Summary of "The Great Big Yarn of Mel's Hole" – Stuff You Should Know

Released on July 15, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Mel's Hole

In the episode titled "The Great Big Yarn of Mel's Hole," hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into one of modern folklore's most intriguing urban legends: Mel's Hole. This mysterious tale centers around a purported bottomless pit located in Ellensburg, Washington, and has captivated the imaginations of listeners for years.

The Origin of the Legend

Josh Clark [00:25]:
"Josh, and there's Chuck. And Jerry's here, too. And this is a. Well, yeah, an episode of Stuff you Should Know."

Chuck Bryant introduces the story with enthusiasm, highlighting its blend of the paranormal and the inexplicable.

Chuck Bryant [00:52]:
"No, I mean, I'm excited in that it is completely preposterous and silly, but in the fun, tinfoil hat, paranormal sort of way that those are fun."
— (00:52)

The hosts describe Mel Waters’ claim of owning a property with an extraordinary hole, sparking curiosity and skepticism alike.

Characteristics of Mel's Hole

Josh Clark [04:00]:
"It's got. It's not your average hole, for sure."
— (04:00)

Mel's Hole is described as being approximately 9 feet in diameter, initially lined with stone before transitioning into soil and rock. A 3.5-foot tall barrier wall encloses it, a structure built by a previous owner to prevent accidental entry.

Chuck Bryant [05:01]:
"And I'm sure, you know, you listen to this stuff as well. And so we can both verify that he comes across as credible, even to our sort of skeptical ears, for sure."
— (05:01)

Mel Waters is portrayed not as a typical conspiracy enthusiast but as a genuinely perplexed property owner seeking answers about the hole's origins and properties.

Unexplained Phenomena Surrounding the Hole

Chuck Bryant [06:06]:
"But if you drop stuff in it, you can't hear anything."
— (06:06)

Regular dumping of various objects into the hole—from dead livestock to appliances—has never resulted in the hole filling up or producing audible sounds, adding to its enigmatic nature.

Josh Clark [06:49]:
"A beam of blackness. Not a beam of light. A beam of basically a void shooting out of the hole."
— (06:49)

Witnesses have reported seeing a mysterious black beam emanating from the hole, an occurrence that defies conventional explanations and deepens the mystery.

The Silent Gun and Time-Traveling Radio

One of the most perplexing elements introduced is a World War II-era German Walther P38 gun found buried near the hole.

Chuck Bryant [09:23]:
"Apparently the gun shot silently. I wonder what that means."
— (09:23)

When fired, the gun produces no sound, defying the basic physics of firearms.

Furthermore, the gun exhibits bizarre behavior with a nearby radio:

Josh Clark [10:09]:
"It would produce a sound that was, quote, out of time."
— (10:09)

Radio broadcasts from different times and places interfere with the gun's operation, suggesting an inexplicable connection between the two.

Government Interference and Property Seizure

As Mel investigates further, government involvement intensifies.

Chuck Bryant [17:43]:
"They said, that's not going to happen. And this isn't necessarily your property."
— (17:43)

Officials block Mel from accessing his property, citing a non-existent plane crash as the reason, which Mel disputes vehemently. This encounter heightens suspicions of deeper government secrets tied to the hole.

The Tumor Seal Incident

The narrative takes a darker turn with the introduction of the "tumor seal," a creature with human-like eyes found within the hole.

Chuck Bryant [35:07]:
"It was cooked from the inside out, evidently. But in the internal organs place was a giant tumor."
— (35:07)

Upon dissecting the deceased sheep retrieved from the hole, investigators discover a bizarre tumor housing what appears to be a fetal seal possessing human eyes. This creature exhibits unnerving behavior, such as communicating with the investigators and showing a desire to return to the hole.

Josh Clark [36:48]:
"It was an 18-inch long fetal seal with human-like eyes that healed Mel's esophageal cancer."
— (36:48)

This event not only adds a layer of horror but also ties into claims of miraculous healing associated with the hole.

Expeditions and Continued Mysteries

Efforts to locate Mel's Hole culminate in organized expeditions, including one led by Gerald "Red Elk" Osborne.

Chuck Bryant [39:20]:
"He was claiming he was an intertribal shaman, which means he was white."
— (39:20)

Despite extensive searches, participants conclude that Mel's Hole, as described, does not physically exist, raising questions about its origin as a potential elaborate hoax or folklore.

The Evolution of the Legend in the Internet Age

With the rise of the internet, Mel's Hole morphs into an expansive mythos, complete with fabricated evidence and sensational claims.

Chucks Bryant [45:45]:
"Legend has it it was a cave painting of a Cybertruck."
— (45:45)

Online narratives introduce figures like Elon Musk deploying drones to uncover the hole's secrets, further fueling speculation and blending fact with fiction.

Conclusion: Theater or Truth?

Despite the captivating storyline, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant ultimately view Mel's Hole as a work of imaginative storytelling rather than a factual account.

Josh Clark [46:40]:
"That's our assessment that it is theater."
— (46:40)

They acknowledge the enduring fascination with the legend but maintain a skeptical stance on its authenticity, suggesting it serves as a compelling piece of modern folklore.

Notable Quotes

• Chuck Bryant [00:52]:
  "I'm excited in that it is completely preposterous and silly, but in the fun, tinfoil hat, paranormal sort of way that those are fun."

• Josh Clark [06:49]:
  "A beam of blackness. Not a beam of light. A beam of basically a void shooting out of the hole."

• Chuck Bryant [35:07]:
  "It was cooked from the inside out, evidently. But in the internal organs place was a giant tumor."

• Josh Clark [46:40]:
  "That's our assessment that it is theater."

Final Thoughts

"The Great Big Yarn of Mel's Hole" serves as a fascinating exploration of urban legend, blending paranormal intrigue with investigative skepticism. While the story of Mel's Hole captivates with its mysterious elements and reported phenomena, the hosts' analytical approach encourages listeners to discern between myth and reality.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content provided from the transcript and podcast information. Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded to maintain focus on the main narrative.