Podcast Title: The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast
Episode: 7 TRUE Scary Travel Stories | Episode 616
Host: Southern Cannibal
Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 616 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast, host Southern Cannibal shares a chilling collection of true scary travel stories narrated by various individuals. The episode delves into harrowing experiences from around the globe, highlighting the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of travel. Notably, the episode features narratives from Gemini Reads and other unnamed narrators, each weaving tales that blend suspense, fear, and the unknown.

Story 1: Otto Warmbier's North Korea Ordeal

[00:00]

Southern Cannibal opens the episode by recounting the tragic story of Otto Warmbier, an American student who was detained in North Korea. In late 2015, Otto joined a guided tour to Pyongyang, aiming to study abroad in Hong Kong. Despite following all tour instructions diligently, Otto ventured into a restricted hotel area late at night, leading to his arrest.

Key Highlights:

• Arrest and Imprisonment: Otto was caught removing a propaganda poster, resulting in a 15-year hard labor sentence. He was released over a year later in a vegetative state after enduring severe torture (00:00–05:30).

  "North Korea has some serious laws. Most of them don't make any sense at all, but they still don't screw around." – Southern Cannibal (02:45)

• Death and Aftermath: Upon return to the United States, Otto was brutally beaten, leading to his untimely death in early 2016. The U.S. government strongly advises against traveling to North Korea due to the high risks involved (05:30–10:15).

Story 2: Potential Mass Shooting at a Dallas Cheer Competition

[10:15]

An unnamed narrator shares a harrowing experience from the summer of 2022 during a family trip to Dallas, Texas, for an NCA Nationals cheer competition. The event, held in a bustling convention center, descended into chaos when screams and panic erupted, prompting attendees to flee in fear of an active shooter.

Key Highlights:

• Initial Confusion: The incident began with a stranger warning of a shooter, leading to mass hysteria as people evacuated the convention center (10:15–15:00).

  "I thought it was all over. We were trapped, and there was no escape." – Unnamed Narrator (14:30)

• Response and Uncertainty: Families sought safety amidst conflicting reports. The police later claimed there was no shooter, attributing the chaos to mistaken sounds and a brief altercation, but survivors remained unconvinced (15:00–21:52).

  "Some of the anger was geared towards the convention center, as they didn't have much security." – Unnamed Narrator (20:10)

• Emotional Impact: The experience left lasting emotional scars, including PTSD, underscoring the profound psychological effects such traumatic events can have on individuals and families (21:00–21:52).

Story 3: Mysterious Events in New Orleans

[21:52]

Southern Cannibal transitions to another spine-chilling story set in New Orleans. The narrator recounts unusual encounters, including a suspicious Uber ride and a night of unexplained phenomena in their hotel room.

Key Highlights:

• Suspicious Uber Incident: The narrator and her sister experienced a rogue Uber ride where the driver was not who they expected, raising fears of a potential threat (21:52–22:07).

• Paranormal Activity: Later that night, the narrator woke to the sound of their hotel door opening. Despite no signs of forced entry, a shadowy figure was seen, leaving the family bewildered and unsettled (22:07–32:00).

  "We kept calling it a shadow person because I didn't see their face. They appeared as a black silhouette." – Harry, UK (29:45)

• Family Reactions: The eerie experience was compounded when another family member reported similar disturbances, leading them to review hotel security footage, which revealed only flickering lights—no visible intruders (32:00–45:30).

  "I never slept well that day, and luckily we only had one week left before traveling back home." – Harry, UK (44:50)

Story 4: Scary Scuba Diving Shark Attack in California

[45:30]

Summer, a listener from California, narrates a terrifying scuba diving incident from July 2010. Accompanied by her boyfriend Barry and friend Roger, they embarked on a spearfishing adventure targeting the elusive Goliath grouper near the Farallon Islands.

Key Highlights:

• Encounter with a Great White Shark: While hunting, Barry was struck by a massive great white shark that was also targeting the same fish. The situation escalated as the shark began pursuing them after Barry tried to hide (45:30–60:00).

  "I saw Barry pop his head out of the water screaming 'help me. Help.'" – Summer (50:15)

• Desperate Measures: With oxygen running low, Summer fired her speargun at the attacking shark, inflicting severe damage and causing it to retreat. The close call left a lasting impact on their perception of marine dangers (60:00–75:00).

  "Great whites attack humans more than any other shark." – Summer (72:30)

• Aftermath and Reflections: The ordeal fostered a deep-seated fear and caution in future diving activities. The friends' bond was strengthened as they navigated the trauma together, leading to personal growth and changes in their pursuits (75:00–90:00).

  "We are much safer now. We did not dive near the Farallon Islands again." – Summer (88:45)

Conclusion

Episode 616 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast offers listeners a riveting exploration of true scary travel stories that highlight the unpredictable and often perilous nature of exploring the world. From the geopolitical horrors faced by Otto Warmbier in North Korea to personal encounters with potential mass shootings and unexplained phenomena in New Orleans, each story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities travelers may face. The episode culminates with an intense scuba diving shark attack, underscoring the ever-present dangers lurking beneath the surface. Through vivid narratives and firsthand accounts, Southern Cannibal captivates the audience, leaving them both entertained and cautious about their own travel adventures.

Notable Quotes:

• "You shouldn't have come this way. We know that you don't live here." – North Korean Guard (07:30)
• "It was as if the city itself was conspiring to trap us." – Unnamed Narrator (18:45)
• "Be safe everyone." – Southern Cannibal (31:50)

Disclaimer: This summary excludes the advertisement segment related to Grainger products that appeared at the end of the transcript, focusing solely on the content-rich sections of the podcast.