The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore

The Moonlit Road, LLC
  • 4.6 (456)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Leave the highway behind for the dark back roads of the American South. Since 1997, The Moonlit Road has been gathering the Southern ghost stories, folklore, and oral traditions whispered across generations — from the bayous of Louisiana to the Sea Islands of Georgia to the hollows of Appalachia. In each episode, gifted storytellers, musicians, and folklorists bring you haunted history, forgotten legends, and the creatures that still stalk the Southern imagination: the Bell Witch, the Boo Hag, the Loup Garou. This is the South that lives past the porch light — in the deep roots of Voodoo and Hoodoo, in the campfire stories and mountain haints, in the folklore of the Delta, the Piedmont, and the coastal plain. The stories your grandparents told you. Thousands of listeners have walked this road for over 25 years. Come find us on the back roads. For more Southern ghost stories and regional legends not found on the podcast, visit our full archive at themoonlitroad.com.

  1. 11H AGO

    Fiddler's Dram: A Strange Tennessee Folktale

    In this eerie Tennessee folktale from Weakley County, a legendary fiddler emerges for one last contest, chasing the coveted "fiddler's dram." Fiddling contests were once the heartbeat of rural communities—where pride, reputation, and a jar of fine whiskey were all on the line. But on this particular night, as the music begins and the crowd leans in, something about the man on stage feels… not quite right. 🎻 A backroads tale of music, mystery, and a performance no one could explain. If you enjoy this story, take a listen to another "fiddling ghost story" - The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-ghost-of-fiddlers-rock-tennessee 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 "Fiddler's Dram" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Music: Randall Franks - https://randallfranks.com Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. Keywords: Tennessee folktale, Southern folklore, fiddle contest, American folklore, backroads stories, The Moonlit Road

    15 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    11H AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Esther Perel: The REAL Reason You’re Struggling to Find Love (Fix THIS to Build Chemistry in Real Life) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today,  Jay Shetty welcomes back Esther Perel to unpack a growing tension in modern relationships: in a world more connected than ever, why so many people feel deeply disconnected. Esther reframes dating struggles as something deeper than love itself, pointing to a broader loss of real-life social practice. Without the everyday interactions that once taught us how to approach, connect, and handle rejection, dating now feels like a high-stakes performance instead of a natural progression. What was once built through play, curiosity, and gradual connection has been compressed into a single moment of pressure, turning love into something overwhelming rather than something we can explore. Jay and Esther explore the illusion of connection in the digital age, where texting replaces talking and screens replace presence. Esther explains how this disembodied way of relating strips away the elements that create real intimacy, like eye contact, tone of voice, touch, and shared energy. While it can feel like we are communicating more, we are often losing depth, nuance, and emotional resonance. This shift has shaped a culture that avoids friction and discomfort, yet still feels more anxious, lonely, and exhausted. In trying to make relationships easier and more efficient, we may be losing the very experiences that give them meaning. In this episode you'll learn: How to Build Real Connection Offline How to Turn Dating Into Discovery, Not Pressure How to Be More Curious Instead of Judgmental How to Create Attraction Through Presence Not Perfection How to Ask for What You Truly Need How to Build Trust in Small, Consistent Moments How to Balance Independence and Interdependence How to Stay Open to Love Without a Checklist If there’s one thing to hold onto, it’s this: nothing about love is broken, you’re just being asked to approach it differently. The world may have made connection feel more complicated, but at its core, it still comes back to showing up, being present, and allowing yourself to be seen without needing to get everything right. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Why Is Gen Z Dating Less? 04:23 The Disappearance of Physical Connection 06:26 Living in a Fully Contactless World 09:54 Connected, Yet Deeply Disconnected 12:01 Dating in the Age of Surveillance 14:11 Why Real Connection Feels Harder Than Ever 17:07 Why Love Falls Flat Without Friction 18:41 The Missing Skills No One Taught Us About Love 24:35 The Hidden Power Struggles Shaping Modern Relationships 27:05 The 4 Pillars of Relational Intelligence 30:07 Have We Lost the Ability to Problem-Solve? 32:38 How to Know If You Can Really Trust Someone 36:44 From “Me” to “We”  38:27 Should You Make a Dating Checklist?  41:04 Why Dating Feels Like a Full-Time Job 43:00 The Pressure Behind “Intentional” Dating 47:50 When Love Doesn’t Speak Your Language 50:25 Why Talking to AI Feels Easier Than People 55:16 The Trap of Wanting Love to Feel Effortless 56:35 Is Love Supposed to Be Hard? 57:58 Why Wanting Love Isn’t “Cringe” 01:02:43 Codependence vs Healthy Love 01:07:09 What Actually Keeps Desire Alive? 01:10:26 Breaking Down Viral Relationship Myths   01:17:38 Esther on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.estherperel.com/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@estherperel  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/esther.perel/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/estherperelofficial  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherperel  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@estherperel_official  Substack | https://estherperel.substack.com/  Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. APR 8

    The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans

    Did the Devil himself really build a mansion in the heart of the Garden District? Discover the eerie legend of the haunted estate that once cast a shadow over St. Charles Avenue. New Orleans is a city of secrets, but few are as unsettling as the story of the dark, imposing mansion that appeared almost overnight on one of its most prestigious streets. From the strange, hapazard construction to the terrifying sounds that echoed from within its walls, the "Devil's Mansion" became a landmark of dread for generations of locals. Content Warning: This story ventures into darker territory, including moments of violence that some listeners may find unsettling. 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 Devil's Mansion of New Orleans" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Tom Coleman Recorded at KRVS Radio Acadie, Lafayette, Louisiana Additional audio production: Henry Howard Music: Jez Graham The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. 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. #TheMoonlitRoad #NewOrleans #GhostStories #SouthernGothic #GardenDistrict #DevilsMansion #LouisianaFolklore #StCharlesAve #HauntedHistory #UrbanLegends #StorytellingPodcast

    15 min

  4. MAR 12

    Where's My Ring?

    Bitterness between two sisters over a glittering diamond ring leads to terrifying consequences from beyond the grave in this chilling Georgia ghost story. In the quiet town of Washington, Georgia, jealousy festers for years between Martha and her sister Jenny. When Jenny dies, temptation proves too strong—and Martha takes the ring she has always coveted. But some things are never meant to be stolen. Soon a voice begins calling in the night: "Where's my ring?" FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our 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 "Where's My Ring?" was told by Nancy Riggs Story adapted from folklore by Nancy Riggs with Craig Dominey Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

    11 min

  5. JAN 26

    Grandma's Furry Robe - A Southern Horror Story

    Two college friends spend a quiet weekend at an isolated Appalachian mountain house — until strange nighttime noises lead to a shocking discovery. Listener discretion is advised.  This story contains frightening imagery and disturbing elements that may not be suitable for all audiences. 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 "Grandma's Furry Robe" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert Guitar: Lanny Gilbert 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. #SouthernHorror #AppalachianHorror #ScaryStories #HorrorPodcast #ShortHorror #CreepyStories

    13 min

  6. JAN 13

    Lizzie: Ghost of Brinkley Female College | A Memphis, Tennessee Ghost Story

    Memphis is a city of music and history, but it is also a city of ghosts. Today, we explore one of its most enduring and debated legends: the haunting of Brinkley Female College by the mysterious Lizzie - and the hunt for an elusive buried jar that captivated an entire city. READ THE FULL STORY & SEE PHOTOS: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lizzie-ghost-brinkley-female-college-memphis-tennessee/ In this episode, we cover: The origins of the Brinkley Female College and its place in Memphis history. First-hand accounts of the terrifying encounters with "Lizzie." Why this specific ghost story remains one of the most controversial legends in Tennessee folklore. Listen now to decide for yourself: is Lizzie a product of imagination, or a spirit that refused to leave school? FOR MORE STORIES: Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com. FOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad CREDITS: "Lizzie, Ghost of Brinkley Female College" was adapted and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen (https://tattlingtales.com/). Audio Production: Henry Howard. Piano improvisations by Carole Mitchell 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. #MemphisGhosts #PinkLizzie #SouthernFolklore #HauntedMemphis #TennesseeLegends #TheMoonlitRoad

    20 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Where Mosquitoes Came From: A Tlingit Legend

    Ever wonder why mosquitoes are so thirsty for blood? According to this legendary Tlingit tale—retold with a Southern twist—the answer lies in the defeat of a blood-thirsty giant. Discover the chilling and clever story of how a single monster became a swarm of thousands. Read the full story and see the illustrations here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/where-mosquitos-come-from-tlingit-legend-southern-version/ 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. #NativeAmericanFolklore #OriginStories #SouthernFolklore #TlingitLegend #Mythology #TheMoonlitRoad #Folktales #NatureMyths

    12 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    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. Read the full story and see the history of the Loup Garou here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-sheriff-and-the-loup-garou/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our 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 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. #LoupGarou #CajunFolklore #WerewolfStories #LouisianaLegends #BayouStories #SouthernFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyStories

    13 min
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4.6
out of 5
456 Ratings

About

Leave the highway behind for the dark back roads of the American South. Since 1997, The Moonlit Road has been gathering the Southern ghost stories, folklore, and oral traditions whispered across generations — from the bayous of Louisiana to the Sea Islands of Georgia to the hollows of Appalachia. In each episode, gifted storytellers, musicians, and folklorists bring you haunted history, forgotten legends, and the creatures that still stalk the Southern imagination: the Bell Witch, the Boo Hag, the Loup Garou. This is the South that lives past the porch light — in the deep roots of Voodoo and Hoodoo, in the campfire stories and mountain haints, in the folklore of the Delta, the Piedmont, and the coastal plain. The stories your grandparents told you. Thousands of listeners have walked this road for over 25 years. Come find us on the back roads. For more Southern ghost stories and regional legends not found on the podcast, visit our full archive at themoonlitroad.com.

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