Shows
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 263: Scribblings in the WellThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta that outlines why it may be a bad idea to follow clearly unhinged instructions you may come across while exploring old wells. Check out the anonymously authored 'Scribblings in the Well.'2024-09-1831 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 263: Scribblings in the WellThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta that outlines why it may be a bad idea to follow clearly unhinged instructions you may come across while exploring old wells. Check out the anonymously authored 'Scribblings in the Well.'2024-09-1831 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 261: Lost Episodes Can Be Found, Pt 2This week, Ben reads the exciting conclusion, or is excited to conclude, the mystery thriller creepypasta Lost Episodes Can Be Found, originally written by Hopelessnightowl. As the protagonist draws nearer to finding the disturbing verion of Aristicats that has haunted him since his youth (yes, you heard that right), the bigger picture starts to emerge. But you'll have to listen if you want to know how this story concludes. ...or, I suppose, go read the original story, sourced below. Source: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-08-061h 20The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 261: Lost Episodes Can Be Found, Pt 2This week, Ben reads the exciting conclusion, or is excited to conclude, the mystery thriller creepypasta Lost Episodes Can Be Found, originally written by Hopelessnightowl. As the protagonist draws nearer to finding the disturbing verion of Aristicats that has haunted him since his youth (yes, you heard that right), the bigger picture starts to emerge. But you'll have to listen if you want to know how this story concludes. ...or, I suppose, go read the original story, sourced below. Source: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-08-061h 20
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 260: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again, Part 1This week, Ben takes us on the first leg of a journey with more legs than one. Probably two. But perhaps three? Regardless, this is leg one, and it's the start of a tale of a traumatic version of the already traumatic Aristicats, and the narrator's quest to find out where and how it came to be. Check out Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again, part one. By HopelessNightOwl Source: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-07-251h 00The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 260: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again, Part 1This week, Ben takes us on the first leg of a journey with more legs than one. Probably two. But perhaps three? Regardless, this is leg one, and it's the start of a tale of a traumatic version of the already traumatic Aristicats, and the narrator's quest to find out where and how it came to be. Check out Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again, part one. By HopelessNightOwl Source: Lost Episodes Can Be Found Again | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-07-251h 00
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 256: The Butcer FamilyThis week, Ben reads 'The Butcher Family' by Night Spirit. It's a tale of woe, generational curses, and the best damned meat-cubes you ever did taste. Source: The Butcher Family | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-04-0949 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 256: The Butcer FamilyThis week, Ben reads 'The Butcher Family' by Night Spirit. It's a tale of woe, generational curses, and the best damned meat-cubes you ever did taste. Source: The Butcher Family | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2024-04-0949 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 254: A Friend in NeedOn the brink of starvation and ruin, a pastor struggles with the absolute abandonment of his congregation. But then a mysterious man-thing shows up and offers him a deal he can't refuse. This week, Ben reads the piously creepy A Friend in Need by Dylon Winfield. 2024-02-281h 14The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 254: A Friend in NeedOn the brink of starvation and ruin, a pastor struggles with the absolute abandonment of his congregation. But then a mysterious man-thing shows up and offers him a deal he can't refuse. This week, Ben reads the piously creepy A Friend in Need by Dylon Winfield. 2024-02-281h 14
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 252: My Wife Has Been Peeking at Me […]This week, Ben puts on his Brave Boy Pants and delves into Reddit/Nosleep to retrieve a story so freightful in it's freighteningness that it took us an extra 24 hours to post. Check out 'My Wife Has Been Peeking at Me From Around Corners and Behind Furniture. It's Gone from Weird to Terrifying' by Maliagirl1314. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/sva7z6/my_wife_has_been_peeking_at_me_from_around/ 2024-02-141h 19The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 252: My Wife Has Been Peeking at Me […]This week, Ben puts on his Brave Boy Pants and delves into Reddit/Nosleep to retrieve a story so freightful in it's freighteningness that it took us an extra 24 hours to post. Check out 'My Wife Has Been Peeking at Me From Around Corners and Behind Furniture. It's Gone from Weird to Terrifying' by Maliagirl1314. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/sva7z6/my_wife_has_been_peeking_at_me_from_around/ 2024-02-141h 19
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 250: The Curse of the NinthThis week, Ben brings a supernatural tale so super it's natural to tell. A hit musician, locked alone in a cabin deep in the woods. Desperate to write that one last perfect song. But at what cost? Check out The Curse of the Ninth by Trycksterr. Source: The Curse of the Ninth | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2024-01-2241 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 250: The Curse of the NinthThis week, Ben brings a supernatural tale so super it's natural to tell. A hit musician, locked alone in a cabin deep in the woods. Desperate to write that one last perfect song. But at what cost? Check out The Curse of the Ninth by Trycksterr. Source: The Curse of the Ninth | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2024-01-2241 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 248: Pasta Noir: Dames, Slugs, and the Hatchetman Part 2This week, Ben continues Pasta Noir: Dames, Slugs, and the Hatchetman, the saga started with last week's episode. In this installment, we learn more about the weirdly homophobic, yet subtuley homoerotic relationship between our hero and his young partner. Also there's a murder or something. Check it out Source: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/Pasta_Noir:_Dames,_Slugs_and_the_Hatchetman 2023-12-2758 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 248: Pasta Noir: Dames, Slugs, and the Hatchetman Part 2This week, Ben continues Pasta Noir: Dames, Slugs, and the Hatchetman, the saga started with last week's episode. In this installment, we learn more about the weirdly homophobic, yet subtuley homoerotic relationship between our hero and his young partner. Also there's a murder or something. Check it out Source: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/Pasta_Noir:_Dames,_Slugs_and_the_Hatchetman 2023-12-2758 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 246: The Good Doctor Locklear by Madam MacabreThis week's episode brings you the story of a doctor who is willing to do anything it takes to do good. This, of course, means bad things. Ben read's The Good Doctor Locklear, written by Madam Macabre Source: Good Doctor Locklear | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-12-1355 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 246: The Good Doctor Locklear by Madam MacabreThis week's episode brings you the story of a doctor who is willing to do anything it takes to do good. This, of course, means bad things. Ben read's The Good Doctor Locklear, written by Madam Macabre Source: Good Doctor Locklear | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-12-1355 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 244: Mr Trenchfoot - A double doseThis week, Ben decorates our metaphorical refridgerator with MacaroniArtZombeh's Mr Trenchfoot, immediately followed by the thrilling prequel, In the Trenches. That's right, it's a double-dose of Trenchfoot. Trenchfeet? Unbutton your pants (so you have room for the extra serving, not for pervy reasons), sit down, and enjoy. Source: Mr. Trenchfoot | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom In the Trenches | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-11-2147 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 244: Mr Trenchfoot - A double doseThis week, Ben decorates our metaphorical refridgerator with MacaroniArtZombeh's Mr Trenchfoot, immediately followed by the thrilling prequel, In the Trenches. That's right, it's a double-dose of Trenchfoot. Trenchfeet? Unbutton your pants (so you have room for the extra serving, not for pervy reasons), sit down, and enjoy. Source: Mr. Trenchfoot | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom In the Trenches | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-11-2147 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 242: A Tear in the WallpaperTo celebrate Halloween, this week we're doing the thing we do about 75% of the time already! Ben reads the creepiest of pastas that's ever been written regarding wallpaper blemishes, with A Tear in the Wallpaper by Umbrello. Source: A Tear in the Wallpaper | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2023-10-3147 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 242: A Tear in the WallpaperTo celebrate Halloween, this week we're doing the thing we do about 75% of the time already! Ben reads the creepiest of pastas that's ever been written regarding wallpaper blemishes, with A Tear in the Wallpaper by Umbrello. Source: A Tear in the Wallpaper | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2023-10-3147 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 240: Eric Floc's Sad MenThis week, Ben pulls a random story out of his hat, and hits the creepypasta jackpot with the superbly written 'Eric Floc's Sad Men,' by CynicalSloth. And for once, we're not being sarcastic when we say this is truly a great work of fiction. Or non-fiction? Source: Eric Floc's Sad Men | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-10-0356 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 240: Eric Floc's Sad MenThis week, Ben pulls a random story out of his hat, and hits the creepypasta jackpot with the superbly written 'Eric Floc's Sad Men,' by CynicalSloth. And for once, we're not being sarcastic when we say this is truly a great work of fiction. Or non-fiction? Source: Eric Floc's Sad Men | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-10-0356 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 238: Honor, Duels, and Billiard BallsThis week, Ben takes a look at a handful of histories more unique duels. A decades-long feud between Gen. Francois Fournier and Pierre Dupont, the gentlewomanly disagreement between Lady Almeria and Mrs Elphinstone, and the pub-game gone bad between Melfant and Lenfant: These pairs took their arguments to the extreme (in oft hilarious ways.) Check it out. Source: 10 Most Bizarre Duels in History (historycollection.com)2023-09-1936 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 238: Honor, Duels, and Billiard BallsThis week, Ben takes a look at a handful of histories more unique duels. A decades-long feud between Gen. Francois Fournier and Pierre Dupont, the gentlewomanly disagreement between Lady Almeria and Mrs Elphinstone, and the pub-game gone bad between Melfant and Lenfant: These pairs took their arguments to the extreme (in oft hilarious ways.) Check it out. Source: 10 Most Bizarre Duels in History (historycollection.com)2023-09-1936 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 236: Suicidemouse.avi & Club 33: A Dark SecretThis week, Ben brings a pair of anonymously-written creepypasta featuring the dark secrets of Walt Disney and co. The first story is Suicidemouse.avi, the tale of lost animation clip that drives viewers to suicidal insanity. Then, there's the story of Club 33. Walt's biggest secret that also is only losely guarded but then viciously snuffed out. Sources: Suicidemouse.avi | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom Club 33: A Dark Secret | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-09-0558 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 236: Suicidemouse.avi & Club 33: A Dark SecretThis week, Ben brings a pair of anonymously-written creepypasta featuring the dark secrets of Walt Disney and co. The first story is Suicidemouse.avi, the tale of lost animation clip that drives viewers to suicidal insanity. Then, there's the story of Club 33. Walt's biggest secret that also is only losely guarded but then viciously snuffed out. Sources: Suicidemouse.avi | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom Club 33: A Dark Secret | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-09-0558 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 232: Velma BarfieldThis week, Ben takes a look at one of history's lesser-known extreme problem-solvers, Velma Barfield. When her first husband died tragically, it was a, well tragedy. But about the time her 6th lover died tragically, people started to suspect something more than bad luck. Sources: The Shocking Crimes Of Velma Barfield, The "Death Row Granny" (allthatsinteresting.com) Velma Barfield · Facing Controversy: Struggling with Capital Punishment in NC · UNC Libraries2023-08-0847 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 232: Velma BarfieldThis week, Ben takes a look at one of history's lesser-known extreme problem-solvers, Velma Barfield. When her first husband died tragically, it was a, well tragedy. But about the time her 6th lover died tragically, people started to suspect something more than bad luck. Sources: The Shocking Crimes Of Velma Barfield, The "Death Row Granny" (allthatsinteresting.com) Velma Barfield · Facing Controversy: Struggling with Capital Punishment in NC · UNC Libraries2023-08-0847 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 230: A Vampire, a Unipod, and a Really Big FootThis week Ben takes a look at three more creatures of Japanese mythology. This particular tour includes the not-so-uncommon tale of a seductive, vampric woman, a creature that seems too ridiculous to be threatening, and a really, really big foot. Check it out. Sources: Nikusui – Yokai.com Yamajijii – Yokai.com Ashiarai yashiki – Yokai.com2023-07-2533 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 230: A Vampire, a Unipod, and a Really Big FootThis week Ben takes a look at three more creatures of Japanese mythology. This particular tour includes the not-so-uncommon tale of a seductive, vampric woman, a creature that seems too ridiculous to be threatening, and a really, really big foot. Check it out. Sources: Nikusui – Yokai.com Yamajijii – Yokai.com Ashiarai yashiki – Yokai.com2023-07-2533 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 229: Captain Henry AveryCaptain Henry Avery was known by many names. Or, at least four names. Henry Avery, Henry Every, Long John, Long Ben. In fact, his list of aliases may be longer than his pirate career. Check out this week's show to hear Steve badly butcher the story of what may have been the most successful pirate to ever set sail. Sources: Henry Every - World History Encyclopedia Henry Every: The King of Pirates - YouTube Henry Every - Wikipedia2023-07-1859 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 229: Captain Henry AveryCaptain Henry Avery was known by many names. Or, at least four names. Henry Avery, Henry Every, Long John, Long Ben. In fact, his list of aliases may be longer than his pirate career. Check out this week's show to hear Steve badly butcher the story of what may have been the most successful pirate to ever set sail. Sources: Henry Every - World History Encyclopedia Henry Every: The King of Pirates - YouTube Henry Every - Wikipedia2023-07-1859 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 228: ElagabalusThis week, Ben talks about Elegabalus: the ancient Roman emperor who had very little interest in being an ancient Roman emperor. He did, however, have an interest in carrying out his role as a high priest, a job he enjoyed thanks to the flamboyant, lavish lifestyle and constant religious orgies. Sources: Elagabalus: the cross-dressing religious fanatic who became emperor of Rome - History Skills Elagabalus: The Hated Roman Emperor Who Was Killed And Mutilated! | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)2023-07-1240 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 228: ElagabalusThis week, Ben talks about Elegabalus: the ancient Roman emperor who had very little interest in being an ancient Roman emperor. He did, however, have an interest in carrying out his role as a high priest, a job he enjoyed thanks to the flamboyant, lavish lifestyle and constant religious orgies. Sources: Elagabalus: the cross-dressing religious fanatic who became emperor of Rome - History Skills Elagabalus: The Hated Roman Emperor Who Was Killed And Mutilated! | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)2023-07-1240 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 226: The Rise and Fall of William FlyThis week, Ben talks about William Fly's breif tenure as the captian of a ship formerly known as the Elizabeth Snow. He may not have been the most qualified pirate to sale the Atlantic, but luckikly for William, pirates don't need resumés. Sources: William Fly: A Short-lived Pirate of the 1700s - Geri Walton Nix’s Mate: The Gibbeting Site of Pirate William Fly - Boston Pirate Trail - PocketSights The Pirate and the Gallows:An Atlantic Theater of Terror and Resistance | History Cooperative 2023-06-2734 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 226: The Rise and Fall of William FlyThis week, Ben talks about William Fly's breif tenure as the captian of a ship formerly known as the Elizabeth Snow. He may not have been the most qualified pirate to sale the Atlantic, but luckikly for William, pirates don't need resumés. Sources: William Fly: A Short-lived Pirate of the 1700s - Geri Walton Nix’s Mate: The Gibbeting Site of Pirate William Fly - Boston Pirate Trail - PocketSights The Pirate and the Gallows:An Atlantic Theater of Terror and Resistance | History Cooperative 2023-06-2734 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 224: John Keehan and the Poison Fists TechniqueThis week, Ben chronicles the life of the deadliest man alive: John Keehan, aka Count Dante. Founder of the Black Dragons school of karate, and inventor of the Poison Hands technique, Count Dante was a man perhaps two decades ahead of his time. Loved by some, hated by many, he was the perfect heel, and both the pride and shame of Chicago. Sources: The Life and Death of the Deadliest Man Alive - Chicago Reader Count Dante - Wikipedia2023-06-1347 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 224: John Keehan and the Poison Fists TechniqueThis week, Ben chronicles the life of the deadliest man alive: John Keehan, aka Count Dante. Founder of the Black Dragons school of karate, and inventor of the Poison Hands technique, Count Dante was a man perhaps two decades ahead of his time. Loved by some, hated by many, he was the perfect heel, and both the pride and shame of Chicago. Sources: The Life and Death of the Deadliest Man Alive - Chicago Reader Count Dante - Wikipedia2023-06-1347 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 220: Shuten Douji and CoThis week, Ben takes a gander-peek at one of Japanese mythology's hardest drinkin, root'n toot'n'est half-man half-demon's: Shuten Douji. Also included are Ibara Kidouji and the Junior-Douji, Kidomaru. Sources: yokai.com/shutendouji/ yokai.com/ibarakidouji/ yokai.com/kidoumaru/2023-05-1647 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 220: Shuten Douji and CoThis week, Ben takes a gander-peek at one of Japanese mythology's hardest drinkin, root'n toot'n'est half-man half-demon's: Shuten Douji. Also included are Ibara Kidouji and the Junior-Douji, Kidomaru. Sources: yokai.com/shutendouji/ yokai.com/ibarakidouji/ yokai.com/kidoumaru/2023-05-1647 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 218: Lake LanierThis week, Ben takes us on a trip to Georgia's infamous Lake Lanier. The man-made lake was built in 1956, but its waters couldn't cover up the area's tragic past. In fact, it only seems to have added to the aura of haunting sorrow, and otherworldly disquiet. Sources: Inside Lake Lanier’s Deaths And Why People Say It’s Haunted (allthatsinteresting.com)Inside Lake Lanier’s Deaths And Why People Say It’s Haunted (allthatsinteresting.com) Lake Lanier: A Georgia lake's deadly history has some people seeing ghosts | CNN2023-05-0254 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 218: Lake LanierThis week, Ben takes us on a trip to Georgia's infamous Lake Lanier. The man-made lake was built in 1956, but its waters couldn't cover up the area's tragic past. In fact, it only seems to have added to the aura of haunting sorrow, and otherworldly disquiet. Sources: Inside Lake Lanier’s Deaths And Why People Say It’s Haunted (allthatsinteresting.com)Inside Lake Lanier’s Deaths And Why People Say It’s Haunted (allthatsinteresting.com) Lake Lanier: A Georgia lake's deadly history has some people seeing ghosts | CNN2023-05-0254 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 216: Another Kind of EvilThis week, Ben takes a look at a creepypasta that almost reads as one of our true-crime episodes. A creepy cult? Kidnappings? Murderdeath? It has it all. Check out 'Another Kind of Evil' originally written by Killahawke1. Source: Another Kind of Evil | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-04-181h 02The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 216: Another Kind of EvilThis week, Ben takes a look at a creepypasta that almost reads as one of our true-crime episodes. A creepy cult? Kidnappings? Murderdeath? It has it all. Check out 'Another Kind of Evil' originally written by Killahawke1. Source: Another Kind of Evil | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-04-181h 02
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 214: And the Autumn Moon is BrightAfter a three-week hiatus, the show returns. Was it worth the wait? Don't asnwer that. This week, Ben reads the wolf-filled horror-thriller And the Autumn Moon is Bright by Shadowswimmer77. It's a howling good read, or some other, better pun. Source: And the Autumn Moon Is Bright | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-04-041h 00The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 214: And the Autumn Moon is BrightAfter a three-week hiatus, the show returns. Was it worth the wait? Don't asnwer that. This week, Ben reads the wolf-filled horror-thriller And the Autumn Moon is Bright by Shadowswimmer77. It's a howling good read, or some other, better pun. Source: And the Autumn Moon Is Bright | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-04-041h 00
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 213: Before it RainsThis week, Steve does his best to ruin an otherwise competant creepypasta about some nerd kid and his water soluble crank of a grandpa. If nothing else, you get to hear Steve's terrible voicework as he reads Chambergambit's Before it Rains. Source: Before It Rains | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-03-0756 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 213: Before it RainsThis week, Steve does his best to ruin an otherwise competant creepypasta about some nerd kid and his water soluble crank of a grandpa. If nothing else, you get to hear Steve's terrible voicework as he reads Chambergambit's Before it Rains. Source: Before It Rains | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-03-0756 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 212: Ben (A True Story)This week Ben reads a story about Ben called Ben (A True Story). It's a Benstraveganza! If you've ever thought about travelling the world and partying with your best boy pals, this is the creepypasta for you. Source: Ben (A True Story) | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-02-2838 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 212: Ben (A True Story)This week Ben reads a story about Ben called Ben (A True Story). It's a Benstraveganza! If you've ever thought about travelling the world and partying with your best boy pals, this is the creepypasta for you. Source: Ben (A True Story) | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-02-2838 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 210: Formula of the Worthless ShepherdThis week, Ben takes a look at a super convoluted ritual said to summon the worthless shepherd (which is apparently the devil.) If you've got a lot of time on your hands, you can try this at home and let us know how it went. But considering the process itself, please don't. Check out 'Formula of the Worthless Shepherd' Source: Formula of the Worthless Shepherd | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-02-141h 03The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 210: Formula of the Worthless ShepherdThis week, Ben takes a look at a super convoluted ritual said to summon the worthless shepherd (which is apparently the devil.) If you've got a lot of time on your hands, you can try this at home and let us know how it went. But considering the process itself, please don't. Check out 'Formula of the Worthless Shepherd' Source: Formula of the Worthless Shepherd | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-02-141h 03
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 206: On the Mystery of Human PerceptionThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta that was probably written by Barack Obama, but not the one you're thinking of. It's the anonymously-penned 'On the Mystery of Human Perception.' Get ready for some totally ethical science, y'all! Source: On the Mystery of Human Perception | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-01-1047 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 206: On the Mystery of Human PerceptionThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta that was probably written by Barack Obama, but not the one you're thinking of. It's the anonymously-penned 'On the Mystery of Human Perception.' Get ready for some totally ethical science, y'all! Source: On the Mystery of Human Perception | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2023-01-1047 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 204: Horror PunkThis week, Ben reads a story about what happens when you get a little too into horror punk, which is apparently a genre. Toxic fandom meets good old-fashioned gumption in the anonymousely written and aptly named Horror Punk. Source: Horror Punk | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-12-2752 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 204: Horror PunkThis week, Ben reads a story about what happens when you get a little too into horror punk, which is apparently a genre. Toxic fandom meets good old-fashioned gumption in the anonymousely written and aptly named Horror Punk. Source: Horror Punk | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-12-2752 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 202: Donald NielsonThis week, Ben takes a lil' gander at the whitest Black Panther: Donald Nielson. The man earned his nickname because he was good at crime, but mostly, because he wore a lot of black. But after a robbery went a little off the rails, his whole gameplan changed for the worse. Or, if you host a podcast about terrible people doing terrible things, for he changed for the better. Sources: Donald Neilson Biography, Life, Interesting Facts (sunsigns.org) The Black Panther — Robber, Kidnapper and Serial Killer | by Sam H Arnold | CrimeBeat | Medium2022-12-1343 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 202: Donald NielsonThis week, Ben takes a lil' gander at the whitest Black Panther: Donald Nielson. The man earned his nickname because he was good at crime, but mostly, because he wore a lot of black. But after a robbery went a little off the rails, his whole gameplan changed for the worse. Or, if you host a podcast about terrible people doing terrible things, for he changed for the better. Sources: Donald Neilson Biography, Life, Interesting Facts (sunsigns.org) The Black Panther — Robber, Kidnapper and Serial Killer | by Sam H Arnold | CrimeBeat | Medium2022-12-1343 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 201: AKA Nosey KellyThis week Steve takes a look at a small Irishman with a big nose. But with great sniffer comes rampant, violent anger. And with rampant, violent anger comes an episode about murder-killing. Check it out! Sources: The terrifying London Underground 'serial killer' who pushed his 30 victims under trains (msn.com) Serial Killer Kieran Kelly (murderuk.com) Kieran Patrick Kelly - Wikipedia2022-12-0643 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 200: The Long List & Disabled (Two'fer)In celebration of the 200th Nonessential episode—and also as a result of the first story being shorter than anticipated, but shut up—Ben reads two different creepypastas this week! First up is HumboldtLycanthrope's The Long List, which is a surprisingly good story about a detective haunted by a victim's trauma and her need for revenge. Or maybe he's haunted by himself? Then there's the anonymously-written Disabled, a Pokémon creepypasta about wiggly-tough puffs or something. Check it out! Sources: Disabled | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom The Long List | Creepypast...2022-11-1558 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 200: The Long List & Disabled (Two'fer)In celebration of the 200th Nonessential episode—and also as a result of the first story being shorter than anticipated, but shut up—Ben reads two different creepypastas this week! First up is HumboldtLycanthrope's The Long List, which is a surprisingly good story about a detective haunted by a victim's trauma and her need for revenge. Or maybe he's haunted by himself? Then there's the anonymously-written Disabled, a Pokémon creepypasta about wiggly-tough puffs or something. Check it out! Sources: Disabled | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom The Long List | Creepypast...2022-11-1558 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 198: Joel RifkinThis week, Ben takes a look at serial killer Joel Rifkin. His straight-forward approach to getting away with murder might not be the most unique, or complex, but it was pretty effective. That is, until he made that one classic blunder that brought it all to an unfortunately over-due end. 2022-11-0145 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 198: Joel RifkinThis week, Ben takes a look at serial killer Joel Rifkin. His straight-forward approach to getting away with murder might not be the most unique, or complex, but it was pretty effective. That is, until he made that one classic blunder that brought it all to an unfortunately over-due end. 2022-11-0145 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 196: DoppeldaterThis week, Ben checks out Empyrealinvective's Doppledater. When our lovelorne protagonist stumbles across a secretive ritual that promises to bring him the romantic relationship he's always desired, he figures he might as well give it a try. But if you've ever read horror of any kind, you won't be suprised to learn he might have ended up with a bit more than he had bargained for. Source: Doppeldater | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-10-181h 00The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 196: DoppeldaterThis week, Ben checks out Empyrealinvective's Doppledater. When our lovelorne protagonist stumbles across a secretive ritual that promises to bring him the romantic relationship he's always desired, he figures he might as well give it a try. But if you've ever read horror of any kind, you won't be suprised to learn he might have ended up with a bit more than he had bargained for. Source: Doppeldater | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-10-181h 00
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 195: Bishop SelbyThis week, Steve reads the ambitious Bishop Selby, a tale about a kid, a friend, and a camera. Also a monster and some time travel or something? We'd say you'll understand more once you've listened to it, but we're not so sure about that. Source: Bishop Selby | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-10-1158 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 194: An Occurrence at Owl Creek BridgeThis week, the Nonessential crew continues it's now two-week run of Ambrose Bierce content with Ben's reading of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. This was one of Ben's favorite Bierce pieces growing up, but does it hold up lo' these couple of years later? Probably. 2022-10-0452 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 194: An Occurrence at Owl Creek BridgeThis week, the Nonessential crew continues it's now two-week run of Ambrose Bierce content with Ben's reading of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. This was one of Ben's favorite Bierce pieces growing up, but does it hold up lo' these couple of years later? Probably. 2022-10-0452 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 193: The Secret at MacArger's GulchSteve brings a creepy-not'sta to this week's show but the little (well known) author Ambrose Bierce. 'The Secret of MacArger's Gulch' may be a quote-unquote professional tale, but it shares a lot of similarities with the stuff we normally read 'round here. So break out your ye-olde-American-English translation dictionaries and strap in. Source: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Secret_of_Macarger%27s_Gulch2022-09-271h 21
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 192: Jack the Ripper GameThis week, Ben brings a story of intrique, murder, and a video game that takes serial disembowelment and turns it into something bad. It's Jack the Ripper Game by Illyrias Acolyte, and the moral of the story is to stop replaying old games, and work on that back-log, buddy! Source: Jack the Ripper Game | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-09-131h 07The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 192: Jack the Ripper GameThis week, Ben brings a story of intrique, murder, and a video game that takes serial disembowelment and turns it into something bad. It's Jack the Ripper Game by Illyrias Acolyte, and the moral of the story is to stop replaying old games, and work on that back-log, buddy! Source: Jack the Ripper Game | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-09-131h 07
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 191: Two'fer Pasta Madness!This week, Steve brings more than one, but less than three creepypastas to the table, starting with a nice appetiser of For a Good Cause by Spiksterino, followed by a heaping course of Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are by BlueQuartz28. For fans of hospital horror, this week is a double-mint delight. For everyone else, well, sorry. 2022-09-0643 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 190: We Are Your Worst NightmaresThe world's worst security guarde encounters a paranormal horror of apocalitic proportions in this week's story, 'We Are Your Worst Nightmares.' Read by a sleep-deprived Ben, who really pulled it off quite well. source: We Are Your Worst Nightmares | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-08-3038 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 190: We Are Your Worst NightmaresThe world's worst security guarde encounters a paranormal horror of apocalitic proportions in this week's story, 'We Are Your Worst Nightmares.' Read by a sleep-deprived Ben, who really pulled it off quite well. source: We Are Your Worst Nightmares | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-08-3038 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 184: My Pal ScoutWhat happens when the perfect gift turns out to be a stuffed dog that is both sentient and possessive? Listen to Ben read the anonymously-written My Pal Scout and find out! Source: My Pal Scout | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2022-07-1251 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 184: My Pal ScoutWhat happens when the perfect gift turns out to be a stuffed dog that is both sentient and possessive? Listen to Ben read the anonymously-written My Pal Scout and find out! Source: My Pal Scout | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2022-07-1251 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 183: Big Six, The Ghost TrainThis week, Steve stumbles across a creepypasta that mirrors a legendary local haunt. The anonymously written Big 6, The Ghost Train tells the story of, well, a ghost train. Check it out. Source: Big 6, The Ghost Train | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-07-051h 03
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 182: Another Use for a Bouncy CastleHave you ever wanted to go back to your childhood with a bunch of stipulations regarding where you can go and what you can do? Well you're in luck! This week, Ben will outline the very specific steps in order to time travel using nothing more than a bouncey castle or something else. Check out Orangutango's Another Use for a Bouncy Castle. 2022-06-281h 03The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 182: Another Use for a Bouncy CastleHave you ever wanted to go back to your childhood with a bunch of stipulations regarding where you can go and what you can do? Well you're in luck! This week, Ben will outline the very specific steps in order to time travel using nothing more than a bouncey castle or something else. Check out Orangutango's Another Use for a Bouncy Castle. 2022-06-281h 03
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 181: The TigerThis week, Steve shares an original story based on the true story of a Siberian hunter who pissed of the wrong tiger. Based on a true story as told by John Valliant in The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival. 2022-06-2146 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 179: Too Much TacoThis week, Ben and Steve literally figuratively shoot the shit. It's a weird, wonderful, rambling episode about nothing. And poop. 2022-06-0658 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 179: Too Much TacoThis week, Ben and Steve literally figuratively shoot the shit. It's a weird, wonderful, rambling episode about nothing. And poop. 2022-06-0658 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 178: 12 MinutesThis week, Steve reads a creepypasta about an early-morning, public-access Bible show, and an intern who kept sticking his nose where it didn't belong. Check out Roboky's 12 Mintues2022-05-3154 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 177: Alfredo GalanThis week, Ben discusses a police investigation into a killer that was so inept and inefectual, that even the murderer himself couldn't take any more of it. Meet Alfredo Galan. Sources: Trish & Wendy. Alfredo Galan - The Playing Card Killer. Criminal Discourse Podcast. January 27, 2020. Learn The Truth About Alfredo Galan The Playing Card Killer - CDP (criminaldiscoursepodcast.com) Alfredo Galan. Murderpedia. Last accessed on May 23, 2022. Alfredo Galán | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers2022-05-241h 12The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 177: Alfredo GalanThis week, Ben discusses a police investigation into a killer that was so inept and inefectual, that even the murderer himself couldn't take any more of it. Meet Alfredo Galan. Sources: Trish & Wendy. Alfredo Galan - The Playing Card Killer. Criminal Discourse Podcast. January 27, 2020. Learn The Truth About Alfredo Galan The Playing Card Killer - CDP (criminaldiscoursepodcast.com) Alfredo Galan. Murderpedia. Last accessed on May 23, 2022. Alfredo Galán | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers2022-05-241h 12
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 176: A Tale of Eugene HardimanThis week, Steve tells a tale of Eugene Hardiman; a man who, despite his best efforts, took the blame for others' misdeeds all his life. At least, until he decided to live up to his misearned reputation. 2022-05-1754 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 175: Blood ArtistSteve and Ben are back this week, with a creepy pasta that dabbles in experimental art ... and murder! Check out RedNovaTyrant's 'Blood Artist.' source: Blood Artist | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2022-05-1052 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 175: Blood ArtistSteve and Ben are back this week, with a creepy pasta that dabbles in experimental art ... and murder! Check out RedNovaTyrant's 'Blood Artist.' source: Blood Artist | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 2022-05-1052 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 174: A Month of RainThis week, Steve brings a horror story about rain that just will not go away. So it's basically about Ohio in the Spring. Except there's monsters, maybe? Check out Havoc98's A Month of Rain source: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/A_Month_of_Rain 2022-04-1959 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 173: aka Humbug BillyIf you were a good girl or boy in 1858, maybe your dad would spend a nickel to buy you the hottest, most desirable candy of the day: Hard peppermint "humbugs." The candy that featured plaster dust, and maybe poison. Sources: Elliott, Jenny. How Tainted Treats Led to a Halloween Tragedy in 1858. Atlas Obscura. How Tainted Treats Led to a Halloween Tragedy in 1858 - Gastro Obscura (atlasobscura.com) Johnson, Ben. Dying for a Humbug, the Bradford Sweets Poisoning of 1858. Historic UK. Dying for a Humbug, the Bradford Sweets Poisoning 1858 (historic-uk.com) Paul, Davi...2022-04-1234 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 173: aka Humbug BillyIf you were a good girl or boy in 1858, maybe your dad would spend a nickel to buy you the hottest, most desirable candy of the day: Hard peppermint "humbugs." The candy that featured plaster dust, and maybe poison. Sources: Elliott, Jenny. How Tainted Treats Led to a Halloween Tragedy in 1858. Atlas Obscura. How Tainted Treats Led to a Halloween Tragedy in 1858 - Gastro Obscura (atlasobscura.com) Johnson, Ben. Dying for a Humbug, the Bradford Sweets Poisoning of 1858. Historic UK. Dying for a Humbug, the Bradford Sweets Poisoning 1858 (historic-uk.com) Paul, Davi...2022-04-1234 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 172: The Kee BirdThis week, Steve talks about a Cold War-era recon-bomber known as The Kee Bird, which proves that a Nonessential-worthy fate doesn't descriminate between people and inanimate objects. Source: Kee Bird - Wikipedia 2022-04-051h 00
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 171: Wet StrawWet Straw is the story of a man who just wants to live a low-key life of enjoyment and entertainment. But each night when he goes to bed, his past comes back to haunt him. Then the story ends and Ben pulls the 'ol switcheroo. Check it out. Source: Matheson, Richard. "Wet Straw" from Nightmare at 20,000 Feet: Horror Stories by Richard Matheson.2022-03-2946 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 171: Wet StrawWet Straw is the story of a man who just wants to live a low-key life of enjoyment and entertainment. But each night when he goes to bed, his past comes back to haunt him. Then the story ends and Ben pulls the 'ol switcheroo. Check it out. Source: Matheson, Richard. "Wet Straw" from Nightmare at 20,000 Feet: Horror Stories by Richard Matheson.2022-03-2946 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 170: I Think My 10 Year Old Daughter Is Killing PeopleSteve's daughter is only two, and he's pretty sure she's not killing people. The protagonist of this week's story, however, has some sneaking suspicious about this ten year old. Check out TheCusterWolf's 'I Think My Ten-Year-Old is Killing People.' Source: https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/I_Think_my_Ten-Year-Old_Daughter_is_Killing_People 2022-03-1555 min
The Nonessential PodcastEpisode 169: I Have Thin WallsThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta about a guy with some overly loud neighbors. Or so he thinks. It's Alexisaac's 'I Have Thin Walls.' source: I Have Thin Walls | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-03-0929 minThe Nonessential PodcastEpisode 169: I Have Thin WallsThis week, Ben reads a creepypasta about a guy with some overly loud neighbors. Or so he thinks. It's Alexisaac's 'I Have Thin Walls.' source: I Have Thin Walls | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom2022-03-0929 min
The Nonessential PodcastOperation Grey SuitThis week, Steve discusses Robert "The Big Bobbert" Hanssen, FBI agent turned Soviet superspy, who employed a cunning ability to turn over information that had already been leaked, and also a series of fortunate promotions, to remain at large for over two decades. Source: Robert Hanssen - Wikipedia2022-02-011h 02