Halloween pumpkins are also known as jack-o'-lanterns. But were did the name Jack come from? Why do we carve and light them up each year? Find out in this old Southern ghost story. 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 The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.
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The Cow That Ate The Preacher
Traveling preacher seeks revenge on a inhospitable farm couple in this darkly funny ghost story from Arkansas (by way of Ireland). 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 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 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 The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.
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The Santa Claus Special
Based on the true Christmas story of the annual CSX Santa Claus Special train, bringing Santa Claus by rail to remote Appalachian communities. Additional reading: Visit Kingsport Guide to Seeing the CSX Santa Train 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 Santa Claus Special" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard Santa Claus Clinchfield Train photo courtesy of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.
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The Snowman and the Scarecrow
Christmas kids story about a scarecrow who teaches a holiday lesson to a grumpy snowman. 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 Snowman and the Scarecrow" 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.
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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.
Welcome to The Moonlit Road Podcast, broadcasting from the American South where strange folktales infuse the humid air, and ghost stories are as common as fireflies on a summer night. So light a lantern and pull up a chair—just don't forget to keep an eye on the shadows.
Since 1997, we've been your trusted guides on a storytelling journey along the South's mysterious backroads. The Moonlit Road Podcast unearths classic campfire tales, forgotten ghost stories, and odd legends, whispered across time from one generation to the next. Each episode features gifted storytellers, musicians, and folklorists sharing the most memorable stories from the bayous of Louisiana to the mountains of Appalachia.
If you crave the peculiar and otherworldly folklore of the American South, and the rich, eerie tapestry of the South's haunted past, then come on in and listen for a spell. We promise to keep a light on for you—just in case.
We explore:
• Classic ghost stories from historic plantations and forgotten battlefields.
• Folklore and critters like the Bell Witch, Boo Hag, and the Plat Eye.
• Voodoo legends and Hoodoo practices from New Orleans and beyond.
• Appalachian haints and mountain mysteries.
• Timeless tales of strange historical events and unexplained phenomena.
Join the thousands of listeners who have walked The Moonlit Road for years. New episodes are released periodically. Subscribe now and let the Southern spirits guide you!
For even more stories not found on the podcast, visit our website at https://themoonlitroad.com.
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