Podcast Title: Spooked
Episode: Tales from the Smokehouse - Classic
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host: Glynn Washington
Produced by: KQED and Snap Studios
Introduction
In the episode "Tales from the Smokehouse - Classic," host Glynn Washington introduces listeners to a chilling collection of true supernatural stories narrated by Todd Naron. This episode delves into haunting tales of lost innocence, vengeful spirits, and curses that have left lasting marks on communities.
Story 1: The Tragic Tale of Barbara Nichols Pond
Timestamp: 03:17
Todd Naron begins with a poignant recount of his childhood friend, Barbara Nichols. They both attended first grade in Corinth Horizon and rode the same school bus. Barbara's life is tragically cut short when she disappears near a 1.5-acre pond now known as Barbara Nichols Pond.
Todd Naron [03:17]: "Little Barbara Nichols was just a little girl I knew when I went to grade school in Corinth. Holders we were both in the first grade together."
Barbara's disappearance is attributed to a pack of wild dogs abandoned near her home. Todd shares how these dogs not only endangered Barbara but continued to terrorize the area after her death.
Supernatural Encounters at the Pond
Years later, as a teenager, Todd and his Uncle Hugh embark on a frog gigging expedition to Johnston County, where they encounter inexplicable phenomena at Barbara Nichols Pond. Their attempt to catch frogs leads to a terrifying encounter with a distressed dog that unnaturally plunges into the water, suggesting Barbara's vengeful spirit is restless.
Todd Naron [10:02]: "We picked up the frog gig and the oar and we thought, well, we don't know if he's got rabies or what he's got, but we can't let him in this boat with us."
The eerie events lead Todd and Uncle Hugh to flee the pond, leaving it forever marked by Barbara's tragic story.
Story 2: The Curse of Uncle Frank
Timestamp: 14:35
Todd transitions to a darker narrative involving his family's history with Uncle Frank, a notoriously mean individual employed by a local moonshiner. Uncle Frank's malevolence extends beyond physical violence to dark magic, particularly death spells involving cat bones.
Todd Naron [14:35]: "Uncle Frank worked for him. That's the only job he could get, he would either whoop you. If he couldn't whoop you with a knife or a hatchet or something, he'd throw a spell on you and you'd be dead in less than a week."
Grandma introduces Todd and his brother Walker Jr. to the mechanics of Uncle Frank's death spell, emphasizing the ominous nature of the magic without revealing all its secrets.
Uncle Frank's Demise
Uncle Frank falls victim to his own curse when someone uses the death spell against him. His demise is swift and gruesome, leading to complications in his burial due to his notoriety.
Todd Naron [21:04]: "They went way down in the bottom of the farm, but it just had to be far enough away from her house because she didn't want Frank close to her."
The Lingering Curse
The curse leaves a lasting impact on Todd's family and community. Walker Jr. and his friend Ben O'Neil's encounter with Uncle Frank's skull in a pond unleashes a series of tragic events, including Walker Jr.'s untimely death and Ben's descent into darkness, culminating in his gruesome demise at the hands of a motorcycle gang.
Todd Naron [22:57]: "He never would take me back there. But, yeah, I'm kind of glad I'm on there. Because Walker Jr. And Ben O'Neil were two good little boys. They were real good. They didn't do no harm to nobody."
Todd reflects on the pervasive nature of evil, suggesting that once entangled, it relentlessly follows those involved.
Todd Naron [29:07]: "You never know about evil. It's just got a way of following you around once you get into it. And sometimes you just can't shake ev."
Conclusion
Glynn Washington wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Todd for sharing his harrowing stories, which have left listeners with a sense of lingering fear and contemplation about the unseen forces that may govern tragedies.
Glenn Washington [29:07]: "Thank you, Todd, for giving us those heebie jeebies."
Todd is also encouraged to continue his storytelling through his book, "Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men," promising more chilling narratives for those intrigued by his tales.
Final Thoughts
"Tales from the Smokehouse - Classic" serves as a compelling exploration into personal tragedies intertwined with supernatural elements. Todd Naron's storytelling captures the essence of rural haunting, weaving together loss, vengeance, and the inescapable nature of curses. For listeners seeking spine-tingling narratives rooted in real-life events, this episode delivers an unforgettable experience.
Notable Quotes:
- Todd Naron [03:17]: "She didn't make it home that day and her parents went looking for her and couldn't find her."
- Todd Naron [10:02]: "I know something was up right then. So we were scared to death."
- Todd Naron [14:35]: "She didn't want me or Walker Jr doing it."
- Todd Naron [22:57]: "You never know about evil. It's just got a way of following you around once you get into it."
Recommendations:
Fans of Todd Naron's storytelling are encouraged to explore his book, "Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men," for more eerie and captivating tales. Additionally, listeners interested in visual storytelling may enjoy the sister podcast, Snap Judgment Cinema of Sound.
Disclaimer: The stories shared in this episode are based on personal accounts and should be approached as such. Listener discretion is advised.