Podcast Summary: Spooked – Episode "Peek-a-boo"
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Peek-a-boo" from the acclaimed podcast Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington, listeners are immersed in a chilling true-life supernatural story that intertwines family dynamics, unexplained phenomena, and the quest for closure. Released on June 13, 2025, this episode delves deep into the unsettling experiences of Susan and her family as they navigate life in their new home, haunted by the restless spirit of a young boy named Gerald Thompson.
The Family and Their Move
Susan and her husband recently purchased their first home, a charming ranch-style house situated on over an acre of land. Excited to settle in with their three children—Ben, Christina, and Stephanie—the family begins to create lasting memories. However, shortly after moving in, peculiar signs suggest they are not alone.
Susan [10:31]: "It had a huge backyard with big mature trees and a circle drive. And it just seemed perfect. We just considered it to be the perfect house for our family."
Initial Supernatural Experiences
Within months of settling into the house, family members start experiencing unexplained phenomena. Susan feels a constant presence watching her, especially when she is alone, leading her to believe the house is not as empty as they thought.
Susan [11:30]: "There was a feeling of eyes on me, just a feeling of holy cow, I'm not alone."
Meanwhile, Ben encounters a shadowy figure in the mirror, and Stephanie feels inexplicable touches while asleep. These experiences grow more intense, culminating in terrifying encounters that leave the family questioning their sanity.
Ben [16:05]: "I saw it in the mirror. It continues to stay there... It scared me pretty badly."
Stephanie [16:22]: "I felt that finger touch on the top of my head again. And this time it moved from the top of my head, down my cheek..."
Naming the Spirit Gerald
As the supernatural occurrences persist, Ben and Stephanie begin to confide in each other, identifying the mysterious presence as Gerald, a name they recall carved into their backyard concrete.
Christian [21:58]: "We decided, you know, that's probably who this is. And so after that, his name was Gerald."
Their mother, Susan, seeks validation and understanding when a friend identifies Gerald Thompson from a high school yearbook, revealing that Gerald passed away from a brain aneurysm during his school years. This revelation solidifies the reality of their experiences.
Susan [19:46]: "When he was in high school, one day he had a really, really bad headache, and he laid down his head on his desk. He had a brain aneurysm, and he died."
Susan's Encounters with Gerald
Determined to find peace for Gerald's spirit, Susan engages in heartfelt dialogues, attempting to communicate and offer comfort. Despite her efforts, Gerald remains elusive, seldom moving or speaking, but his presence is undeniably felt.
Susan [28:15]: "He felt like a child looking for his mother... I didn't want to frighten them... it was like acting as though I did not believe them."
Children's Experiences and Validation
The children’s supernatural encounters intensify when Ben's young daughter claims to see Gerald in the mirror, paralleling the family's earlier experiences. This generational haunting forces Susan to confront her unresolved childhood trauma linked to similar supernatural events.
Ben [29:25]: "My daughter... look in the mirror. There's someone standing right behind us."
Stephanie [34:19]: "But never anywhere have I ever felt that except in that home that we grew up in."
Family's Reflections and Legacy
As the haunting continues, the family gathers to discuss their experiences, uncovering the shared nature of their encounters. This collective reflection reveals the deep emotional and psychological impacts of Gerald's presence, highlighting themes of legacy, protection, and the struggle to break free from past traumas.
Ben [35:55]: "I think it's easy to just dismiss that."
Susan [34:44]: "Rather than me trying to brush it off... you just do the best you can until you know to do better."
Moving Out and Farewell to Gerald
Ultimately, the persistent supernatural disturbances lead Susan's family to move out of the house, hoping to escape Gerald's lingering presence. Before leaving, Susan makes a final, poignant attempt to communicate with Gerald, expressing her sorrow and regret over their abrupt departure.
Susan [38:15]: "I just literally talked out loud to Gerald. I said, you know, I haven't seen you in a long time. I hope you're doing okay."
Although Susan hopes her farewell brings Gerald peace, she remains uncertain about his fate, reflecting on the emotional toll of their departure.
Conclusion
"Peek-a-boo" masterfully weaves a narrative of familial bonds tested by unexplained supernatural forces. Through Susan and her family's harrowing experiences, the episode explores the enduring impact of past traumas, the complexities of parental protection, and the quest for spiritual closure. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the unseen ties that bind us and the lingering shadows of our histories.
Notable Quotes
- Susan [10:31]: "It just seemed perfect. We just considered it to be the perfect house for our family."
- Ben [16:05]: "It scared me pretty badly. It was this just very terrifying feeling that came over me."
- Susan [19:46]: "When he was in high school, one day he had a really, really bad headache... he died."
- Ben [35:55]: "I think it's easy to just dismiss that."
- Susan [38:15]: "I hope you're doing okay. Can you at least let me see you to see how you're doing?"
Closing Thoughts
This episode of Spooked offers a compelling blend of personal testimony and eerie storytelling, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. Through the Washington family's journey, Spooked continues to deliver spine-tingling narratives that resonate long after the final whisper.