Podcast Summary: The NoSleep Podcast – Season 22, Episode 7
Title: NoSleep Podcast S22E07
Release Date: January 26, 2025
Host/Author: Creative Reason Media Inc.
Description: The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award-winning anthology series of original horror stories, enhanced by rich atmospheric music to amplify the fear.
Introduction
In this chilling episode of The NoSleep Podcast, host David Cummings delves into the universal fear of the unknown, particularly the terror evoked by strangers. Setting the stage with an eerie phone call, David introduces listeners to three spine-tingling tales that explore the darkest corners of human fear and the supernatural.
Tale 1: In the Dark, There is a Hand
Author: Michael Paul Kozlowski
Performed by: Peter Lewis
Featuring: Nicole Doolin
Summary:
The episode opens with the haunting presence of an unseen force manifested as a mysterious hand that visits Daniel throughout his life, each encounter leaving him increasingly paralyzed. At 13 years old, during an episode of sleep paralysis, Daniel confronts this ghostly hand in his pitch-black room—"The hand is bright white, as if made of moonlight" ([00:46]). Initially dismissed as nightmares, these encounters escalate, stripping Daniel of mobility and sanity over decades.
As the years pass, Daniel becomes completely immobilized, reliant on a nurse to maintain his constant vigilance against the hand's return. Despite his relentless research and the best resources available, his final attempt to destroy the apparition ends in failure. The hand triumphantly hovers over him, granting him a fleeting vision of a grotesque otherworld before consuming him entirely. Daniel is left in perpetual darkness, trapped in an eternal nightmare with no escape—"In the dark, there is a hand... There is no escaping anymore. Not for him" ([28:06]).
Notable Quotes:
- David Cummings reflects on the fear of strangers: "Do you dare pick up your phone and listen to the voices calling to you?" ([04:13])
- Daniel's realization of his eternal torment: "There is nothing. Not anymore." ([27:09])
Tale 2: Hitchhikers
Author: Caitlin Barbee
Performed by: Nicole Doolin and Nicole Goodnight
Summary:
The second story transports listeners to a stormy night where a woman, desperate and alone, picks up a young hitchhiker dressed in an unsettling costume—"The soaked, shivering girl at my window bends low, her breasts nearly spilling out of her skimpy black top" ([22:46]). As they drive across Benson Bridge, the situation takes a horrific turn. The hitchhiker's demeanor becomes increasingly disturbing, revealing grotesque transformations and culminating in the driver's gruesome demise.
The narrative builds tension through the evolving relationship between the driver and the hitchhiker, blending psychological horror with physical terror. The climax sees the Packard, the car, plunging into freezing waters after a fatal collision—"The Packard screeching to the right. It sails through the metal railing, then plunges into the freezing water below." ([28:06]).
Notable Quotes:
- The hitchhiker's eerie plea: "Can I get a ride?" ([22:46])
- The driver's horror upon witnessing the transformation: "You're bleeding." ([27:33])
- The final realization of impending doom: "I cannot avoid replaying my fate, but at least this year I do it alone." ([28:06])
Tale 3: Lost on the Appalachian Trail
Author: Sean O'Loughlin
Performed by: Kyle Akers, Dan Zapula, and Reagan Tacker
Summary:
The final tale follows two hikers, Mark and Todd, venturing into the Appalachian Trail seeking adventure and solace. Early on, they notice an anomalous red section on their trail map, sparking tension and curiosity. Ignoring warnings, they proceed into the forbidden "red light district," where reality begins to distort.
As they navigate the dense forest, inexplicable phenomena occur: time seems warped, leading to disorientation and desperation. The trail's transformation into an endless labyrinth filled with eerie sounds heightens their fear. Their struggle for survival intensifies when they encounter sinister creatures and the forest itself appears to be alive and hostile.
After a harrowing night filled with supernatural assaults, Mark and Todd believe they have escaped, only to realize the extent of their predicament during their rescue. The revelation that they were lost for what should have been mere hours—but in reality, much longer—leaves them questioning the very fabric of their reality. The story concludes ambiguously, suggesting they might still be trapped in an unending nightmare.
Notable Quotes:
- Mark's growing frustration: "There is something weird about these woods." ([49:32])
- The eerie calm after flood: "We better make camp for the night before it's too dark to see." ([51:01])
- The terrifying acknowledgment of their situation: "We are not alone. That much I knew." ([66:06])
Conclusion
This episode of The NoSleep Podcast masterfully intertwines themes of isolation, supernatural horror, and the fragility of the human psyche. From Daniel's eternal battle with an ominous hand to the horrifying encounters on Benson Bridge and the disorienting nightmare on the Appalachian Trail, each story delivers a unique exploration of fear's many facets. The inclusion of atmospheric soundscapes and compelling performances immerses listeners fully into these nightmarish tales, solidifying The NoSleep Podcast's reputation as a premier source of original horror storytelling.
Notable Production Details:
- Musical Score: Composed by Brandon Boone
- Production Team: Phil Michalski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, Claudius Moore
- Editorial Team: Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McAnally, Ollie A. White, Kristen Samito
To explore more horror stories and enjoy additional content, visit sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com.