Podcast Summary: Spooked – Episode: The Empty Chair

Introduction

In the March 14, 2025 release of Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington and produced by KQED and Snap Studios, listeners are immersed in a chilling firsthand account of supernatural encounters titled "The Empty Chair." This episode delves deep into the eerie experiences of Max, an 8-year-old boy from Santiago, Chile, whose family becomes entangled with unexplainable phenomena following the death of his grandmother. The story navigates themes of grief, guilt, and the thin veil between the living and the dead, offering listeners a haunting exploration of the supernatural.

Host’s Introduction

The episode begins with Glynn Washington setting a suspenseful tone. At [00:04], he introduces the concept of the show with a dramatic monologue that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural:

"As I prepare my instruments... Oh, I'm not a doctor. You've crossed over to Spooked." ([00:04])

Glynn also announces exciting news about the upcoming Spook Live tour, inviting listeners to share their own supernatural stories for a chance to perform on stage.

Max’s Supernatural Story

Max, the central storyteller, shares his family's unsettling experiences with what appears to be the spirit of his deceased grandmother. His narrative is both personal and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of the haunting events.

a. Initial Strange Occurrences

Max begins by describing the nightly rituals of his mother, a seamstress dedicated to her craft despite the late hours:

"It was probably around fall. Me and my family were having lunch... we heard the garden's gate was opened... no one was there." ([08:31])

The initial signs of paranormal activity start subtly with unexplained noises and movements, leading the family to attribute these events to ghosts in jest.

b. Mother's Encounters

The situation intensifies as Max recounts his mother's direct interaction with the supernatural:

"She was sweeping kind of to the rhythm of the song... but she just looks at us and she says, well, lately I've been missing my mom a lot, and for the past couple nights she's actually coming to visit me." ([14:17])

His mother begins to feel the presence of her deceased mother, Orieta, manifesting through sounds and apparitions. These encounters are both comforting and terrifying, as his mother perceives her late mother’s presence while grappling with depression.

c. The Family's Reactions

The family's initial skepticism evolves into genuine fear and concern. Max describes how his mother’s behavior fluctuates between depression and moments of eerie happiness, believed to be influenced by her mother’s spirit.

"She was hoping that it was her mother coming to visit her. It was almost the promise of making peace with her past." ([27:27])

The family's attempts to address these occurrences include spiritual rituals like burning palo santo to cleanse the house, which Max describes as both frightening and strangely reassuring.

d. The Climactic Apparition

The tension reaches its peak when the family witnesses a shadowy figure and experiences forceful door movements:

"I see this shadow pass between us and the light from the TV... we all saw it." ([27:27])

This climactic moment solidifies the reality of the supernatural presence in their home, leading to heightened fear and confusion among family members.

e. Aftermath and Theories

Following the intense episodes, Max reflects on the possible reasons behind these supernatural events. He theorizes that his mother, dealing with unresolved grief and guilt, may have inadvertently summoned the spirit of her mother, creating a persistent and malevolent presence in their home.

"I came up with the theory that maybe my mom let in this spirit to our house... She was hoping that it was her mother coming to visit her." ([27:27])

Insights and Conclusions

Max's story offers a poignant look into how grief and unresolved emotions can manifest in supernatural experiences. The narrative suggests that the family's interactions with the spirit were not random acts of malevolence but rather manifestations of his mother's internal struggles. This episode highlights the complex relationship between the living and the dead, and how the past can intrude into the present in both comforting and terrifying ways.

Notable Quotes

1. Glynn Washington:

   "I've been used to seeing her very depressed for so long." ([14:17])

2. Max:

   "I feel like my mom was coming back from where she was before. Nothing ever happens again." ([27:27])

3. Glynn Washington:

   "Magic is what happens when technology fails when we need to know." ([34:03])

Closing Remarks

Glynn Washington wraps up the episode by reflecting on the nature of the supernatural and the intricate ways in which it intertwines with our understanding of reality. He quotes Arthur C. Clarke to emphasize the thin line between magic and unexplained phenomena:

"Magic isn't what happens when technology advances. Magic is what happens when technology fails..." ([34:03])

Glynn invites listeners to share their own encounters with the "other," encouraging a community of shared supernatural experiences.

Conclusion

"The Empty Chair" is a compelling episode that blends personal narrative with broader existential questions about the supernatural. Through Max's detailed account, listeners are invited to explore the complex emotions surrounding grief and the possibility of life beyond death. The episode masterfully balances storytelling with atmospheric elements, making it a standout installment in the Spooked series.