations about Poe's tragic legacy. These events blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving Matt questioning his sanity and the true nature of his guardianship. (13:05 – 16:00)
  Quote: "Nobody in the literary scene of New York loved him. He was hated and despised." (14:20)

Insights:
Matt's story intertwines the macabre history of Edgar Allan Poe with his personal descent into fear and uncertainty. The narrative emphasizes the lingering presence of the past and how it can profoundly impact the present.

2. Susan Kent: If These Walls Could Talk

Timestamp: 16:00 – 31:24

Overview:
Susan Kent shares a haunting family saga rooted in Ouija board rituals and tragic coincidences. From eerie predictions to inexplicable phenomena, her tale explores the thin veil between the living and the dead.

Key Points:

• Family and Ouija Board Traditions:
  Growing up in South Georgia, Susan's family frequently engaged with Ouija boards, leading to unnerving experiences and dire predictions. (16:00)
  Quote: "She would always jump right into, when am I going to die?" (17:45)

• Tragic Deaths:
  The Ouija board predicted her grandfather's death on December 31, 1966, which tragically came true. Later, her best friend Cece also dies on New Year's Eve in 1978, reinforcing the board's ominous warnings. (19:30)
  Quote: "I promise, Mommy, I've been telling you the truth about CeCe all along." (25:00)

• Supernatural Manifestations:
  Susan experiences inexplicable marks on walls and later witnesses her mother's emotional breakdown after receiving mysterious notes, suggesting unresolved spirits seeking acknowledgment. (23:10 – 31:24)
  Quote: "Is it you? I hope so. Love you. Yes." (29:30)

Insights:
Susan's narrative delves into the influence of familial bonds and the dread of predetermined fate. The recurring theme of New Year's Eve as a harbinger of doom adds a cyclical tension, highlighting how past tragedies can echo through generations.

3. Ben Grant: When Things Go Bump in the Night

Timestamp: 31:24 – 50:08

Overview:
Ben Grant narrates a harrowing experience at a remote bed and breakfast, blending eerie supernatural elements with personal fears. His story navigates the complexities of trust, cultural differences, and the unknown terrors that can reside in seemingly idyllic settings.

Key Points:

• Arrival and Suspicious Reservations:
  While exploring ghost towns, Ben and his Korean wife, Kathy, secure a last-minute reservation at Miner's Delight. The unusual process of obtaining the room raises immediate red flags. (31:24 – 35:52)
  Quote: "They're gonna kill us. They think that we're, like, foreign tourists and nobody knows where we are." (34:10)

• Uncanny Bed and Breakfast Experience:
  The B&B exudes an old Western vibe, but the hosts' odd behaviors and the town's isolation create an unsettling atmosphere. Kathy's exaggerated Korean accent and the interactions with other guests further intensify the eerie setting. (35:52 – 46:50)
  Quote: "There's a man here. There's a man presence that always stands at the foot of your bed." (42:30)

• Mysterious Nighttime Events:
  Upon waking, Ben and Kathy find their room disturbed with inexplicable messes, leading to suspicions of supernatural interference or potential assault. The locked doors and untouched windows deepen their unease, culminating in a mysterious encounter with the hosts during breakfast. (46:48 – 50:08)
  Quote: "Did we get roofied? Is this some weird fucking horror movie?" (48:15)

Insights:
Ben's tale explores the vulnerability of travelers in unfamiliar territories and the fear of the unknown. The blending of cultural elements with supernatural horror underscores the universal nature of fear and the lengths one might go to seek safety.

Conclusion

Timestamp: 50:08 – End

Host Kevin Allison wraps up the episode by reflecting on the shared stories and emphasizing the importance of storytelling in uncovering the deeper facets of human experience. He encourages listeners to engage with the podcast through reviews, social media, and live events, fostering a community built around the fearless sharing of personal narratives.

Final Thoughts:
This episode of "RISK!" masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with supernatural lore, creating an immersive experience that challenges perceptions of reality and the unseen. Through Matt, Susan, and Ben's stories, listeners are invited to confront their fears and consider the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface of everyday life.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Mercier: "Nobody in the literary scene of New York loved him. He was hated and despised." (14:20)

• Susan Kent: "Is it you? I hope so. Love you. Yes." (29:30)

• Ben Grant: "Did we get roofied? Is this some weird fucking horror movie?" (48:15)

Useful Links & Further Engagement:

• Listen to More Episodes: Explore additional stories on RISK!'s website.
• Join Live Shows: Upcoming performances at the Nerd Melt Theater.
• Story Submissions: Share your own tales at submissions@risk-show.com.

Whether you're a fan of "The Moth" or "Snap Judgment," "RISK!" offers a daring plunge into the extraordinary experiences that define us. Fasten your seatbelt and embrace the journey into the unknown.