Episode 97: Excursus II

Episode 97: Excursus II

Author: DeepNerd Media April 16, 2026 Duration: 30:05

A little palate cleanser before the second course of season two begins in earnest.


CW: Monster sounds; holiday party sounds; mention of a dead parent.


Written by Cam Collins

Produced and edited by Cam Collins and Steve Shell

Narrated and performed by Steve Shell

Sound design by Steve Shell

Intro music: “The Land Unknown (The Where the Light Don’t Reach Verses)” written and performed by Landon Blood

Outro music: “Panthers on the Mountainside (Live)” written and performed by Jon Charles Dwyer ft. the Jon Charles Choir (download here)


The new Those Poor Bastards record, "Black Tongue" (download here)


Special equipment consideration provided by Lauten Audio.


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Deep within the ancient hills and mist-shrouded hollows, a different kind of history waits. Old Gods of Appalachia, crafted by DeepNerd Media, is not merely a story but an excavation of the land's old, grim bones. This narrative podcast weaves together elements of folk horror and cosmic dread, rooted in the very soil of the mountains. It explores a world where the coal in the dark seams and the gnarled roots of the trees hold memories far older and more malevolent than any human settlement. Each episode feels like a found artifact, a tale passed down in whispers, warning of what stirs when the skin of the world is cut open. Listeners will hear interconnected stories of communities grappling with forces they cannot comprehend-forces that were here long before the first roads were carved and that will remain long after. The anthology format allows these chilling tales to unfold across different times and perspectives, all bound by the shared, haunted geography of central Appalachia. It’s a place where the price of progress is often measured in blood and darkness, and where the natural world itself holds a terrifying, sentient science. To tune into this podcast is to walk a forgotten path, to feel the weight of the mountains, and to understand that some legends are not just stories, but living, breathing warnings.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Old Gods of Appalachia
Podcast Episodes
Episode 64: Last Stand at Copper Ridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
A stand is made, and the shadow falls.CW: Gore, fire, disfiguring burns, sounds of burning, monster/animal attack sounds, death by monster, gunshot sounds, pregnancy. Written by Cam Collins and Steve ShellNarrated by Ste…
Episode 63: The Ways of the Dead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
Decisions are made in the place where the veil stands thin.CW: References to the deaths of children in the practice of child labor, death of a parent, death in pollution-related circumstances, disfigurement, sex work, in…
Episode 62: Small Favors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
Favors are called in and a journey begins. CW: Discussion of firearms, paranoia, emotional breakdown, marital strife, children killed in industrial settings/child labor; automotive sounds; descriptions of mutilated ghost…
Episode 61: Mixed Blessings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Mine. CW: Woodland ambiance, monster noises, gunshot (at low volume), discussion of hunting animals for food, discussion of pregnancy and possible complications, light mutilation. Written by Steve Shell and Cam CollinsNa…
Episode 60: The Tale of Mr. Poe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
Mr. Poe always gets his.CW: Woodland ambiance, monster noises, monster body horror, gunshot (at low volume), discussion of hunting animals for food.Written by Steve Shell Narrated by Steve ShellSound design by Steve Shel…
Episode 59: Points of Order [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
A young man’s final testimony brings new revelations to light as another steps forward to tell their tale.CW: Courtroom proceedings, monster sounds, bodily harm via monster attack.Written by Cam CollinsNarrated by Steve…
Episode 58: Opportunity Knocks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:38
“I told you to be quick, young ones. Best you run.”CW: Gunshot, kidnapping, threats of physical harm, industrial doors slamming, sound of a man screaming in the distance, gore, death, dismemberment and sounds of consumpt…
A Special Message from WOGA Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
We're thankful for you, family, and thus we present this special holiday broadcast.Featuring:"Hollow Men" by Brother Landon Blood"Don't Turn Away" by Jacob Danielsen-Moore"Panthers on the Mountainside" by Jon Charles Dwy…
Episode 57: The Land of Nod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
“And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.”CW: Kidnapping, threats of physical harm, industrial doors slamming, description of circus costuming, bluegrass.Written…
Episode 56: The Traveling Marvels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
There are many threats to children who wander alone into these woods. Even those who may be wolves.CW: Carnival ambience, chicken sounds, description/discussion of exploitative treatment of the disabled, brief descriptio…