The NoSleep Podcast: Season 22, Episode 9 – "NoSleep Podcast S22E09"
Release Date: February 9, 2025
Host: David Cummings
Performed by: Various Cast Members
Introduction
In Season 22, Episode 9 of The NoSleep Podcast, hosted by David Cummings of Creative Reason Media Inc., listeners are immersed in a nightmarish journey through three original horror tales. This episode delves into themes of guilt, despair, and the supernatural, each story meticulously crafted to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Supported by atmospheric music and a talented voice cast, the episode promises a harrowing listening experience for horror enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Tale 1: "Gravestones and Guilt"
Author: Ophelia Diaz
Performed by: Graham Rowett and Dan Zapula
The episode opens with David Cummings setting the stage for a story about overcoming addiction and the lingering shadows of guilt. At [03:46], listeners are introduced to Shawn Riggs, a man battling his dependence on cigarettes. Seeking solace, Shawn ventures into a desolate part of town, specifically a cemetery, to distract himself from his cravings.
As Shawn navigates the eerie landscape, the heavy atmosphere is palpable. At [06:06], he reflects on his inability to forgive deliberate cruelty, a sentiment echoed by fellow characters:
- Graham Rowett: “[01:10] Deliberate cruelty is not forgivable. It is the one unforgivable thing, in my opinion.”
Shawn’s journey becomes increasingly unsettling as he encounters gravestones etched with mysterious inscriptions like “Here lies a mother” ([06:06]). The cemetery seems alive with malevolent energy, leading Shawn to experience terrifying visions and supernatural occurrences. The tension escalates when he discovers human bones emerging from a burning tree ([16:17]):
- Matthew Bradford: “[16:21] Sean’s lips twitched. Sweat formed on his brow. The strong scent of cigarette smoke drifted under his nose. He sprung up and ran.”
The tale culminates in Shawn confronting his inner demons and the horrors that manifest from his unresolved guilt, leaving listeners questioning the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.
Tale 2: "The Haunted Hotline"
Author: A.M. Marone
Performed by: Lindsey Russo, Peter Lewis, Matthew Bradford, and Sarah Thomas
At [26:07], the narrative shifts to a mental health hotline, introducing a woman returning to her troubled job after a particularly rough stretch. Lindsey Russo voices the protagonist, who is tasked with handling a mysterious and persistent caller. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the caller harbors dark secrets and possibly supernatural intentions.
Key moments include:
- Lindsey Russo: “[29:06] Some calls can be harder than others.”
- Atticus Jackson (Caller): “[35:40] I just wanted it to end.”
The tension peaks when the caller reveals a connection to the protagonist’s past, blurring the lines between her duties and personal fears. The haunting dialogue at [37:09] underscores the psychological torment:
- Lindsey Russo: “[37:13] Their voice was so soft, so knowing. I must have conjured it from the depths of my despair.”
The story delves deep into themes of self-worth and the struggle to help others while grappling with one’s own inner darkness, ultimately leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease.
Tale 3: "Daniel Cordulo and the Fog"
Author: Larry Allen Tyler
Performed by: Jeff Clement, Sarah Thomas, Matthew Bradford, Mary Murphy, Nicole Doolin, Mike Delgadio, Ellie Hirschman, Nicole Goodnight, Reagan Tacker, Marie Westbrook, Atticus Jackson, Kristen D. Mercurio, Danielle McCray, and Jesse Cornette
Daniel Cordulo, voiced by Nicole Doolin, is introduced at [40:33] as a fugitive seeking escape on the treacherous Route 16. The road is depicted as a winding, perilous path through the white mountains, fraught with natural dangers and eerie occurrences. Daniel’s desperation to flee is palpable as he contemplates his limited options:
- Nicole Doolin (Daniel): “[41:40] I wasn't going to tell you that, but I figure, hey, what's the difference now?”
The crux of the story lies in Daniel’s encounter with Garber, a strange and unsettling driver who offers him a ride. Their interaction is thick with tension, particularly when Garber begins asking bizarre questions about moose and the dangers of the road:
- Graham Rowett (Garber): “[47:42] You ever see a car that was struck by a moose?”
As they traverse the foggy landscape, the narrative takes a horrifying turn when Garber’s true intentions are revealed, leading to a tense confrontation. The fog serves as both a physical and metaphorical barrier, isolating Daniel and heightening the sense of dread. The climax occurs when Daniel believes he has fatally injured Garber, only to be confronted by additional supernatural elements as he attempts to escape:
- Nicole Doolin (Daniel): “[67:33] I walked down the road for hours. How many hours? Maybe eight, maybe ten. I don't know.”
The story concludes with a chilling revelation as Daniel returns to his childhood bedroom, haunted by memories and the omnipresent fog, leaving listeners questioning the nature of his reality.
Conclusion
The NoSleep Podcast Season 22, Episode 9 masterfully intertwines themes of guilt, despair, and the supernatural across its three distinct horror tales. From Shawn Riggs’ terrifying journey through a cursed cemetery to the psychological torment experienced by a mental health hotline worker, and Daniel Cordulo’s harrowing escape on an ominous fog-covered road, each story is crafted to evoke deep emotional and psychological responses. Notable quotes throughout the episode enhance the narrative's impact, providing memorable highlights that resonate long after the episode ends.
For those seeking adrenaline-pumping horror narratives enriched with atmospheric storytelling and compelling performances, this episode of The NoSleep Podcast is an unmissable addition to their collection.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Graham Rowett as Shawn Riggs: “[01:10] Deliberate cruelty is not forgivable. It is the one unforgivable thing, in my opinion.”
- Matthew Bradford as Shawn Riggs: “[16:21] Sean’s lips twitched. Sweat formed on his brow. The strong scent of cigarette smoke drifted under his nose. He sprung up and ran.”
- Lindsey Russo as Hotline Worker: “[29:06] Some calls can be harder than others.”
- Atticus Jackson as Caller: “[35:40] I just wanted it to end.”
- Graham Rowett as Garber: “[47:42] You ever see a car that was struck by a moose?”
- Nicole Doolin as Daniel Cordulo: “[41:40] I wasn't going to tell you that, but I figure, hey, what's the difference now?”
These excerpts highlight the emotional depth and suspenseful tension that define each story within the episode.
Final Thoughts
The NoSleep Podcast continues to set the bar high with its original horror content, expertly blending relatable human struggles with supernatural horror. Episode S22E09 is a testament to the show's ability to evoke fear and empathy, making it a standout installment in the anthology series.