The world of film and fiction would attempt to convince us that our first meeting with extraterrestrial beings will be a cerebral, enlightening experience. They assure us that we have much to learn from each other and that it will be an encounter between conscious, sentient and benevolent minds. They sometimes paint a positively heartwarming, humorous picture, implying our interactions will eventually become routine. Their fantasy journeys attempt to assuage our fears by showing us thrilling adventures coming from our encounters. But “the truth is out there,” and we have that truth: That it will be more a cause for dread when cosmic pilgrims reach our new world shores and emerge “From the Dark Sky.”

“Forget Me Not” written by Kelsey Donald and performed by Olivia Steele. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. In this saga, we meet a young couple as they pass the time near their old school. He wants to reminisce, but she has memories that make it unbearable for her to revisit the past. But if she wants to continue her life with him, she will need him to realize the truth and remember, too.

“Space” written by Tom Farr and performed by Jesse Cornett. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. A Russian space mission is in extreme danger and the consequences will extend far beyond the crew of the shuttle. This unfortunate turn will also reach the locals around the deepest freshwater lake in the world. Coincidentally, a scientific expedition comes to explore the lake and our intrepid experts do what scientists seem to do best: go exploring without any idea of what horrors await them.

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): Kelsey Donald & Tom Farr

Performer(s): Olivia Steele & Jesse Cornett

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Kelsey Donald & Tom Farr

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories © T.K. Morcambe, Maxwell Malone & Kevin Thomas

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

When we think of horror, we may imagine the immediate dangers of things such as being stalked by a malicious predator, getting lost with no hope of return, and painfully tragic accidents and injuries, or perhaps some other life-threatening situation. But what of the people who are left behind after the monster does its work, or when the nightmare is finally over? “What horrors await them?” you may ask. Will they be the next to meet with foul circumstances, or will something far worse befall them? Something, perhaps, like a long, lonely life missing someone dear to them? Whatever the answer may be, the partings of these stories will certainly be “Such Sweet Sorrow.”

“Cricket” written by T.K. Morcambe and performed by Pendleton Arkwright. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. A tale about a man whose small town world changes when he moves into the big city, an existence devoid of the sounds of home. When growing up, he had what appeared to him to be a minor incident that left him feeling uneasy, and which filled him with a sense of dread. The incident should have served as a lesson about the fragility of life. But what seemed like a small event from childhood will soon spiral into a tragedy in horrific ways that will not be so easily forgotten.

“The Children of Peculiar” written by Maxwell Malone and performed by Mary Naugle. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. In this fretful expedition into the darkest reaches we visit a picturesque hamlet. Despite the generally benign atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it is a town that lives under the veil of a sinister mystery… What is happening to the town’s children?

“Meatz” written by Kevin Thomas and performed by Christopher Keegan. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. Meet two one-time school friends who have grown apart since the days at their Alma Mater. Always a target for teasing, the most diminutive of the friends, not-so-affectionately nicknamed “Wasp,” turns to a cutting-edge gym with a very effective exercise program in an effort to change his appearance. The results of his new lifestyle astonish his former friend and classmate. But, as Wasp’s frame becomes more and more immense, the old adage that about there being “too much of a good thing” comes to mind, and the explosive secrets behind the gym and its odd members comes to light in a rather sinister manner.

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): T.K. Morcambe, Maxwell Malone & Kevin Thomas

Performer(s): Pendleton Arkwright, Mary Naugle & Christopher Keegan

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © T.K. Morcambe, Maxwell Malone & Kevin Thomas

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our tirelessly terrifying efforts to bring you brand new fear fodder, The Simply Scary Podcast sometimes devotes our episodes to the works of single authors that are haunted by dark, foreboding vision. The only way to purge them from their minds? Why, by trying to pass them on to you, of course! For this excursion we take wicked pleasure in bringing you the works of a sword-fighting enthusiast from New York whose writing talents will leave your blade trembling. The author of this episode’s dread is James Colton and the stories we present to you will come from his stellar short story collection “Pages of Dust.”

“Unit 319” written by James Colton and performed by C.C. Childers. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. In this tale we follow the journal of a man who has moved into a new apartment. Everything about the place, from the reclusive neighbors to the design of his rooms, is very odd indeed. As our protagonist begins to smell strange smells and hear disturbing sonances, he will reach a point where he will be begging for the situation to be merely “very odd.”

“Doors” written by James Colton and performed by Josh Irish. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. A man recounts his childhood experience, wherein his family occupied a new home, in which they found an undocumented room. It was such a strange, enigmatic little space that the young protagonist delighted in the thought of its exploration. He had no idea why it worried his father so much. Soon, however, no explanation would be needed.

“The Forgetful House” written by James Colton and performed by G.M. Danielson. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. After the death of his parents, a man inherits his childhood home. As he returns to the domicile, he brings friends with him for company. However, even though this was where he grew up, he finds the place very forgettable… supernaturally forgettable. As he reacquaints himself with his surroundings, there are some aspects that leave him feeling increasingly unnerved.

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): Lauren Munera & Michael T. Guidry

Performer(s): Jordan Lester & Nick Goroff

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Lauren Munera & Michael T. Guidry

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we venture into the darkest reaches of our concrete and steel society. Many people have found interesting surprises hidden for generations in old buildings. From benign discoveries of money and odd renovations from previous owners, to more malevolent discoveries of hidden corpses and dreadful omens, you can never be sure what you will unearth. This should force us to realize that monstrous acts and horrific nightmares are often hidden – just out of sight. So when you do major renovations to your home or explore an abandoned building for a thrill, it’s best to be prepared to reveal “Secrets Beneath the Floorboards.”

“The Saints Beneath the Floorboards” written by Lauren Munera and performed by Jordan Lester. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. A very wealthy young woman has been bequeathed a very special, very generous asset in her Grandmother’s will. For her, it is something with many childhood memories connected to it. But that doesn’t always mean it has sentimental value, and Courtney will soon learn that her inheritance comes with a grave price.

“Warwood Elementary” written by Michael T. Guidry and performed by Nick Goroff. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. During a fairly typical recess, a student and some friends discuss the curious fates of particularly insubordinate students. Could the unsettling rumor connecting these happenings to the Teacher’s Lounge possibly be true? And even if the rumors are true, students aren’t allowed in there… Looks like it’s time to expose the foolishness of youth!

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): Lauren Munera & Michael T. Guidry

Performer(s): Jordan Lester & Nick Goroff

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Lauren Munera & Michael T. Guidry

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dark time is upon us as winter’s breath prepares to blow in the Northern Hemisphere and we will soon be reaching the point where the cold will spoil all that is beautiful. Though the outdoors is becoming more foreboding with each shortening day and the fun events under the summer sun are fast becoming a memory – fear not! …Or rather, be fearful, for the giving of thanks is coming, so we should be in an appreciative frame of mind. Thus, these stories are effectively meant as a public service of sorts. By the time these unfortunate tales of outdoor adventure gone horribly wrong are finished, you will all be thankful to be away from the wilderness for a while and out of a place where we never quite know what may be “Watching from the Woods.”

“Camper Appreciation” written by Seth Paul and performed by Steven Schniers. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. Three young troublemakers want to get the most out of their time at Camp Quiet Ridge. Their jaunt promises to entail tons of boring camp meetings. So instead, they decide to investigate a house in the woods nearby. Legend holds that this house used to be the home of an alleged mass murderer. Unspeakably memorable things were whispered to have been done with the bodies of his victims. Of course, our tough guys don’t believe it, yet… they can’t resist checking it out anyway. In doing so, they discover a truth much worse than the legends.

“Leave Your Flashlights at Home” written by Jeff Hartin and performed by Steve Taylor. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. In this tale, we embark on an excursion into a peaceful refuge of wilderness set aside for conservation. Your guide will be a park ranger who takes us through his experience of investigating a campsite on a cold winter’s night. The ominous signs of violence that he discovers are only the beginning events of a horrendous curse that has befallen his park.

Author(s): Seth Paul & Jeff Hartin

Performer(s): Steven Schniers & Steve Taylor

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Seth Paul & Jeff Hartin

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here at Simply Scary, we are true animal lovers. No, really, we are. We have pet dogs, cats, fish, and even some of the more exotic sorts of pets like snakes, chameleons… and interns. All of them are so close to us that they’re practically part of the family. They keep us company, they’re loyal and they demand little from us. But there’s always a chance they could regress to a stage where they become feral, frightened, dangerous creatures that we should think twice about having in our homes. Do you still find hard it to believe that your cute, cuddly Mr. Puddles could harbor a dark side? Well, after experiencing the stories in this episode of The Simply Scary Podcast, you won’t be sure what to believe about your animal friends anymore. Who can guess which seemingly normal living things will turn out to be fearsome creatures?

“Lions and Tigers and Bears” written by Andrew Harmon and performed by Jason Hill. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. It promised to be a routine Tuesday night for the zoo security staff. Just do the rounds and that would be that. But they notice a peculiar affliction affecting the animals they’re taking care of, an oddness that’s spreading. There’s something strange in their eyes, and something lurking in their shadows. (Story starts at 00:04:13)

“Beneath Our Feet” written by Max Aaron of UnsettlingStories.com and performed by Kristin Holland. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. You never know where a parrot like “Perry” is going to pick up the phrases he repeats. Birds like “Perry” live long lives and harbor a unique talent that most other creatures in the animal kingdom lack. It is an amazing gift, when an animal can talk… even if it is mere mimicry. But what “Perry” starts to say one day will make you shudder, and wonder who he has been talking to.

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): Andrew Harmon & Max Aaron

Performer(s): Jason Hill & Kristin Holland

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Andrew Harmon & Max Aaron

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As of the release of this episode, we’re in the home stretch of the 2016 American Presidential election cycle. Many of us are beginning to get a sense of relief that this embarrassing national circus is coming to an end. Either way, roughly half to two thirds of the country is about to be profoundly disappointed and a large portion of either team’s supporters fears buyer’s remorse. And it just so happens that we here at the Simply Scary Podcast specialize in fear. In honor of the momentous carnival like atmosphere, we bring you an act from the freak show that reveals how, believe it or not, the situation could have been much worse…

“Man of the People” written by D.W Gillespie and performed by Otis Jiry. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. News of his impending death has left a former government operative feeling powerless and insignificant, as one who can only lash out in petty ways to curb his bitterness. But when an old colleague comes to call, he brings with him an opportunity that may well make our unfortunate subject one of the most important people in human history, and one of its most hated heroes…

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): D.W Gillespie

Performer(s): Otis Jiry

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © D.W Gillespie

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Halloween Season has come and gone, leaving only the faint scent of chocolate and bloody nightmares hanging in the air. Fortunately, we know exactly what to snack on during that special hangover from Halloween. Since there’s nothing but Thanksgiving and Christmas ahead of us, in order to ease your post-Samhain pain, we serve up two generous servings of horrific “Comfort Food.”

“Welcome to Steinfield’s Burger Palace” written by Cole Long and performed by Tyler Bowman. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. Tom has a simple need for a part time job, and the local burger joint looks like a good place to make a few easy bucks as a busboy. However, meeting the restaurant owner, Henry, and his shift leader, Cynthia, leads him into a deadly mystery.

“Diner” written by Darren Totum and performed by Stuart Kurth. Production and score by Jesse Cornett. A man sits in a greasy spoon diner, enjoying the stale atmosphere for what it is… But the peaceful climate waits to be broken. Danger is coming… Or maybe it is already there…

Host(s): G.M. Danielson

Author(s): Cole Long & Darren Totum

Performer(s): Tyler Bowman & Stuart Kurth

Executive Producer: Craig Groshek

Scriptwriter(s): Jesse Cornett & Dustin Koski

Producer(s): Jesse Cornett

Composer(s): Jesse Cornett

Artist(s): David Romero

Stories © Cole Long & Darren Totum

Audio production © Chilling Entertainment, LLC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.