Episode 188: Nightmare Fuel or Fiction?
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Host: Morgan Absher
Co-host: Justin

Introduction: Setting the Spooky Tone

In this spine-tingling episode of Two Hot Takes, Morgan Absher and her co-host Justin don creative Halloween costumes—a slug onesie and a palm tree with coconuts respectively—to kick off their most eerie episode yet (02:06). The duo dives into a collection of the most unsettling listener stories sourced from Reddit, write-ins, and other corners of the internet, exploring themes of paranormal activity, stalkers, and unexplained phenomena.

1. The Tinder Stalker: A Modern Horror

The episode opens with a harrowing account titled "The Tinder Stalker" from the Reddit user Not ghetto enough (04:11). The story details a woman's terrifying experience after a seemingly innocent Tinder match escalates into unwanted and disturbing behavior.

User (07:37): "I never gave out my real number to dates anymore."

Morgan and Justin discuss the implications of sharing personal information online and the potential dangers that can arise, emphasizing the importance of digital safety.

Justin (07:53): "Maybe that's your only outfit."

The conversation highlights the unnerving coincidence of encountering someone who looks exactly like their online persona, underscoring the thin line between virtual interactions and real-life horrors.

2. Discussion on Safety and Personal Security

Delving deeper into the Tinder stalker narrative, Justin and Morgan emphasize the necessity of protecting personal information to avoid such terrifying encounters.

Morgan (11:22): "Don't ever give your phone number or full name to somebody unless you fully trust them."

They share practical safety measures, such as installing security cameras and using door/window sensors, to fortify one's home against potential threats.

Justin (12:58): "Never can be too safe... Have a security camera, you know, they're for what they provide."

3. Haunting or a Witch: A Family's Paranormal Struggle

Morgan introduces another chilling story titled "Haunting or a Witch" (03:21), where a family moves into a new home only to be plagued by unexplained paranormal activities after attempting to cleanse the space.

User (10:43): "I had constant sleep paralysis. It always was the same figure, a tall woman in black..."

The narrative delves into sleep paralysis experiences, including encounters with a mysterious Victorian woman and the appearance of a giant yellow serpent, blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

4. Picture Evidence: Visual Proof of the Unseen

Transitioning to visual evidence, Morgan shares some eerie photographs submitted by listeners:

1. Ghost in the Flames
   A vintage photo captures what appears to be Morgan's great-great-grandmother amidst a burning building, suggesting a ghostly presence (34:43).

2. Deja Vu in Chilean Friendship
   A seemingly normal group photo from Chile reveals a ghostly figure when zoomed in, adding to the collection of supernatural imagery (35:29).

3. Handprints on a New Mattress
   A listener documents inexplicable handprints on her brand-new mattress, sparking fears of intruders or restless spirits (36:55).

4. Security Footage of a Phantom
   Unusual movements captured on a security camera hint at a trapped spirit or unauthorized presence within a home (38:25).

Morgan (36:55): "If I saw that, I would be like, holy shit, someone's been in here."

These images serve as visual anchors to the stories, enhancing the episode's chilling atmosphere.

5. Listener Stories: Personal Tales of the Supernatural

a. Dena's Ghostly Encounter

Dena shares her unsettling experience after moving from California to Utah, where she begins to sense a dark presence in her home. Her journey into tarot and spellwork coincides with increasingly disturbing events, culminating in discovering that her boyfriend had been drugging her at night.

Dena (45:16): "I listened to the entire eight-hour recording and couldn't find any trace of anything else."

b. Riley's Jamestown Road Haunting

Riley recounts performing a ritual on a haunted road near Jamestown, Virginia, leading to inexplicable car stalling and eerie photographs taken during the night. The area is later revealed to be a Civil War battleground, adding historical weight to the haunting.

Riley (48:03): "We thought it was odd, but didn't think much of it other than being extra spooked."

c. Kristen's College Haunting

Kristen describes moving into a 1950s house near her campus in Virginia, where she experiences inexplicable handprints, loud booms, and a severe roach infestation. Her attempts to cleanse the house fail, culminating in aggressive invasions at 3 am as she and her sister face escalating paranormal activity.

Kristen (52:04): "I live alone... The entrance to the crawl space was below the window that had handprints."

d. All G yet 560's Guardian Angel

A poignant story where a man senses his friend Brian's impending death. Despite his skepticism, Brian tragically dies in a car accident shortly after the ominous feeling grows stronger. Posthumously, messages from Brian provide closure to his grieving family.

All G yet 560 (77:52): "Has anyone heard about people experiencing this before?"

6. BBC News Report: Children Possessed by Demons

Morgan discusses a BBC News report where a US police captain in Indiana confirms a woman's claim that her children were possessed by demons. The children exhibited behaviors such as levitating, speaking in deep voices, and walking up walls, as observed by medical professionals.

BBC News Report (94:33): "Medical staff reported they observed the children and heard the seven-year-old making growling noises."

The report includes skepticism from authorities, suggesting possible psychological explanations, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.

7. Fictional Story: Boyfriend Drugging Girlfriend

From the Reddit subreddit R. Nosleep, a harrowing tale unfolds where a woman discovers her boyfriend Steven has been drugging her with sedatives during the night. Hidden camera footage reveals Steven's sinister actions, leading to her realization and confrontation.

User (94:33): "I emptied the contents of the cup down the sink in the bathroom before jumping back into bed."

Morgan and Justin debate the plausibility of such events, questioning the boundaries between fiction and reality in listener-submitted stories.

Justin (100:28): "Ain't nobody crawling up the wall. Nobody's going on the ceiling..."

8. Final Thoughts: The Intersection of Fate, Premonitions, and Free Will

The hosts engage in a deep discussion about premonitions and the possibility that the future might be predetermined. They ponder whether some individuals possess an innate ability to foresee events and how this intersects with the concept of free will.

Justin (60:29): "Do you think the future is prewritten? ... Maybe not to the level where you can say the Vikings will win..."

Morgan and Justin reflect on personal anecdotes and listener stories to explore the enigmatic relationship between fate and free will, leaving listeners to contemplate their own beliefs about destiny.

Conclusion: Exclusive Content and Live Shows

Wrapping up the episode, Morgan and Justin tease exclusive spooky content available on their Patreon page, including detailed spooky episodes and live show materials. They also announce upcoming live performances in Atlanta, Georgia, inviting listeners to join and experience the chills firsthand.

Morgan (112:28): "Our next stop is Atlanta, Georgia... We're so, so excited to see you."

They encourage listeners to join their community for more in-depth explorations of the paranormal, ensuring that the haunting experiences continue beyond the episode.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Morgan (07:37): "I think it's the least likely person I would have expected... I never expected them to somehow show up at my apartment."

• Justin (07:53): "Maybe that's your only outfit."

• Morgan (11:22): "Don't ever give your phone number or full name to somebody unless you fully trust them."

• Justin (12:58): "Never can be too safe... Have a security camera, you know, they're for what they provide."

• Dena (45:16): "I listened to the entire eight-hour recording and couldn't find any trace of anything else."

• Kristen (52:04): "I live alone... The entrance to the crawl space was below the window that had handprints."

• All G yet 560 (77:52): "Has anyone heard about people experiencing this before?"

• BBC News Report (94:33): "Medical staff reported they observed the children and heard the seven-year-old making growling noises."

Final Thoughts

Two Hot Takes episode 188: "Nightmare Fuel or Fiction?" masterfully blends real-life terrifying experiences with fictional horror stories, creating an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. Morgan and Justin's dynamic discussion not only entertains but also prompts listeners to question the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode is sure to leave you pondering the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

For more exclusive spooky stories and behind-the-scenes content, visit our Patreon page and join the Two Hot Takes community today!