Spooked: Episode "Boxes" – Detailed Summary

Published on May 23, 2025 by KQED and Snap Studios, hosted by Glynn Washington.

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Spooked, titled "Boxes", host Glynn Washington delves into two chilling supernatural stories that explore the mysterious and often inexplicable encounters with the paranormal. As always, the episode weaves true-life tales that leave listeners questioning the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural.

Glenn Washington’s Opening Anecdote

Glynn Washington begins the episode by sharing an intriguing story about his friend, a seemingly ordinary individual whose life is anything but. Described as someone who inadvertently attracts bizarre and inexplicable events, Glenn paints a vivid picture of the chaos that seems to follow his friend wherever he goes.

Glenn Washington [00:05]: "I have a friend who always has the most wacky, ridiculous stories... Every blue moon we hang out. Once we go to shoot some pool... then, just like in the movies, a bar fight breaks out around us."

Glenn recounts incidents ranging from narrowly escaping a bar fight to encountering a "gigantic wolf dolphin" at Lake Merritt, highlighting the surreal nature of his friend's experiences. These stories establish a foundation of unpredictability and mystery, setting the tone for the episode.

Michelle’s Haunting Experience in Montserrat

The narrative transitions to Michelle's personal account from the Caribbean island of Montserrat, a place plagued by natural disasters and, as Michelle reveals, paranormal disturbances.

Life at the Gearbox

Michelle describes her childhood home, known as the Gearbox, owned by her affluent grandparents. The house, filled with antique furniture and expansive rooms, was a hub for lavish cocktail parties. However, beneath its grandeur lay eerie secrets.

Michelle [04:55]: "The house was called the Gearbox because it had been owned by a Mr. and Mrs. Gere... Strange things happened in that house and nobody spoke about it."

First Encounters with the Supernatural

As Michelle moved in with her grandparents, she began experiencing unsettling phenomena. Voices calling her name, inexplicable shadows, and howling winds became a regular part of her life.

Michelle [06:30]: "I heard a woman's voice calling me. She called my name very, very slowly with a very posh British accent."

One particularly vivid night, Michelle recounts seeing ghostly couples dancing silently in the drawing room, an experience that left her both terrified and mesmerized.

Michelle [12:15]: "I saw them whirling around. I was in awe. It took my breath away because the women were so beautiful... I knew that there was something not quite right."

The Terrifying Vision

Michelle's experiences culminate in a nightmarish vision where a grotesque man with half a melted face attacks her, leading to a horrifying awakening during a severe thunderstorm.

Michelle [16:50]: "I saw a man... his face looked as if it had been melted... he launched himself at me... I screamed as loud as I could."

Despite her fear, Michelle faced skepticism from her family, particularly her mother, who dismissed her experiences as mere dreams.

Michelle [17:09]: "I knew it was not Mr. Gere because he did not look like this man... My mom just didn't believe me."

Her continuous hauntings forced Michelle and her family to eventually leave the Gearbox, though the supernatural presence lingered in her memories.

Final Thoughts on the Gearbox

Years later, Michelle reflects on the fate of the Gearbox following the devastating volcanic eruption that buried much of Montserrat under ash.

Michelle [18:24]: "It's probably buried under several feet of ash... there's no trace of that house or anything around it. It's just rubble."

Glenn Washington adds his musings on the persistence of spirits beyond physical destruction.

Glenn Washington [19:05]: "Ghosts don't care about geography, we're sure. But somewhere down there, underneath all of that volcanic ash, Mr. Gere is still dancing, waiting for his partner."

Ryan Andrews’ Paranormal Ordeal in San Francisco

Following Michelle's haunting tale, Ryan Andrews shares his own eerie experiences during a tumultuous period in his life.

Struggles and Moving into the SRO

After sustaining a severe back injury, Ryan found himself living in a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotel in San Francisco. The building’s aged structure and palpable energy set the stage for his supernatural encounters.

Ryan Andrews [20:36]: "The building itself had this weird feeling to it. It felt like there was a lot of past energy built up."

Initial Signs of the Supernatural

Ryan's first signs of something amiss began with unexplained knocks at his door, which led to sightings of ghostly apparitions within the hotel.

Ryan Andrews [21:15]: "I heard this knocking on the door. There was no urgency to the knocking... there was nobody there."

On the third night, Ryan experienced a more intense encounter where his bed was violently moved, and invisible hands seemed to grab him, indicating a direct attempt to communicate or possess.

Ryan Andrews [25:30]: "I felt two hands grab my ankles... I was standing up... there was nothing at the door... There were dents from the knobs..."

Seeking Help from Virginia, the Tamale Lady

Desperate for answers, Ryan turned to his friend Virginia, affectionately known as the tamale lady, seeking guidance on his paranormal experiences.

Ryan Andrews [29:40]: "I went up and said, 'Virginia, I'm really having a problem. I'm experiencing things that are kind of on another realm.'"

Virginia identified the presence as a ghost and provided Ryan with a plexiglass box filled with marbles to distract the spirits haunting him.

Ryan Andrews [34:05]: "She said, 'Put this underneath your bed and I'll leave you alone.'"

Resolution and Moving On

Following Virginia's advice, Ryan placed the marbles under his bed, which seemingly alleviated the haunting, allowing him to move out of the SRO and regain some semblance of normalcy.

Ryan Andrews [35:20]: "Two or three days after I put the box in there, I found an apartment and moved out. I left the box of marbles underneath the bed."

He reflects on the experience, emphasizing the personal nature of the haunting and the importance of seeking help when dealing with the supernatural.

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Glenn Washington wraps up the episode by honoring Michelle and Ryan's stories, underscoring the enduring presence of spirits beyond physical realms. He encourages listeners to share their own spookiest encounters, fostering a community of shared supernatural experiences.

Glenn Washington [36:50]: "Big thanks to Michelle for sharing her story... If you're ever on the island, stop by, as long as you're ready to be spooked."

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to contribute their own stories to the Spooked community, emphasizing the show's commitment to exploring the depths of the paranormal.

Glenn Washington [Final]: "If you have a relationship with the creature, the providence, far different from our own, I'd love to hear all about it. Spooked@stampjudgment.org."

Key Takeaways

• Persistent Spirits: Both Michelle and Ryan experienced persistent supernatural phenomena tied to specific locations, highlighting how spirits can remain anchored to places of significance.

• Seeking Help: The importance of seeking guidance when dealing with unexplained occurrences is evident in Ryan's interaction with Virginia, showcasing the value of community and expertise in supernatural matters.

• Emotional Impact: These stories emphasize the profound emotional and psychological effects that encounters with the supernatural can have on individuals, influencing their decisions and perceptions of safety.

"Boxes" serves as a compelling exploration of personal encounters with the paranormal, blending vivid storytelling with emotional depth. Through Michelle and Ryan's experiences, listeners are invited to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond the visible world, solidifying Spooked's reputation as a premier source for true-life supernatural tales.