Snap Judgment – "Hello from the Other Side" Summary

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
Description: Snap Judgment blends real-life stories with compelling beats to craft cinematic and dramatic radio experiences. Their raw, musical storytelling invites listeners to view the world from diverse perspectives, delivering storytelling with a beat.

Introduction: A Mysterious Encounter in Oakland

The episode opens with a captivating narrative set in downtown Oakland. The narrator describes an eerie, deserted City Hall area where a group of friends—four women and three men—find themselves seeking refuge. As they navigate the boarded-up streets, the unexpected sound of bagpipes breaks the silence, leading them to an enchanting scene bathed in warm light amidst dark buildings.

Notable Quote:
"And with the four women, three guys, friends walking huddled close for safety, head on a swivel, don't want no funny business." ([00:02])

Upon investigating, they discover a vibrant gathering labeled "Bulgaria at Night." The atmosphere is festive, filled with people of all ages enjoying music, dance, and traditional Balkan moonshine called "raka." The narrator describes the vivid experience of cultural immersion, highlighting scenes of dancing grandmothers, hearty food, and spontaneous camaraderie.

However, upon returning the next night, the scene vanishes without a trace. The friends are left bewildered, unable to find any information about "Bulgaria at Night" online or elsewhere. This mysterious event leaves a lasting impression, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Notable Quote:
"50 brand new best friends. And I know exactly where I'm spending every weekend for the rest of my life with my people, the Bulgarians." ([04:45])

Transition to Spooked: Intriguing Tales from India

The narrative seamlessly transitions to introducing the episode's featured story from the sister show, Spooked. Sponsored by Progressive Insurance, the host briefly mentions Progressive’s "name your price" tool before delving into the main story.

Main Story: "Hello from the Other Side" – A Paranormal Journey

The central narrative is delivered by a storyteller recounting a chilling experience in a remote Indian village. The story begins with a group of friends seeking solitude by a serene lakeside, only to encounter mysterious and supernatural elements that turn their getaway into a nightmare.

Setting the Scene: Arrival and Initial Peace

The storyteller describes their arrival at a secluded spot with a picturesque lake, tents, and a bonfire area. The initial days are peaceful, filled with bonding activities like fishing, barbecuing, and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Notable Quote:
"We are joking, we are laughing. We there by 11:12 during the day. This was right in the middle of nowhere." ([07:18])

First Encounter: A Shadowy Figure and Cursed Legends

One evening, while taking a smoke break by the riverside, the storyteller encounters a silhouetted man who warns them about being on the "wrong side" of the river—a side cursed by an angry deity. The cook, who assists them, repeatedly calls the storyteller to return, intensifying the sense of unease.

Notable Quote:
"There's one side of the river that's completely fine to go to, and the other side of the river is where you're not supposed to step into. It's said to be a very haunted place." ([10:30])

Initially dismissing the encounter as a prank, the storyteller later learns from a friend that local legends speak of the cursed side, where crossing over ensures one never returns. This revelation casts doubt on the earlier interaction, blending skepticism with emerging fear.

Escalation: Unexplained Phenomena and Fear Takes Hold

As the night progresses, strange occurrences heighten the tension. A friend experiences a terrifying sensation of being touched, leading to screams that the storyteller does not recall initially. Confusion and fear mount as they grapple with the possibility of supernatural forces at play.

Notable Quote:
"We never know the reality of anything. Could be that the guy who says, you are on the wrong side, he was on the wrong side." ([24:04])

The mysterious cook's identity becomes increasingly ambiguous. When confronted in the morning, discrepancies arise—mentions of the cook vanish, leaving the group questioning their reality. The storyteller reflects on the elusive nature of truth and the thin veil between the known and the unknown.

Conclusion: Lingering Questions and Unresolved Mysteries

The story concludes without definitive answers, leaving listeners to ponder the nature of the events. The storyteller speculates on the possible identities of the cook and the shadowy man, suggesting that supernatural entities may be manipulating perceptions and realities.

Notable Quote:
"We never know the reality of anything. Could be that the guy who says, you are on the wrong side, he was on the wrong side. Maybe the cook was my savior." ([24:04])

Closing Remarks: Embracing the Unknown

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the collective awakening to unseen phenomena and the importance of sharing personal encounters. The host encourages listeners to contribute their own stories, fostering a community that acknowledges and explores the mysteries beyond the ordinary.

Notable Quote:
"We need to know. Let me know. Spookedampjudgment.org because there's nothing better than a spooked story from a spooked listener." ([24:04])

Production Credits:

• Original Scores by Nicholas Marx
• Produced by Anne Ford

Additional Information:

• Spooked Podcast available on all major platforms.
• Special thanks to contributors and the creative team behind the storytelling.

This episode of Snap Judgment masterfully intertwines atmospheric narration with a gripping paranormal tale, inviting listeners to explore the enigmatic boundaries between reality and the supernatural. Through vivid storytelling and evocative quotes, "Hello from the Other Side" delivers a memorable experience that lingers long after the final note.