5 True Scary NEW TOWN Stories

[@LetsReadPodcast]

Thumbnail by Robin Mikalsen instagram.com/robin.mikalsen/

[@joker-sh5hv]

looks like the original welcome to horrorland goosebumps book cover

[@faizsubhani3763]

Please reduce the advertisements in the middle. It really spoils the experience

[@theh.p.lovecraftlunaticasy5186]

I love it

[@karensagal8230]

@@faizsubhani3763 Get adblock, its very effective...

[@LittleSkrmblr]

Can we get this man to 1 million subscribers already? 🥳

[@EdgeOfNowhere2024]

I’m trying already

[@justchillblake]

He deserves it

[@daydreamer8.3.1.9]

One million?? How about 5 million!! 🥰

[@MichelleAiello]

I’d subscribe twice if I could

[@LetsReadPodcast]

chop chop

[@donotavius5915]

As someone who moved around a lot as a kid, stories like this are always interesting to listen to for me. Moving to a completely new town with a new school and not knowing anybody is already intimidating enough, so other scary stuff going wrong just adds on to it.

[@Didnt_ask69]

Ok

[@656ui8]

​@@Didnt_ask69 show some respect to the new kid. Ya clown 🤡

[@Zgarnet777]

Hello 👋 Wishing You The Very Best In Life 🎼☮️ from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA 🇺🇲💞🌻

[@tkong35]

Thanks! Your narration is great and got me thru tough times I appreciate you Joel!!

[@Didnt_ask69]

Cringe

[@orokremagyar6580]

@@Didnt_ask69 why

[@daviddelarosajr1758]

Awesome Joel thank you you’re Videos make my day 😎😀😎

[@cupidreindeer5601]

I like how the image is a homage to Goosebumps' One Day at HorrorLand.

[@gagek.2830]

Yeah, I love that. Huge Goosebumps fan here ☝🏼

[@DKCGamerGirl]

Ha! Yes, same here! One of the best classic Goosebumps books! Also a huge Goosebumps fan! Saw the thumbnail for this video and just loved the obvious reference! Listening to first story and it's even reminding me of Welcome to Dead House XD

[@fruitbattery]

That book was my favorite one, I should re-read it soon. ❤️ And I can! All the original books are currently being re-published where I live and it's beautiful! (New cover art, but at least I get a chance to own them again)

[@tigerlord9302]

@@fruitbatteryThey’ve been re-published for a while with new cover art. They’re probably just in high demand in your area.

[@evenal]

the Best Goosbumps story ever!

[@jwr6796]

I always listen to these while doing my nightly housework before I go to bed. Great reminder to lock my doors.

[@annadimples7599]

Exactly 🥶

[@nikkid7963]

Same here, and I always remember to check and make sure my front door is locked. I listed before bed while straightening up too.

[@heatherhancock2546]

I can’t wait for you June 4th Birthday live stream.. I anticipate it as if it were my favorite holiday of the year. Ohhh the pressure. Lol! Love it!

[@LetsReadPodcast]

It’s gonna be nuts 🥜

[@kellysouter4381]

The nude pooper story, couldn't they install automatic sprinklers and turn them on mid squat? A cold shower at midnight might make the rude loony think twice.😄

[@magesalmanac6424]

Or get a vicious 🐕

[@soudontlikeme]

Yeah then they could claim that they were the ones responsible for starting the bidet craze💩🥴🧐 🤗Alright, alright already! I'll let myself out...... I'm going. Ok, ok..... Bye! 🥺

[@Digitalfairy]

@@magesalmanac6424 Better yet get two dogs.

[@evenal]

"the crazy naked pooper grabs the gun" is a phrase i thought i would never hear, ever lol

[@heatherrhoads8831]

Story #3 was super creepy!! I would love to know what's going on in that town!!

[@TheWedabest]

Same. I wish he gave the name of that town!

[@justsuper9]

Probably a sundown town of some kind in all honesty. There’s still a frightening amount of them in the states, and folks tend to fear or hate anyone or anything that they don’t understand in smaller, out of the way places.

[@coldsac1987]

🤣🤣sounds like bs to me but nice story

[@heatherrhoads8831]

@@coldsac1987 Don't ruin it! I want it to be real!! LOL

[@swillie7141]

@@coldsac1987 I believe it there are some weird towns and people!

[@Kells33]

Does anyone else fall asleep to Let’s Read and end up dreaming of the stories? Happens every time lol

[@gaki8844]

I end up dreaming about you.....

[@RLR117]

That's exactly why I've refused to fall asleep listening, even though I think his voice would put me to sleep. I'm afraid I'll dream about the stories.

[@SvnLeafClvr]

Thanks Joel 😁😊

[@kylemendoza8860]

Did the thumbnail remind anybody else up Goosebumps welcome to HorrorLand? It was one of my favorite Goosebumps books as a kid.

[@GiordanDiodato]

the ending was funny

[@kylemendoza8860]

@@GiordanDiodato Something writing on the back of the car. Oh yeah we forgot to give you next year's ticket. It was something.

[@RottedDollface]

🖤🖤 One of the best intro jingles to any scary story channels. Love it.

[@RottedDollface]

@visableblindman enjoy your birthday!

[@animeandwieardness6132]

Glad to have Let's Read to help navigate the night shift. Thank you, Joel! Thank you, Butter Sock Cult!!!

[@annettehellingrath8288]

I love these stories and my dog instantly falls asleep when he hears your voice, which is a bonus. Thanks.

[@sheilasurratt]

I have been missing your live read banter, but I am just emotionally and physically buried these days. Anywhoo… I am so excited that you are creeping up on 1 million!! WOOT!!!! 🎉

[@aleciabumgarner]

I live very very close to where the Dardeen case happened. The same trailer it happened in is actually still there. As weird as it may sound, I was super excited to hear my favorite KZbin mention my hometown, despite the horrible things that happened nearby.

[@ericbumbles4145]

I had to take a break from the Naked Pooper story, I can't stop laughing enough to continue...my stomach muscles are killing me!🤣

[@alisonwonderlandx3059]

You're my favorite, and this Goosebump-esque background makes it even better. You're the best, Let's Read!

[@levisarenpa5100]

I was thinking the same thing, absolutely love the Goosebumps - esque background too!

[@Scuba_Bro]

I grew up in Newport, RI from story number 1…. There are some crazy local stories that have been silenced because of the immense amounts of old New England wealth in that town. The story being told sounds familiar. Interestingly if you’re interested look up the ‘Clause von Bülow’ case.

[@GiordanDiodato]

a British lawyer who tried to kill his wife?

[@Silvereagleguy]

🗿

[@xenostra]

I'm sure you're from there lol

[@anthonymiller9284]

I’m from Rhode Island too

[@jonv8784]

I'm also from Rhode and there is no history of a Vice principle dying in a house fire

[@80bbygrl]

I can't even explain how BAD I needed this, it's been a ROUGH few days. Thank you so much... ❤️

[@mandishelby]

I hadta pause it to wipe the tears from my eyes and try to keep myself from laughing so hard to not wake up the whole house during the "naked guy pooping in the yard" story. Omg lmfao!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Plaidmanner]

Thank you let’s read!! Just what I needed!!

[@xFadingLightx-n8v]

Love the goosebumps themed thumbnail 😭💞

[@probablyjoeyy]

Wanna say thanks for helping me calm my demons, and ease my anxiety. 😓 I appreciate your work.

[@kittywittyjiffy]

another great vid thanks let’s read!! your videos save me during my night shifts

[@esk8er900]

Woohoo another feather in the cap!! Thanks again Joel u rock!

[@cassoIa]

Those birds chirping at the end something help me pull out from some of these stories I know a lot of the skinwalker ones make me freeze with the detail of narration Can’t remember what story it was, but there was a camping ground that was constantly attacked and rangers were killed. It got to the point the person telling the story was the sole survivor listening to the howls and screams. The descriptions just got me good, so when I hear those birds I know I’ve made it out haha Good stuff my dude!

[@Sugar_The_Cowgirl]

Yesterday was extremely stressful. I took some allergy meds and I feel myself falling asleep

[@ashace369]

Love the consistency of uploading, keep it up man 🫡🤭

[@growmance2191]

Yaah scarey stories to unwind before bed

[@brandegonzalez6189]

I lost it at “the crazy naked pooper” 😂

[@levisarenpa5100]

Ha ha same!!

[@evilfairy5765]

I love listening to u tell these stories! Kingspook was my 1st then I found Let's Read and absolutely fell in love! The way u deliver each story has me mesmerized and keeps me coming back for more! Joel I love u! Butter sock gang, I love y'all too.. Be safe out there y'all!

[@theaveragegamer8128]

Love your videos keep up the good work also really glad that you're so close to a million Subs 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Acvp1212]

to the person in story 3 im pretty sure i know EXACTLY what you’re talking about and i believe the town you’re referring to is skidmore missouri right next to nw missouri state. The place is notorious for a ton of strange events and the people gained national attention for killing the towns bully in the middle of main street in broad daylight in front of practically everyone in town and when it came time to testify “nobody saw it”. this was a blatant conspiracy to get rid of him. in 2005 there was a murder of a pregnant woman where the baby was cut from the womb. if you ever go there the people immediately know you’re not from there and chances are word has spread that there’s an outsider in town the minute someone sees your car coming up 113. it’s as if they’re avoiding any outside contact and everyone goes into hiding immediately. i think this is because people come through there a lot to gawk and see the town since it’s known for some messed up events and the townspeople simply don’t want to be bothered by this. a lot of stuff has probably happened in the past with outsiders who came in there after hearing abt everything that’s happened there. we were part of that crowd and there is very little stopping people from doing what we did and i’d imagine it’s pretty common.

[@justinemarshall90]

Hmmm..... Interesting

[@diannehang]

didn’t he say it was in illinois though? 💀 or i would assume so because they settled in chicago.

[@Acvp1212]

@@diannehang ahhh you’re right it said chicago do i doubt it was skidmore then. i wrote all that up for nothing

[@norailves778]

@@Acvp1212 Not for nothing, I've read it with great interest.

[@hayliecarlson3451]

@@Acvp1212 No I think you're right, he said the restaurant he owned was in chicago until there was a struggle with money and he started seeking new places in the Midwest to relocate.

[@alesoab]

I missed the live stream yesterday but I'm excited to listen to the upload 😊

[@stephmess21]

Same

[@carlia5615]

I've missed a lot lately. I love the live streams.

[@carlia5615]

Who else loves the end when J says "and remember " 😂

[@thalia7104]

Yes! So funny 😂!

[@carlia5615]

@@thalia7104 I think I'll start keeping up with them and eventually write an ode to him. 🤣🤣

[@thalia7104]

@@carlia5615 Would love that 😂🤣! 💞

[@MrCjosue24]

Let's Read uploading on a perfect day!

[@salemsrevenge]

I live 3 hrs straight south of chicago... my husbands hobby has us traveling around our state and others a lot. I could think of at least 10 smaller towns that guy could have had that odd experience at...

[@LoeLyf3]

I live a county over from where story 4 went down, I have to say I agree and honestly probably more than 10. And as for story 3 my brother and I had so many guesses of towns around here where that strange interaction could've happened. Something is so off once you get far enough into Southern Illinois, like the vibe and energy, and then some towns have this odd social hierarchy and clique/cultish feeling to them. Super weird

[@amberadams2935]

​@@LoeLyf3 I'm nosey I wanna hear your stories

[@salemsrevenge]

@@LoeLyf3 I agree southern and many places in central Illinois are very odd. I was born and raised on the east coast and moved to illinois about 20 years ago. So Ive lived in other parts of the US, and can definitely say the comparison is obvious once you are around a little bit. The other thing I have noticed is that some terrible murders and or odd disappearances happen and you only hear about it from word of mouth. When I was in college I bartended and I would hear of some pretty awful stories that should be in the paper or 10 oclock news and you never see anything about it. It is absolutely bizarre

[@LoeLyf3]

@@salemsrevenge exactly! Yah central Illinois gives me the same vibes honestly, I've been around this area 20 years as well and it's just so different from anywhere else I've ever been. And that is exactly what my mom and I got talking about last night is the absurd number of terrible murders, disappearances, and alarming amount of cold cases in the central and southern part of the state, and you have to really do some deep diving to find anything about it in the internet, or hear it by only word of mouth which is extremely spooky. And on top of it we watch an insane amount of true crime TV and you hardly ever see any of the odd stuff that happens in these parts of Illinois ever discussed even though lots of the cases and stories absolutely deserve that kind of attention or notoriety.

[@LoeLyf3]

@@amberadams2935 I will do some reading today and share some of the stuff that comes to mind I'm detail because off the top of my head I can think of quite a few oddities. Honestly some of the stuff I should submit and see if they'll appear on the channel, they definitely should be.

[@justchillblake]

Love your videos man

[@FlappingAbout]

You are the perfect story teller. ❤️ From 🇬🇧

[@db5960]

So intrigued by story # 3 !!!!

[@yolandagarcia-qt1le]

Thanks let's read! 👌👌👌

[@narelle-creative-arts]

So glad I found you and your channel❤ it’s brilliant 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jellyshakes77]

I'm so happy I'm still here 7 years later :)

[@josiehaneghan]

i’m always happy to see a new video!!! i love these so much 🧡

[@jmoney3522]

Congrats on the 1m subs buddy been watching for years < 3

[@elizabeth2382]

pleaaasee more paranormal stories!! i’ve almost finished the whole playlist!! ❤ love your story telling so much

[@pabloortiz3521]

Awesome more please 🙏

[@AimingWanderously]

Story 3, thanks for the warning when you refuse to say WHAT TOWN, soooo helpful...

[@Babyclownn]

Story 3, you can’t name the state? I mean there are 895 colleges and universities spread across 12 states with about 10,243 cities and towns.

[@jacobjohnston3983]

I’m hittin like right off the bat for that thumbnail! My childhood…

[@Vishakha_B897]

I hope the person in story 1 is able to expose the school.

[@ClarenceLaur]

This channel is my medicine

[@SJ-xg4dp]

Story 3 was like children of the corn or Texas chain saw or even the hills have eyes like I’m so curious what is happening there

[@e-radiance]

His voice Is so perfect

[@theycallmebruce3132]

Very unique topic!! Wow crazy towns out there.

[@allisonkrezman1969]

Really crazy I never knew that happened in Newport RI loved to visit and go to the naval base 🙃 actually passed that house a few times if it's the one I'm thinking about

[@skjones91199]

Love Newport! Was stationed at the war college there for 4 years. Nice place. If you visited in the early to mid-90s you may have seen me raising or lowering the flag on the lawn there! 😃

[@jonv8784]

Cool story but never happen

[@code-52]

Anyone else obsessed with figuring out the town in 18:17? My guess is Highland, Utah. 😮

[@kristinagutierrez0815]

Perfect timing! Getting ready to dye my hair.

[@craigm2484]

Hey Kristina how are ya what color are you doing ? Have a Good night . Peace 🙏🏻

[@stephendonovan6191]

Let’s read channel is very easy to listen to. I’ve come across channels were the narrator just runs me off with their voice. Great channel. Thanks

[@mleighqs]

Thanks for the vid Joel :)

[@amandareed4689]

I’m sorry but I’m dying at the poop story 😂😭

[@christianmenard9033]

Story#1- I definitely would have kept that house and job. Especially because it's a whole new house! It's a tragedy but bad stuff happens everywhere there was no need for fuss and to quit a great job with a FREE HOUSE over it

[@mimzymarin8159]

I think OP’s dad was more so upset about the fact that the school didn’t tell him, wanted to turn a blind eye, and avoid putting measures in place to assure a student wouldn’t be hurt by any administrator or teacher ever again.

[@mantisteef]

has anyone seen wayward pines?? that’s what story #3 reminded me of

[@colinwhitehead4180]

I love that series!

[@GrowingwithJ4]

Awesome video

[@kattieSkyNinja13]

My all time FAVE intro!!!!!!!

[@nafisahhussain3186]

Notification Squad!

[@BassSlapper89]

I would like to hear another volume of songs with creepy backstories. 😁

[@jademiller7482]

Aside from the situation with the gun, I can’t help but laugh about the serial pooper 😂

[@susansowers5909]

This collection of stories is the most well written and original in both narrative construction and folklore theme of 'The Let's Read' canon.

[@vicareyously7687]

Agreed! I also like the throwback feel: as most of these occurred in the 1980’s (the best times of my life). Sadly though, there was a lot of corporal punishment and “paddling” still going on, as well as no cameras in halls, rooms, or anywhere really.

[@twi1153]

OMG! That Sells guy was caught in my hometown. I remember hearing about the girl that survived (if i remember right, the girls were having a sleep over) and how Sells supposedly worked at one of our auto stores. Alot of robberies were happening at that time too and many think he used the info customers would give at his work to target them. It was scary hearing it since my parents would go to that auto store often.

[@melindasteele6422]

Let’s goooooooooo!!! It’s Wednesday 🎉

[@Lost3NotFound]

Good evening.

[@TheSidewaystm]

Thumbnail giving me goosebumps nostalgia

[@justinemarshall90]

I love this channel. Shout out to lazy for putting me on ❤️❤️❤️

[@carriecollins2782]

As a true crime story buff, I'm so surprised I hadn't heard about the Southern Illinois crime that you outlined in your story.. I've lived in Southern Illinois for over 50 years.

[@hayasheeeesh]

Robin, love the callback to Goosebumps for the thumbnail!

[@RobinMikalsenVFX]

Thank you!

[@charlottestreet3301]

​@@RobinMikalsenVFX what goosebumps episode is the picture from

[@johnnymidnight2982]

From the description in Story 3, the town sounds like Carbondale, IL or maybe Marion. Ya, both the towns are in a college area and are relatively sleepy. Not really sure if there is anything supernatural or sinister going on in either of them. The book and movie "John Dies at the End" takes place in Marion, but that's total fiction. The only southern or central Illinois towns I know of with a creepy backstory is Mattoon - home of the Mad Gasser, but that was back in the 40's.

[@femmeaniketos]

I thought it was Carbondale or Ina? I think there is another with the name Ana…. When I went to uni in Carbondale , we knew not to go to nether of the two. People got weird looks on their faces talking about it, too…

[@johnnymidnight2982]

@@femmeaniketos Right!!! Ina was where the Dardeen family was killed. The killer(s) were never caught officially. Crazy.

[@Magicghost23]

The thumbnail picture reminds me of a goosebumps cover.

[@injusticekombat6656]

Welcome to horrorland cover looks incredible simular. Sorry One day at horrorland. Welcome to horrorland a game

[@LightBeing369]

Great channel. Love the stories and the narrator's soothing tone, but the ads are disruptive to the flow and mood

[@aliviagutierrez1309]

Honestly I love this channel so much! He deserves over like 2 million. I have literally been watching him since like the beginning. I listen to every of his videos as much as possible. You are literally so amazing!! 🤍

[@user-tx4ss6rt2h]

He's growing, that's for sure. I think he was at 500k something when I started listening in 2020

[@jacobbowling263]

I took my 3 year old Brandon on a hunting trip and it went well I killed a deer. I love my son very much but he’s a mommy’s boy so he spends more time with his mother. I can’t even tell you how much I love my son. Tomorrow I have to go back to work fighting crime so I won’t have much time to spend with my son. Thanks for the stories Joel you never do a bad job.

[@RottedDollface]

Im sure he adores you aswell, but you know kids tend to seek more of the parent thats there more. As he gets older, it may change...as you may be able to do more with him. Stay safe as you can at work!🖤

[@beliedat2457]

You’re Batman??!!!!!

[@Sugar_The_Cowgirl]

You’re amazing Jacob i bet your son loved going hunting with you! I know I did love going with my dad as a kid! Hunting trips with you’re dad is a special kind of memory! I wish the best for you and your family!

[@jacobbowling263]

@@Sugar_The_Cowgirl Brandon enjoyed going hunting with me but he spends more time with his mother than he does with me but I love him and I always will.

[@kellysouter4381]

Three? Is he old enough to take hunting?

[@sizzsoul7794]

let’s read the 🐐

[@PuppyLuver256]

Story 4 starts at 27:02 rather than the timestamp listed.

[@christianfultz-py6bm]

I love these kind of stories but some keep me up at night I just close my eyes and I see creepy characters

[@quinnhill7625]

This should be awesome 😈

[@maryreid3387]

Hey Favorite!!!!

[@FARMSIMFREAK]

If you are reading this he has hit 1mil subs 🎉🎉🎉 thank you Joel ❤

[@michellel564]

A guy kept pooping in the there yard?🤣🤣 Yep Im moving😅

[@LAKE_reader]

I measure productivity of myself by how fast new episodes feel to appear, lately I feel like they come a bit slow despite Joel being insanely consistent for many moons, but I'm on sick leave for depression and unmedicated low functioning ADD anyway, everyday is a bit slow when you are free to move almost as little in a day as you like. All in good time tho.

[@soudontlikeme]

Love it! "A lobotomy a day keeps EVERYTHING away! Shoot , I'd love to keep EVERYTHING away,.... just not willing to go THAT xtra mile, ya know? 😵‍💫🤤

[@mikek1686]

Textbook definition of someone who deserves at least quadruple the sub count they have.

[@Cybernaut76]

To the original source of story #3 (I hope you are reading this): Now something is definitely...off! That gas station owner did not insult you or say he does not like you. He WARNED you. We cannot say for sure what exactly it is. If you want to be sure of your safety and security, get out of that town and look for some normal place to live.

[@Bink-2]

I went to and later worked at Rend Lake College in Ina... Used to drive by the Dardeen's old residence every now and then... didn't find out about the case until closer to the end of my time there.

[@kainoat]

The crazy naked pooper! The phantom pooper... omg dead 😂

[@mrspookytales2112]

That second story sounds like a plot to a paranormal movie