The Midnight Dreary

🎃 Halloween Countdown We’re just about 7 weeks away from Halloween 2025, and it’s never too early to get ready. Stock up on candy now, grab your costumes in September, and party all October long. Episode Description Host Justin Wood invites listeners into Midnight Dreary for a chilling tale rooted in real Southern folklore. Inspired by the eerie death-mask tombstones of Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Carlton, Alabama, this short story recounts the unsolved massacre of the Sutter family — their headless bodies buried in Hickory Hollow, their restless spirits still searching for peace. For generations, travelers have whispered of glowing faces drifting among the hickories, a haunting reminder of the tragedy left unsolved. When a group of teenagers dares to investigate, they discover that the legends are far more than old stories. In Hickory Hollow, the dead are waiting… and some mysteries refuse to stay buried.

In the lawless backcountry of the 1790s, two brothers carved a trail of blood across Tennessee and Kentucky. Micajah and Wiley Harpe — better known as Big Harpe and Little Harpe — are remembered as America’s first serial killers. Their victims ranged from weary travelers to helpless children, and their reign of terror ended only when one was gunned down and decapitated, and the other swung from a noose. More than two centuries later, their memory lingers in place names, folklore, and chilling accounts that blur fact and legend. Join The Midnight Dreary as we step into the wilderness roads, the outlaw cavern of Cave-in-Rock, and the shadowed legacy of the Harpe Brothers — devils on the American frontier.

Join us for a spine-chilling Halloween special of The Midnight Dreary! In this live episode, Justin and special guest Grant Mills from Everybody Has a Podcast, Podcast delve into the haunted heart of Halloween. Together, they unravel the eerie allure of classic horror video games, share spine-tingling tales and urban legends, and swap nostalgic memories of Halloweens from the ‘80s and ‘90s. From haunted houses to trick-or-treating terror, no topic was left unexplored. Dive into the nostalgia of Halloween candy, old-school costumes, and the chilling tales that kept us up at night. Tune in… if you dare. For more of Grant Mills’ work, check out Everybody Has a Podcast, Podcast at grantmills.podbean.com! This episode is suited best for adult audiences - 18+, please.

🎃👻 Welcome to this week’s episode of Midnight Dreary, hosted by Justin Wood! 👻🎃 With Halloween just around the corner, Justin reminds listeners to grab those last-minute costumes and candy before the big day. 🍬👻 He also teases an exciting live show happening on Halloween night from 10 p.m. to midnight CST on Podbean, featuring spooky stories, video game rankings, and a special guest appearance by Grant Mills, host of Everybody Has a Podcast, Podcast. 🎙️👥 In this episode, Justin takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, starting with a review of Tales from the Cryptkeeper 🕸️, the kid-friendly animated series from 1993. He then dives into Creepshow 3 🌕, The Descent 🕳️, and The Mothman Prophecies 🦋, offering his ratings and unique insights into each piece of media. 🎬✨ The highlight of the episode? A deep dive into the legend of the Mothman! Justin explores the chilling origins of the Mothman sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia back in 1966. He recounts the eerie encounters and speculates on what might lie behind this mysterious creature—🦇 from misidentified wildlife to government experiments. Justin covers various theories and possibilities surrounding the red-eyed enigma. Join Justin as he unravels the mystery of the Mothman and invites listeners to share their own experiences and opinions. 💭✨ And don’t forget to tune in for the upcoming live Halloween special on Podbean! 🎃🕯️

🦇 Welcome to this week’s thrilling episode of The Midnight Dreary, hosted by Justin Wood! 🦇 As Halloween creeps closer, Justin takes you deep into the mysterious world of vampires 🧛‍♂️, exploring their dark origins and evolution through history, literature, and pop culture. From ancient myths to modern interpretations, uncover the captivating journey of these undead legends. 🌍 Discover the cultural roots of vampire lore, starting in ancient Mesopotamia, weaving through Eastern European folklore 🏰, and even touching on the infamous Vlad the Impaler. Justin traces how vampires transformed from terrifying myths into the charismatic, complex characters we know today—from Dracula to Twilight and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 🩸 Justin also shines a light on the eerie New England vampire panics of the 19th century, including the haunting tale of Mercy Brown. Plus, get your Halloween movie marathon ready with classic and modern vampire film recommendations 🎥, and nostalgic TV episodes to relive the spookiest moments. 👻 Tune in for an engaging and spine-chilling exploration of the myths and mysteries that keep vampires eternally alive in our imaginations! [email protected] <- Send me your spooky ideas, suggestions, and comments!

Welcome to this episode of the Midnight Dreary Podcast, hosted by Justin Wood. With Halloween just around the corner, Justin dives into the excitement of spooky season, from finding the perfect costume to selecting the best candy for trick-or-treaters. As the countdown to October 31st begins, listeners are invited to share their plans and favorite Halloween traditions. In tonight’s episode, Justin explores the fascinating story of Christopher Knight, better known as the North Pond Hermit. For 27 years, Knight lived in complete isolation deep within the woods of Maine, surviving by quietly stealing essentials from nearby cabins. His story is one of solitude, survival, and the search for peace—a powerful reflection on the human desire to escape the relentless pace of modern life. The episode also introduces an original tale, "The Choir of the Dead." This haunting story follows Thomas, a man who retreats to the forest in search of peace, only to uncover an abandoned church filled with an eerie, ghostly choir. What begins as a disturbing discovery evolves into an unexpected connection between the living and the dead—a tale of comfort, mystery, and the unknown. The Strange & Curious Tale of the Last True Hermit

🎃 Episode 16: Blueprint for Halloween 2024 – Costumes, Candy & Chills! 🎃 Welcome to the ultimate Halloween guide for 2024! In this episode, we dive into the best and worst Halloween candies ranked – find out which treats are a hit and which ones to avoid! Then, we’ll reveal the most popular costumes of the season. Looking for spooky entertainment? I’ve got you covered with a rundown of must-watch Halloween movies and TV shows. Plus, get ready to explore the origins of classic superstitions and hear a spine-chilling zombie story to wrap things up. Grab your pumpkin spice latte, your pumpkin ale, and favorite candy - anything BUT circus peanuts or candy corn - and let’s get into the spooky spirit!

Diving into the holiday spirit, The Midnight Dreary Podcast unwraps a chilling surprise for bookworms who crave spine-tingling reads or those hunting for a gift for that special reader in their life. In this festive episode, we present a selection of eerie books, perfect for those who revel in a good scare. But before that, we offer a quick peek into the mysterious world of the Myakka Skunk Ape, setting the stage for our upcoming exploration of bigfoot and yetis. PLUS! Explore our latest content drop on the YouTube Channel! Visit @TheMidnightDreary1 for a thrilling experience – make sure to show your support by liking your favorite videos and subscribing to the channel! 

Step into the twisted world of carnival frights and clown horrors in our 14th episode of The Midnight Dreary! Join us on a spine-tingling journey as we visit sites spanning Georgia to Nevada and discuss the lore and legacies of three locations steeped in carnival madness. Prepare for creepy exploration of five infamous clowns whose haunting presence has cast a shadow over pop culture. Unravel their macabre legacies and sinister deeds that continue to haunt our darkest nightmares and even childhood memories. But that's not all! Experience the eerie allure of my book "Needless Nightmares" with a  reading of the spine-tingling poem "Ringmaster Reaper." Exciting news awaits! Be among the first to venture into our eerie carnival of horror and haunting tales on our YouTube channel, launching soon. Subscribe now to join the dark journey: https://www.youtube.com/@themidnightdreary724 Share your suggestions, experiences, and haunting tales with us at [email protected] and become a part of our macabre community.

Prepare to enter the realms of the unknown in Episode 13 of 'The Midnight Dreary.' Host Justin Wood delves into the bone-chilling enigma of being 'scared to death.' Brace yourself for two spine-tingling cases where ancient customs, enigmatic cultures, and ominous curses converge, leaving us to ponder the eerie possibilities. As shadows lengthen across the South, particularly in the heart of Alabama, tales of colossal black cats prowling in the night have emerged. Are these mistaken identities, poor reporting, or is there evidence showing there are a population of big cats slinking through the woods of the south?  This is our first post-Halloween episode, but rest assured, the scares are far from over. We'll be stirring up spine-chilling stories all through the holiday season, so keep your lights on and your wits about you. Have your own tales of the uncanny? Questions, comments, or  suggestions? Reach out to us at [email protected], if you dare...

Dive into a delightful Halloween adventure on this special episode of "The Midnight Dreary." Join me as I sit down with my charming 10-year-old daughter for a heartwarming exploration of Halloween through the eyes of a child. We'll uncover the hottest candy trends and the most captivating costumes of 2023, while reflecting on how cherished traditions have evolved since my own childhood. We'd love to hear your thoughts, stories, and suggestions! Reach out to us at [email protected]. Wishing you all a spooktacular and joy-filled Halloween!

As October unfolds and the air grows crisper, our latest episode brings you a trio of intriguing topics. First up is a concise journey through the origins of trick-or-treating, tracing its evolution from Celtic tradition to the familiar sight of children donning masks and seeking sweets from their neighbors. In the middle segment, we venture beyond the ordinary, offering insightful guidance for those delving into their family history. Learn how to spot the "bad apples" in your genealogical tree – a skill that proves useful for both the virtuous and the mischievous branches. To cap it off, we delve into the eerie account of Clarvius Narcisse, a Haitian man who professed to be a zombie for nearly two decades. We'll explore the compelling evidence that lends credence to his astonishing tale. Tune in to our 11th episode for a dose of the unusual. We're always eager to hear your suggestions, questions, and personal stories! Reach out to us at [email protected]

Welcome to this week's episode of "The Midnight Dreary," where art meets the macabre. In this tenth episode, we delve deep into the dark realms of creativity, exploring five terrifying pieces of art that will haunt your dreams. Join us as we unravel the sinister secrets behind these masterpieces, shedding light on the eerie stories and the minds that birthed them. Dare to enter the world where art meets the afterlife, but first, we discuss a heart-wrenching, real life story of a mother who refused to bury her solider son for over a decade.  Questions and Suggestions? Submit to [email protected] 

On this Old West and Outlaw Episode of The Midnight Dreary, we kick off our boots and discuss two old west figures - Elmer McCurdy and John Shaw - who found fame the hard way.  Listen in as you learn of McCurdy's corpse traveling the carnival circuit and how John Shaw managed to get a shot of whiskey with a hole in his head.  Then sit back, curl up, and listen to an original story here on The Midnight Dreary - "The Men With Pennies in their Eyes" and what happens when the living stumble upon a game of poker being played by the dead.  As always, send your ideas, encounters, and thoughts to [email protected]. 

Bringing back the short and scary stories, this brief tale is titled "See You Soon". We follow Manny, a single guy whose evening is interrupted by a strange visitor. This story is also in my book Needless Nightmares which is available on Amazon. Questions and suggestions, shoot them to [email protected]

In Episode 7, we briefly touch on some creepy news as an expedition is underway to explore Loch Ness more thoroughly than ever to find out if the elusive Nessie once lived among the depths of the lake or if she's still hiding below the surface (or if there are more natural options that explain the sightings). Then we have narrowed down the Top 3 Horror NES Games that'll take you on a journey back to the early 90's. Agree or disagree with the list? Send your thoughts to [email protected]

Back in time for spooky season! On this return episode, we provide a quick review of creepy cryptid content from Theodore Roosevelt's book "The Wilderness Hunter", touch on the government releasing information on UAP's, and a deep dive into the historic Pascagoula Alien Abduction. The Wilderness Hunter - Buy it on Amazon Pascagoula - The Closest Encounter: My Story - Calvin Parker's book discussing the Pascagoula Incident

Listen in as I discuss my Top 5 Horror Villains. Agree, disagree? Let me know - [email protected] 8 days away from HALLOWEEN! I also discuss the Netflix Series "The Watcher", and a brief background of the real story that inspired this show. And for fun, I peppered in some really brief stories throughout the show from one of my favorite books, Mysteries of the Unexplained.

It's October, and we're in full spooky mode at The Midnight Dreary! Next week we're going to nail down my Top 5 horror movie villains - send yours to [email protected]. This week, I read a classic Appalachian tale called "Tailypo". Most versions are similar, and although I rewrote for my book "Needless Nightmares", I was careful not to stray from the classic structure of this tale. A longtime favorite story of mine, I hope you enjoy.

An original short and scary tale I wrote, we follow a truck driver with a checkered past who decides to step outside of the law one last time. Also available in the book Needless Nightmares.

"The Embalming of Mary Clayton" is a short story from the book Needless Nightmares, written by the host of The Midnight Dreary, Justin Wood. 

Alabama boasts many "crybaby bridges", a ghostly urban legend where an accident has occurred at the site and a residual haunting occurs. We explore a dozen of them on this episode, and whether or not there's any truth in their dark backgrounds.