Skip to content
The Moonlit Road Podcast podcast artwork

PODCAST · arts

The Moonlit Road Podcast

by The Moonlit Road.com

Southern ghost stories, folktales, myths, legends and other strange tales from the dark backroads of the American South, told by the region's best storytellers. Original short stories and classic campfire tales.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Nov 4, 2024 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. The Belled Buzzard: A Kentucky Legend of Murder and Madness

    An old Southern saying claims that a fool "ain't got enough sense to bell a buzzard." But what does that mean—and why would anyone put a bell around a buzzard's neck? In 1920s Kentucky, a bitter property dispute between two neighboring farmers ends in murder. Sutton Metcalfe thinks he has hidden...

  2. The Old Lockhart House: A Tennessee Haunted House Story

    Deep in the back roads of East Tennessee stands the abandoned Old Lockhart House, a place locals say is haunted. One Halloween night, two teenagers decide to test the legend—and discover that some places are better left alone. Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends,...

  3. The Wampus Mask: The Legend of Tennessee's Wampus Cat

    Deep in the mountains of Tennessee, a young bride will do anything to save her husband's sanity from the legendary Wampus Cat. When a mysterious old woman offers her a strange mask with the power to confront the fearsome creature, the gift comes with a terrible price. In this classic Appalachian...

  4. Don't Fish on Sunday! | A Virginia Fishing Folktale

    Don't Fish on Sunday! Everyone in one small Virginia town knows the rule: don't fish on Sunday. The old-timers insist the river's fish honor the Sabbath, refusing to bite on the Lord's Day. But one young fisherman named Moses laughs at the superstition and returns home every Sunday with a full...

  5. The Mirror: A New Orleans Ghost Story | The Moonlit Road

    A weathered mirror hangs inside an old shotgun shack, but some reflections refuse to stay where they belong. In this haunting Southern tale from The Moonlit Road Podcast, a forgotten house, a strange mirror, and a lingering presence blur the line between memory and something far more unsettling....

  6. Fiddler's Dram: A Strange Tennessee Folktale

    In this eerie Tennessee folktale from Weakley County, a legendary fiddler emerges for one last contest, chasing the coveted "fiddler's dram." Fiddling contests were once the heartbeat of rural communities—where pride, reputation, and a jar of fine whiskey were all on the line. But on this...

  7. The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans

    Did the Devil himself really build a mansion in the heart of the Garden District? Discover the eerie legend of the haunted estate that once cast a shadow over St. Charles Avenue. New Orleans is a city of secrets, but few are as unsettling as the story of the dark, imposing mansion that appeared...

  8. Where's My Ring? | A Georgia Ghost Story

    Bitterness between two sisters over a glittering diamond ring leads to terrifying consequences from beyond the grave in this chilling Georgia ghost story. In the quiet town of Washington, Georgia, jealousy festers for years between Martha and her sister Jenny. When Jenny dies, temptation proves…

    more
  9. Grandma's Furry Robe - A Southern Horror Story

    Two college friends spend a quiet weekend at an isolated Appalachian mountain house — until strange nighttime noises lead to a shocking discovery. Listener discretion is advised. This story contains frightening imagery and disturbing elements that may not be suitable for all audiences. For more...

  10. Lizzie: Ghost of Brinkley Female College | A Memphis, Tennessee Ghost Story

    Memphis is a city of music and history, but it is also a city of ghosts. Today, we explore one of its most enduring and debated legends: the haunting of Brinkley Female College by the mysterious Lizzie - and the hunt for an elusive buried jar that captivated an entire city. READ THE FULL STORY &...

  11. Where Mosquitoes Came From: A Tlingit Legend

    Ever wonder why mosquitoes are so thirsty for blood? According to this legendary Tlingit tale—retold with a Southern twist—the answer lies in the defeat of a blood-thirsty giant. Discover the chilling and clever story of how a single monster became a swarm of thousands. Read the full story and…

    more
  12. The Sheriff and the Loup Garou: A Louisiana Werewolf Story

    How far would you go for the love of your life? In this Louisiana tale, a young deputy is given a terrifying task to prove his worth: he must capture and kill the Loup Garou (or Rougarou), the shapeshifting werewolf of the Cajun swamplands. Read the full story and see the history of the Loup…

    more
  13. Why Is a Jack O' Lantern Named Jack? | The Legend of Stingy Jack

    Every October, millions of pumpkins are carved into glowing faces. But do you know the dark legend of the man who gave them their name? Meet Stingy Jack—a man so cunning he managed to trap the Devil himself. This classic folktale explains why Jack is forced to wander the night with nothing but a...

  14. The Cow That Ate The Preacher | An Appalachian Tall Tale

    What happens when a traveling preacher seeks revenge on an inhospitable farm couple? This darkly funny ghost story—passed down from Ireland to the Arkansas hills—follows a man of the cloth who decides to teach his unkind hosts a lesson they'll never forget. But in the world of folklore, revenge...

  15. Number Ninety: The Charleston Haunted House Dare | A Southern Ghost Story

    Episode Summary: Would you spend the night in a house the rest of the world has abandoned to the dead? This episode takes us to historic Charleston for an adaptation of B.M. Croker's Victorian ghost story, "Number Ninety." In this episode: The Challenge: A group of gentlemen at a social club…

    more
  16. Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road Part 3: The Spirit's Testimony

    The haunting conclusion to Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. In 'The Spirit's Testimony,' a voice reaches out from beyond the grave to reveal the final, heartbreaking truth of that moonlit night. This third and final chapter completes the chilling mystery of a family destroyed by silence and the...

  17. Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road Part 2: The Confession of the Father

    In Part Two of our Ambrose Bierce adaptation, the mystery deepens with 'The Confession of the Father.' Haunted by a spectral encounter on a dark road, a man is forced to confront the truth behind his wife's death. The second chapter in this chilling 3-part Southern Gothic masterpiece. Read the…

    more
  18. Ambrose Bierce's The Moonlit Road, Part 1: The Statement of the Son

    Part One of our adaptation of Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. A chilling mystery begins with the 'Statement of the Son,' as a family is shattered by a brutal murder. Experience one of American literature's most famous ghost stories told from three haunting perspectives. Read the entire story here:...

  19. The Nut Eating Devil: A Tennessee Mountain Ghost Story

    Uncover the chilling legend of the "Nut Eating Devil," a classic Tennessee mountain ghost story. Follow young Tom McBride as he investigates eerie sounds haunting a remote cemetery in the middle of the night. Why do the noises sound exactly like his dead Grandpa cracking open hickory nuts? Is it…

    more
  20. Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk: A Louisiana Legend

    A Southern supernatural folktale with Irish roots: An early Louisiana settler rescues a turtle and is transported into the strange world of The Fair Folk. Read the full story and learn about the Irish in Louisiana here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/irwin-tarheel-fair-folk-louisiana-folktale/...

  21. Railroad Bill

    An Alabama widow lives in fear of the terrifying murderer Railroad Bill. But is he really what the townsfolk say he is? For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and...

  22. The Spirit of Thomas Lester - A Southern Haunted House Story

    Experience the legend of Thomas Lester, a man whose high-speed encounter with a headless ghost left him running faster than a jackrabbit. This humorous Southern ghost story explores the folklore of 'the spirit that passes you real quick-like,' giving you a chill up your spine. Narrated by Yomi...

  23. Tsali: The Cherokee Legend of the Smoky Mountains

    High in the mist-covered peaks of North Carolina lies the story of a man who chose sacrifice over surrender. Tsali was a Cherokee farmer who became a martyr during the forced removals of the 1830s. This isn't just a ghost story; it is a legend of bravery and a haunting reminder of the lives lost...

  24. The Maco Light: North Carolina's Famous Railroad Ghost Story

    Experience the chilling legend of the Maco Light. From the tragic night of Joe Baldwin's sacrifice to the mysterious lantern light that haunted the North Carolina rails for over a century, this episode explores one of the South's most famous paranormal phenomena. Narrated by Jim McAmis, it's a...

  25. Mississippi Rose: A Southern Ghost Story

    Experience 'Mississippi Rose: A Southern Ghost Story.' This episode follows a young man's encounter with a mysterious figure on a dusty backroad in turn-of-the-century Mississippi. Part romance, part supernatural legend, this African American folktale explores the tragic history of the Simmons...

  26. Chloe, The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation

    Explore the legend of Chloe, the slave ghost of Myrtles Plantation. In this episode, we delve into the haunting history of one of the South's most famous antebellum homes and the tragic figure believed to haunt it to this day. This classic Louisiana ghost story is narrated with dramatic flair by...

  27. The Sausage Man of New Orleans: A Gruesome Ghost Story

    One of the French Quarter's most infamous murder tales. 'The Sausage Man of New Orleans' is a gruesome ghost story exploring the depths of murder and madness. In the 1800s, Hans Mueller was a respected butcher with a thriving shop on Ursulines Street—until he found a truly grisly way to 'dispose'...

  28. The Legend of Sop Doll: A Mississippi Witch Story

    Desperate for work during the Depression, a drifter takes a job at a remote Mississippi farm—only to find a mysterious black cat whispering at his dinner table. Discover the terrifying secret of the 'Sop Doll' and why some jobs are better left untaken. A classic Southern 'witch-cat' legend…

    more
  29. Wait 'Til Jesse Comes: A Mississippi Spooky Cat Legend

    Caught in a fierce Mississippi rainstorm, an exhausted salesman seeks refuge in an abandoned hillside house. He finds a warm fire—and a trio of black cats who are much more than they appear. As the cats grow in size and malice, they whisper a chilling warning: 'Wait 'til Jesse comes.' A classic...

  30. Mama Coon-Coon: A Louisiana Swamp Folktale

    Deep in the Louisiana bayou lives a mysterious fisherwoman named Mama Coon-Coon, famous for her seafood gumbo and infamous for her terrible singing. Unlike the other fishermen, she uses her big blue dress as bait to catch crabs late at night. But what happens when the crabs get tired of her…

    more
  31. Chancy Fox: The Louisiana Gambler and the Swamp Vampires

    In the Louisiana swamps, a man running from the law is just a moving target for things that haven't tasted fresh blood in a long, long time. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/chancy-fox/ For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit...

  32. The Town Without Death: A Kentucky Mountain Ghost Story

    After the tragic loss of his wife, a grieving farmer wanders deep into the hollows of Eastern Kentucky, stumbling upon a village that seems like paradise. In Burning Creek, there are no cemeteries and no one ever dies. But Sam Dylan soon discovers that the town's "eternal life" comes at a…

    more
  33. No Greater Love: A Kentucky Coal Mine Ghost Story

    Deep in the coal mining country of Kentucky, Henry Jacobs spends his days in the darkness of the earth. But when a terrifying accident occurs underground, Henry experiences an eerie encounter that defies explanation. "No Greater Love" is a bone-chilling Kentucky ghost story about a devotion that...

  34. The Ticking Clock: A Supernatural Mystery

    For years, the antique grandfather clock stood silent, a dusty relic of a bygone era. But when it suddenly begins to tick again, it signals more than just the passing of time. "The Ticking Clock" is a gripping supernatural mystery about a family secret that refuses to be ignored and a haunting...

  35. The Plat-Eye: A Lowcountry Shapeshifter Legend

    Deep in the marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, something is watching from the shadows. In Gullah-Geechee folklore, the "Plat-eye" is a terrifying shapeshifter that guards hidden treasures and lures the unwary into the swamps. "The Plat-Eye" is a haunting regional ghost story about a man…

    more
  36. The Meanest Man: A Savannah Tall Tale

    They say some folks are too mean for Heaven and too ornery for Hell. "The Meanest Man" is a classic Southern tall tale about a man so wicked that even the Devil thinks twice about claiming his soul. Experience this humorous and haunting Savannah legend of a man who tries to outsmart the…

    more
  37. The Bleeding Heart Dove

    A tragic tale of forbidden love and a broken heart that manifests in the natural world. "The Bleeding Heart Dove" explores the origins of the beautiful but sorrowful bird that carries a crimson mark upon its breast—a permanent reminder of a devotion that transcended life itself. Read the full…

    more
  38. Ibo Landing

    Near the mouth of Dunbar Creek on Georgia's St. Simons Island, locals tell of a section of swampy marshland where some fishermen still refuse to cast their lines. It is the site of a powerful act of resistance by the Igbo people, who chose the water over a life of bondage. Listen to storyteller...

  39. The Flaming Tomb of Josie Arlington

    In the heart of New Orleans' Metairie Cemetery sits a magnificent red granite crypt that locals once called "The Flaming Tomb". It belongs to Josie Arlington, the most notorious madam of the city's infamous Storyville red-light district. For decades, witnesses claimed the tomb's stone urns would...

  40. How Brer Coon Gets His Meat

    In this classic Uncle Remus folktale, the crafty Brer Rabbit and his clever friend Brer Coon team up to secure an easy dinner. Discover how Brer Coon uses a "playing dead" trick to outsmart the local frogs and fill his belly without breaking a sweat. Written by Joel Chandler Harris, this story...

  41. Blinded By Love

    In the heart of the Louisiana bayou, a pair of traveling newlyweds seeks shelter for the night in a secluded home. They expect a quiet evening of rest, but instead find themselves trapped in a house where the spirits aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Join us for a chilling Cajun ghost story...

  42. Knock, Knock, Who's There? | A Cajun Ghost Story

    In this chilling Cajun ghost story, a miserly father's cruelty toward his only daughter comes back to haunt him during a massive Gulf storm. Experience the atmospheric storytelling of J.J. Reneaux as she weaves a tale of greed, storms, and a supernatural visitor knocking at the door. Will the...

  43. Hell Hole – Battle of New Hope Church

    A Georgia ghost story about a Civil War relic hunter who stumbles across the haunted "Hell Hole" at the Battle of New Hope Church site. As he digs for artifacts in the Paulding County woods, he finds himself face-to-face with the lingering horrors of one of the war's most brutal skirmishes. FOR...

  44. The Coughing Dog

    Terrifying Georgia urban legend of a single woman who wonders why her guard dog starts acting so strangely. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter...

  45. Green Eyes of Chickamauga Battlefield

    Deep in the woods of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, a pair of glowing green eyes watches from the darkness. In this episode, we explore the terrifying legend of "Old Green Eyes," a creature that has haunted the Georgia battlefield since the smoke cleared in 1863. From Civil…

    more
  46. Graveyard Dogs

    What are those low, guttural growls echoing through the local cemetery at night? In this episode, we explore the terrifying legend of the Graveyard Dogs. Written by Wendy Webb, this story follows a group of unsuspecting visitors who learn the hard way that some burial grounds are protected by a...

  47. The Missing Cookies

    Was it Santa, or a visitor from the other side? On a quiet Christmas Eve, a plate of cookies disappears, sparking a family mystery that blurs the line between holiday magic and the supernatural. Join us for "The Missing Cookies," a heartwarming yet haunting Southern Christmas ghost story perfect...

  48. Deal with the Devil: A Georgia Trickster Tale

    Can a mere mortal outwit the Devil? In this episode, we share a classic Georgia folktale about a blacksmith who refuses to surrender his soul without a fight. With a clever plan and the help of a local witch, he prepares a series of traps that leave the Devil wishing he'd never set foot in…

    more
  49. One More Room: A Haunted Atlanta Hotel Ghost Story

    When a Hollywood location scout arrives in Atlanta to find the perfect backdrop for a new film, he thinks he's found a gem in a historic downtown hotel. But as he settles in for the night, he realizes that some locations come with "extras" that weren't in the contract. In "One More Room," the...

  50. The Bell Witch Cave

    In this original Southern ghost story, two children learn that some dares go too far when they venture into the infamous Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee. Based on the legendary 19th-century haunting that terrified a frontier community and a future U.S. President. Hear the legend come to life…

    more

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Southern ghost stories, folktales, myths, legends and other strange tales from the dark backroads of the American South, told by the region's best storytellers. Original short stories and classic campfire tales.

HOSTED BY

The Moonlit Road.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Moonlit Road Podcast have?

The Moonlit Road Podcast currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Moonlit Road Podcast about?

Southern ghost stories, folktales, myths, legends and other strange tales from the dark backroads of the American South, told by the region's best storytellers. Original short stories and classic campfire tales.

How often does The Moonlit Road Podcast release new episodes?

The Moonlit Road Podcast has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Moonlit Road Podcast?

You can listen to The Moonlit Road Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Moonlit Road Podcast?

The Moonlit Road Podcast is created and hosted by The Moonlit Road.com.
URL copied to clipboard!