Episode Summary: The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast - Episode 7: 7 TRUE Scary Stories From Reddit | Episode 570

Released on March 8, 2025, Episode 570 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast delves into seven spine-chilling true stories sourced from Reddit. Hosted by Southern Cannibal, the episode offers listeners a collection of horrifying real-life experiences shared by individuals from around the globe. This detailed summary captures each narrative's key points, notable quotes, and the overarching themes of fear and survival.

1. Late-Night Gas Station Encounter

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: 00:05 - ~05:00

The episode opens with a harrowing account of a midnight visit to a gas station. The narrator, running low on time, decides to refuel at 11 pm, initially feeling reassured by the presence of other vehicles. However, the sense of safety is short-lived when a suspicious man approaches.

• Suspicious Behavior:

  • "As I'm on my phone and all of a sudden I see this guy walking around the front of my car very suspiciously." (00:45)

• Unsettling Interaction:

  • The man politely offers to remove the gas pump, escalating the narrator's unease.
  • "Do you want me to remove your gas pump for you?" (02:10)

• Climactic Escape:

  • The situation culminates when the man makes a menacing comment.
  • "Do you look like a serial killer to you, do I?" (04:30)
  • The narrator responds with terror, "I just bolted in my car and drove off quickly." (04:35)

Key Takeaway: The narrator advises vigilance and self-protection, stating, "Ladies, please avoid the gas stations at night or carry some sort of protection because I sure as hell will from now on." (05:00)

2. Confrontation with the Cartel in Mexico

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~05:05 - ~10:20

This story recounts the narrator's frequent travels between Mexico and Texas, highlighting their familiarity with cartel activities. Despite being accustomed to the tensions, a direct face-to-face encounter with cartel members leaves a lasting impact.

• Initial Familiarity:

  • The narrator describes a lifestyle overshadowed by cartel presence, "I’m used to cartel presence. I’m used to calling off nights out with friends due to cartel related shootings." (06:15)

• Eerie Encounter:

  • During a late-night outing with an ex-girlfriend, a menacing truck arrives.
  • "As soon as his back is towards me, I go for it... I just bolted in my car and drove off quickly." (09:00)

• Menacing Behavior:

  • The cartel member's behavior becomes increasingly threatening.
  • "He genuinely looked unhinged. His pupils were freaking huge, and he was clearly tripping on something." (09:45)

Key Takeaway: The narrator underscores the unpredictable nature of cartel members and the importance of cautious interactions in high-risk areas.

3. Haunted Abandoned Great Aunt’s House

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~10:25 - ~15:50

The third narrative explores eerie activities at the narrator’s great aunt’s abandoned house, previously placed in a nursing home due to her extreme hoarding.

• Initial Oddities:

  • Minor disturbances like moved items initially went unnoticed.
  • "At the time, we didn’t think much of it since another person close to my great aunt also had a key to the house." (11:30)

• Escalating Strange Occurrences:

  • Gradually, strange footprints and disorganized spaces heightened suspicions.
  • "We used to roam the house more to rescue some things and just look through everything." (13:10)

• Supernatural Indicators:

  • Attempts to catch the mysterious presence led to chilling realizations.
  • "He left notes everywhere in the house for us to find, with weird drawings of smiley faces and flowers saying, catch me." (14:50)

Key Takeaway: Despite thorough investigations, the unnerving presence remained elusive, leaving the narrator in a state of perpetual unease.

4. Subway Stranger and Potential Human Trafficking

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~15:55 - ~22:30

This unsettling story involves a 16-year-old girl encountering a seemingly friendly stranger in the subway, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.

• Charm Turns Sinister:

  • The man presents himself as a university graduate interested in befriending her.
  • "He kept pushing the fact that he wouldn’t keep me up for too long." (17:45)

• Doomed Arrival:

  • The girl attends a late-night party under dubious circumstances.
  • "I was a complete moron." (19:30)

• Escape from Danger:

  • Realizing the peril, she manages to leave, but the trauma lingers.
  • "I could have been a potential victim for human trafficking." (21:00)

Key Takeaway: The story highlights the vulnerability of young individuals and the importance of trusting one's instincts in unsettling situations.

5. Late-Night Run and Suspicious Pursuit

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~22:35 - ~28:10

A late-night run with a friend turns into a terrifying chase when a suspicious car starts following them down a rural road.

• Normal Activity Turns Threatening:

  • The duo, accustomed to running together without fear, notices ominous behavior from a passing car.
  • "I said Toby's name in a panic and he says, mine then." (23:50)

• Flight Response:

  • A sudden stop and reverse maneuver by the car triggers immediate fear.
  • "I actually vomited in the grass out of pure fear and anxiety." (25:45)

• Safe Escape:

  • They successfully reach safety, but the fear remains.
  • "I get creeped out looking back on it, being reminded just how eerie people can be." (28:00)

Key Takeaway: The incident emphasizes the unpredictable nature of threats and the effectiveness of swift action in escaping potential danger.

6. Attack During a LARPing Event

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~28:15 - ~35:00

An enthusiast of Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) recounts a violent encounter that underscores the thin line between hobby and real-world danger.

• Preparedness Saves Lives:

  • Wearing LARP armor inadvertently protects the narrator during an assault.
  • "If I had not worn a piece of my LARP clothing that day, I would be dead." (32:30)

• Violent Attack:

  • An assailant demands belongings and attacks, but the chainmail prevents fatal injuries.
  • "He had blood on it and he then said that he saw the guy throwing my stuff around after the bag was most likely too heavy and big for him." (34:10)

Key Takeaway: The story highlights the unforeseen benefits of preparedness and the importance of safety measures even in recreational activities.

7. Creepy Restaurant Encounter with Joe and His Brother

Narrator: Anonymous Reddit User

Duration: ~35:05 - ~42:00

The final story revolves around a waitress's unsettling experiences with a kind yet eerie customer named Joe and his brother, leading to threats and fear of stalking.

• Initial Friendly Encounter:

  • Joe appears generous and kind, gifting the narrator with shoes.
  • "Because of his kindness and the way that he carried himself, people of all types flocked to him." (38:10)

• Unsettling Vibes:

  • Despite outward friendliness, Joe's brother exhibits lifeless and intense eyes.
  • "His eyes really unsettled me. It seemed dead, lifeless." (39:45)

• Threatening Behavior:

  • An encounter escalates when Joe's brother brandishes a metal bar, causing panic.
  • "I turned and saw him, Joe's brother, only a few yards behind us, holding a metal bar." (41:15)

Key Takeaway: The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers lurking behind seemingly benign interactions and the importance of recognizing subtle warning signs.

Conclusion

Episode 570 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast masterfully weaves together seven terrifying true stories, each highlighting different facets of fear, from personal encounters with strangers to brushes with criminal elements. Through vivid storytelling and poignant quotes, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on vigilance, preparedness, and the unpredictable nature of real-life horrors. For listeners seeking adrenaline-inducing tales grounded in reality, this episode serves as a compelling and cautionary compilation of the darkest corners of human experiences.