The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore

Leave the highway behind for the back roads of the American South. The Moonlit Road brings you authentic Southern ghost stories and folklore, preserved and performed by the region's finest storytellers. Since 1997, we've been your trusted guides on a journey into the South's mysterious past. In each episode, you'll hear gifted storytellers, musicians, and folklorists unearth classic campfire tales, forgotten ghost stories, and the oral traditions whispered across generations. From the bayous of Louisiana to the hollows of Appalachia, pull up a chair and listen for a spell. WE EXPLORE: -- SOUTHERN GHOST STORIES: Haunted history from plantations to forgotten battlefields. -- FOLKLORE & CREATURES: The legends of the Bell Witch, Boo Hag, and the Loup Garou. -- CULTURAL ROOTS: The deep history of Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Southern folkways. -- APPALACHIAN HAINTS: Echoes from the high country and mountain mysteries. Join the thousands of listeners who have walked The Moonlit Road for over 25 years. Subscribe now and let the Southern spirits guide you. FOR THE FULL EXPERIENCE—including hundreds of stories and regional legends NOT found on the podcast—visit our extensive archive at https://themoonlitroad.com.

Where Mosquitoes Came From: A Tlingit Legend

Why do these biting insects plague us so? This Southern legend - an ancient tale originally from the Tlingit people of Alaska - tells of a giant, a bloodthirsty heart, and a vengeful curse. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Where Mosquitoes Came From" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

12-03
12:57

The Sheriff and the Loup Garou: A Louisiana Werewolf Story

How far would you go for the love of your life? In this Louisiana tale, a young deputy is given a terrifying task to prove his worth: he must capture and kill the Loup Garou (or Rougarou), the shapeshifting werewolf of the Cajun swamplands. BEYOND THE PODCAST: This is just one of the many legends of the bayou. Discover hundreds of Southern stories and visual galleries not found on this podcast by visiting our archive at https://themoonlitroad.com. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Sheriff and the Loup Garou" was written and told by Tom Coleman.  Listen to more of his stories at https://cajunstoryteller.com Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

11-18
13:13

Why Is a Jack O' Lantern Named Jack? | The Legend of Stingy Jack

Meet Stingy Jack, a man so cunning he managed to trap the Devil himself. But when you strike a bargain with the Prince of Darkness, there is always a price to pay—one that leaves Jack wandering the night with a very strange lantern. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Why is a Jack-o-Lantern Named Jack?" was adapted from folklore and produced by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: LaDoris Bias Davis http://kuumbastorytellers.org/ladoris-bias-davis/ Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

11-18
17:16

The Cow That Ate The Preacher | An Appalachian Tall Tale

What happens when a traveling preacher seeks revenge on an inhospitable farm couple? This darkly funny ghost story—passed down from Ireland to the Arkansas hills—follows a man of the cloth who decides to teach his unkind hosts a lesson they'll never forget. But in the world of folklore, revenge often takes a very strange and unexpected shape. Advisory: This is an un-sanitized traditional folktale featuring dark themes and descriptions of physical injury/remains, typical of classic Brothers Grimm-era stories. Another version of this story by storyteller Bill Harley can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltKUDHBCEGA FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our massive archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Cow That Ate The Preacher" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Music: Randall Franks - hear more of his work at Randall Franks | Actor Entertainer Author Columnist Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-15
15:07

Number Ninety

Adaptation of the classic ghost story by B.M. Croker (1849-1920).  About a terrifying dare between gentleman for one to spend the night in a Charleston haunted house.   What happens next will chill your blood! Further reading: Wikipedia article on B.M. Croker For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Number Ninety" was told by John Gentile Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-29
26:51

The Moonlit Road, Part Three

Part Three of our adaptation of one of American's literature's most famous ghost stories - a chilling tale from Ambrose Bierce detailing a murder from three perspectives, including the victim herself.   Part Three, STATEMENT OF THE LATE JULIA HETMAN, THROUGH THE MEDIUM BAYROLLES For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part Three" was told by Trudy Leonard Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

10-29
11:13

The Moonlit Road, Part Two

Part Two of our adaptation of one of American's literature's most famous ghost stories - a chilling tale from Ambrose Bierce detailing a murder from three perspectives, including the victim herself.   Part Two, STATEMENT OF CASPAR GRATTAN For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part Two" was told by Thomas E. Fuller Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-29
11:02

The Moonlit Road, Part One

Part One of our adaptation of one of American's literature's most famous ghost stories - a chilling tale from Ambrose Bierce detailing a murder from three perspectives, including the victim herself.   Part One, STATEMENT OF JOEL HETMAN, JR. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part One" was told by John Gentile Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-29
12:24

The Nut Eating Devil

Uncover the chilling legend of the 'Nut Eating Devil' as young Tom McBride investigates the eerie sounds haunting a Tennessee mountain cemetery.   Why do they sound like his dead Grandpa cracking open hickory nuts?  Is it his ghost - or the Devil himself? For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Nut Eating Devil" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Les Scott The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

10-23
13:53

Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk

A well-known, Irish supernatural folktale gets a Southern twist, as an early white settler in Louisiana rescues a turtle from some mischievous kids - and ends up in a strange world of The Fair Folk.   Additional Reading: The not-so-friendly fairies of Irish folklore For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk" was written by Sam McDonald. Storyteller: Otis Jiry The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

03-28
07:16

Railroad Bill

An Alabama widow lives in fear of the terrifying murderer Railroad Bill.  But is he really what the townsfolk say he is?   For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Railroad Bill" was written by told by Christine Horn.  As told at the Tour of Southern Ghosts, ART Station, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.        

01-17
05:10

The Spirit of Thomas Lester

Poor Thomas Lester decides to spend the night in a haunted house.  Never a good idea!   For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Spirit of Thomas Lester" was written and told by Yomi Goodall Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-19
05:02

Tsali

Tsali is a Cherokee ghost story from North Carolina about a brave warrior whose stance against the white man would make him a legend. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Tsali" was written by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.    

03-12
16:58

The Maco Light

Delve into the ghostly legend of the Maco Light, a famous paranormal phenomenon along North Carolina's railroad tracks. Told by Jim McAmis. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Maco Light" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

01-06
09:33

Mississippi Rose

Mississippi ghost story about a young boy's encounter with a strange girl who suddenly appears near his family's farm. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Mississippi Rose" was written by LaDoris Davis and Craig Dominey Storyteller: LaDoris Davis Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-21
14:54

Chloe, The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation

Tragic and well-documented ghost story of Chloe, a slave girl said to haunt Louisiana's Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville.  Additional Reading: The Moonlit Road story about Chloe For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Chloe, The Slave Girl of Myrtles Plantation" was written and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-09
11:05

The Sausage Ghost

Gruesome New Orleans ghost story about a sausage shop owner who has a unique way of getting rid of his wife.   For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Sausage Ghost" was written by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Kodac Harrison Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.      

08-03
09:51

Sop Doll

Creature story of a Depression-era farmhand who will take just about any job - even at a creepy Mississippi farm where a strange cat is always whispering: "Sop Doll." For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Sop Doll" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Les Scott The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

10-24
20:07

Wait 'Til Jesse Comes

Classic Southern spooky story about a traveling salesman who runs into some pretty strange cats warning about someone (or something) named "Jesse."   For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Wait 'Til Jesse Comes" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey Storyteller: LaDoris Davis The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.        

10-08
09:44

Mama Coon Coon

Louisiana Swamp Folktale about a local fisherwoman whose unique way of fishing for crabs in the bayou gets her into trouble. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Mama Coon Coon" was written and told by Veronica Byrd  Audio Production: Henry Howard Episode Photo of Dulac Louisiana Bayou by Clem. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.  

09-19
12:54

J G

good stuff

11-21 Reply

JRV

I love these stories. I hope they keep making more and don't stop please.

10-29 Reply

Christopher Peterson

Great reading; much better than most podcasts of this type.

10-14 Reply

MarySue

this narrator's delivery was fantastic. Very lively and entertaining

09-04 Reply

Carey Murphy

This is an incredible podcast! When it comes to podcasts, I only like the most amazing and top notch storytelling or audio drama stories... this has the best of both. I sincerely hope that you guys are not finished creating!! More, please! 😁

02-23 Reply

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