Appalachian HorrorFest Podcast | Podcast Guru

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Welcome to the Appalachian HorrorFest Podcast...where the ancient art of storytelling is kept alive, one chilling tale at a time. Each episode delivers a short, standalone story steeped in the dark folklore, supernatural mystery, and unsettling imagination that define the Appalachian spirit. From eerie holler legends to deeply disturbing fiction that wanders far beyond the mountains, this show celebrates the voices that keep Appalachian horror thriving. Stories featured on the podcast are submitted by listeners, authors, and storytellers from across the region and beyond. Many of these works also appear in the festival’s annual publichation, The Gathering: An Appalachian Horror Anthology, where standout pieces are preserved in print as part of the festival’s growing legacy. Every episode is carefully curated by the festival’s editorial team to showcase the very best in independent horror storytelling. To submit your own tale for consideration, visit www.appalachianhorrorfest.com and click on the Submissions tab.

Recent Episodes

AHF 2024 – Brave Spalpen by Nate Smith

In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Master Storyteller Nate Smith performs his story “Brave Spalpen.” The story follows Daniel McAllister, a young man from the islands of Northern Ireland, who was called to serve in the war. Like many soldiers, he returned with physical scars, but it was the emotional wounds—referred to as ”heart-scalded” at the time—that cut deepest. This term, evoking a sense of profound emotional pain and soul-rending grief, would later be recognized as PTSD. Daniel witnessed unspeakable horrors during the war: dying men crying for their mothers, soldiers losing limbs and lives in brutal ways. Despite the trauma, he survived and returned home, while many others did not. The story highlights the enduring impact of war on those who live through its harrowing realities.

17 MIN

AHF 2024 – Fitch Waerie by Lena Perkins

In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Storyteller Lena Perkins performs her original story Fitch Waerie that follows misfortune that clings to Frank like a shadow. From flat tires and socks with holes to a defunct air conditioner in sweltering summer heat, his life is a cascade of minor catastrophes. His latest encounter with the mysterious ”fidget” leaves him unnerved, as a cryptic whisper and sudden disappearance blur the line between reality and imagination. When he tries to leave, the world conspires against him—splinters, falls, and locked cars add to his plight. Dusting himself off, Frank presses on, showcasing a dogged determination amidst the absurdity of life’s cruel twists.

13 MIN

AHF 2024 – Death on a Doorstep Night by R.F. Greer

In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Master Storyteller R.F. Greer introduced her original story, “Death on a Doorstep.” The story follows Jenna, a woman grappling with feelings of inadequacy and monotony in her life. One evening on her porch in the Smoky Mountains, she encounters a hooded figure claiming to be Death. Their tense and philosophical exchange revolves around Death’s search for an old man, William Sanson, whose time has come. As the eerie conversation unfolds, Jenna learns about her own mortality and finds herself confronted with deeper truths.

9 MIN

AHF 2024 – Things Do Go Bump in the Night by Susan Gilliam

In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Storyteller Susan Gilliam tells her original story, “Things Do Go Bump in the Night,” which looks at the rowdy behavior of a group of high school friends and an Ouija board.

24 MIN

AHF 2024 - The Hungary Watcher by Jeryd Bolden-Greer

In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Master storyteller Jeryd Bolden-Greer tells his original story, “The Hungry Watcher,” which explores the perspective of a supernatural being that preys on humans. The narrative delves into the primal anticipation and pleasure the predator feels as they prepare to strike, highlighting the tension and horror of the moment. The story culminates in a graphic depiction of the predator’s enjoyment of the kill and the aftermath, emphasizing the dark themes of hunger and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.

12 MIN