Spooked: "Dearly Departed" – Episode Summary

Release Date: November 29, 2024 | Host: Glynn Washington | Produced by Snap Judgment Studios in partnership with KQED & PRX

Overview

In the "Dearly Departed" episode of Spooked, host Glynn Washington delves into chilling supernatural encounters shared by listeners. This episode features two compelling true-life ghost stories: Len's haunting experience in Victoria, British Columbia, and Desiree's unsettling encounters with apparitions linked to her family's past. Throughout the episode, listeners are transported into eerie narratives that explore the thin veil between the living and the dead.

Len's Encounter with Doris in Victoria

Setting the Scene

Len begins his story in the early 1990s on Beach Drive in Oak Bay, Victoria, a picturesque area reminiscent of an old English village. On a rainy evening, after enjoying fish and chips with friends, Len decides to cruise the dimly lit coastal road to catch the moonlight before heading home to watch Star Trek.

The Haunting Appearance

As darkness deepens and rain intensifies, Len recounts the moment when he first notices an unusual shadow in the distance. Upon activating his high beams, he and his friends witness a glowing woman in a white dress, seemingly floating with a featureless visage.

Len (07:09): "What we were looking at really was a glowing woman in a white dress. And she wasn't walking, she was floating, and she had no face. It was like a shifting nothingness."

The eerie silence within the car amplifies the tense atmosphere as they watch the spectral figure walk towards the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

The Revelation

Shaken by the encounter, Len contacts his Auntie Joyce, who reveals the tragic backstory of Doris—a nurse from the 1930s whose life ended violently. Doris had been arguing with her husband outside the hotel, leading to her untimely death and her husband’s subsequent suicide. This revelation identifies Doris as Victoria's most famous ghost.

Len (12:44): "I think we just saw a ghost, you guys. I think we just saw a ghost."

Aftermath and Reflection

Len reflects on the profound impact of witnessing Doris, highlighting the blend of fear and excitement among his friends for experiencing a genuine supernatural event together.

Desiree's Supernatural Experiences

A Night at Clearwater Lake

Desiree shares her experiences during summers spent at her parents' cabin near Clearwater Lake, a serene location that becomes the backdrop for her haunting encounters. One night, while sitting around a campfire with her Auntie Carol and Uncle Ken, Desiree recounts a vivid memory from her childhood.

The Apparition in the Nursery

At around six years old, Desiree wakes up to find her younger sister Jen crying inconsolably. Amidst a thunderstorm, she senses a presence in the room—a figure resembling her late grandmother, Daisy. This apparition unnerves her, leading Desiree to hide under her blankets to escape the terrifying vision.

Desiree (20:25): "I just saw that there's this white puffy hair on top of this person. And my mom has straight jet black hair. And I just froze. I could feel this weird sense coming over me, like, that's not my mom."

Later revelations connect this apparition to Auntie Carol’s own loss, as the figure Desiree saw was indeed her grandmother, who had passed away six months before Desiree was born.

The Bear Encounter in Manitoba

Years later, while working as a tree planter in Northern Manitoba, Desiree experiences another supernatural event. Amidst the repetitive labor of planting trees, she hears a voice urging her to "look up now." Trusting the warning, she notices a bear approaching with a cub, narrowly avoiding a dangerous encounter.

Desiree (29:37): "I could get into the zone... I just hear this voice right in my ear that startles me that says, you need to look up now. Just like, you need to look up now."

Desiree attributes this life-saving intuition to her grandmother's protective presence, reinforcing her belief in a guardian angel watching over her.

Host and Storyteller Interactions

Throughout the episode, host Glynn Washington interjects with insightful commentary and encourages listeners to share their own spooky stories. He bridges the storytellers’ experiences with broader reflections on the mysteries of life and the afterlife.

Glenn Washington (16:34): "Thank you Desiree for sharing your story of the Spooked Spook. Desiree is a spooked listener. She wrote in to tell us her story and you better believe I need to hear from you."

Conclusion

"Dearly Departed" masterfully weaves two haunting narratives that explore themes of loss, protection, and the enduring presence of loved ones beyond death. Through Len and Desiree's chilling experiences, the episode invites listeners to ponder the mysteries that lie just beyond our perception, emphasizing the profound connections that transcend the boundaries of life and death.

Notable Quotes

• Len (07:09): "What we were looking at really was a glowing woman in a white dress. And she wasn't walking, she was floating, and she had no face. It was like a shifting nothingness."

• Len (12:44): "I think we just saw a ghost, you guys. I think we just saw a ghost."

• Desiree (20:25): "I just froze. I could feel this weird sense coming over me, like, that's not my mom."

• Desiree (29:37): "I just hear this voice right in my ear that startles me that says, you need to look up now. Just like, you need to look up now."

Final Thoughts

"Dearly Departed" stands as a testament to Spooked's commitment to delivering authentic and spine-tingling real-life stories. By sharing deeply personal encounters with the supernatural, Glynn Washington and his storytellers create an immersive experience that resonates with both believers and skeptics alike.

For more chilling tales and to share your own spooky experiences, visit Spooked's official website.