The Oddcast: Tales of the Occult, Weird, and Arcane

Episode 45: The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs

First published in 1902 by Harper's Monthly and reprinted in his third collection of short stories The Lady of the Barge (also, 1902). The Monkey's Paw is one of the most well-known, adapted, and influential horror short stories ever written. An old war acquaintance brings a furry talisman in the shape of a monkey's paw, which promises to grant three wishes to whomever wishes upon it. Sargent-Major Morris: Nik Marvin (shamanagans@globular.org) Mrs. White: Miranda Friel Herbert White: Jim Tobe Mr. White, Stranger, Narration, Music and Sound Design: Jon Fredette

Episode 44: Midsummer by Arthur Machen

Arthur Machen, the pen-name of Arthur Llewellyn Jones, was a Welsh author and mystic of the 1890s and early 20th century. He has garnered a reputation as one most influential classic horror story authors to have ever written. Summary: Leonard, a farm hand, after a day in the city retires to his small house for the evening and, restless, decides to take his wandering thoughts out into the surrounding woods. What he comes across during his walk is perhaps the best kept secret in the village. Narration, Sound, and Music by Jon Fredette

Episode 43: Terra Incognita by Vladimir Nabokov

First published in the émigré journal Posledniya Novosti in Paris in 1931. Translated by the author and his son, the story was published in English in The New Yorker in May, 1963, and later added to A Russian Beauty and Other Stories.Three men traverse an area of unknown country, the tropical hell of Badonia, in hopes of reaching the Gurano Hills and escaping Zonraki. Gregson, Cook by Nik Marvin Valiere, Narration, Sound Design, and Music by Jon Fredette

Episode 42: The Beautiful Suit by H.G. Wells

Originally published under the title "A Moonlight Fable" in the April 10, 1909, number of Collier's Weekly. A young man acquires a hand-woven suit from his mother, and, becoming obsessed with its beauty over a period of days, he flees into the night with it. Narration, Sound Design, and Music by Jon Fredette. 

Episode 41: The Awakening by Arthur C. Clarke

First published in Zenith in February 1942 and later revised and published in Future in January of 1952. Collected in The Best of Arthur C. Clarke 1937-1955. Upon discovering a terminal illness that will kill him within a year, an influential cult leader known only as "The Master" enters deep cryosleep for a century in hopes of awakening once a cure has been discovered. Narration, Music, and Sound Design by Jon Fredette.