Podcasts > Last Podcast On The Left > Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

By Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski

Dare to delve into the eerie and the absurd with "Last Podcast On The Left"? Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks lead you through a ghoulish gallery of the supernatural and the startling in their latest episode, "Side Stories: Tunnel Tales." From Hawaiian specters to piercing predicaments, they cover a gambit that lingers somewhere between the terrifyingly real and the humorously bizarre. Listen as they explore the encounter of runner Nick K. Borlase with an apparition from the haunting Hawaiian night marchers' lore, sparking both media frenzy and witty banter on ancient avoidance tactics.

But it's not all ghosts and folklore; the duo also dive deep into cringe-worthy listener submissions about genital piercings gone awry during intimate moments. The comedic commentary on these painfully awkward—and sometimes emergency room-worthy—sexual escapades will leave you both laughing and wincing. And if that's not enough to pique your curiosity, stick around as Zebrowski shares a personal brush with the paranormal, a supposed poltergeist that has haunted his memory since childhood. Join in for this eclectic mix of tales that bridge the gap between skeptical chuckles and spine-tingling chills.

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Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

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Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

1-Page Summary

A Hawaiian runner catching an image of a ghostly warrior figure on video

During a 100-mile endurance race in Hawaii, ultra marathon runner Nick K. Borlase captured footage of what appeared to be a ghostly warrior figure. While reviewing photos after the race with her running partner, they spotted an eerie figure reminiscent of the legendary Hawaiian "night marchers" - spectral entities from Hawaiian folklore. The mysterious footage was taken on a secluded section of trail, and it generated media interest from outlets like the New York Post. Zebrowski and Parks humorously discussed the night marchers, including the folklore and potential avoidance strategies.

Listener stories of genital piercings getting stuck during sex

Listeners shared distressing tales of genital piercings causing complications during sexual encounters. One incident involved a man's penis piercing snagging in his partner's throat during oral sex, requiring a hands-on approach to detach. Another episode saw a genital piercing become twisted with an IUD string, leading to discomfort and a visit to the emergency doctor for IUD string adjustment. Additional stories included piercings getting interlocked between two partners, and a clitoral ring hooking onto a tongue stud, resulting in injury and requiring careful disentanglement. These experiences prompted advice to avoid certain piercing types during sex to prevent similar mishaps.

A poltergeist experience after a family's fake seance

Henry Zebrowski recounted a bizarre and unexplained incident following his parents' staged fake seance when he was a child. His parents set up a chilling atmosphere with candles and darkness, then used a fishing line to slam a door and break its glass in an effort to trick their kids. Despite the initial scare being revealed as a prank, the next day, Henry experienced what seemed like a poltergeist activity: his glass of iced tea moved on its own across a table, stopping mid-air before crashing to the floor and breaking. This unexplained event, distinct from the playful Halloween hoax, left Henry and his family pondering the reality of supernatural occurrences.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Hawaiian "night marchers" are spectral entities from Hawaiian folklore, believed to be the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors. According to legend, they are said to roam the islands at night in a procession, often accompanied by drums and chanting. Encountering them is considered a sign of misfortune or death, and it is advised to show respect by avoiding their paths and not looking directly at them. The night marchers are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and are a significant part of the islands' supernatural beliefs.
  • Poltergeist activity typically involves unexplained physical disturbances attributed to supernatural forces. In this context, after a fake seance, the occurrence of poltergeist activity suggests a potential connection between the staged paranormal event and the subsequent inexplicable movement of objects. The fake seance may have inadvertently triggered or attracted paranormal energy, leading to the eerie incident with the glass of iced tea moving on its own. This phenomenon blurs the line between staged theatrics and potentially genuine supernatural encounters.

Counterarguments

  • The footage of the ghostly warrior figure could be a result of pareidolia, where the mind perceives a familiar pattern where none actually exists.
  • The media attention given to the footage does not validate the existence of ghosts or spectral entities; it could simply reflect public interest in supernatural stories.
  • The stories of genital piercings causing issues during sex might be exaggerated or rare cases, and not all genital piercings necessarily lead to such complications.
  • The advice to avoid certain piercing types during sex may not be necessary for everyone, as risks can be mitigated with proper care and communication between partners.
  • Henry Zebrowski's poltergeist experience could have a rational explanation, such as the movement of the glass being caused by vibrations or an uneven surface, rather than supernatural forces.
  • The seance prank by Henry's parents, while intended to be in good fun, could be criticized for potentially causing unnecessary fear or trauma, especially to children.

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Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

A Hawaiian runner catching an image of a ghostly warrior figure on video

An ultra marathon runner, Nick K. Borlase, encountered something extraordinary while reviewing footage from a race in which she participated—a spooky figure materializing in her photos.

The runner was participating in an extreme 100-mile endurance race

In 2019, during the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team's Trail 100-mile endurance run around Oahu encompassing the Honolulu-Maoka Trails, Nick K. Borlase sustained a significant ankle injury. Despite this setback, she completed the arduous 20-mile loop but had an eerie tale to tell afterward.

Going through photos afterwards, she and her partner spotted a spooky figure that fits the description of legendary Hawaiian ghost warriors called night marchers

While reviewing photos with her running partner, Borlase discovered footage showing what appeared to be an ancient warrior materializing and then quickly disappearing. This occurred on a section of the trail where no other individuals were observed during the run. The footage, which garnered media attention from outlets like the New York Post, showed a figure akin to the legendary Hawaiian "night marchers." Night marchers, according to Hawaiian folklore, are the gho ...

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A Hawaiian runner catching an image of a ghostly warrior figure on video

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Hawaiian Ultra Running Team's Trail 100-mile endurance run is a challenging race that takes place in Hawaii, specifically around Oahu's Honolulu-Maoka Trails. Participants in this event cover a distance of 100 miles on rugged terrain, testing their endurance and stamina. It is known for its difficulty and scenic beauty, attracting runners seeking a demanding and rewarding experience in a unique natural setting. The race offers a significant challenge to runners due to its length and the varied terrain they must navigate throughout the course.
  • In Hawaiian folklore, night marchers are ghostly apparitions of ancient Hawaiian warriors who are said to roam specific paths or trails. These spirits are believed to be protectors of sacred sites and are often seen carrying torches, chanting, and playing drums. It is said that encountering night marchers can bring misfortune or even death, and there are various customs and beliefs on how to avoid attracting their attention. Night marchers are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and are considered powerful and sacred beings by many native Hawaiians.
  • In Hawaiian folklore, ...

Counterarguments

  • The appearance of the figure in the footage could be a result of pareidolia, where the human mind perceives a familiar pattern, like a face or figure, where none actually exists.
  • The figure could be a trick of light and shadow, especially in a wooded or varied terrain, which can create illusions of figures.
  • The figure might be a person or object that was present but not noticed by the runner or others at the time, possibly due to exhaustion or focus on the race.
  • The claim that the figure is a night marcher is based on folklore and lacks empirical evidence; it could be a misinterpretation of Hawaiian cultural stories.
  • The media attention from outlets like the New York Post does not validate the supernatural interpretation of the event; media often sensationalize such stories for entertainment value.
  • Zebrowski and Parks' humorous discussion does not provide a serious analysis of the footage and should not be considered a credible source for unders ...

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Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

Listener stories of genital piercings getting stuck during sex

Listeners have shared their personal experiences showcasing the potential risks and mishaps that can occur with genital piercings during intimate moments.

Stories include a penis piercing getting caught in a partner's throat and an IUD string tangling with a genital piercing during sex

One listener recounted a particularly harrowing experience where his Ampallang piercing (a horizontal bar through the head of the penis) became lodged behind his partner's palato-pharyngeal arch during oral sex. The situation required him to manually unhook the bar to extricate himself.

The same individual faced a different complication during vaginal sex when his genital piercing became entangled with the string of his partner's intrauterine device (IUD), causing them both pain. The couple resorted to applying ice and visiting an emergency doctor, who after an examination, trimmed the IUD string.

Another listener described an incident where both partners had genital piercings, which ended up getting caught on each other durin ...

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Listener stories of genital piercings getting stuck during sex

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • An Ampallang piercing is a type of genital piercing that involves a horizontal bar passing through the head of the penis. It is a form of body modification that can be aesthetically pleasing for some individuals. This piercing can have functional implications during sexual activities and may lead to unique challenges or complications. The placement and design of this piercing can vary, impacting how it interacts with the body during intimate moments.
  • The palato-pharyngeal arch, also known as the palatopharyngeal fold, is a fold of mucous membrane in the back of the mouth. It is located near the tonsils and plays a role in swallowing and speech. The arch helps separate the oral cavity from the pharynx, contributing to the function of the throat. In the context of the text, it was where the Ampallang piercing became lodged during oral sex.
  • An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a long-acting and reversible form of birth control. IUDs can be either copper or hormonal, with different effects on menstruation and side effects. They are highly effective and have low failure rates.
  • Hoop and barbell piercings are common types of body jewelry used in piercings. A hoop piercing is a circular piece of jewelry that forms a complete loop, while a barbell piercing consists of a straight bar with a bead on each ...

Counterarguments

...

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Side Stories: Tunnel Tales

A poltergeist experience after a family's fake seance

Henry Zebrowski recalls a peculiar and unexplained event that occurred following a prank his parents had pulled during Halloween.

The parents staged a fake séance to scare their kids one Halloween

Henry Zebrowski shares how, during his childhood, his parents orchestrated a fake seance to frighten their children, creating a spooky atmosphere complete with candles, a Ouija board, a Bible at the room’s center, and all the lights turned off. To add to the fear factor, his father rigged a fishing line to the back door and abruptly pulled it during the séance, causing the door to dramatically open and slam shut with such force that the glass shattered. Although they admitted to the prank afterward and consoled a shaken Henry, their mother had played the part of a clairvoyant medium to lend authenticity to the setup, while his father had convincingly simulated a ghost’s presence with the slamming door.

The next day, the son witnessed his glass of iced tea seemingly move by itself before falling and shattering

The eerie atmosphere of the staged event took a turn toward the truly surreal the following day. While Henry was quietly rea ...

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A poltergeist experience after a family's fake seance

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A séance is a gathering where people attempt to communicate with spirits of the dead. Participants often sit in a circle, holding hands, and a medium may lead the session to make contact with the deceased. Objects like candles, Ouija boards, or other tools can be used to enhance the spiritual connection during the séance. The goal is to receive messages or signs from the spirit world, providing closure or guidance to the living. The practice is rooted in spiritualism and has been a popular form of paranormal exploration for centuries.
  • A poltergeist experience typically involves unexplained and seemingly supernatural phenomena, such as objects moving or noises without a clear cause. It is often associated with disturbances believed to be caused by a ghost or spirit. These occurrences are usually unsettling and can be perceived as evidence of paranormal activity. Poltergeist experiences have been a common theme in folklore, ghost stories, and paranormal investigations.
  • A clairvoyant medium is a person who claims to have the abilit ...

Counterarguments

  • Skepticism about the supernatural: The idea that the glass of iced tea moved on its own could be challenged by skeptics who might argue that there could have been a natural explanation, such as a slight incline on the table or vibrations from nearby traffic or appliances that caused the glass to move.
  • Confirmation bias: After experiencing a staged event meant to simulate supernatural activity, Henry might have been more inclined to interpret subsequent unexplained events as paranormal, which is a form of confirmation bias.
  • Psychological effects: The fear and anticipation created by the fake séance could have heightened Henry's senses and made him more susceptible to perceiving normal events as supernatural.
  • Memory reliability: Memories, especially from childhood, can be influenced by time and subsequent experiences. Henry's recollection of the event might be unintentionally exaggerated or altered.
  • Alternative explanations for the glass movement: It's possible that the glass was not placed s ...

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