The First in Fright podcast explores all things paranormal in North Carolina. Hear the stories behind the strange and get the supernatural scoop on NC’s scary true stories, unsolved mysteries and urban legends. A perfect mix of chilling first hand experiences and historical lore, find out why these North Carolina stories will haunt you in the best way.
Whether you are looking for a nearby haunt or a creeped-out cross-state trip, First in Fright shares the paranormal destinations guaranteed to get your spine-tingling. But beware, you might leave with your own frightening first-hand tale.
Step into the shadowed woods of the Smokies, where Cherokee lore reveals the lingering presence of the sgili, dark spirits like the terrifying Spearfinger and the shapeshifting Raven Mocker, who taunt and torture the living. We’ll journey into Oconaluftee Indian Village and hear how unseen spirits and shadowy figures make their presence known, from dorm walls dripping with blood to a costume designer who never misses opening night, even from beyond the grave.
This episode was created in collaboration with the Cherokee Historical Association, a nonprofit organization that serves as both a guardian and storyteller of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ history and culture.
A note of warning: topics covered in this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:
(https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)NCFirstinFright.com (http://ncfirstinfright.com)
15 Oct 2025
11. Spirits of Raleigh | First in Fright
In North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh, it isn’t only political power at work, but supernatural powers as well. In this episode, enter Theatre in the Park, where the forever young linger and play in frightening ways. Then enter the Executive Mansion, where a former Governor insists he makes his presence known. Finally, explore the Mordecai House where Lady in Gray makes sure you know who really runs the house — because in Raleigh, even ghosts have influence.
A note of warning: topics covered in this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:
(https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)NCFirstinFright.com (http://ncfirstinfright.com)
1 Oct 2025
9. Haunted Hotels | First in Fright
In North Carolina our hospitality is legendary, even those who have passed on are sometimes not ready to check out of their hotel just yet. In this new episode, you’ll meet some of the most famous ghosts of North Carolina’s hotels and inns. Hear stories and first-hand accounts from Lake Lure Inn and Spa, Roanoke Island Inn and Charlotte’s Dunhill Hotel. These haunting tales prove that even when there are vacancies, you may want to second guess if rooms are truly unoccupied.
A note of warning: topics covered in this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here: (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)NCFirstinFright.com (http://ncfirstinfright.com)
1 Oct 2025
10. Nightmare at the Museum | First in Fright
In Wilmington, museum exhibits truly come alive with a little help from the undead. In this episode, tour the Wilmington Railroad Museum where phantom conductors linger and unknown spirits refuse to leave specific rooms. Then, enter the Museum of the Bizarre, home to oddities such as the Fort Fisher mermaid, Houdini’s Ouija board and crystal skulls and hear how one such item, the infamous “Annabelle” doll, isn’t just strange — it is said to be truly possessed.
A note of warning: topics covered in this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:
(https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)NCFirstinFright.com (http://ncfirstinfright.com)
19 Sept 2025
New Episodes of First in Fright Coming Soon
The First in Fright podcast explores all things paranormal in North Carolina. Hear the stories behind the strange and get the supernatural scoop on NC’s scary true stories, unsolved mysteries and urban legends. A perfect mix of chilling first hand experiences and historical lore, find out why these North Carolina stories will haunt you in the best way.
First in Fright explores all things that go bump in the North Carolina night, including insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state, including a brand new podcast. Discover more at (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)NCFirstinFright.com (http://ncfirstinfright.com)
23 Oct 2024
8. Creepy Coast | First in Fright
Season 1’s final episode introduces listeners to the eerie and haunted history of North Carolina's coastal region, a place phantom ships, the ghosts of famous pirates and hurricane-summoned shadow figures all call home. It's also where the Battleship North Carolina Memorial honors the dead of World War II -- including some who never left the ship.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here: NCFirstinFright.com (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
23 Oct 2024
7. Strange Skies | First in Fright
While Western North Carolina continues to recover following Hurricane Helene, the Piedmont, coast and some areas of the mountains are ready to welcome you for a fall adventure. However, parts of Pisgah National Forest and Linville Gorge, where the Brown Mountain Lights are located, are not quite ready for your visit. Please check VisitNC.com (https://www.visitnc.com/) frequently for the latest updates on visiting the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Given strange and unexplained phenomena like blood rain and mysterious floating lights, it's no wonder that we've long pondered whether we are alone in the universe. And given North Carolina's many UFO sightings and abduction stories, listeners may find the answer to that question is all too clear.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here: NCFirstinFright.com (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
23 Oct 2024
6. Old North Witches | First in Fright
North Carolina is abundant in witches, stemming from European immigrant tales and post-slavery, African American folklore. These stories, ranging from shapeshifting crones to the nefarious Boo Hag, are often symbols of both malevolence and empowerment. And one man recounts how a witch's curse ultimately led to a major life transition.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here: NCFirstinFright.com (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
23 Oct 2024
5. Haunted Hospitals | First in Fright
Sometimes places of healing are the most haunted places of all. At the Trivette Clinic and Broughton State Hospital, tragic events, restless spirits, spectral children, and mysterious energies have left permanent marks on these eerie locations.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here: NCFirstinFright.com (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
13 Sept 2024
4. Traveling Terrors | First in Fright
Some of North Carolina's most chilling ghost stories are on the move, like the Maco Light, where a decapitated brakeman's spirit searches for his lost head, and the Bostian Bridge, where a ghostly train reenacts its tragic crash every year. Other tales, like Lydia, the hitchhiking spirit, reveal the relentless nature of spirits determined to finish their journey, even long after their deaths.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
13 Sept 2024
3. Carolina Cryptids | First in Fright
North Carolina's diverse landscapes are home to both a wide variety of wildlife, and also legendary creatures like the Knobby the NC Bigfoot, the Demon Dog of Valle Crucis, and the Loch Ness-like Normie. But none is as terrifying as the Wampus Cat, a fearsome beast that blurs the line between folklore and reality.
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
13 Sept 2024
2. Paranormal Places | First in Fright
Meet the ghoulish inhabitants of the Old North State’s most paranormal places from haunted hotels to a store fully stocked with spine-tingling tales. Hear about the Pink Lady of the Omni Grove Park Inn, the ill-fated lovers of the Duke Mansion, Chowan University's Brown Lady and the tragic true crimes behind the haunting of Madison Dry Goods.
Want to have your own spooky stay? Explore our list of haunted hotels in North Carolina and try your luck with things that go bump in the night: https://www.visitnc.com/story/U6Yy/haunted-hotels-and-spooky-stays?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=spookystays (https://www.visitnc.com/story/U6Yy/haunted-hotels-and-spooky-stays?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=spookystays)
First in Fright brings you all things paranormal in NC with insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state. Discover more here:https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
13 Sept 2024
1. Unexplained Phenomena | First in Fright
On our inaugural episode of everything that goes bump in the North Carolina night, discover the legendary Devil’s Tramping Ground, a mysterious barren circle and notorious spot for unsolved paranormal occurrences where a group of college students encounter a charming stranger who may be much more than he appears.
First in Fright explores all things that go bump in the North Carolina night, including insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state, including a brand new podcast. Discover more here:https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
11 Sept 2024
First In Fright - Trailer
The First in Fright podcast explores all things paranormal in North Carolina. Hear the stories behind the strange and get the supernatural scoop on NC’s scary true stories, unsolved mysteries and urban legends. A perfect mix of chilling first hand experiences and historical lore, find out why these North Carolina stories will haunt you in the best way.
First in Fright explores all things that go bump in the North Carolina night, including insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state, including a brand new podcast. Discover more here:https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch (https://www.visitnc.com/first-in-fright?utm_source=anchor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fif_24&utm_content=podcastlaunch)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
67 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
53 ratings
Contact First in Fright
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of First in Fright?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
