The NoSleep Podcast
Episode: S23 Ep5: NoSleep Podcast S23E05
Release Date: August 3, 2025
Host/Author: Creative Reason Media Inc.
Description: The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award-winning anthology series of original horror stories, with rich atmospheric music to enhance the frightening tales.
Overview
In Season 23, Episode 5 of The NoSleep Podcast, listeners are taken on a chilling journey through three distinct horror tales: "Hide and Seek" by Connor Isaac, "Louisa" by Charlie Hughes, and "Mall Haunting" by CB Jones. Each story delves into different aspects of fear, from supernatural encounters to psychological terror, all meticulously crafted to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
1. Hide and Seek (06:36 - 19:33)
Author: Connor Isaac
Performed by: Matthew Bradford and Alonte Berket
Summary:
The story revolves around Louisa, an 11-year-old girl who has been left to watch her younger brother, George, during summer breaks. To cope with George's incessant mischief, Louisa introduces him to the game of hide and seek. However, what begins as innocent fun takes a dark turn when George's hiding becomes increasingly unsettling.
Key Events:
- Initial Gameplay: Louisa finds temporary relief from George's antics by initiating games of hide and seek.
- Unusual Behavior: During one game, George feigns being found in the pantry, but his actions become more eerie over successive rounds.
- Attic Incident: Louisa hides in the attic, seeking solitude, only to experience inexplicable movements and sounds that defy George's physical capabilities.
- Final Confrontation: Louisa discovers something malevolent is at play when George's voice emanates from beneath the attic door, leading to her brother's disappearance.
- Aftermath: Years later, Louisa confronts the horror of George's abduction, culminating in a haunting revelation as she hears his voice again.
Notable Quotes:
- [15:27] George: "I found you."
- [15:35] George: "In the closet."
- [17:51] Louisa: "Something took him. A monster."
Themes:
The story explores themes of sibling relationships, childhood fears, and the terrifying unknown. It blends the innocence of a children's game with supernatural horror, leaving listeners questioning the reality of the events.
2. Louisa (22:13 - 45:40)
Author: Charlie Hughes
Performed by: Ash Millman, Penny Scott Andrews, Erica Sanderson, and David Alt
Summary:
"Louisa" is a deeply psychological horror narrative that follows the protagonist, Louisa, a psychologist who harbors a dark secret. From a young age, Louisa perceives people with decaying faces—figures invisible to others—and believes it is her mission to eliminate them. This delusion leads her down a path of vigilantism, justified by a mysterious voice guiding her actions.
Key Events:
- Early Perceptions: As a child, Louisa sees grotesque faces on seemingly ordinary people, leading to isolation and secretive behaviors.
- School Life: Friendship with Lizzie, who later returns transformed, exacerbates Louisa's distress and reinforces her mission.
- Vigilante Acts: Guided by a disembodied voice, Louisa methodically hunts and kills those she perceives as "rotting," rationalizing her actions as saving souls.
- Capture and Revelation: Years of unnoticed killings culminate in Louisa's arrest when evidence surfaces. In custody, she confronts reality, revealing her internal struggle and the true horror of her actions.
- Final Twist: It is unveiled that Louisa was unknowingly killing her own father under the influence of her delusion, solidifying her status as the true monster.
Notable Quotes:
- [30:06] Louisa: "She was supposed to die."
- [35:07] Louisa: "She exerts your role in life, your mission."
- [44:49] Louisa: "I wrapped my arms around my legs, resting my head on the lip of the table, crying."
Themes:
This tale delves into mental illness, the fine line between reality and delusion, and the tragic consequences of unchecked psychological trauma. It challenges listeners to empathize with Louisa's plight while grappling with the horror of her actions.
3. Mall Haunting (47:55 - 75:24)
Author: CB Jones
Performed by: Mike Delgadio
Summary:
"Mall Haunting" transports listeners to an abandoned shopping mall where the protagonist experiences a disorienting blend of past memories and supernatural occurrences. As they navigate through empty storefronts and haunting echoes, the line between living and dead blurs, culminating in a metaphysical revelation about existence and identity.
Key Events:
- Initial Disorientation: The protagonist awakens in an empty movie theater, confused by familiar yet out-of-place surroundings.
- Echoes of the Past: Sensory memories of past experiences—first kisses, family moments—intertwine with the eerie silence of the deserted mall.
- Supernatural Realization: Realization dawns that they are a ghost haunting the very mall they remember fondly, unable to escape the loop of their final moments.
- Emotional Resolve: The story culminates in the protagonist accepting their existence as part of the mall's haunted narrative, merging their identity with the architectural remnants of their memories.
Notable Quotes:
- [58:08] Louisa: "Your voice is timid and androgynous."
- [75:24] Narrator: "You are a ghost. You are haunting this mall. This is what it's like to die."
Themes:
This narrative explores themes of nostalgia, the inability to let go, and the haunting persistence of memories. It paints a poignant picture of living in a liminal space between life and death, where personal history becomes both a sanctuary and a prison.
Conclusion
The NoSleep Podcast continues to excel in delivering spine-chilling stories that blend supernatural elements with deep psychological insights. In this episode, "Hide and Seek" explores the terror hidden within childhood games, "Louisa" unpacks the horrors lurking within the human psyche, and "Mall Haunting" offers a metaphorical journey through memory and existence. Each tale is enriched with atmospheric music and compelling performances, making this episode a standout in the anthology series.
Notable Production Credits:
- Musical Score: Brandon Boone
- Production Team: Phil Mikulski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, and Claudius Moore
- Editorial Team: Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McAnally, Ollie A. White, and Kristen Samido
For more sleepless horror stories and exclusive content, visit sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com.