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.
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.
30 Mar 2025
AHF 2024 – Fitch Waerie by Lena Perekins
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.
30 Mar 2025
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.
30 Mar 2025
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.
25 Feb 2025
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.
18 Feb 2025
The Ravens Vail Coven: “Wishing for a Friend.” by Ed D. Bolden-Greer
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Master storyteller Ed Bolden-Greer shares a haunting tale performed during Appalachian Horror Fest 2024. Inspired by a vivid dream from his childhood, the story revolves around a young child who, after wishing for a friend while stargazing with their mother, encounters a terrifying creature that embodies their darkest fears. This creature, which appears to be a twisted version of a friend, brings a series of tragic events that follow the child throughout their life, leading to a chilling realization about the consequences of their wish. The narrative explores themes of fear, loss, and the haunting nature of unfulfilled desires.
2 Jan 2025
The Ravens Vail Coven: “Eighty Feet Deep.” by Natalya Smith
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, listeners are taken on a dark journey through a tale performed by Natalia Smith during Appalachian Horror Fest 2024. The story revolves around Frank, a miner who, after a fight with his former best friend Sloan, accidentally kills him in a struggle. In a panic, Frank hides Sloan’s body deep within the mines, fearing that no one would believe it was an accident. As time passes, Frank becomes haunted by the guilt of his actions, feeling as though Sloan’s spirit is watching him. One night, while working late in the mines, Frank encounters a ghostly vision of Sloan, which leads to his own tragic demise.
16 Nov 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: “Vanished” by Tiffany Weathers
n this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven features a dark and haunting story titled ”Invisible,” written and performed by Master Storyteller Tiffany Weathers. The story is centered around a woman named Emily who feels utterly invisible in her life, neglected by her family and society. As her feelings of isolation deepen, she encounters a shadowy figure in a dream that offers her power at a terrible cost. Emily succumbs to her dark desires, becoming a vengeful spirit who exacts revenge on those who overlooked her, leading to a series of murders. Ultimately, she realizes that she has been manipulated by the darkness she embraced, becoming a ghostly figure haunting the town of Hollowbrook, forever seeking her next victim.
4 Oct 2024
Season 1 | Episode 9 - Curious Lilly: A Scary Story for Children
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven, Ed Bolden-Greer shares his enchanting children’s story ”Curious Lily.” The story follows a little girl, Lily, who, despite warnings, explores the mysterious Ravenswood Forest. Her curiosity leads her to an abandoned house where she discovers tiny, trapped fairies. After freeing them, they gift her an enchanted locket. Upon returning home, she is warned by a chilling voice that her actions will have consequences. The story ends with Lily waking up, finding the locket in her hand, and something precious to her missing.
16 Aug 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: The Raven by Melanie Alexander
This episode of the Ravens Vail Coven Podcast was written by Edgar Allen Poe and performed by Master Storyteller Melanie Alexander during Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Alexander dramatically presents Poe’s “The Raven”, which revolves around a man who is deeply grieving the loss of his beloved, Lenore. One night, as he mourns in solitude, a raven visits him, bringing with it a haunting message. The raven’s repeated response of ”never more” serves as a chilling reminder of the permanence of his grief and the inevitability of loss. Through this encounter, the story explores themes of sorrow, memory, and the struggle to cope with profound emotional pain.
13 Aug 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: Creepsakes by R.F. Greer
This episode of the Ravens Vail Coven Podcast was written and performed by Master Storyteller R.F. Greer during Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Greer showcases the power of poetry as a storytelling medium with his collection, “Creepsake.” The poems delve into themes of darkness, memory, and the haunting presence of the past.
In the first part, “Haunt,” Greer explores the chilling experience of night terrors and the eerie sensation of encountering lost loved ones through a mysterious blue light. The second part, “The Field,” offers a unique narrative from the perspective of flowers observing human life. It focuses on Helena and her tumultuous relationship with Ramsey, reflecting on love, loss, and the impact of human actions on nature, culminating in a tragic and haunting conclusion.
12 Aug 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: Dark Katrina by Nate Smith
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven Podcast was written and performed by Master Storyteller Nate Smith at the Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. This story is called ”,” and revolves around a young fiddler named Fiddlin’ Jack who becomes enchanted by a mysterious woman named Dark Katrina. Smith’s story is set in the Appalachian Mountains, and Jack’s musical talent draws the attention of Katrina. As Jack attempts to hunt a she-wolf, he discovers Katrina’s true nature and ultimately joins her in a magical transformation, leading to a life together on the farm after the sheriff’s passing. The tale intertwines themes of love, magic, and the wildness of nature.
11 Aug 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: Irish Story & The Invited Guest by Natayla Smith
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven Podcast was written and performed by Master Storyteller Natayla Smith at the Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. This episode features two intertwined stories centered around themes of storytelling, friendship, and the supernatural. The first story, entitled “Irish Story,” follows a young fiddler who, after being tempted by the fairies, plays music for them all night in exchange for gold, ultimately leading to a life of fulfillment but with a lingering fear of the fairies’ power. The second story, “The Invited Guest,” tells of two friends who promise to invite each other to their weddings, leading to a poignant reunion that transcends life and death, ultimately revealing the passage of time and the consequences of their choices. Both tales explore the rich tradition of storytelling and the impact of folklore on personal lives.
10 Aug 2024
The Ravens Vail Coven: The Hallows by Tiffany Weathers
In this episode of the Ravens Vail Coven Podcast was written and performed by Master Storyteller Tiffany Weathers at the Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tiffany’s original story follows Andrew, who is driving through a dark rural area after a family tragedy involving his father. As he navigates the eerie hollows, he becomes increasingly agitated and distracted, leading to a car accident. After the crash, Andrew experiences a surreal and terrifying sequence of events, including hallucinations of his deceased father and sister. He finds himself trapped in a nightmarish loop, witnessing the aftermath of his own death without being able to intervene. The episode explores themes of guilt, loss, and the haunting nature of unresolved family issues.
8 Aug 2024
Appalachain HorrorFest 2023 - Blue Bonnet by Pen Hill
This episode of the Ravens Vale Coven Podcast was written and performed by Master Storyteller Pen Hill at the Appalachian HorrorFest 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pen’s story, “Blue Bonnet,” is an Appalachian-inspired reimagining of the old French fairy tale ”Little Red Riding Hood” (or ”Little Red Cap”). Blue Bonnet is a young girl from the Appalachian Mountains who embarks on a journey through the woods to her granny’s house. She follows specific rituals and instructions from her mother to protect herself from spirits and dangers in the woods. As she travels through the woods, she encounters mysterious creatures and navigates the dangers of the backwoods. As she reaches her granny’s cottage, she discovers a chilling revelation about the true nature of the spirits in the woods and the risks of venturing alone. The tale is filled with elements of Appalachian tradition, mysticism, and the importance of respecting the rules of the backwoods.
3 Jan 2024
The Hook: Narrow Escape
EPISODE CREDITS
“The Hook: Narrow Escape”
Original Release: November 2023
Website: Ravens Vail (https://ravensvail.com/)
Description: This original work from author Ed Bolden-Greer (https://edbolden.com/)is an original writing based on an Appalachian Urban Legend told by his Grandfather Earl Ray Fultz. A tale of true horror finds two young lovers in danger then and now. This work was originally presented at the Appalachian HorrorFest 2023.
Written and Narrated by Ed Bolden-Greer
Audio Engineering & Sound Design by Nick DeVan at Nicky D Sound Studio
Produced and edited by Jeryd Bolden-Greer
Podcast Theme music: “Magic” was written by Jeryd Bolden-Greer and performed by The Coven Squared.
Ravens Vail Coven is a production of Small Raven Media. The original author retains ownership of their work. However, this recording and all material content related to this episode are the property of the Ravens Vail Podcast and Small Ravens Media. Copyright 2023 by Small Raven Media. All rights reserved.
1 Jan 2024
Last Mortal Moment
EPISODE CREDITS
“Last Mortal Moment”
Original Release: November 2023
Website: Ravens Vail (http://www.ravensvail.com)
Description: This original work of alliteration from writer Jeryd Bolden-Greer is a haunting story that depicts what it would feel like to become the monster from the monster’s point of view. This work was originally presented at Appalachian HorrorFest 2023.
Written and Narrated by Jeryd Bolden-Greer
Audio Engineering & Sound Design by Nick DeVan at Nicky D Sound Studio
Produced and edited by Ed Bolden-Greer
Podcast Theme music: “Magic” was written by Jeryd Bolden-Greer and performed by The Coven Squared.
Ravens Vail Coven is a production of Small Raven Media. The original author retains ownership of their work. However, this recording and all material content related to this episode are the property of the Ravens Vail Podcast and Small Ravens Media. Copyright 2023 by Small Raven Media. All rights reserved.
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Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
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YouTube
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Engagement
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