Episode Summary: DARK WEB: Dear David

Podcast Information:

• Title: So Supernatural
• Host/Author: audiochuck | Crime House
• Episode: DARK WEB: Dear David
• Release Date: February 7, 2025
• Description: Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the truth lies somewhere in the unknown… Enter the realm of true crime’s most bizarre occurrences, and unravel all the possible explanations. No matter how strange or surreal they get.

Introduction

In the "DARK WEB: Dear David" episode, host Ashley Flowers, alongside co-hosts Yvette Gentile and Racha Pecorero, explores the intriguing and eerie story of Adam Ellis—a Buzzfeed writer whose Twitter thread detailing his haunted experiences captivated the internet. The episode dissects whether Adam's haunting was a genuine supernatural occurrence or a sophisticated hoax crafted for digital-age storytelling.

The Genesis of Dear David

Ashley Flowers sets the stage by addressing the paradox of supernatural phenomena in the digital era: "Even our private moments aren't really that private anymore... wouldn't you think that we'd be catching ghostly phenomena all the time?" [00:02]. She introduces Adam Ellis, whose shocking tweet on August 7, 2017, declared, "so my apartment is currently being haunted by the ghost of a dead child, and he's trying to kill me" [00:02]. This announcement initiated a series of updates that left the online community baffled and intrigued.

Early Haunting Experiences

Yvette Gentile and Racha Pecorero delve into Adam’s initial encounters with the supernatural. Racha shares her own fascination with spirits, mentioning a childhood Ouija board experience with her mother, which parallels Adam’s story [02:02 - 02:57]. Adam's first significant experience occurred during an episode of sleep paralysis, a phenomenon he occasionally faces. He describes seeing a young boy with a severely damaged head seated in a green rocking chair next to his bed [08:04]. Despite his terror, Adam is immobilized, unable to react as the boy approaches him [08:47].

Escalation of Paranormal Activities

As Adam's nightmares persist, the manifestations intensify. "A few days go by... Adam has another dream... Dear David is a ghost, One who visits people in their dreams, always at the stroke of midnight" [10:05]. Adam’s attempts to seek validation lead him to research, but he finds no records of a child named David dying in a department store accident in New York [12:05]. He relocates to a new apartment hoping for peace, but instead, strange occurrences begin anew.

Unsettling Evidence and Public Attention

Yvette recounts Adam’s mounting evidence: his cats exhibiting bizarre behavior at midnight, objects moving without explanation, and his Polaroid camera capturing inexplicable blackness in his hallway photos [19:03 - 24:28]. Adam’s meticulous documentation, including photos, audio files, and videos, fuels public curiosity and skepticism alike. Racha highlights the increasing anomalies, such as the green rocking chair swaying on its own and turtle shells falling mysteriously [24:28].

Public Skepticism and Theories of Hoaxing

The narrative shifts to the growing skepticism surrounding Adam’s claims. Racha posits, "What if he wasn't telling the full story? ... it could hide the signs of photo manipulation too" [35:29]. The possibility of Adam orchestrating the haunting for virality is examined, considering his background in satire and cartooning. The ease of photo editing and video manipulation in the digital age adds credibility to hoax theories.

Movie Adaptation and Eerie Parallels

In 2023, Adam’s story inspired a horror film titled "Dear David." Yvette points out unsettling parallels between the film’s production and Adam’s real-life experiences: "The set was apparently haunted... the rocking chair would sway on its own, too" [42:09]. These coincidences raise questions about whether the spirit of Dear David followed Adam to the movie set, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Speculations and Open-Ended Conclusions

The episode concludes with unresolved questions about the true nature of Dear David. Did Adam find a way to coexist with the spirit, or did the haunting transcend his apartment? Yvette muses, "Maybe the message of this Dear David story is to stop letting our ignorance make us afraid" [42:51]. The lack of definitive closure leaves listeners pondering the authenticity of the haunting and the power of digital storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ashley Flowers [00:02]: "Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the truth lies somewhere in the unknown…"

• Racha Pecorero [02:02]: "I am obsessed with all things Betelgeuse. Even though I'm a big scaredy cat, I cannot get that demon out of my head."

• Adam Ellis (as recounted by Yvette) [07:03]: "That's a wild way to start a thread."

• Racha Pecorero [16:38]: "As you set resolutions for 2025, consider how learning a new language can enrich your life."

• Yvette Gentile [28:51]: "Oh, hell no. I mean, you know, you know me so well. If I am put into this scenario, it would be. It's time to move. Thank you, landlord. I need to look for another place."

• Racha Pecorero [35:29]: "Many are starting to wonder if the whole Dear David thread might be a giant hoax."

• Yvette Gentile [42:09]: "Which makes me wonder, was the spirit on the set of Dear David actually the Dear David? Did he follow Adam all the way to Toronto?"

Analysis and Insights

The podcast meticulously analyzes Adam's story, weighing the evidence of supernatural activity against the plausible explanations of hoaxing and psychological phenomena. The integration of digital-age tools like Twitter threads and pet cams serves as a modern method of storytelling that can both enhance and obscure the truth. The eerie coincidences surrounding the movie adaptation amplify the mystery, suggesting either a unique supernatural event or a clever narrative device.

Conclusion

"DARK WEB: Dear David" encapsulates the essence of So Supernatural by presenting a compelling story that straddles the line between reality and fiction. The episode underscores the complexities of interpreting supernatural claims in an era dominated by digital evidence and viral storytelling. As the narrative remains unresolved, it invites listeners to engage in their interpretations, reflecting on the enduring human fascination with the unknown.

Connect with So Supernatural:

• Instagram: @sosupernaturalpod
• Website: sosupernaturalpodcast.com
• Join Rash and Yvette next Friday for a brand-new episode exploring another mysterious case.