Spooked: The Haunted Haunted House
Hosted by Glynn Washington
Release Date: September 20, 2024

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington from Snap Judgment Studios, listeners are taken on a haunting journey through the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Titled "The Haunted Haunted House," the episode delves into Chase's personal encounter with the supernatural while attempting to bring his horror film to life. This detailed narrative explores themes of grief, legacy, and the lingering presence of the past in our present lives.

Chase's Childhood and the Haunted House Legacy

Chase begins by reminiscing about his childhood experiences, which starkly contrast with those of his peers. Unlike other children, Chase never went trick-or-treating; instead, his memories are intrinsically linked to his grandparents' haunted house. He shares a poignant reflection:

Chase [03:07]: "I love that they imagine this is what a haunted house looks like. I think it brings me a special joy because I've never, not once, gone trick or treating as a child. I didn't need to imagine a haunted house because my grandparents, they lived in one."

This early exposure sets the foundation for his intricate relationship with the supernatural, particularly through his interactions with his Uncle Lewis, who becomes a central figure in the haunting narrative.

The Filmmaking Project: Bringing the Haunted House to Life

Every year, Chase joins his friends Jim and Kate to transform their home into a haunted spectacle for Halloween. This tradition, however, takes on a deeper significance as Chase decides to channel his experiences into his first short horror film. The chosen location is Arx Mortis Haunted House in Florence, Alabama—a place where fiction seemingly melds with reality.

Tiffany [10:31]: "It looked like an old school Transylvania manor... For someone with no budget, I was in heaven."

The friends, including Tiffany, David, and Hal, embark on this creative endeavor with enthusiasm, unaware of the true horrors that await them within the walls of Arx Mortis.

Strange Occurrences During Filming

As night descends, the crew begins filming, but their excitement is quickly overshadowed by inexplicable events. The haunted house, designed with animatronics and creepy set pieces, seems almost too real. Chase recounts the tension as they navigate through the claustrophobic hallways:

Chase [12:35]: "Me and Tiffany loaded up the car and drove to Florence, Alabama. We arrived around 4:30, 5:00. We are in a more rural part of the town... It needs to look like this guy's boarded himself up inside."

The atmosphere becomes increasingly eerie when the lights inexplicably go out multiple times, and footsteps echo through the halls, heightening the crew's unease. Despite warnings about pressure-sensored animatronics, the crew begins to feel genuinely threatened.

Tiffany [23:25]: "My first instinct was to look into the hallway that goes to the haunted hospital and I see it has power. I think we've blown a fuse."

Chase's skepticism is tested as the line between staged scares and real paranormal activity starts to blur, leading to a claustrophobic rush to complete their final shots amidst mounting dread.

The Revelation of Old Joe

After a night fraught with unexplained disturbances, Chase and his crew learn about Old Joe, a janitor who previously worked at Arx Mortis. Old Joe was known for his pranks and has since passed away, but his spirit is said to linger, continuing his mischievous hauntings.

Chase [33:13]: "They claim he's still there pulling his pranks to this day. I was completely dumbfounded. But all that kind of went by the wayside because my career in filmmaking had just begun."

This revelation provides a chilling explanation for the night's events, suggesting that Old Joe's restless spirit might have been responsible for the unexplained phenomena that disrupted the filming process.

Return to Arx Mortis: A Lingering Presence

Chase revisits Arx Mortis months later, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences. Despite the initial scares, he shares a sense of fondness for the haunted house, acknowledging the memories and the stories that continue to haunt him.

Chase [33:13]: "I just remember smiling cuz it brought back so many great memories. I hope old Joe is scaring the new guests like he did me."

While the finished film may not have met Chase's expectations artistically, the personal journey and the eerie experiences provide him with a compelling story that transcends the realm of filmmaking.

Host Reflections and Philosophical Musings

Concluding the episode, Glynn Washington offers a contemplative perspective on the nature of the supernatural and its impact on our lives:

Glynn Washington [33:13]: "Are we a reflection of it? Or are there two distinct landscapes that have little to do with each other? ... Perhaps our time is better spent delving into what's going on inside us."

This philosophical reflection encourages listeners to introspect on their own experiences and the shadows that exist both around and within them.

Conclusion

"The Haunted Haunted House" serves as a gripping narrative that intertwines personal history with supernatural folklore. Through Chase's story, listeners are invited to explore the thin veil between reality and the unknown, questioning what truly lies beyond the tangible world. This episode not only entertains but also provokes thought about the influence of our past and the unseen forces that may shape our present.

Notable Quotes:

• Chase [03:07]: "I love that they imagine this is what a haunted house looks like. I think it brings me a special joy because I've never, not once, gone trick or treating as a child."

• Tiffany [10:31]: "For someone with no budget, I was in heaven."

• Chase [12:35]: "Everything was coming out blurry or out of focus."

• Chase [33:13]: "I just remember smiling cuz it brought back so many great memories."

• Glynn Washington [33:13]: "Perhaps our time is better spent delving into what's going on inside us."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "The Haunted Haunted House," offering an engaging overview for those who haven't yet tuned in to this spine-tingling episode of Spooked.