The NoSleep Podcast – Season 22, Episode 22 Summary

Release Date: May 11, 2025

Introduction

In Season 22, Episode 22 of The NoSleep Podcast, hosted by David Cummings from Creative Reason Media Inc., listeners are plunged into a chilling exploration of psychological horror. Moving beyond the traditional body horror, this episode delves into the terrors that torment the human mind, presenting three gripping tales that intertwine fear with the fragility of mental well-being.

Host Commentary: The Nature of Psychological Horror

David Cummings sets the stage by emphasizing the podcast's focus on mental rather than physical horror. He muses, “What happens when a person's mind is being subjected to nightmarish things… Isn’t that where horror really exists? In our minds, our psyches?” (01:02). This thematic focus underscores the episode's intent to explore the unseen and often more disturbing horrors that reside within our mental landscapes.

Cummings also addresses listener concerns about unsolicited advertisements, clarifying the types of ads integrated into the podcast and distancing the show from any undesired political content. He praises the collaboration with The Let's Read Podcast, introducing guest Joel as a seasoned voice in horror storytelling (06:07).

Story 1: Russian Roulette – The Therapist’s Gamble

Author: Ben Matthews
Performed by: Graham Rowett and Peter Lewis

The first tale presents a metaphorical narrative where physical therapist Duncan Green equates his negligent practices to playing Russian roulette. Green explains the low probability of death from neck manipulations, stating, “The probability of dying from vertebral manipulation is about 1 in 5 million. It’s almost nothing” (10:33). However, the grim irony unfolds as Green admits, “I killed her. It wasn’t intentional, but she still did” (22:18), revealing the fatal consequences of his shortcuts.

A standout moment occurs when Green contrasts the probabilities: “A 1/6 probability you'll die playing Russian roulette versus a 1/5 million chance from neck cracking” (10:52), highlighting his twisted rationalization. The story culminates in Green’s tortured realization of his guilt, symbolized through the repetitive, deadly act of Russian roulette (22:35).

Story 2: Helping Cats – Magdalene’s Haunting

Author: Callo R.F. Smith
Performed by: Danielle McCrae, Erica Sanderson, Kyle Akers, and Dan Zapula

The second narrative follows Magdalene, a compassionate woman who rescues stray cats, and her interaction with Davana, a mysterious and alluring stranger. Initially, Magdalene’s altruism is apparent when she assists injured animals, but the story takes a sinister turn as Davana’s presence becomes increasingly eerie.

A pivotal scene unfolds when Davana, with her “long hair flamed red” and “cheekbones [that] jutted like dog ribs” (26:08), integrates into Magdalene’s life, leading to unsettling events. The tension heightens as Isaac, Magdalene’s partner, grows suspicious and confrontational, culminating in a terrifying encounter where Davana exhibits predatory behavior: “Her mouth was turned up at the corners… I saw Davanna’s lips peel back in a grin” (43:56).

The tale masterfully blends everyday interactions with supernatural horror, leaving listeners questioning the true nature of Davana and the safety Magdalene once felt.

Story 3: Deadline – A Writer’s Descent

Author: Alex Nicole Taylor
Performed by: Joel from The Let's Read Podcast, Jeff Clement, and Mike Delgadio

The final story centers on a writer grappling with his imminent book deadline and spiraling mental health issues. Joel’s character experiences intrusive thoughts and hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and his psyche. Early in the narrative, he faces physical pain and memory lapses: “I can’t remember in the darkness of any apparent damage… I didn’t do anything” (60:04).

As Joel attempts to find clarity, his interactions become increasingly disjointed, exacerbated by hallucinations urging him to self-destruct: “You deserve it. Look what you've done” (73:18). The story climaxes with a harrowing scene where reality fractures completely, culminating in a false sense of resolution broadcasted through the podcast’s fictional news segment. This segment serves as a jarring reminder of the protagonist’s internal battle and ultimate psychological unraveling (74:59).

Conclusion

David Cummings wraps up the episode by reinforcing the power of psychological horror to unsettle and provoke deep-seated fears. The stories in this episode highlight the intricate ways in which the mind can be a source of profound horror, making listeners reflect on their own mental vulnerabilities.

The episode closes with production credits and an invitation to explore more content through The NoSleep Podcast’s extended offerings, ensuring that fans of psychological terror have ample material to delve into their darkest fears.

Notable Quotes

• “What happens when a person’s mind is being subjected to nightmarish things… Isn’t that where horror really exists? In our minds, our psyches?” – David Cummings (01:02)

• “The probability of dying from vertebral manipulation is about 1 in 5 million. It’s almost nothing.” – Graham Rowett as Duncan Green (10:52)

• “You deserve it. Look what you’ve done.” – Voice urging the writer to self-destruct (73:18)

Explore more unsettling tales and enhance your horror experience by visiting sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com.