Ongoing Horror Anthology Podcast Cheat Sheet
One particular kind of podcast that deserves a bit more attention is the horror anthology. I feel like horror can easily be lumped into one blob of a genre (especially when drawing from multiple authors) but the subtle differences in anthology type and stories that these podcasts tell can really make or break listener experience. So! For people looking for a good spook but want minimal trial and error, I hope that this post can help.
Note that unless mentioned, these anthologies do not have trigger warnings or transcripts, please proceed with caution when selecting a horror podcast to listen to! A few of the podcasts listed here will be/have been reviewed in more depth in this blog.
PseudoPod: This podcast is one of the longest (if not The Longest) running horror podcast, with all 500+ episodes featuring free-range ethically sourced, independently written and/or performed horror stories and thoughtful but brief analysis for each featured story. The podcast site has a list of recommended episodes (http://pseudopod.org/new-to-pseudopod/) but most any episode you pick will be good. Stories featured go back to the 1800âČs to modern tales, contain POC, disabled, and queer authors and/or characters, and always contains information on further works by the writer and narrator.Â
All episodes have transcripts on the podcast site, trigger warnings are minimal
The NoSleep Podcast: All episodes are sourced from Reddit posts in the NoSleep subreddit or writer submission, with 11 seasons and options for season passes and/or additional content. If you want a list of recommended episodes, the podcast âAboutâ page has one https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/new-to-the-nosleep-podcast. There are genuinely good stories within this podcast. However, I would proceed with at least some caution as the episodes I listened two had content ranging from cosmic horror to heavy body horror with little to no content warning.
All episodes have trigger warnings on the podcast site
Knifepoint horror: This podcast is a collection of minimalist stories written by Soren Narnia that I call âdad horrorâ (i.e. most characters seem to be middle aged men, calmly recounting their experiences) starting in 2010. Due to the single author and first person retrospective mode of narration in almost every episode, there are not many jump scares and very little body horror, as well as a very distinctive almost-calm method of telling these truly unsettling, sometimes meandering tales. Podcast website can be found here:Â https://knifepointhorror.libsyn.com/
The Lift: This podcast is a series of stories written by independent stories that all have a few things in common; a young girl named Victoria, a seemingly decrepit apartment, and a Test of Character for all the characters who venture in. Iâve already given my opinion on the podcast here, but I would at least give the first episode a try as it deals heavily in moral ambiguity and contributing authors often twist its central theme in several interesting ways.
Honorable mentions (anthology-like with central narrative that ties into shorter stories being told)
The Magnus Archives: The new archivist for an institution dedicated cataloging encounters with the supernatural goes about his job, recordings statements of those with encounters and investigating their validity. What starts off as an almost-anthology chock full of people from all walks of life grows into an intriguing mystery with almost too many facets to keep track of.
No trigger warnings or transcripts, but a thorough Wiki where episode summaries can be found.
The Dark Tome: In this short (9 episodes to date) but sweet show, a disillusioned teen finds a mysterious book while assisting the elderly man who runs a local bookstore. The book is a gateway into stories ranging from the tale of a trapped West Virginian coal miner to a fae ball. Episodes are interspersed with longer horror stories, all of which are choice.
I will be adding to this list and adjusting as I listen on.
