Join Jesse Cornett and Atticus Jackson, talented voice actors known for their gripping roles in "About Fifty-Seven" and "Eyes in the Woods." They dive into chilling tales of familial bonds tested by nature’s fury, including reflections on the haunting legacy of Mount St. Helens. The duo explores themes of nostalgia and trauma, balancing humor with horror as they recount their eerie experiences in the wilderness. With spine-tingling narratives and emotional depth, listeners will be left questioning what truly lurks in the shadows.
The first story explores the emotional weight of familial loss through the brothers' nostalgic trek to honor their father's memory related to the Mount St. Helens eruption.
In the second narrative, a man's retreat to nature reveals the tension between solitude and the unsettling presence of an intruder, highlighting the complexities of isolation.
Both tales intricately weave themes of trauma and familial connections, emphasizing how past experiences shape the protagonists' perceptions of safety and fear in the natural world.
Deep dives
Return to Mount St. Helens
The narrative revolves around two brothers who trek to Mount St. Helens to commemorate their father, a victim of the catastrophic eruption in 1980. As they reminisce about their childhood fascination with the volcano, they reflect on their father's last moments and the lasting impact of that tragic day. The story is imbued with nostalgia, recalling how their mother, fearful during the eruption, sheltered them in the basement while they waited for news. The volcano's eruption symbolizes both their father's disappearance and the overwhelming sense of loss that affects their lives.
Hiking in Solitude
In a separate tale set in the Black Mountains of North Carolina, a man eagerly anticipates a week of solitude at his family cabin, away from daily stress. He experiences a shift in atmosphere, with the serene beauty of nature interrupted by unsettling occurrences, especially after hearing his father’s warnings about the woods having ‘eyes’. A mix of humor and tension arises when he discovers his father has installed security cameras, making him feel watched even in his refuge. The story blends the tranquility of nature with underlying dread, leaving the protagonist questioning his isolation.
The Allure of the Unknown
As the man explores the surrounding woods, he encounters signs of previous visitors, which intensifies an unsettling vibe, making him feel increasingly watched. The forest feels alive, with peculiar tracks leading him deeper into the woods, provoking his curiosity about who may have passed through. Despite an instinct to retreat, he presses on, enticed by the solitude juxtaposed with eeriness. This tension builds as he grapples with the keen sense that he is not alone, making his exploration an unsettling dance between intrigue and fear.
Confrontation in the Cabin
The climax occurs when the man returns to the cabin only to find an intruder in a ghillie suit, heightening the emotional stakes. His fear escalates as he confronts the reality of a break-in while his loyal dog reacts fiercely to the threat. This standoff culminates in a tense exchange where the intruder, armed with a knife, warns him to never return to the woods. The blending of supernatural fears from his father’s tales with a tangible danger creates a uniquely harrowing atmosphere, forcing the character to confront his vulnerabilities.
The Lingering Shadows
Ultimately, the man’s experiences at the cabin leave him haunted by the unpredictable nature of both the wilderness and human intrusion. The traumatic encounter leads him to reevaluate his connections to the place, reflecting on how explorations of nature can reveal both beauty and fear. The stories intertwine to reveal how past traumas, familial bonds, and external threats shape the protagonists’ journeys. Conclusively, the shadows of loss and fear linger, questioning the safety of isolation and the weight of familial expectations in the face of nature’s majesty.
We're getting higher as Season 22 approaches. Scale the mountains with Sleepless Decompositions Vol. 19.
"About Fifty-Seven" written by Jay Bechtol (Story starts around 00:04:30)
Produced by: Jeff Clement
Cast: Benjamin - Jesse Cornett, Jeremy - Atticus Jackson, Mom - Kristen DiMercurio
"Eyes in the Woods" written by Jay Hodgkins (Story starts around 00:36:00) TRIGGER WARNING!
Produced by: Phil Michalski
Cast: Narrator - Graham Rowat, Dad - David Cummings, Pete - Mike DelGaudio, Passerby - Dan Zappulla, Man - Atticus Jackson
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