The Scarecast: Scary Stories, Mysteries, and True Crime

Michael Crutchfield
The Scarecast: Scary Stories, Mysteries, and True Crime

For almost a decade, The Scarecast—hosted by Michael Crutchfield—has captivated audiences with spine-tingling stories that explore the shadowy depths of real-life horror. Originally launched on YouTube as MaddMike, The Scarecast masterfully narrates true accounts of chilling encounters, from paranormal experiences to unsettling run-ins with strangers. With over a hundred episodes, The Scarecast stands out for its dedication to authentic, listener-submitted tales that leave audiences both unsettled and eager for more. Crutchfield’s storytelling prowess and commitment to sharing genuine scares have made The Scarecast a must-listen for fans of the eerie and unexplained.

  1. S9E5: Colorado Street Bridge | Pasadena, CA

    JUN 1

    S9E5: Colorado Street Bridge | Pasadena, CA

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, including real-life incidents and urban legends. Listener discretion is advised. Step into the chilling shadows of Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge—infamously known as “Suicide Bridge”—in this haunting episode of The Scarecast. Mike explores the bridge’s tragic legacy, from its construction in 1913 through decades of sorrow, supernatural encounters, and stories shared by listeners and locals alike. Episode Highlights: Discover the urban legend of a worker entombed in concrete and the real-life 1913 construction accident that claimed a life and may have sparked the bridge’s haunted reputation.Hear the heartbreaking story of Myrtle Ward, who, overwhelmed by despair, jumped from the bridge with her young daughter in 1937. Miraculously, her daughter survived, and this event led to the installation of the first suicide barrier.Listeners and locals report sightings of a sorrowful woman in white, believed to be Myrtle or a jilted bride, and a mysterious man in wire-rimmed glasses who silently wanders the bridge before vanishing. Underneath the bridge, some have heard chilling whispers like “her fault” and “jump.”The episode recounts the 2008 murder-suicide involving Walter Garcia, as well as the 2015 death of actor Sam Sarpong, highlighting the bridge’s ongoing struggle with its tragic reputation despite increased prevention efforts..Several Firsthand Paranormal Encounters (as detailed below)   Listeners share spine-tingling experiences:     - Feeling unseen hands beneath the bridge     - Witnessing vanishing figures and “ghost jumpers”     - Hearing unexplained screams and voices     - Encounters with shadowy forms and sudden waves of sadness or fear The episode concludes with a heartfelt reminder about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention, urging anyone struggling to reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You are not alone, and help is always available. Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scarecast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarecast/ Website: https://www.thescarecast.com/ For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review on your podcast player, and share to friends! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    36 min
  2. S9E4: Inglewood Horror Stories (Inglewood Park Cemetery, Airport Park View Hotel, and Centinela Park)

    MAY 19

    S9E4: Inglewood Horror Stories (Inglewood Park Cemetery, Airport Park View Hotel, and Centinela Park)

    On this episode of The Scarecast, we’re diving deep into the haunted heart of Inglewood, California - a city where the past lingers in the shadows and every landmark seems to have a story to tell. In this episode, we’ll unravel chilling tales from three of Inglewood’s most infamous sites: Inglewood Park Cemetery, the old Airport Park View Hotel (now The Lum Hotel), and Centinela Park, now known as Edward Vincent Jr. Park. Inglewood Park Cemetery is more than just a final resting place for Hollywood legends-it’s a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Listeners have shared stories of vanishing hitchhikers, mysterious figures in mariachi suits, and the laughter of unseen children echoing through the night. But the cemetery isn’t the only place where the supernatural seeps through the city’s surface. The Airport Park View Hotel, now The Lum Hotel, sits on land with a reputation for restless spirits. Across town, Centinela Park-renamed Edward Vincent Jr. Park-holds its own dark secrets. Beyond the ghost stories and eerie feelings, the park was the site of one of Inglewood’s most tragic crimes: the 1937 abduction and murder of three young girls, an event that cast a shadow over the community for generations.  Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, Inglewood’s haunted history is impossible to ignore. So turn down the lights, lock your doors, and join us as we explore the true horror stories that make Inglewood one of Southern California’s most haunted cities. This is The Scarecast, Season 9, Episode 4: Inglewood Horror Stories. Read Transcript: https://www.thescarecast.com/s9e4-inglewood-horror-stories-inglewood-park-cemetery-airport-park-view-hotel-and-centinela-park/ Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scarecast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarecast/ Website: https://www.thescarecast.com/ For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review on your podcast player, and share to friends! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min
  3. S9E3 - 9 TRUE Scary Stories: I Have A Ghost Story...

    MAY 7

    S9E3 - 9 TRUE Scary Stories: I Have A Ghost Story...

    Season 9, Episode 3 of The Scarecast Podcast delivers nine chilling true stories that defy explanation and blur the line between the natural and supernatural. Listeners will hear a haunting account from a caregiver about a resident whose deceased husband’s ghost was seen locked in a basement, a terrifying encounter with a massive, two-legged wolf-like creature in Alaska, and a poltergeist lifting blankets in a quiet mansion. Other stories include a man haunted by a sinister entity during sleep paralysis, an unsettling hiking experience with mysterious watchers in the woods, and a near-abduction by a man who exuded the unmistakable smell of death. The episode also features a haunted Ouija board that brought nightmares and bruises, demonic activity centered around a basement door slamming in the dead of night, and eerie, unexplained knocks and voices experienced by a parent and child. Each story is a raw, firsthand account that will leave you questioning what lurks just beyond our sight. Prepare for a journey into true horror that will haunt your thoughts long after the episode ends-this is The Scarecast, where the scary is real. Stories: 1. “A discussion I had with my resident today shook me up” posted by psychcrime https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/1jvp2lc/a_discussion_i_had_with_my_resident_today_shook/ A caregiver recounts a resident with early dementia who tells a detailed, haunting story about her deceased husband’s ghost physically trapped in their basement after his death by suicide. 2. “Dogman in Alaska??” posted by Responsible_Beat1947 https://www.reddit.com/r/dogman/comments/1jw9qkb/dogman_in_alaska/ A man’s father describes a terrifying hunting experience where he encounters a massive, two-legged wolf-like creature that snarls and chases elk before disappearing over a ridge. 3. “I work as a caregiver and I saw something creepy” - Anonymous   A caregiver witnesses blankets mysteriously lifting off a bed in a quiet mansion during an overnight shift, suggesting poltergeist presence. 4. “My dead friend has been haunting me. That la not My friend” posted by Hikori_- https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1jwcqd8/my_dead_friend_has_been_haunting_me_that_la_not/ A person suffers repeated sleep paralysis episodes where a sinister figure with glowing green eyes resembling a deceased friend appears, causing physical burns and scratches. 5. Unsettling Hiking Encounter - Anonymous A couple hiking with their dog meets strange people who suddenly disappear; they feel watched by unseen predators in dense woods known for mysterious disappearances. 6. “I think I got into a car with a serial killer” posted by CostRevolutionary395 https://www.reddit.com/r/creepyencounters/comments/1jj26i1/i_think_i_got_into_a_car_with_a_serial_killer/ A young woman recounts getting into a car with a man who drives the wrong way, emits a strong smell of decomposition, and unnerves her until she is safely dropped off. 7. Haunted Ouija Board - posted by LaneWK https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1jobo3z/comment/mks9j9n/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button A woman’s friend brings home an old Ouija board that causes nightmares, bruises, and the appearance of a rough-furred entity beside her bed until the board is discarded. 8. “I have a ghost story” posted by Dank_Tank22 https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1jkqfm2/i_have_a_ghost_story/ A teenager experiences repeated slamming of the basement door and unexplained noises; despite searching, no intruder is found, and the activity escalates. 9. “Things happening to me and my 4 year old son” posted by clewlod https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1k0kv0w/things_happening_to_me_and_my_4_year_old_son/ A parent and their young son hear intentional, human-like knocks on a bedroom door and a familiar voice when no one is home, leading to fear and confusion. Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scarecast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarecast/ Website: https://www.thescarecast.com/ For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review on your podcast player, and share to friends! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    32 min
  4. S9E2 - 5 TRUE Scary Stories: Have You Encountered the Dogman?

    APR 17

    S9E2 - 5 TRUE Scary Stories: Have You Encountered the Dogman?

    After a brief hiatus, The Scarecast returns with a chilling new episode, Season 9 Episode 2, packed with true stories that will keep you up at night. Mike is back from the chaos of busy season in public accounting and ready to deliver a fresh batch of spine-tingling tales for all the loyal listeners who stuck around during the break. This episode features a handpicked collection of the creepiest recent encounters and several creepy pictures/videos posted on the web: Stories: 1. I live in the heart of Appalachia and this is easily the most terrifying story of one of my experiences (posted by doobydoopy) https://www.reddit.com/r/BackwoodsCreepy/comments/1jnj5k8/i_live_in_the_heart_of_appalachia_and_this_is/ A late-night walk in the woods of southern West Virginia turns into a nightmare when two friends are stalked by an inhuman voice and a blood-curdling scream that defies explanation. 2. This photo was taken in 2013, I’m still dumbfounded by it (posted by Outrageous_Flight_77) https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalEncounters/comments/1jq3g8c/this_photo_was_taken_in_2013_im_still_dumbfounded/ A woman captures a mysterious face—eerily resembling her late twin sister—in the background of a sepia-toned photo, sparking debate about the afterlife and the possibility of a heartwarming spectral visit. 3. Kind of a Spooky Thing That Happened to Me In Gettysburg (posted by 4thdegreeknight) https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1g9t4h6/kind_of_a_spooky_thing_that_happened_to_me_in/ A family trip to America’s most haunted battlefield leads to a series of unsettling events in a hotel laundry room, leaving one skeptic convinced that the town’s ghostly legends are real. 4. This freaked me out (posted by mokihh) https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1jmy3s0/this_freaked_me_out/ While playing a virtual reality game, a player encounters a cloaked, human-shaped figure that doesn’t belong in the game—or in her home. 5. The time I encountered a Dogman in the Oregon woods (posted by Southwestseer) https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1jmy5tg/the_time_i_encountered_a_dogman_in_the_oregon/ A solo camper’s midnight walk near Lake of the Woods leads to a terrifying face-to-face encounter with a towering, canine-headed cryptid. 6. Pizza Hut Panic (posted by rileyvace) https://www.reddit.com/r/TalesFromThePizzaGuy/comments/4q7zs8/comment/d4re44y/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button An assistant manager’s late-night shift takes a bizarre turn when a frantic woman bursts in, begging for help, followed by a suspicious black SUV and men in suits who seem straight out of a conspiracy thriller. 7. I never used to believe in ghosts/the afterlife… (posted by Master-Serve-4036) https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghoststories/comments/1jfybfr/i_never_used_to_believe_in_ghoststhe_afterlife/ After the loss of a beloved sister, a family experiences a series of unexplained phenomena—from flickering lights to stopped clocks and phantom footsteps—offering comfort and a new belief in the afterlife. —---  No commentary between stories this time—just pure, uninterrupted scares. If you enjoy story recaps, let Mike know and they might return in future episodes. Don’t forget to follow @thescarecast on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for story teasers with visuals. Have your own scary experience? Send it to mike@thescarecast.com.  Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scarecast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarecast/ Website: https://www.thescarecast.com/ For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com If you enjoy this episode, please rate and review on your podcast player, and share to friends! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    35 min
  5. The Scarecast Files #19: The Entity From Commerce

    JAN 3

    The Scarecast Files #19: The Entity From Commerce

    In this chilling podcast episode, we dive into a terrifying encounter that occurred 20 years ago in Commerce, California. A group of friends, out for a night of harmless fun, stumbled upon something they couldn't explain near a massive Scientology building on Sheila Avenue. Finding a quiet place to park so they can drink and smoke would bring them to this particular parking lot. They parked facing the building, only to spot a shadowy figure at the top of a staircase visible through the glass windows. What happened next defies explanation: the figure bolted down the stairs at an inhuman speed, seemingly floating, before bursting out of the building in pursuit of the panicked friends. The episode details the heart-pounding chase that ensued, with the entity - described as a pale, bald figure in a black suit with no discernible face - sprinting after their car at impossible speeds. The friends fled in terror, eventually finding refuge in one of their backyards. Website Post: https://www.thescarecast.com/the-entity-from-commerce/ Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast X: https://x.com/thescarecast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescarecast For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    12 min
  6. The Scarecast Files #18: The Whaley House | San Diego, CA

    12/30/2024

    The Scarecast Files #18: The Whaley House | San Diego, CA

    In this episode, we explore the chilling history and paranormal activity surrounding the Whaley House, one of America's most notorious haunted locations. We begin with the tragic execution of "Yankee Jim" Robinson on the site where the house would later be built, setting the stage for centuries of supernatural occurrences. The Whaley family's unfortunate legacy is examined, including infant deaths and suicides that have left their mark on the property. We delve into the numerous ghostly encounters reported by visitors and staff over the years, from mysterious footsteps to full-bodied apparitions. The episode also features eerie photographs and videos captured by guests (available to view on thescarecast.com), potentially showing apparitions of former residents and victims. Firsthand accounts of paranormal experiences are shared, including physical sensations like sudden temperature drops and unexplained phenomena such as objects moving on their own. Finally, we discuss the Whaley House's well-established reputation as a paranormal hotspot, acknowledged even by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which has officially listed it as an authentic haunted house. Website Post: https://www.thescarecast.com/the-whal/ Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast X: https://x.com/thescarecast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescarecast For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min
  7. The Scarecast Files #17: Gehr Industries | Commerce, CA

    12/24/2024

    The Scarecast Files #17: Gehr Industries | Commerce, CA

    In this spine-chilling episode, we delve into the haunted history of the Gehr Industries warehouse in Commerce, CA. From ghostly employees and spectral children to unexplained phenomena, the warehouse teems with paranormal activity that has left workers shaken for years. We explore the building's intriguing past, including its connection to Howard Hughes, and the various apparitions that call it home. But the true shock comes with the revelation of a dark true crime connection: the notorious "Chameleon Killer" Terry Peder Rasmussen once worked within these very walls. This episode weaves together ghost stories, historical intrigue, and a true crime bombshell, creating a tapestry of terror that will leave listeners questioning the boundaries between the supernatural and the all-too-real horrors of human nature. Website Post: https://www.thescarecast.com/gehr-industries-commerce-ca/ Watch the summarized video version of this episode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/reel/DDquE5cxfDv/?locale=ru&hl=am-et Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast X: https://x.com/thescarecast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescarecast For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    12 min
  8. The Scarecast Files #16: Finally caught our house ghost…

    12/19/2024

    The Scarecast Files #16: Finally caught our house ghost…

    In this episode, we explore a family's 15-year journey living alongside an unseen presence in their Victorian home. What began as mysterious footsteps evolved into tangible evidence when a motion-activated camera captured a translucent figure in the upstairs hallway. The story intertwines the family's experiences, their grandmother's antique collection, and the shocking revelation of not one, but two spectral entities in a single photograph. The episode discusses the family's transition from skepticism to belief, the potential connection between inherited antiques and paranormal activity, and the challenges of coexisting with otherworldly residents. Join us as we blur the line between the known and unknown, and ponder the question: How does a family continue living in a home they now know is shared with ghostly inhabitants? Original Post (Posted by Landen10e): https://www.reddit.com/r/Paranormal/comments/1emq9q2/finally_caught_our_house_ghost/ Read along and view photos mentioned in the episode: https://www.thescarecast.com/finally-caught-our-house-ghost/ Watch the summarized video version of this episode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCGTmMExOk2/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast/video/7434776237282708778 Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarecast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thescarecast X: https://x.com/thescarecast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescarecast For any story requests, concerns, or advertising inquiries, feel free to reach out to me via email at mike@thescarecast.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-scarecast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min
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4.5
out of 5
1,872 Ratings

About

For almost a decade, The Scarecast—hosted by Michael Crutchfield—has captivated audiences with spine-tingling stories that explore the shadowy depths of real-life horror. Originally launched on YouTube as MaddMike, The Scarecast masterfully narrates true accounts of chilling encounters, from paranormal experiences to unsettling run-ins with strangers. With over a hundred episodes, The Scarecast stands out for its dedication to authentic, listener-submitted tales that leave audiences both unsettled and eager for more. Crutchfield’s storytelling prowess and commitment to sharing genuine scares have made The Scarecast a must-listen for fans of the eerie and unexplained.

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