The NoSleep Podcast: Season 22, Episode 19 Summary
Title: NoSleep Podcast S22E19
Host/Author: Creative Reason Media Inc.
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Description: The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award-winning anthology series of original horror stories, enriched with atmospheric music that heightens the tension and fear within each tale.
Episode Overview
In Season 22, Episode 19 of The NoSleep Podcast, listeners are immersed in three chilling narratives that explore the darkest corners of human psyche and supernatural terror. Hosted by David Cummings, the episode delves into themes of obsession, desperation, and the thin line between sanity and madness. The stories are masterfully performed by a talented cast, each bringing their characters to life with palpable emotion and suspense.
Story 1: Feeding the Ducks
Author: Trent Snyder
Performers: Andy Cresswell and David Alt
Timestamps: [00:07 – 11:23], [13:49 – 26:39]
Synopsis: The first story introduces us to a beleaguered man tormented by a persistent young boy who accuses him of heinous acts. Each day, the man visits the park to feed ducks, seeking solace, but the boy's relentless harassment pushes him toward the brink of violence.
Key Points & Discussions:
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Daily Torment: The protagonist endures daily verbal abuse from a boy who labels him derogatory names and maligns his character. The boy's mother remains indifferent, exacerbating the man's feeling of isolation.
"His voice is a bird's chirp with a twisted larynx. I see him every day." — Trent Snyder [04:13]
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Internal Struggle: The man's internal conflict is palpable as he battles feelings of frustration and the temptation to retaliate violently against his tormentor.
"When some people are pushed too far... they might be ready to kill." — David Cummings [01:23]
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Climactic Confrontation: An incident occurs where the boy is injured, leading to a deceptive and tense interaction between the man and the boy's father. The man's suppressed anger surfaces, hinting at impending violence.
"Did you push my son off his bicycle? Invite him in? Offer a drink? Refused." — Dan Zapulla [09:50]
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Themes: The story explores themes of bullying, isolation, and the psychological descent into vengeance when one feels cornered and unheeded.
Notable Quote:
"No matter how crazy life gets... please don't start killing people." — David Cummings [02:00]
Narrative Progression: The man grapples with his conscience after choosing compassion over rage when he finds the injured boy. However, the encounter leaves lingering resentment, setting the stage for a tragic resolution where the man's suppressed desire for vengeance may overpower his better judgment.
Story 2: The Expert
Author: Travis Lee
Performers: Peter Lewis, Dan Zapulla, Atticus Jackson, Danielle McCrae
Timestamps: [16:36 – 23:54], [26:39 – 38:35]
Synopsis: The second narrative follows Tom, a man frustrated with his insufferable boss, who decides to outsource the task of eliminating his tormentor. He seeks out an enigmatic "expert" who specializes in making deadly ends both painless and untraceable.
Key Points & Discussions:
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Outsourcing Violence: Tom's decision to hire an expert highlights a cold, calculated approach to handling personal vendettas without direct involvement.
"If someone else is going to do your dirty work, you'd best listen to them. When they tell you, trust me." — Andy Cresswell [16:36]
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The Expert's Method: The expert meticulously discusses the method of killing, emphasizing discretion and minimizing traces, reflecting a horrifying professionalism in committing murder.
"My line of work requires delicacy. What the customer wants, I provide." — Andy Cresswell [18:35]
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Psychological Manipulation: The expert manipulates Tom's insecurities and motivations, making the act of killing seem not only justified but necessary for Tom's peace of mind.
"Nothing would stop me. I will finish. One way or another." — Andy Cresswell [20:41]
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Climactic Decision: Despite Tom's initial resolve, doubts and fears surface, revealing the internal conflict even when one intends to commit heinous acts.
Notable Quote:
"I am going to kill you, Conrad. I have to." — Dan Zapulla [69:42]
Narrative Progression: As Tom interacts with the expert, the conversation delves deeper into the logistics of murder-for-hire, showcasing the cold efficiency and moral detachment required to carry out such acts. The story builds tension around whether Tom will follow through or succumb to his growing apprehensions, illustrating the bleak outcome of unresolved anger and the quest for control.
Story 3: The Living Corpse
Author: Marcus Demanda
Performers: Erin Lillis, Dan Zapulla, Jessie Cornett, Sarah Thomas
Timestamps: [29:18 – 67:55]
Synopsis: The final tale centers on Erin, an embalmer at Crescent Peaks Funeral Home, who encounters a corpse that unexpectedly comes back to life. Faced with this unnerving situation, Erin grapples with the ethical and practical dilemmas of handling a living body within the confines of her professional environment.
Key Points & Discussions:
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Professional Pride vs. Supernatural Occurrence: Erin takes immense pride in her work, striving for impeccable presentation of the deceased. The sudden lifeforce of a corpse challenges her professionalism and belief systems.
"There is no such thing as a fresh corpse." — Erin Lillis [29:18]
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Discovery of the Living Corpse: As Erin begins the embalming process, she detects signs of life, leading to a state of panic and disbelief. The slow realization of the corpse's revival sets the stage for a harrowing encounter.
"Fuck. Mary, mother of Jesus, are you fucking shitting me?" — Erin Lillis [33:32]
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Ethical Quandary: Erin's internal conflict reflects the horror of confronting death-blurring reality, questioning whether to continue her duty or take drastic measures to prevent potential chaos.
"You're as good as dead. I keep thinking you might pass on for real and for good anytime." — Erin Lillis [62:00]
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Climactic Violence: The tension peaks as Erin decides to annihilate the living corpse to protect her establishment and sanity, leading to a grisly resolution that underscores the lengths one might go to maintain order amidst supernatural upheaval.
Notable Quote:
"Well, I am going to kill you, Conrad. I have to." — Dan Zapulla [67:55]
Narrative Progression: Erin's meticulous nature faces an unprecedented challenge when a corpse defies death. Her struggle intensifies as she contemplates the ethical implications of her actions, ultimately succumbing to the primal urge to silence the resurrected body. This story poignantly explores themes of mortality, control, and the fear of the unknown that lurks beyond death.
Conclusion
Throughout this episode, The NoSleep Podcast masterfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, presenting listeners with narratives that probe the darkest aspects of human nature and beyond. The performances by the cast bring a visceral quality to each story, making the terror both relatable and deeply unsettling.
Closing Thoughts by David Cummings:
"Any villain or monster can kill for fun or to survive, but when murder becomes a last resort, horror exists for both the victims and the perpetrators." — David Cummings
The episode serves as a chilling reminder of the thin veneer separating humanity from monstrosity, and how easily one can slip when pushed to the brink. For fans of horror that delves into psychological and supernatural realms, Season 22, Episode 19 of The NoSleep Podcast is an unmissable experience.
Production Credits:
- Musical Score: Brandon Boone
- Production Team: Michaelski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, Claudius Moore
- Editorial Team: Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McInally, Ollie A. White, Kristen Samido
For more immersive horror stories and exclusive content, visit sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com.