Nichole Goodnight and Elie Hirschman, talented actors in the NoSleep Podcast, dive deep into chilling collegiate tales in this gripping discussion. They explore the terror of apartment hunting with dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. The haunting story of Ava, who encounters a supernatural entity in a library, illustrates the thin line between knowledge and danger. A lighter narrative about social anxiety at a non-existent party adds humor amidst the horror. Join them for an evening of spine-tingling tales and eerie reflections.
The eeriness of everyday life is highlighted through Kirk's unsettling experience with a mysterious stain that symbolizes hidden fears.
Ava's discovery of a haunted quill illustrates the peril of seeking knowledge about dangerous individuals and the dark themes of self-awareness.
Jared's nightmarish experience at a seemingly idyllic party serves as a cautionary tale about the deceptive facades hiding true malevolence.
Deep dives
The Foreboding Apartment
In the first story, Kirk and his friends find what seems to be the ideal apartment close to campus, but Kirk is troubled by a mysterious stain in the closet that resembles a face. Despite his apprehension, his friend Russ insists on taking the place because of its advantages, including private rooms and free utilities. As Kirk moves in, he discovers unsettling occurrences tied to the stain, leading him to have recurring nightmares filled with nightmarish creatures. The feeling of dread intensifies as his belongings seemingly disappear, suggesting a supernatural connection to the stain that entraps him in a web of fear and suspicion.
The Library's Dark Secret
In the second tale, Ava discovers a hidden study cubicle in her university library that possesses a haunted quill and an inkwell. When she pricks her finger to write questions, the quill reveals grim truths about her pursuer, Matthew, confirming her fears about his dangerous intentions. As Ava confronts Matthew, she is drawn deeper into a supernatural exchange that escalates violently, leading her to confront not just her assailant but her own inner demons. This encounter illustrates the peril of seeking knowledge in places steeped in darkness and the consequences of engaging with forces one does not understand.
The Party That Wasn't
In the final story, Jared is invited to a party that turns out to be an unsettling nightmare. Initially nervous but excited, he arrives to find an eerie lack of activity and a strange, polished environment within a warehouse. As he engages with party-goers who seem to know him, he becomes increasingly uneasy about the strange behaviors of those around him and the impossibly immaculate building. Just when he thinks he’s found camaraderie, the atmosphere shifts dramatically, plunging him into darkness and chaos, as he realizes the party was a facade, and he must escape from something far more sinister.
The Otherworldly Experience
As Jared grapples with the bizarre occurrences at the party, he loses all connection to reality when the vibrant atmosphere shifts to a silent, oppressive darkness. Isolated, he feels an unseen audience closing in around him as he attempts to navigate through the maze-like structure. With each step, alarming revelations unfold about his sense of identity and reality, culminating in a startling encounter that challenges his sanity. The discomfort of being trapped between two worlds leaves him questioning the very existence of his memories and those around him.
The Influence of Fear
As the episode concludes, the lingering message underscores the implications of fear and the supernatural intertwined with everyday life. Through the experiences of Kirk, Ava, and Jared, listeners are confronted with the idea that danger often lies hidden beneath familiar surfaces. Their stories serve as moral tales cautioning against ignoring warning signs—the stains, the quill, the unsettling familiarity of strangers. The blending of horror and college life illustrates the lessons one learns amid chaos, pushing the boundaries of reason while grappling with unsettling truths.
It's Episode 11 of Season 22. The voices are calling with tales of collegiate carnage.
"Put on the Spot" written by Ryan Alleman (Story starts around 00:03:00)
Produced by: Claudius Moore
Cast: Kirk - Kyle Akers, Russ - Atticus Jackson, Owner - Graham Rowat, John - Jesse Cornett, Howie - Elie Hirschman, Vanessa - Nichole Goodnight
"Demon of the Stacks" written by Hannah Brown (Story starts around 00:26:35) TRIGGER WARNING!
Produced by: Jeff Clement
Cast: Narrator - Nikolle Doolin, Ava - Nichole Goodnight, Mathew - Elie Hirschman
"I Got Invited to a Party that Didn't Happen" written by A.K. Kullerden (Story starts around 00:34:00)
Produced by: Phil Michalski
Cast: Jared - James Cleveland, Natalie - Ash Millman, Uber Driver - Andy Cresswell, Grey-Eyed Girl - Erika Sanderson, Bro #1 - Jake Benson, Bro #2 - David Ault, Random Girl - Penny Scott-Andrews
"Dark Places" written by T. Frohock (Story starts around 01:07:45)
Produced by: Phil Michalski
Cast: Mike - Matthew Bradford, Ray - Jeff Clement
"The Knocking on the Walls" written by Ellis Hastings (Story starts around 01:36:25)
Produced by: Jesse Cornett
Cast: Narrator - Mike DelGaudio, Christian - Reagen Tacker, Atlas - Peter Lewis
This episode is sponsored by: Betterhelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/nosleep and get on your way to being your best self.