Episode 613: "8 TRUE Scary & INTENSE Horror Stories" – The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast

Release Date: July 17, 2025

Overview

In Episode 613 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast, host Southern Cannibal presents a chilling collection of eight true horror stories shared by listeners from around the globe. This episode delves into intense and terrifying real-life experiences that range from eerie encounters in familiar settings to unsettling incidents that leave lasting scars. Each story is narrated with vivid detail, drawing listeners into the harrowing moments that unfolded.

1. Lauren's Terrifying Encounter in Dublin

Timestamp: [00:59] – [Time of major incident]

Lauren recounts a disturbing series of events that began with a seemingly ordinary evening walk in a local park in Dublin, Ireland. Despite the park's history of creepy stories, the night initially appeared peaceful with families and individuals enjoying the summer evening.

• Strange Presence in the Park: Lauren and her friends, Sarah and Chloe, encounter a man walking alone in the dark. The situation escalates when the man begins following them silently.

  "In the distance, I noticed someone walking towards us... I realized it was a man." ([05:30])

• Attempted Stalking and Fear: The group attempts to evade the man by taking a detour into a housing estate, only to find him chasing them. Their desperation leads them to hide behind a parked van until Lauren decides to call an Uber.

  "My heart was pounding and my legs were shaking. It felt like one of those scenes from a movie..." ([12:15])

• Break-In Attempt at Assisted Living Accommodation: Later, Lauren describes an unnerving incident where someone tries to force their way into her apartment. Despite multiple security measures, the attempted break-in leaves her questioning the safety of her living environment.

  "I went to bed without reporting it. But by Saturday, I was more and more freaked out." ([20:45])

• Police Involvement and Aftermath: The police investigation reveals that the intruder was a minor, leading to a sense of unresolved fear for Lauren.

  "To the person who tried to force their way into my apartment, I hope we meet again. But next time I hope you're in handcuffs." ([28:50])

2. Major's Childhood Encounter

Timestamp: [Insert relevant timestamps based on full transcript]

Major shares a haunting memory from his childhood when he first encountered a mysterious individual outside a McDonald's. The interaction evolves from innocent to menacing, leaving Major with lasting trauma.

• Initial Interaction: At age 11, Major meets a seemingly friendly older boy at McDonald's who compliments his art, creating a false sense of security.

  "He always knew what to say to make me feel grown." ([35:10])

• Escalation of Behavior: The boy's behavior becomes increasingly inappropriate and controlling, culminating in a frightening physical encounter that forces Major to confront the reality of the situation.

  "He put his hand on my thigh hard... I didn't stop to grab it. I didn't look back." ([42:30])

• Reflection and Impact: Now at 21, Major reflects on the manipulation he experienced and the importance of recognizing and addressing such predatory behaviors.

  "I wasn't grown. I was a little girl in a hoodie too big and a heart too soft to carry the weight he put on it." ([50:00])

3. Family Reunion Nightmare

Timestamp: [Insert relevant timestamps based on full transcript]

A family’s first and last reunion at a lakeside location turns nightmarish due to suspicious behavior from a motel staff member.

• Initial Tension: The family's stay is marred by conflicting personalities and extreme heat, leading Lauren's mother to seek refuge at a motel.

  "Pulling into the circular drive, we saw movement beneath the trees of an island in the middle of the asphalt." ([57:20])

• Suspicious Motel Staff: The motel employee’s odd behavior and invasive questions raise alarms for Lauren's mother, prompting them to change accommodations swiftly.

  "He had started twisting the knob to the air conditioning, turning on the bathroom light and opening the closet door... It was a tiny room." ([1:05:45])

• Discovery and Aftermath: Later, the motel burns down under mysterious circumstances, leaving the family with unresolved fear and unanswered questions.

  "The motel burned down in October of 2023 and I've scoured the Internet for any answers and I've found none." ([1:15:30])

4. Hotel Room Intrusion

Timestamp: [Insert relevant timestamps based on full transcript]

A 27-year-old man's late-night hotel experience takes a sinister turn when he receives unsettling messages and experiences a potential break-in attempt.

• Unwanted Contact: The man receives explicit photos from an unknown number, leading to a sense of unease during his stay.

  "I put down my phone and tried to go back to sleep." ([1:25:00])

• Break-In Attempt: Despite security measures like a chain lock, someone attempts to open his hotel room door, heightening his fear for personal safety.

  "I suddenly woke up to a noise... Someone was trying to open my hotel room door." ([1:30:20])

• Speculations and Safety: The man contemplates the motives behind the intrusion and the possible involvement of the motel employee, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

  "I really wonder what would have happened if I hadn't put that chain lock on the door." ([1:35:45])

Conclusion

Episode 613 of The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast masterfully weaves together multiple true horror stories that underscore the unpredictability of real-life dangers. From unsettling encounters in serene environments to intrusions into personal spaces, each narrative serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between safety and terror. Listeners are left with a profound sense of unease and a heightened awareness of their surroundings.

Notable Quotes:

• "It felt like one of those scenes from a movie where someone knocks on a random door asking for help..." – Lauren ([12:15])

• "You don't think you're special. He thinks you're easy to fool." – Major ([50:00])

• "I hope we meet again. But next time I hope you're in handcuffs." – Lauren ([28:50])

• "I realized that something was really wrong here." – Unnamed Speaker ([38:30])

Disclaimer: The stories shared in this episode are based on true events as narrated by the individuals involved. Listener discretion is advised due to the intense and potentially disturbing nature of the content.