Spooked: The Watcher - Classic Hosted by Glynn Washington | Released on July 11, 2025

Introduction

In the "The Watcher - Classic" episode of Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington, listeners are immersed in chilling true-life supernatural tales that blur the lines between the living and the dead. This episode delves into haunting personal experiences narrated by Janet Larkin and Shelly Shafry, exploring themes of loss, protection, and unexplained phenomena. Glynn interweaves these stories with his own supernatural encounters, creating an eerie and captivating narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Janet Larkin's Story: A Night of Terror and Ghostly Guidance

Timestamp: [01:10]

Janet Larkin recounts a harrowing experience from her childhood during the 1950s in a Mormon community. With her father drafted to Vietnam and her mother working long night shifts, Janet often found herself responsible for her younger siblings. One fateful night, Janet was abruptly awakened by mysterious thuds emanating from her home, sparking a sense of impending doom.

"I felt like I was supposed to be up for some reason. And I knew something was going to happen." ([07:45])

As Janet investigates the unsettling noises, a police officer arrives, informing her of a tragic incident next door involving Mr. and Mrs. Ward and their infant child. Amidst the chaos, Janet encounters the spirit of the deceased mother seeking solace and ensuring her child was safe. The ghostly presence manifests in the kitchen, leading Janet to care for the baby until relatives arrive.

"She was focused on me and the baby. And there didn't seem like a lot of time to be fearful because I felt that she was there for a reason." ([12:35])

Janet's story intertwines trauma with supernatural intervention, highlighting themes of protection and the thin veil between life and death. Her encounter not only left a lasting impression on her but also provided comfort in the aftermath of tragedy.

Shelly Shafry's Encounter: Voices in the Woods

Timestamp: [25:10]

Shelly Shafry shares a spine-tingling episode from her life involving a nighttime walk in the woods. After a tense phone conversation with her boyfriend, Shelly sought solace in a nearby park. Unbeknownst to her, two men were covertly searching the woods, leading to a series of unnerving events.

"I was completely frozen, waiting for them to get to me." ([27:42])

As Shelly ventures deeper into the woods, she begins to hear distorted voices urging her to "go to the river" and "stay." The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as she realizes the men might be hunting her. Panicked, she flees towards a riverbank, enduring physical injury while attempting to escape the unseen pursuers.

"I kept picturing, like, in every bad scary movie, there's that person that you see in the rearview mirror." ([33:13])

In a desperate bid for safety, Shelly manages to escape the woods only to find the men mysteriously gone, leaving her with lingering fear and unanswered questions about the true nature of her pursuers. Her story emphasizes the terror of being hunted and the inexplicable forces that may influence such encounters.

Glynn Washington's Personal Encounter: Beyond the Veil

Timestamp: [05:09]

Glynn Washington interjects with his own supernatural experience, recounting the promise he and his brother made inspired by Harry Houdini. Following his brother's mysterious illness and subsequent passing, Glynn sensed his brother's presence, culminating in a ghostly sighting at a San Francisco BART station.

"But you’re wrong. I’ve seen him. And I want to know about this veil, about this ribbon between here and there." ([05:09])

This personal anecdote sets the tone for the episode, highlighting Glynn's deep connection to the supernatural and his quest to understand the boundaries between the living and the dead.

Conclusion

"The Watcher - Classic" masterfully intertwines personal tragedy with supernatural mystery, offering listeners a profound exploration of fear, protection, and the unknown. Through Janet Larkin and Shelly Shafry's visceral recounting of their encounters, complemented by Glynn Washington's own experiences, the episode encapsulates the essence of Spooked: real people grappling with inexplicable phenomena that challenge their understanding of reality. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring human fascination with the supernatural and the lengths we go to find solace in the face of the unknown.

Notable Quotes

• Janet Larkin: "She was focused on me and the baby. And there didn't seem like a lot of time to be fearful because I felt that she was there for a reason." ([12:35])

• Glynn Washington: "But you’re wrong. I’ve seen him. And I want to know about this veil, about this ribbon between here and there." ([05:09])

• Shelly Shafry: "I kept picturing, like, in every bad scary movie, there's that person that you see in the rearview mirror." ([33:13])

Further Information

For more spine-chilling stories and to share your own supernatural experiences, visit spookedpodcast.org. Join the Spooked community and explore the other side with KQED and Snap Studios every Friday.