Ok there are really good fan-made transcripts for the podcast, but they are really hard to find unless you already have the link or know someone who does. So hopefully, making this post will make them a little bit easier to find by searching?
Here is the link to the transcripts which goes up through episode 100.
Summary: September 1, 2015 - An alleged sighting of the Lord & Savior at a downtown fast food restaurant has the residents of King Falls ready for deliverance, meanwhile Sammy & Ben try to navigate the flood waters of this revelation.
[podcast intro music]
Mayor Grisham
Ladies and gentlemen, I promise you that while it is a terrible inconvenience that our modern electronics are out— this is not the end of the world. It could be a refreshing change of pace! Instead of reading, on your tablet, go down to the King Falls library, and check out the real thing! Instead of texting your BFF, go enjoy some pancake puppies at Rose’s! and have a face-to-face chat. This isn’t as bad as it seems— and it could be a blessing in disguise.
[KFAM intro music]
Sammy
Good morning guys and dolls, you’re listening to King Falls AM—
Ben
—That’s 660 on the radio dial.
Sammy
And this is day 13 of what has been dubbed the King Falls Electrolocaust.
Ben
This has easily been the hardest two weeks of my professional career.
Sammy
It has been tough, but Ben and I want to thank you, and everyone out there listening, for the continuing support of the show.
Ben
We got another doozy of a show for you tonight, King Falls. During hour two, we’ll be interviewing Maria Chandler, manager of the King Falls Apple store, and speaking about the effects the shut down has had on business.
Sammy
As well as fielding your calls and talking about whatever’s clever this evening.
Ben
I miss computers, Sammy. I miss the schedule. Our automated systems, my alarm clock. I’ve went through three the legal pads in two weeks!
Sammy
[sympathetic] I know, buddy.
Ben
I would literally watch Channel 13 if given the chance.
Sammy
Wow. That’s saying a lot.
Ben
[softly] I need my life back.
Sammy
King Falls, how are you taking the modern electronic shut down of 2015? Are you refreshed? Reliving the mid-90s? Or— are you falling apart like our dear Ben Arnold?
Ben
I’d listen to boy bands, to have a working smartphone. I’d wear, puka shell necklaces and sell my pog collection,[1] if you give me five minutes with my email.
Sammy
Look on the bright side, Ben. You’re spending all your free time down at the library, and I haven’t called you out on it!
Ben
That’s calling me out on it.
Sammy
Eh-Well- and you know it’s nice hearing the birds tweeting instead of @kingfallsam. I’m not saying I don’t miss it but, I’m enjoying this a little bit.
Ben
♫It’s tearing up my heart when I’m with yoouu♫[2]
Sammy
The references are not gonna bring back your goods.
Ben
[hurt] Dammit Sammy, let’s just take a call from our jury-rigged phone system.
[bg music being provided by Chet’s record player]
Sammy
You’re live with Sammy and Ben.
Cynthia
Yeeaah, I wanna talk about the outages.
Sammy
Cynthia Higgenbaum, ladies and gents. How are you doing during this electronic crisis?
Cynthia
[blissful] I feel the warm embrace of the chastity belt that’s been placed on society. I’m relieved, de-stressed, marvelous!
Ben
*chuckling* Whoa, heh, that’s- that’s a heck of a change!
Cynthia
[suddenly aggressive] What are you trying to say, Ben?
Sammy
It’s just you’re usually- you’ve been a little… pessimistic in the past.
Cynthia
[mostly calm again] Ohhh, I still have problems; I’m full up with issues. But right now, I don’t have to worry about what websites my husband is perusing, what brain-dead TV my kids are watching— I’m at peace! It’s just me and my harlequin novels. Plus, with Jesus back and all—
Ben
[jokingly suggestive] 50 Shades of Cynthia
Cynthia
[angrily] Don’t be filthy Ben Arnold! I Know Your Mother!
Sammy
I-I’m sorry, Cynthia— did you just say that Jesus is back?
Cynthia
[gossipy tone] Have you guys not heard the news?
Ben
Is she talking about Jesus Jesus?
Cynthia
There’s only one.
Sammy
Wellll, I think Mexico would disagree, but please tell us why you think Jesus—
Cynthia
[snappy] I don’t think Sammy, I know! [softer] Earlier this evening, he was spotted glowing and speaking in tongues at Jack in the Box.[3]
Ben
The one off Main Street or Red Oak Avenue?
Cynthia
Ew, nobody does to Red Oak.
Sammy
[softly] Jack-in-the-Box-Jesus.
Cynthia
Oh, Hell no! I will not participate in that blasphemy. You’re gonna get smited—
Sammy
Oh, I- I mean- I wasn’t- I’m sorry, I’m not meaning to, uh—
Cynthia
Tell it to Satan! In Hell, Sammy! [hangs up forcefully]
[dial tone]
Ben
This is big.
Sammy
[slightly reluctant] If you or someone you know has had a sighting of *clears throat, Ben laughs* Jack in the Box Jesus please give us a call. Uh, 424-279-3858
Ben
You’re on King Falls AM.
Deputy Troy
Now I know what you’re thinking: how could the second coming of God’s only son happen and ol’ Troy here didn’t clue you in.
Ben
Not what I was thinking.
Sammy
What do you know Troy?
Deputy Troy
Well I got a suspicious persons call out at ol’ Yack[sic] in the Box around 9. So, I hit the lights and cruised over to see what the fuss was about. And lo and behold, back by the dumpster with a mess of people looking on— there he was.
Sammy
Now, are you really telling us that— [still reluctant] you saw, or, you believe you saw the son of God and the King of Kings bangin around outside the Jack In The Box?
Deputy Troy
Well, he was a man. Somebody’s son, no doubt. Bearded. Good lookin’, if-if you’re into that sort of thing. He had a robe on—
Ben
[cutting in]We can solve this right now. Was he white or was he black?
Deputy Troy
He was more of a greenish color. Like a glow really.
Sammy
The man had an aura around him.
Deputy Troy
It was shinier than a damn Fukushima foxhound, fellas. Like, I felt a need to put on the old aviators, but I- I didn’t want to be cliché.
Sammy
Alright, Troy. So, work with us here; you’re in the back of the Jack in the Box, there’s a uh, a Jesus-type guy—
Deputy Troy
Just-a-ramblin’ on.
Ben
Speaking in— tongues?
Deputy Troy
Speaking in somethin. The last time I heard gibberish like that was comin’ from the back of my Chevy with Shell Snyder’s daughter.
Sammy
So what happened next?
Deputy Troy
Well a group of looky-loos had descended, as I said, and since it was only me, there was no perimeter set up yet. So I start ta approach this glowing Christ and somebody— Roy Higgins if you gotta know/— hollered out “It’s Jesus!” and the whole parking lot just went bonkers!
Ben
Well, di-did you speak to the guy?
Deputy Troy
Damn skippy. I told Roy that this was official police biz. And he shouldn’t be squawling around like a little baby.
Ben
No, Jack in the Box Jesus.
Deputy Troy
Oh, well no. I- I turned around and he was gone. Split right off into the woods, I suspect.
Sammy
Did you follow him?
Deputy Troy
Sammy. So you’re tellin me that you’d follow a 6-foot-tall and glowing perp into the woods??
Sammy
[muttered] Point taken.
Ben
So any other sightings?
Deputy Troy
Well, not as of yet. But there were so many people they could’a had a revival in that parkin’ lot. So I’m guessin’ that’s how word spread so quickly. And without internet, too? That’s pretty damn impressive.
Sammy
Is there an APB out or anything?
Deputy Troy
For what, dilly-dallying around with a jumbo jack? He wasn’t doin nothin bad. Just acting a fool— Lord forgive me— where he shouldn’t’a been.
Ben
And glowing.
Deputy Troy
That’s right.
Sammy
Well, please let us know if get any more info on this, Troy. We’d appreciate it.
Deputy Troy
You bet. I’ll be sure to keep you boys and the listenin’ public informed. But if you should happen to stumble upon Jesus? Do not approach, bother or pester. You just call up Ol’ Deputy Troy.
[hangs up]
Ben
…or your local church. [dial tone]
Sammy
Deputy Troy, ladies and gents. Now we’re just going to take a quick break and hear from one of our new sponsors: Carl’s Candy!
Ben
Yeah I don- I don’t think we should play this
Sammy
What? Ads pay the bills remember?
Ben
Folks, as a workaround with all the tech issues, uh, I went out and recorded a few spots of some of our sponsors- uh, new and old. Emphasis on Old, after this one.
Sammy
Okay, so the audio is bad.
Ben
*sucks in breath* You could say that.
Sammy
This company’s paid up! They’re scheduled in one of your many notebooks. Let’s do this. We’ll be right back folks.
[slow, creepy xylophone music]
Carl
[voice is soft and creepy, like you expect from a guy who offers kids candy from the back of a van]
Do you know why they call it a blow pop? I sure do. And if you come on down to Creepy Carl’s Candy, I’ll fill ya up! I mean in. [whispering] It’ll be our little secret.- A sweet tooth is a terrible thing to waste. Come find a new sugar daddy to butter your fingers at Creepy Carl’s! Come in and grab a sack of Carl’s Boston baked beans while you’re at it. Oops, one fell in my pocket. Free if you can find it! *Ben groaning “oh no”* Every child’s welcome at Creepy Carl’s, big mouths, small mouths, white mouths and brown mouths. We’re equal opportunity! And just cause they shut down the ol’ brick and mortar doe’n’t mean you can’t buy it from my van. Be sure to ask your parents’ permission first, kids. Creepy Carl’s Candy, where the suckers don’t suck themselves. [Police sirens]
Deputy Troy
[through megaphone] Carl, turn off your ignition. You are too close to the school zone.
Carl
I gotta go! Catch ya later [tires squealing]
Ben
[desperate, in bg] The mic!
[sirens fade out]
Sammy
… Never again.
Ben
I tried to tell you.
Sammy
I know. Let’s never speak about this.
Ben
[whispering] I need a shower.
Sammy
*sigh* …Moving forward, we were just talking about a sighting that happened a few hours ago around the 9 o’clock hour, just off Main Street. It seems quite a few people believe that we may be experiencing a religious phenomenon. Perhaps the second coming of–
Ben
[slightly gruff impression] “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years!”[4]
Sammy
*chuckles* Right, let’s go to the phone lines.
Ben
[happily] That was good though right?
Sammy
It was good. Good evening, you’re live on King Falls AM.
Reverend Hawthorne
Ask and ye shall receive! King Falls-uh. It is the gooD Reverend Xavier “Right. With. Gaawwd-uh” Hawthorne.
Ben
Reverend Hawthorne? Are you back in town?
Reverend Hawthorne
[speaking over Ben] The One and Only, and we are turnin’ the wagons arounD as we speaK-uh. And we’re headin’ back to my flocK-uh. How’re y’all feelin’ tonighT, King Falls- I said How are you, Feelin’!
Sammy
[softly] We’re feeling alright.
Reverend Hawthorne
Praise GoD-uh! Hallelujah! Now a little birdie, uh-just chirp’n on my shoulder, told me there was a SighTing. A Vision. Dare I say it, eyeballs were laid on our Lord and Saviour at a burger joint in our fair city.
Sammy
Yeah, about 9 o’clock here.
Reverend Hawthorne
Could it Be-uh! that our 5-week-revival worked. Could it Be-uh! that our prayers have been brought forth the lamb of God-uh. Can I get an amen!
Ben
Reverend Hawthorne we—
Reverend Hawthorne
Amen! This miracle-uh, this sight from our God-uh, perched on a Mountain of Sanctity, says that he is ready to lead-uh, his most Highly Favored, Congregation bacK to the promised land. Gimme some organ, Deacon Reggie [organ music begins playing in bg]
Sammy
[aside] Do you think Reggie has to wheel that thing around just in case?
Ben
This is getting good.
Reverend Hawthorne
Play it dirty, brother. We are going Home-uh. Take us back to Calvary, take us BACK-uh! … Samuel, Benjamin may I ask you gentlemen if you have a relationship-uh with the Author of the E-ternal Sal-vation; [organ goes silent] [softly] are ya saved?
Sammy
I’m—
Reverend Hawthorne
Then let me tell y’all, [organ starts again] because if you aren’t-uh, I’m coming back to town. One weekend only, the Xavier “Right with GoD-uh” Hawthorne Experience will be wheelin’ bacK into King Falls Fairgrounds this very night-uh. We are hoping to get One- On- One with the Risen Christ and start preparin’ for Kingdom Come. But just like old Xavier, you gotta come on down-uh so we can get you TurnT uP With GoD-uh. [click, dial tone]
Sammy
Xavier? Hello?
Ben
He’s, gone. Sammy.
Sammy
Well, you heard it here first folks. Xavier Hawthorn’s Travelling Roadshow is coming back to town. Will Jack in the Box Jesus make his stage debut?
Ben
[muttering] Tch- Jesus.
Sammy
Literally.
Ben
Do you think we could get an interview? Would it be Mr. Christ? Or-
Sammy
Something tells me that there is something more to the story than what we’ve heard so far, Ben.
Ben
Tsk. I get that, but this is King Falls, Sammy.
Sammy
What a perfect place to make a return: a rinky-dink town with no internet.
Ben
Line- [muttered] dammit, there’s only one line. Uh, you’re on with Sammy and Ben.
Archie
Good evenin’ fellas!
[small dogs barking in bg]
Sammy
Is thi-
Archie
It’s Archie Simmons!
Ben
He-ey Archie, how’s Princess Von Barktooth?
Archie
Well, I do have news concernin’ the princess, and I just want to possibly recant some info from our previous call a few weeks back.
Sammy
About the werewolves?
Archie
Correct.
Sammy
Wow. I mean, you sounded pretty convinced that you saw a werewolf.
Archie
And now I’m saying that maybe I was misinformed.
Sammy
I think you should probably tell Troy and the Sheriff’s Office, Archie.
Archie
*giggles* You silly Sally, Troy’s on his way over now
Ben
Why the change of heart, Archie?
Archie
Well, new information has come to light boys, I mean with the Divine One making his triumphant, and let’s be honest, dramatic return to King Falls.
Sammy
You’re talking about the glowing man at the Jack in the Box?
Archie
[softly] Let’s be real here, it’s the J-Man, of course a heavenly carpenter would pick King Falls. So many projects to keep busy with.
Sammy
[dryly] Uh-huh.
Archie
Plus, with the princess and this new information, we have to believe this.
Ben
You keep saying that, what’s going on with the princess Archie?
Archie
She’s in a delicate condition.
Sammy
Oh, of course. I mean she’s been through a lot.
Archie
*giggles* No Sammy, I mean she’s with child. Ch-children. Puppies? There’s a bun in my $2400 oven boys!
Sammy
Wait. She’s pregnant? From the werewolf attack?!
Archie
[softly again] Well, that’s the thing. While I believed in my heart of hearts that the hillbilly beast from the trailer park had gotten to the princess, I think…
Ben
What. What do you think Archie?
Archie
I mean it was dark, I know it was a full moon but I was scared and recently awakened, sleep in my eyes etc. and so on.
Sammy
You don’t think it was the werewolves.
Archie
I’m thinking with this new evidence and the fact that I saw a long-haired, bearded man in a Biblical Act— Yeah I-I- I think- there’s a chance it could have been [whispering] the man upstairs.
Ben
[stern] Upstairs from whom?
Archie
Mankind! Come on Ben, get with the picture!
Sammy
He’s saying that because there’s been a holy sighting tonight- which we should all be a little bit doubtful of- then maybe it wasn’t the werewolves, but the Alpha and the Omega.
Ben
No! NO WA- That’s too much, Archie. You saw the werewolf. He looked you in the eye and howled at the moon.
Archie
I don’t know what kind of weird things Jesus is into.
Ben
No way. This is ludicrous.
Archie
You just wait and see Ben! The princess may have lost her Westminster dreams, but it was all part of God’s plan.
Ben
We’ve got to go Archie *laughs* you’re crossing a line that we cannot cross at King Falls AM.
Archie
Judge Not, lest ye be judged boys. Kardashians[sic] 3:16 or a Psalm or something. I think Troy’s coming around the bend anyways boys, laters!
[click, dial tone]
Sammy
You know? When I walk in the door every night I say to myself, “Nothing’s gonna surprise me tonight” And more times than not, I am just Dead Wrong.
Ben
Let’s give the phone a rest for a moment, Sammy, the record player is just begging to be used.
Sammy
*chuckles* Not a bad idea Ben.
[phone pings]
Ben
What? *gasps* My phone! [several pings] OHH it’s back baby!
Sammy
Me too! What’s going on?
[pinging continues]
Ben
What’s up! Oh my God, I could literally kiss the apparition of Steve Jobs.
Sammy
Hey, I’ve got a text here, Unknown Number.
Ben
Okay, what does it say?
Sammy
“I- I know why this happened. I know how to stop it. We need to talk“
Ben
What?
Sammy
No, that’s what the text said.
Ben
You don’t think this has anything to do with… Thank You, Jesus.
[KFAM outro]
[CREDITS]
References:
[1] Pogs - Pogs, generically called milk caps, is a game that was popular among children during the early-mid 1990s. The name pog originates from POG, a brand of juice made from passionfruit, orange, and guava; the use of POG bottle caps to play the game preceded the game's commercialization.
[2] “It’s tearin’ up my heart when I’m with you” - Lyrics to the song “Tearin’ Up My Heart” by NSYNC, an American boy band from the mid-90s
[3] Jack in the Box - American fast food chain, primarily along the west coast and southern states.
[4] “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years” - lyrics to the song “Mama Said Don’t Knock You Out” by LL COOL J (also came out in the 90s)
King Falls AM - Episode Thirteen: Crop Circle Jerk
View on Google Docs
Summary: November 1, 2015 - An emergency at Libbydale Farms has Deputy Troy and King Falls AM on high alert. Mysterious lights? Check. Crop Circles? Check. Intergalactic Gang War? Stay tuned to 660 on the AM Dial to find out.
[podcast intro music]
[S&B show intro]
Ben
Good evening! You’re listening to King Falls AM – that’s 660 on the radio dial.
Sammy
Folks, we are jumping right into it tonight. We got Deputy Troy on the line, live from Libbydale Farms. Hey, Troy, can you hear us alright?
Troy
Loud and clear, Sammy. Heard you real fine, too, Ben.
Ben
[muttered] Suck an egg.
Sammy
Okay. So, Troy. Tell the listeners what you just told us right before we went on air.
Troy
Ladies and gents, in all my years— and I mean all of ‘em— I ain’t never seen anything like this! Not even comparatively close to what I’m lookin’ at right this instant. [faint sounds of police radio in bg]
Ben
POINT. GET TO IT.
Troy
Gosh darnit, Ben. I’m trying to sell the magnitude of what I’m feastin’ my eyes on!
Ben
Who even knew you could see Libbydale Farms from so far out in the Kiss Ass Sea aboard the SS Backstabber.
Troy
You know G-D well I’m not on a ship nor would it be called the SS Backstabber if I were. Don’t be so damn sore, Ben! Everybody knows I’m sorry! Plus- [kinda shyly] I reckon my ship be called the- USS Super Badass.
Sammy
*pointedly clears throat* Troy. Ben. Let’s put our differences aside and let’s get to the matter at hand. So, Troy, you’re live at—?
Ben & Troy
Libbydale Farms…
Troy & Ben
I’m trying to talk!
Sammy
GUYS!
Troy
A-a-as I was sayin. I’m out here at the farm and out past the barns just hours ago, Old Man Libbydale called us in, and acres upon acres, boys, have been De.Stroyed out here.
Ben
[accusingly] Where were yoouu, earlier this evening, Troy?
Troy
Using my keen detective skills and ninja-like mental agility, I can see you’re trying to place me at the scene of the crime, little buddy. However Ol’ Troy was sawin’ logs next to the Mrs. before. my. shift.
Ben
While crimes are being committed? *scoffs* Typical.
Troy
Now that’s a low blow just be—
[shouting over each other]
Ben
NO! NO!
Troy
—low my pistol belt—
Ben
YOUU— N— TROOYY!—
Troy
— Ben come on—
Ben
— T— OHH
Troy
— this ain’t about the farm—
Ben
[mocking] OHH YEAHHH- OHHH YOU’RE SOOO—
Troy
— and you know—
Ben
—GOOD AT FIGHTING—
Sammy
GUYS! GUYS! [“break it up kids”/dad-voice] I understand there’s renewed intensity between you two, but Ben, as co-host of this show and a respected journalist— put it away. Troy, you’re the first friend of the Sammy & Ben Show and a deputy sheriff. You guys don’t have to be best buddies, but let’s please report- on the news story- at hand.
Troy
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Sammy.
Ben
[hissed] Jesus.
Sammy
So, Troy. Old Man Libbydale called you out— Acres of his lands destroyed. How so?
Troy
Y’all ain’t gonna believe it, but you know I always shoot you straight… Two words: Crop. Circles.
Sammy
[incredulous] Crop circles?
Troy
It’s like a live action Led Zeppelin album cover as far as the eye can see! Big ones, little ones. The craziest damn designs you ever could imagine.
Ben
Troy, I assume you and the rest of Gunderson’s thugs— I-mean-”deputies”— inspected the circles, and the surrounding areas, for man-made tools? There have been stories that men with boards tied to ropes can replicate what people believe crop circles to look like. Bending the crops at the right angles, etcetera… did you find—
Troy
Didn’t find anything, Ben. Not a board… not a footprint… nothin’ but hunched over crops.
Ben
So you think—?
Troy
Oh, there isn’t a doubt in my mind it’s from the UFOs or those lights. I mean, whichever you wanna call it. No man made these! And in just a few hours to boot!
Sammy
Okay. So, has this ever happened here before, Ben?
Ben
No! Nor abductions! Not even lights being so close to town. The past few months- have been a hotbed for extraterrestrial activity— it would seem.
Sammy
“It would seem”? So you aren’t certain?
Ben
*scoff/laugh* I only said “it would seem” so you wouldn’t get all defensive about it.
Sammy
Okay, alright. Well, as much as I hate to say it, I definitely feel there’s a lot more than meets the eye here in Kings Falls.
Ben
I’m not one to say “I told you so”… But I DID tell you so!
Troy
Just so everybody out there knows: Libbydale Farms is private property. So, unless you’re doing the dairy farm tour in mornin’, this is not an attraction for looky-loos. There is an official investigation still ongoin’ here. Plus, don’t nobody need another person gettin’ snatched up by the Martians either.
Ben
*smug snort* Martians are from Mars, Troy. They aren’t representative of all extraterrestrials?.
Troy
[defensive] Whatever— Ben Nye the Science Guy. I’m headin’ out to the field again. I might not be smart as Ben about the aliens and such, but I can definitely sniff out a spot where the Williams boys will come lookin’ for Mischief and Mayhem. [click]
[dial tone]
Sammy
Deputy Troy, folks. Now, I didn’t realize you and Troy were still so angry at one another, Ben. You can’t let that hostility clou—
Ben
THANKS, DAD! — We’re just gonna take a break to hear from one of our fine sponsors. Maybe Sammy here can talk to me about the birds and the bees after we get back.
Sammy
[quietly] Maybe…
[disquieting, melancholic piano music]
Soft, disquieting voice
What if what you thought wasn’t really what you thought you thought? … Ever think of that? … Here at the Institute of Science, we can help you become what you’ve always wanted to become… A better you, for a better mankind! Call us today for a free brochure and a C-meter reading. That’s “C” as in “cat.” … We’re coming King Falls… Be well! … And be ready.
[piano fades out]
[S&B theme]
Sammy
You’re listening to King Falls AM and we are opening up the phone lines to you. 424-279-3858.
Ben
We’ll be talking about the apparent crop circle- situation at Libbydale Farms. As well as if any of you out there have had any experience with this phenomenon.
Sammy
So give us a call or tweet us @kingfallsam. So, you’ve heard our story, now let’s hear yours.
Ben
Line 3.
Sammy
Good evening, you’re live with Sammy and Ben.
Cynthia
Good evening? For who? Certainly not King Falls!
Sammy
Hi, Cynthia. How ‘bout you tell us how you really feel tonight.
Cynthia
Weellll, to be honessst, I’m a little rattled over these gang signs the aliens are leaving on our turf. Literally.
Ben
Cynthia— there is no way to tell if those circles are- angry orrr happy! even. They’re *huff/laugh* just symbols.
Cynthia
So’s a swastika, Ben Arnold. Get your head out of your tuchus!
Sammy
Okay, obviously, we aren’t trying to raise alarms here, Cynthia. It’s just, uh— it’s an interesting story. Especially here in our backyard. Would you not agree? Uh, you know, it’s not every day you can see this kind of handiwork – man-made or otherwise.
Cynthia
You two sound sooo happy. We’re getting tagged in an intergalactic war and all of us in the Falls are sitting around at ground zero.
Ben
I- don’t think that’s fair t—
Cynthia
That’s the problem! You just. don’t. think! It’s all Tim Jenson’s fault, I just know it. We didn’t have any flying saucer, land-tattooing bedlam before he chased those lights.
Ben
He didn’t “chase” anything! He was driving from work and called to report on a breaking news story.
Cynthia
Watch your tone, Ben. I’ll buy one of those rabid, disease-ridden sugar flyers and toss it in Lake Hatchenhaw. just to spite you!
Sammy
Goodnight, Cynthia.
Ben
Sugar glider. And- they are. illegal.
Cynthia
So are illegal aliens, but you’re just getting ready to throw ‘em a parade! I can’t! I just can’t! [click]
[dial tone]
Sammy
Heh, alright, uh… Line 12, you’re live on King Falls AM.
Emily
Hi, Sammy! Hi, Ben!
Ben
Emily! I–I didn’t realize you were back in town!
Emily
I just got back. I was listening on the way in! My mom and I actually drove by the farm and saw all the commotion over there. Police; reporters— big lawn-mower thingies…
Ben
Lawn mowers?
Sammy
Uh, y’ know, if you don’t mind me asking, Emily, why were you out of town?
Emily
Oh, I flew out to Buford, Wyoming,[1] for the annual small town librarian expo! And I had my mom pick me up from the airport since— Ben was on the air.
Sammy
Wow. So you guys are in the taking and picking up from the airport stage of yourrr—
Ben
Friendship. Is that the- word- you’re- searching for, Sammy?
Sammy
[kinda smug] Thaaat was exactly the one, Ben.
Emily
*soft laugh* You guys are so silly. But I just wanted to say “hi” and tell Ben I’m back home now!— Oh! And starting next week, I’ve got a whole bunch of fun activities I learned from the expo to start doing at the library! Hopefully we can get some of the scared kids back now.
Ben
I’ll call you later, Emily.
Emily
Goodnight, Ben! Night, Sammy!
[click, dial tone]
Sammy
Emily Potter, ladies and gents. King Falls Librarian and Ben’s… Friend.
Ben
[shyly] Yeah-yeah… Lucky Line 1, you’re on King Falls AM.
Greg
Hey, guys! It’s Greg Frickard!
Sammy
Hi, Greg! You know, we appreciate you running the ads on the show, sir. It’s so nice to meet youuu… uh, over the phone, of course.
Greg
Thanks, Sammy! I— think— we’ve- talked before, and uh, glad to run the spot! Me and Granny Frickard love the show! You should hop on down to the Froggery and we’ll hook ya up!
Sammy
I might have to take you up on that offer, Greg!
Greg
We’d love to have you! You too, Ben…
Ben
Greg, you’re a lifelong King Falls resident… w-we’ve been talking about the crop circles out at –
Greg
Oh I know. I’ve been listening, but— I was actually calling about- sssomething else— if that’s okay.
Sammy
Uh, yyyeah. Sure thing, Greg. What’s on your mind?
Greg
Well, I heard Ben and Miss Potter a second ago and they made a— declaration of friendship? Is that correct?
Sammy
Oh! U-uh. Is- this about Emily?
Ben
[suspicious] Did you- call before, when Emily was in the studio, Greg?
Greg
Uh, noo… *nervous laugh* that must have beeeen… somebody else. But is that true, Ben? Are you and Miss Potter just friends?
Ben
[terse] Good friends. *tsk* Close. Friends… Real close.
Greg
Huhhh! … Well th- okay! That’s all I needed to know! Thanks a million, buddy.
Sammy
Hey— Greg. You didn’t have a comment orr—
Greg
Oh, no, no! I j— *chuckles* I don’t know the first thing about crop circles and— what-have-you. Uhh, it’s real interesting and all! but- Miss Potter’s lovely voice just… [sighing dreamily] speaks to me. I always just assumed that Ben and Emily were… “bf” and “gf” respectively, *laughs* but… if that’s not the case, thennn…
Sammy
Ben? You okay?
Ben
I don’t like putting our— personal lives out there in the public eye…
Greg
Well, gee, Ben, I’m— only asking because ifff you’re into friendship with the lovely Miss Potter, and— I’m afraid, uhhh, I might just have to be into courtship. *chuckle* Granny wants to see me married before going into the great By-and-By—
Ben
Bye-bye to you too! Greg. Looks like we lost line—
Greg
I’m still here, pals! Now about that thing—
Ben
[click, dial tone] Line 7, you’re on King Falls AM?
Sammy
Did you just hang up onnn—
Ben
I would never. LINE 7.
Herschel
I’d like to place a complaint, rrright this instant.
Sammy
Herschel?
Ben
Is everything okay, Mr. Baumgartner?
Herschel
Would I call into you nincompoops if everything was hunky-dory?
Ben
I guess not… No.
Sammy
So, what seems to be the issue, Herschel?
Herschel
All this yackin’ about G-D UFOs and crop circles, for starters. Makes my damn d[bleep]k itch.
Sammy
Sir! This is—
Herschel
Did you call me to tell me what to think, comrade? Or did I call you to talk about an issue?
Sammy
Please continue, Mr. Baumgartner…
Herschel
Thank you. So, I’m out on the lake tonight— got up brright and early, so I could make sure I got my special spot.
Ben
“Got up early”? It’s— just now a little past 2…
Herschel
You the sleep police?! Ya little bastard… I thought not.
Ben
Sorry, Herschel.
Herschel
So I’m trollin, out on the… well. That parts Top Secret, boys. But I’m trollin, so I don’t scare the bigguns away, and those g[bleep]ddamn sons of b[bleep]chin’ rainbow lights start blowin’ through the sky. Looked like Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat[2] was fightin’ that big Jap lizard!
Sammy
Godzilla? Please don’t use derogatory wor—
Herschel
McCarthy[3] would’a skinned your ass alive, you Red[4] sack ‘a sh[bleep]t! Can I tell my story?!
Sammy
Of course, I’m just asking you not to—
Ben
[quickly] I’m on the button. Sammy. Heh. Herschel’s gonna Herschel!
Sammy
Okay. So, you saw the lights tonight…
Herschel
Saw ‘em? Hell. They scared the literal piss out of me. Got a trickle down my Carhartts[5] look like the state of Florida. I’m out here naked as a jaybird! Not a fish in sight.
Ben
I’m sorry, did you just reference a musical, Mr. Baumgartner?
Herschel
Oh, just ‘cause I like some colorful metaphors, means I can’t be refined, Ben?!
Ben
I wasn’t— I didn’t– im-imply— I’m-I’m just saying—
Herschel
[softly, for Herschel] Ol’ Mrs. Baumgartner, (god rest your sexy soul, Edna), used to love those hippy-dippy singing plays. And I’d do anything to keep in those pants, fellas.
Sammy
Oh, god.
Ben
Awww. [pleading] Can we get back to the lights?
Herschel
That Edna. Oh, lemme tell ya… Oh! Uh, yeah– the damn lights! Yeah, so, I saw ‘em. What the hell else am I supposed to tell ya about it?!
Sammy
Well, you were calling to complain about them, I’m sure.
Herschel
That’s right! I’d like to report that no-good drunkard! Cecil Sheffield! Called that cumbersome ass-wart damn near 15 times to come bring me a pair of skivvies to no avail! Avoiding my calls and his duties as the co-winner of this damn boat!
Ben
It’s— so late, Mr. Baumgartner. I’m-I’m sure he’s sleeping now.
Herschel
You would take up with him!
Sammy
W-well, Ben’s just sayin’ that he isn’t avoiding you so much as he’s, you know— probably asleep.
Herschel
Sleeping one off! Soggy son of a b[bleep]h. He knows if I ring the special line, it’s a damn emergency.
Ben
So, you guys have made up?
Herschel
Made up my ass! If he’s gonna be “co”-anything with Herschel F. Baumgartner, that tally-whacker’s gonna have to keep up his end of the bargain.
Sammy
To be at your beck and call in case you… soil yourself…
Herschel
Don’t be crass!
Ben
So, you guys are actually sharing the boat? That’s awesome! I figured you only—
Herschel
I ain’t sharin a damn thing with that son of a b[bleep]h! Stop stirrin’ the pot or I’ll make what Charlie did to John McCain look like foreplay, Ben Arnold!
Sammy
So, to the point. You’re calling to complain about Cecil because he’s sleeping through your time of need?
Ben
But! He is corroborating seeing the lights, Sammy! That’s a big deal.
Herschel
Just have an intern or something bring me some britches and stop fiddle fu[bleep]ing fuss! 32 long! I’ll be at Begley’s. He’s probably peering out his window lookin for a damn show… I don’t like beige! [click]
[dial tone]
Sammy
You’re on King Falls AM with Sammy and Ben.
Riley
Please hold the line for Mayor Grisham.
Sammy
This again?
Ben
*groans*
Sammy
You know, I wonder, do you wake him when we say special keywords, or…?
Riley
Mayor? You’re on with Sammy and Ben.
Grisham
Sammy. Ben. I hate to rain on your little topic of discussion tonight, but let’s shut it down. It’d be much appreciated.
Ben
What??
Sammy
The always-fair, Mayor Grisham, folks. Remember this come election time next year.
Grisham
Do you think that a public servant should have to call the local “Tom & Joe Chucklehut Show” to ask them not to jeopardize a police investigation?
Sammy
Do you ever call Channel 13 and tell them what to report and how? We are a topical late night talk show, Grisham.
Grisham
Mayor.
Sammy
I didn’t vote for you.
Grisham
Fair enough. I don’t expect you to respect anything but your own pathetic grab for ratings. Now, regarding Channel 13—
Ben
Sorry, Mayor. Obviously, Sammy is flustered. He wouldn’t have used such a bad example if he was thinking straight—
Grisham
The answer to your question, Sammy, is no. I wouldn’t call in and tell a reputable news agency how to do their job. BUT, amazingly enough, I continue to have to ask you to stop your rhetoric— seemingly once a month or so. Interesting, don’t you think?
Ben
You do realize the only people that watch Channel 13 are drunks that can’t find the remote and animals left alone with the TV on, right?
Grisham
Whatever helps you sleep better, Ben. I can tell you for a fact that, right now, Storm Sanders is probably not working a “local yokel” interview and digging up the muck. He’s reporting on city ordinance 29.44371.
Ben
Storm is knee deep in a barrel of backyard bathtub hooch during commercial breaks.
Sammy
So, Mayor. What is this ordinance? Ya know, since we aren’t reporting the news to your liking, give us a glimpse into what works for you.
Grisham
The add-on to the local YMCA? The new menu over at Rose’s! I’m not paid a handsome salary to do your job.
Sammy
Oh, right! I forget you think you can dictate what we report on, for free.
Ben
Sammy… they’re destroying the crop circles! That’s the ordinance!
Grisham
There’s hope for you yet, Ben. Don’t go down with this ship. I’ll put a good word in for you elsewhere.
Sammy
You son of a b[bleep]h! You’re destroying the crop circles?! That could be the only thing that brings Tim Jenson home!
Grisham
Don’t bring Tim Jenson into this! The city is paying Libbydale Farms a fair share for their remaining crops! But it is in the public’s best interest to mow down this batch of mischief accordingly! Especially after this broadcast.
Sammy
*derisive scoff/laugh* You are despicable.
Grisham
These affairs aren’t your business to ramble on about… Do the weather! Talk about traffic! I mean, I filled those potholes! Stop making trouble!
Sammy
Freedom of the Press. When your assistant isn’t typing out our every word, maybe have her look it up and tell you all about it.
Grisham
I can’t wait to hear about it! And here’s a little phrase for you to look up too! OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE.
Sammy
Uh-huh.
Grisham
Do you think using your connections to officers of the law to report on “breaking news” is fine and dandy, Stevens?? *sniffs* You are perverting the course of this case. Things— especially ongoing issues— aren’t meant to be talked about until all the facts are out there! And you— *sniffs* IDIOTS are playing on the scene, reporting with your bagel-eating buddy! who happens to be a cop.
Ben
*scoffs* ‘s not my buddy.
Sammy
BEN.
Ben
I’m not throwing you under the bus, Sammy. I just hate Troy.
Grisham
So, the moral of the story would be, gents… some things require couth. Some things require kid gloves when handling. And most things don’t need to be aired in the public for ratings and entertainment. A perfect example being how, I’m sure Sheriff Gunderson will handle Deputy Krieghauser on his own, for calling into this joke of a show with police business constantly. Doubt you’ll see that done during a press conference.
Ben
Uh… is that… really necessary, sir?
Grisham
This show is a breeding ground for incompetence, and you’re now dragging your pals down with you. Straighten Up and Fly Right.
Sammy
Troy doesn’t need to be punished for you to make your point, Grisham.
Grisham
Out Of My Hands… I’ve already had Riley send my opinions on it over to the good sheriff! Now again, I ask you: pick a different topic of discussion. Maybe one that won’t lead to the continued pain and misery for all those around you. Night night, fellas! [click]
[dial tone]
Sammy
[quickly] I’m gonna call Troy.
Ben
Umm, uh *nervous stuttering* W-we’ll be back after this— King Falls. We’ll- we’ll take some- calls about uhh… *helpless scoff* I guess we’ll- see…
[KFAM outro]
[CREDITS]
References
[1] Buford, Wyoming - “America’s Smallest Town”, Buford is mostly just a convenience store/gas station. The population was 1-2 from ~1995 until it was completely abandoned in 2017.
[2] Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical comedy with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story is based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis.
[3] McCarthy - Joseph Raymond McCarthy was a Republican U.S. Senator from 1947 until his death in 1957. Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of the “Red Scare”, a period in the United States in which Cold War tensions fueled fears of widespread Communist subversion. He is known for alleging that numerous Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers had infiltrated the United States federal government, universities, film industry, and elsewhere.
[4] Red - Communist
[5] Carhartts - Carhartt, Inc., is a U.S.-based apparel company founded in 1889. Carhartt is known for its work clothes, such as jackets, coats, overalls, coveralls, vests, shirts, jeans, dungarees, fire-resistant clothing and hunting clothing.
King Falls AM - Episode Twelve: All the Pretty Flowers
View on Google Docs
Summary: October 15, 2015 - Against Ben's wishes, Sammy broaches a touchy subject after witnessing a hearse delivering white roses on his way into the station. Is it a King Falls Halloween tradition or could it be something more sinister? #RedRumRoses
[podcast intro music]
[jazz music]
Chet
Well the clock on the wall is telling me that’s all, y’all. So I’m gonna mosey on down to The Red Rock bar and buy all the ladies a drink on me. But don’t try to fool me again, Dennis. This has been Chet Sebastian’s Jazz Corner. Until next time… keep it cool King Falls.
[Sammy & Ben Show intro music]
Ben
Good evening, you’re listening to King Falls AM [door closing]– that’s 660 on the radio dial. [slightly irked] And this is the Sammy and Ben show— sans-Sammy at the moment.
[footsteps]
Sammy
Sorry about that, Ben! everybody at home. I was just running a little late. I was j- Y-you know, I just saw the weirdest thing!
Ben
Was it Chet leaving? I told him to take that fur coat off. Guy looks like he walked off a set of a Blaxploitation[1] film.
Sammy
*laughs* No, I wish I’d seen that. But I was driving in tonight- I was running a tad bit late, as you can see, and I swear to you: I’m coming up Main Street, I got behind a hearse delivering these giant white rose bouquets! Like, every couple of streets the damn thing’s stoppin’!
Ben
No.
Sammy
No *laughs* yeah it did.
Ben
… SOOOOO… Weee’ve got a great show for you folks tonight. Uh, Ernie Salcedo…
Sammy
Ben.
Ben
*pointedly clearing his throat* … Yes?
Sammy
Okay, I can see you slashing at your neck furiously and shaking your head “no”, but the audience can’t. Sooo, what’s the issue here?
Ben
*nervously* I’m sorry we… just don’t talk about this, Sammy.
Sammy
So you know of it! Is it like some kind of weird Halloween thing?
Ben
[flatly] Halloween? Are you serious? We don’t celebrate Halloween here in the Falls, Sammy.
Sammy
WHAT? This is like friggin’ Halloween Town! You know those shops that open up every year around Halloween and close the day after? King Falls is where all those shops should move to when it’s not Halloween.
Ben
Two things. 1) That’s a horrible business model, and 2) Halloween is one, big, diabetic pumpkin.
Sammy
Come on? You don’t like decorating? Trick-or-treating?
Ben
ALL OF IT. It’s like you’re— tempting these ghouls and goblins to come and mess with you. We get enough of that here. And again, diabetes.
Sammy
Okay, I can see where you’re coming from, but I’m not gonna lie— this is kind of a surprise.
Ben
What can I say? We’re more the Christmas or Arbor Day types.
Sammy
Okay, so the hearse is delivering flowers. What’s the deal if it’s not a Halloween… ritual?
Ben
Did you really see that? Did someone tell you to mess with me about this?
Sammy
Scout’s Honor. I was late because of it! I illegally passed on a double yellow line (sorry Deputy Troy) just to skate around ‘em and make my way up the mountain.
Ben
… I don’t like this. I-I don’t know that I’ve ever known anyone that saw the flowers delivered. Usually businesses and people just find the wreaths the next morning. D-Di-Did you see inside the hearse? Was it… people?
Sammy
You know, I didn’t look, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say… it was a human being.
Ben
Well, that’s good. *breath* It’s something.
Sammy
Okay, so the roses…
Ben
[voice breaking] Damnit, Sammy! We got a show scheduled, ya know?
Sammy
I’m well aware! Just fill me in about the roses and we’ll move on.
Ben
[muttering] Yeah yeah, okay, so… *deep breath* Every year, around this time—
Sammy
Halloween…
Ben
OCTOBER.
Sammy
Uh-huh…
Ben
Every— October… there is a certain society of people— and I use the term “people” loosely— that congregate and deliver the rose wreaths to individuals and businesses. That’s— a fact.
Sammy
And?
Ben
Annnd… nobody really knows what happens after that.
Sammy
[audible grin] But legend has it…!
Ben
Don’t “legend-has-it” me! Nobody knows for sure! Why gossip?
Sammy
Okay. What do you think happens, Ben?
Ben
*breathes in* Uuuugghhhh… Well, I think people either accept this weird— invitation or… they don’t. But I can tell you, the people that don’t? Well… they don’t, last long after that.
Sammy
Okay. So we’ve just went from spooky 1-800-Flowers to murder in only a few easy steps.
Ben
Not- murder- per say, but… businesses that decline tend to… move away or go under. Or tragedy strikes. Sure, I-I’ve heard stories of these folks winding up on the wrong end of a funeral ceremony, but… I couldn’t prove it. Are you satisfied now?
Sammy
Of course. Thank you, Ben. King Falls, you’ve heard our story, now let’s hear yours!
Ben
DON’T open the phone lines!
Sammy
We’re-opening-up the phone lines here at the station! 424-279-3858. Have you had contact with this demonic annual floral delivery? Hit us up!
Ben
Don’t call or tweet us. Please.
Sammy
Give us a call or tweet us @KingFallsAM, [smugly] Ben will personally answer every tweet #RedrumRoses[2]
Ben
NOPE! Not gonna happen.
Sammy
Ben…[faux sympathy] It looks like the phone lines are lighting up, buddy.
Ben
I expected better of you, King Falls.
Sammy
Lucky Line 1, you’re on the air with Sammy And Ben.
Pete
Low-down, gossip-mongering, muckraking filth.
Ben
[flatly] Pete?
Sammy
[quiet and amused] Escobar?
Pete
N-uh- it’s Pete. You know damn well I’m listenin’.
Ben
Wwhat’s on your mind tonight, Pete?
Sammy
Did your mom teach you to start off phone calls with name-calling, Pete?
Pete
[faint creaking in bg] My mom taught me to… stand up for myself! Don’t start a fight, but don’t be afraid to end it.
Sammy
Who’s fighting?
Pete
Oh, what a short attention span you have, Sammy. Not dwelling on you and Mr. Howard Ford Beauregard III issues; you’re picking a fight with the Unknown! Ben told you to shut your trap. [very faint sounds of driving]
Sammy
Heh, lemme tell you, this would a long four hours if we didn’t talk and, y’ know, sometimes you have to—
Pete
Yeah yeah, I get it, Mr. Nincompoop Radio Host. [creaking] You gotta blab. But that’s something you don’t trifle with. You should know this.
Ben
Sammy, you know I hate to say Pete is right about anything, but—
Pete
But I’m right about this! I know you know, Ben. That’s all I need to know. Stop yapping about things you don’t understand.
Ben
Thanks, Pete.
Sammy
[mostly resigned] Did you have a question or an experience with the flowers, Pete?
Pete
Abs-absolutely not! I– d-don’t try to get me in trouble. [car door closing]
Ben
You okay over there, Pete?
Pete
[failing at being nonchalant] Yeah I’m just out, and… uh, just out.
Sammy
[incredulous] This time of night?
[car door slamming]
Pete
Yeah! I’m- runnin’ errands and- stuff like that, y’know. ‘T’s- It’s not- it’s not your business!
Ben
[literally tongue-in-cheek] Uh-huh…
Pete
You’re makin’ something of this. Yer- you’re doin’ somethin’, you’re getting me invo— Stop.
Ben
It’s just weird, Mr. Beauregard’s gardener is out at 2 in the morning, running errands.
Sammy
So your boss doesn’t have anything to do with the roses, does he, Pete?
Pete
Ben Arnold. If you’ve got a lick of good sense, I wouldn’t walk too close to Sammy for the next feww… mm— mmmm… lifetimes! He’s gonna wind up on the bottom end of an anvil.
Sammy
You know, I just don’t think asking questions is the equivalent of buying ACME rocket kits and trying to catch a damn bird.[3]
Ben
[semi-stern] Y’mind answering his question, Pete?
[creaking]
Pete
Oh, HELL NO. You two are a couple ‘a horse patoots. I’m never listening to this show again.
Ben
Until tomorrow.
Pete
PETE OUT! [click, dial tone]
Ben
Are you happy, Sammy? Is this what you were hoping for?
Sammy
Civilized conversation is the only thing I look for. That said… I’m gonna say, it’s a tad bit suspicious.
Ben
There are dots we don’t need to connect. MOVING ON!
Sammy
Maybe you’re right.
Ben
Folks, we’re gonna take a break to pay some bills, and we’ll be right back and on schedule.
[rattle, guitar strums]
Dale (presumably)
[voice is a low murmur (for lack of a better word)] Dale’s Dollar Tree… [strum] at dirt cheap prices… [strum] it’s almost free. [guitar,western music] Hi, everybody, I’m super excited to tell you ‘bout some unbelievable deals we have right now… at Dale’s Dollar Tree. Let’s segue to the savin’s [eagle screech] Our low prices are guaranteed… Who’s guaranteeing it, you ask? … Me… [guitar stops] How do you take advantage of these savings? [strum, rattle] 1) Walk into Dale’s Dollar Tree [strum] 2) Throw somethin’ in your cart [strum] 3) Savings. [guitar] Dale’s Dollar Tree. [eagle screech]
[S&B theme]
Sammy
Ladies and gentlemen, we are back and you’re listening to King Falls AM. Now we were just talking about me running late this morning, because of a, uh, hearse—
Ben
[cutting Sammy off] So we’ve got a great show scheduled tonight. We’ve got Mr. Eli Goldblum on later in the hour.
Sammy
And who is Mr. Goldblum?
Ben
Are you kidding me? Only the most renowned post-mortal psychologist known to man! He’s on his spoken-word world tour, and this Thursday, you can see him live at the King Falls Convention Center.
Sammy
… That’sss-something.
Ben
Indeed! So that’s in about… forrrty minutes. Uh, we got Rose, (from Rose’s Diner, of course) calling in to talk about how the Bee Crisis is affecting her honey-baked ham specials for the- foreseeable future.
Ben
Come on, Sammy. This bee situation is serious business.
Sammy
You get points for not buzzing or saying “beeees-ness”
Ben
You don’t wanna know how hard that was…
Sammy
-eh- Okay. So, how can we help with the bees?
Ben
Uhhh… cut- back- on swatting them?? *awkward laugh* I-I-I don’t know for sure that’s-that’s why we’re talkin’ to Rose.
Sammy
Gotcha!
Ben
And our first topic of discussion this evening— was gonna be—
Sammy
About the flowers.
Ben
Don’t.
Sammy
Okay, look. Can we open up the phone lines again? I’d like to talk about these flowers. Uh, you tell King Falls your topic, and then we’ll see what they wanna talk about.
Ben
You know they’ll talk about the damn rose wreaths!
Sammy
You heard it here, folks. Line 7, you’re on with Sammy and Ben.
Herschel
Ugh, I can’t sleep with all this damn racket going on! You two DINGLEBERRIES keep it down!
Sammy
*laugh* Herschel??
Herschel
Oh, hell. Don’t make me get out of bed and give you a full blast so late at night! [muttered] Don’t even know where my slippers are…
Ben
Mr… Baumgartner, you realize you called us, right? This is- the radio station.
Herschel
I know who and what I called. I dialed you DICKWHISTLES because all this [mocking] cry-babying about the damn flowers. Turn that jazz fella back on so- so I can get some rest!
Sammy
Chet is on from 10 to 2, Mr. Baumgartner. This is Sammy and Ben and we- talk about—
Herschel
I don’t give a damn if it’s Tricky Dick Nixon calling to give me a Congressional Medal of Honor! You shut your nose holes about the damn funeral flowers. And play me some heroin-fueled American art! [click]
[dial tone]
Sammy
We’re gonna count that as one for the flowers…
Ben
Line 14, you’re live on the air.
Creeper
Long time listener here!
Sammy
[click, dial tone]
Ben
Did you hang up, Sammy?
Sammy
Yeeaah, sorry. I hate that guy.
Ben
Line 3,*chuckles* this is King Falls AM.
Beauregard
Good evening, Benjamin. Samuel. This is—
Ben
Beauretard?![sic]
Beauregard
*sigh* Mr. Howard Ford Beauregard the Third. My man told me that you were spreading more lies than usual on your little “radio show.” I thought I would call and clear the air.
Sammy
Mr. Beauregard, can I just say, before this call goes ANY further— that we will not accept any abuse towards us or the listeners of this show.
Beauregard
How cute that you think people listen to you two buffoons.
Ben
That’s abuse! That’s exactly what we were—
Beauregard
Oh, that’s a joke where I come from. You millennials would never have lasted back in my day. With your emotions and feelings and the like.
Ben
When was that day, again, Mr. Beauregard?
Beauregard
Information about myself and my family, can be found in my international, best-selling e-book, “King of King Falls” … I don’t have to answer to— well— you.
Sammy
*sigh* Did you have a reason for the call tonight, Beauregard?
Beauregard
Indeed, I do. While men with any couth wouldn’t speak about festivities that they know nothing aboouut—
Sammy
So, you’re behind these deliveries?
Ben
Also, while I would never name names and throw my friend under a bus— you should know this wasn’t the agreed upon topic of the show.
Sammy
Oh, stop it.
Beauregard
[agonizingly insincere] I don’t know a thing about the supposed yearly white rose deliveries you speak of. My family, nor myself, have ever been involved with such jovality.[sic] In fact, in all my years I can’t recollect such a thing.
Ben
I don’t buy that for a second. Maybe you’ve never sent the roses, and— let’s play devil’s advocate and say, sure, you’ve never received them (which I doubt), but there is No Way you haven’t heard of this.
Beauregard
Maybe it’s something you commoners have made up, like, uhh- the tooth fairy or the Illuminati orrr— equal rights for the sexes.
Ben
I can’t deal with this guy! Just dump him and let’s take another line.
Sammy
Wait… Mr. Beauregard. If you don’t care about this— and, in fact, haven’t even heard of it until tonight— why would you bother to break your Hate-Silence with us to call in?
Beauregard
You’re not nearly as dumb as you look, Stevens! And while I continue to honor my statement before— I’d have to assume that this “rose” ordeal is a real thing. It’s probably a very special thing! An intimate invitation sent by the upper echelons of King Falls. A way of making amends or bring people worthy of attention, into a conversation that normally would not have been invited to have.
Ben
Just for everyone keeping score at home: I took a college course on Crazy and I believe he is saying he knows that the wreath deliveries are real, and he is probably behind them.
Beauregard
Time is money, gentleman. Not that you understand that concept. But instead of painting a ceremony you know nothing about as tragic and scary— perhaps it’s not. Perhaps it’s something more than that, entirely. In any case, it’s not something that should be spoken about in public. [phone pings] Ahhh… I’ll be going now, “gentlemen.” And while I do use that word lightly, perhaps take a break from your radio program and… check your door.
Sammy
I wonder what he sounds like when he has something nice to say to people.
Ben
He probably hasn’t said anything nice to a person since the 60s… The 1860s.
Sammy
Ya know, I didn’t mean to ruffle anyone’s feathers tonight. Especially crazy old billionaires who try to drive us off the air— so let’s just—
Ben
I’M GONNA GO CHECK THE DOOR.
Sammy
What?!
Ben
Yeah. [chair sliding out] I’m sorry, man. Beauregard gives me the willies [squeak] and I wanna make sure there isn’t—
Sammy
A sugar-glider on a noose?
Ben
Too far. I was just gonna say— that he hasn’t had Pete ding-dong-ditch us- or something.
Sammy
And here I thought the Williams boys had that market cornered.
Ben
I’ll be back in a sec. [footsteps rushing off]
Sammy
[shouting after him] Don’t talk about Pete that way, Ben! He’s never gonna listen to the show again! Alright, folks. We are just a few hot minutes away from Eli Goldblum coming into the studio to talk about, [ominous bg music starts] uh… I’m guessing- ghosts with lingering mental issues? Ah, sorry— apparitions. [footsteps rushing back] I’m holding out hope for an apparition with multiple personality disorder, but I don’t know if that’s a thing or not… [chair squeak, Ben sitting] Ben? You okay, buddy?
Ben
[upset] How many times, did I ask you to stop talking about the stupid, hearse, Sammy?
Sammy
What’s wrong?
Ben
[sarcastic] Oh, nothing. You wanna go outside and take a look?
Sammy
You know, I don’t think I want to. I’m happy with you filling me in.
Ben
Well, I didn’t go outside, Sammy! I didn’t have to. I looked out the front window.
[ominous bg music getting louder]
Sammy
Yeah? And?
Ben
[hissed] damnit
Sammy
… Ben. What is going on? Do we need to call Troy?
Ben
The whole parking lot- your car, MY car— as far as the lights will let me see— Nothing but white roses, man.
Sammy
… Are you serious?
Ben
Go look!! Just don’t go out there, huh? It looked like it was snowing, that’s how many of those damn things are out there.
Sammy
[scrambling for optimism] What’s the chances that it’s just a non-Halloween bouquet from Emily to you?
Ben
ZERO. Zero percent chance, Sammy.
Sammy
[seriously] Folks, we’ll be right back after a word from our sponsors.
[KFAM outro]
[CREDITS]
References
[1] Blaxploitation - Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is an ethnic subgenre of the exploitation film that emerged in the United States during the early 1970s. The films, while popular, suffered backlash for disproportionate numbers of stereotypical film characters showing bad or questionable motives, including roles as criminals.
[2] #RedrumRoses - Redrum is from the psychological horror film The Shining. It’s “murder” spelled backward.
[3] “ACME rocket kits and trying to catch a damn bird” - I sincerely hope no one will ever be too young for this reference, but I once had my little brothers ask who Mr. Rogers was so: this is a reference to the Looney Toons cartoons, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. In each episode, Coyote repeatedly attempts to catch and eat the Road Runner, a fast-running ground bird, but is never successful. In order to catch the Road Runner, Coyote uses absurdly complex contraptions- most acquired from the mail-order company ACME- to try to catch his prey, which all backfire comically with Coyote often getting injured in slapstick fashion.
Summary: September 15, 2015 - Sammy & Ben welcome in studio guest, medium Miss Olivia DuPont, however a miscommunication of her talents brings up some painful memories that both Ben & Deputy Troy wish to forget.
[podcast intro music]
Sammy
[agitated] I’m not gonna debate you ma’am, I’m just trying to say that gravity really isn’t something that’s up for discussion, sheesh.
Ben
[amused] Don’t take it personally. Mrs. Bodenheimer told me in third grade that she didn’t believe in air.
Sammy
…conditioning?
Ben
Oh, no! Air. In general. She thought oxygen was a satanic fairy tale concocted by God-hating scientists.
Sammy
[disbelieving] Yet she was in charge of educating you and hundreds of other youngsters.
Ben
College diploma goes a long way in a little town, buddy.
Sammy
Alright, well up next we’ve got a pretty interesting visitor coming in studio with us.
Ben
Hopefully so!
Sammy
O— you don’t know her?
Ben
I do not, but she sent us a ton of emails during the electrolocaust and said she was a big fan.
Sammy
All of them say she has a special talent she’d like to share with us and the listeners
Ben
Absolutely, and she’ll be coming up after a word from our sponsors.
[dramatic eerie music]
Announcer
On the season premier of the nation’s number one paranormal investigation show: Mission Apparition. [theatrical crash] Dan and the team find themselves in a sticky situation. [static]
Dan
[echoing] They had to shut this place down after all the accidents. This is Tanner’s Taffy factory and it’s been abandoned since 1991. [static]
Announcer
…or has it?
Dan
There’s, uh— God there’s a lot of EVP activity around [walkie talkie sound] Larry, Larry I’d think you better go.
[theatrical crash]
Dan
[walkie click] [hushed] Larry? Larry! [walkie click] Larry go!
Larry
[creepy, ascending, violin-screech sound effects] [through walkie] I see the lights, man, I see it
Dan
Larry move your ass!
Announcer
It’s another can’t-miss episode from the show that doesn’t miss a thing when it comes to the extraordinary: Mission Apparition
[News music]
NEWS ANCHOR
Season premier, tonight at 9pm on King Falls Channel 13.
[KFAM theme]
Ben
That is- ridiculous.
Sammy
We’re live, Ben.
Ben
I know! It doesn’t change the fact that “Mission Apparition” sucks as much as the channel that shows it.
Sammy
It sounded pretty interesting to me.
Ben
Dan and Larry from that show? wouldn’t know what to do in a haunted situation to save their lives. Stupid meters and light particles, [“stupid voice” imitation] “oh hey I know! let’s shoot some night vision so everything looks pretty scary and suspect!” Idiots.
Sammy
You don’t have to get hot about it.
Ben
Oh, I’m just fine, Sammy. I’m simply saying, Mission Apparition is a dumb show Made by dummies For dummies.
Sammy
Ladies and gentlemen, please be sure to direct all your hateful tweets to @kingfallsam and we’ll make sure Ben answers each and every one.
Ben
Get at me twitter! #bringit
Sammy
*laughs* On a different note, we have a guest in studio with us tonight. She is a self-professed medium—
Olivia
[slight South African accent] Miss Olivia DuPont. Heh, see I knew it was coming.
Sammy
[laughing] You’re good Miss DuPont. So Ben tells me you emailed us in hopes of coming on the show?
Olivia
I was very eager to come visit my favourite late-night AM talk show and maybe help some people with some closure along the way.
Ben
Thanks Miss DuPont, we are happy to have you.
Olivia
Oh, please call me Golden Owl. *Who-whoo who-whoo!*
Sammy
Ummm…
Olivia
*Laughs* What a hoot and riot, you should have seen your face Sammy. Please, call me Olivia.
Ben
Ha. S- soo… um, you aren’t from King Falls, is that correct?
Olivia
That is, I live a few towns over. Up in Big Pine. That’s where my shop is as well.
Ben
I love Big Pine! I- I used to go camping there as a kid! It’s beautiful and so laid-back.
Sammy
Laid-back? I didn’t know it got slower then King Falls!
Ben
You’ll have to excuse Shotgun Sammy here, he’s a Big City guy.
Sammy
Anyway, so how did you find out that you had this talent, Olivia? That you were a medium.
Olivia
Oh, from a very young age. My parents were veterinarians and we lived in an apartment above their office, so I used to hear- so many lost souls. Day in and day out.
Ben
Lost souls? Wh-why were these people hanging out at the vets?
Olivia
[confused] People?
Sammy
I’m sorry, Olivia. Maybe we’ve got our wires crossed here. We were under the impression that you were a psychic.
Olivia
[firmly] Medium. Psychics are low life charlatans.
Sammy
I’m sorry, a medium.
Olivia
A medium is someone whose 6th sense is so in tune, so aware, that a bridge is made to the other side, in which we can communicate with our loved ones.
Ben
Uh, but- but again why were the souls of people hanging out at your parents’ vet office?
Olivia
*scoffs* What does this have to do with people, Ben?
Sammy
Okay, this bridge that you’ve-you’ve built to the other side. Is it not for people?
Olivia
[laughing] Heaven’s no!
Ben
I’m lost.
Olivia
Well I’m- one of a kind, I get human interference from- time to time, you know [long-suffering] a mother looking to reconnect with her kids, a brother that died in the war. Ugh. I ignore that. This is about our deceased loved ones. The furry kind, or feathered! or what-have-you.
Ben
Wait. You talk to dead pets?
Olivia
Harsh, but not incorrect Ben.
Ben
[growing slightly frantic]Oh, no, see I-I-I booked you so we could talk about your gift and take some calls from the listeners, but—
Olivia
We can take calls Ben.
Sammy
So, to be clear, you have contact with human spirits and you just toss them to the wayside to talk to Fido.
Olivia
*laughs* Anyone can talk to deceased humans, Sammy, especially here in King Falls. This place is beaming with activity- even the two of you could do it if you tried. But nobody talks to our long-lost pets.
Ben
I’m sorry, this isn’t what we were looking for Miss DuPont.
Olivia
Golden Owl. Hoh, excuse me boys *loud sigh* this one is coming on strong! MMMOOooo MMMrrrr… Moo. *loud sigh* Sorry boys,[solemnly] that was- that was a rough one. Cassie the Cow was crying out. She lived in one of those factory farms and she- *deep breath* was using me to tell the world about her last days in the Cowschwitz[sic].
Sammy
Okay folks, we’re sorry. Just give us a minute or two so we can uh… So we can get this—
Olivia
I seeee… a dog? forgive me- AAAOOOoo AWAWWOOooo ARAwwo *growls*
Ben
[Irritated] Okay, I think we’ve heard enough.
Olivia
Wolfington?
Ben
This is insane.
Sammy
[seriously] Wait. What color is the dog?
Olivia
Black— oh a little-bit of brown. He looks like— a lap dog perhaps? Uhh…
Sammy
A terrier!
Olivia
Oh, of course, I can see it nowww. He’s just wagging his tail, so happy, chasing his ball- Oh! Ooh, he’s mounting your Teddy Ruxpin bear[1].
Sammy
That’s him! Oh my gosh!
Ben
[incredulous] Wolfington the terrier? Come oonnn.
Sammy
That’s my dog, Ben! He ran away when I was in grade school.
Olivia
Woof! RUFF! Ruff-ruff-rUFF! Oh. He wants you to know that he’s fine Sammy, Wolfington had a good life. He isn’t mad that you only ever shared your veggies at the dinner table.
Sammy
[entreating] Heh, it’s all I could do little buddy! my mom was always watchin’!
Ben
Sammy?
Sammy
Uh, *clears throat* I mean, y-you know that’s- that’s good, that’s real good Olivia. Uh, thank you.
Ben
What is going on here?! Snap out if it, Sammy, this is obviously a con. Facebook info- or something.
Olivia
I seee— [whispered] what is it? Is it a bird?
Ben
[mocking]Cuckoo. Cuckoo.
Olivia
Is it a tiny… monkey? No— no no, dig deeper. Marsupial!
Ben
You aren’t buying this, right?
Olivia
I feeel a- a naame… Serendipity?
Ben
[shocked] What the Hell?
Sammy
Ben, you alright over there?
Ben
I’m- fine. Um. Go on, Golden Owl?
Olivia
Is it a… sugar glider!
Ben
It is! Serendipity the sugar glider! Oh man.
Sammy
You can’t be serious, Ben. Your parents bought you an exotic animal and the best name you can come up with is “Serendipity”?
Ben
[defensive] It came already named, man, and No, for the record? we found it. There was a travelling zoo that came through the Falls. And the day after, my friends and I found a box, down at the fairgrounds, and inside? there was little Serendipity, looking back up at us.
Olivia
He said he’s sorry that he couldn’t stay. He wishes he did, that mean man with the badge- well, [softly] and you know how that goes.
Sammy
Uh, how what goes? What happened?
Ben
[upset] I don’t want to talk about it.
Olivia
He forgives you Ben.
Ben
[forcefully] Golden Owl I said I’m done! Let’s Take some callers.
Sammy
Ben, I’m sorry, but this seems like—
Ben
[distressed] Why don’t you pry your fingers- into the open wound- of my heart, and dig it all out, Sammy? Sweet Jack in the Box Jesus.
Sammy
… You’re right, I-I’m sorry Ben. Well, King Falls you’ve heard Serendipity’s story, now let’s hear yours. 424-279-3858. We are live with pet medium, Olivia DuPont a—
Ben
Did he live a good life? Olivia? W-was he happy, like Sammy’s puppy?
Olivia
Do you not know?
Ben
Know what?
Sammy
I’m so confused here.
Olivia
Serendipity was a bit of an outlaw. Sugar Gliders are illegal to posses in the tri-state region because of the ’72 Sugar Flu outbreak.
Sammy
Seriously, okay guys, I just pulled up Sugar Gliders on the googs, adorable!
Ben
They were still illegal. My mom tried calling the travelling zoo but to no avail. And it wasn’t like I didn’t want to keep Serendipity, I loved the little guy but, one of my backstabbing “friends” from school said something to Bodenheimer … I-I don’t want to talk about this.
Sammy
They took him away?
Ben
Mrs. Bodenheimer did. She took him to the office, and I never saw him again. She said she was going to make sure he got back to the zoo, di-di-did he, Golden Owl?
Olivia
MMEEEEOOOOOWWW MEOOOWWW *hisses* Sorry, a calico is summoning me.
Ben
Cut the crap! What’s this about the man with the badge?
Olivia
[nervously] O- of course I’ve just heard this second-hand. Ben— I mean who’s to say exactly- what happened? It- you know, it’s from a different perspective then we can understand.
Ben
What happened?
Olivia
Serendipity- bit the man with the badge on the drive and- was tossed out the window. Into the river. Then- eventually down the falls. *chitters and hisses*
Ben
That son of a bitch, w-wha-who’s name was on that badge?
Olivia
It’s murky. Hard to grasp. Serendipity is jumping from nether tree to nether tree- Oh! Oh! I think I have it. [straining] G. U. N. Oh, I can’t see- D?
Ben
[angrily] I knnnew it.
Olivia
Take it with a grain of salt Ben- I mean, it’s just one version, from [laughingly] a marsupial no less.
Ben
He was an awesome. possum. I-I gotta step outside for a minute [chair squeak].
Sammy
While Ben takes a little break, let’s take a few callers.[door closing] Give us a call King Falls. Let’s talk about your dearly departed, uh, pets.
Olivia
I’m ready.
Sammy
Line 4, you’re live with Sammy and Miss Olivia DuPont.
Troy
Gosh darn it, Sammy, I’m really sorry to hear about Ben’s little buddy.
Sammy
I’m sure he’ll appreciate the kind words Troy, I’ll be sure to pass them on buddy .
[police radio can be heard faintly in bg]
Troy
[solemn] I’ve got a confession to make that I ain’t proud of. I… I was the reason for the demise of little Serendipity. Such a sweet little fella. I just didn’t know he get taken away, y’know? For good.
Sammy
Wait. You’re the reason Serendipity was taken away?
Troy
Ah hells bells Sammy, I was the one that rolled over on Ben but— I didn’t mean for the little furry guy to get taken away! It was just a real kerfuffle on this end.
Sammy
This explains so much.
Troy
Me and Ben was best buddies coming up, Sammy. I didn’t want to tell on him, but little Serendipity got frisky one day at lunch and sh[bleep] on one of the teacher’s Mexican pizza. Tough ol’ Bodenheimer cornered me ‘cause she thought he was mine. Ben ain’t never gonna forgive me and that’s deserved.
[door closing]
Sammy
That’s all in the past Troy. I’m sure- someday –
Ben
Sorry about that guys. Some-someday what?
Sammy
Oh, uh- y-you know- we-we’re just taking calls from listeners right now Ben. On the line we’ve got- Troy.
Troy
[mournful] Hey Ben. Man I was listening to the program tonight, when I heard Miss DuPont pontificatin’ about the dead animals and su—
Ben
[Hastily] Now’s not the time Troy, especially from you!
Troy
I’m hurtin’ something awful about Serendipity, buddy. How many times do I have to apologize to make it right?
Ben
Loose Lips Sink Ships, Troy, the ship of friendship. Have fun on the SS Backstabber. [click, dial tone] Line 1, you’re live on King Falls AM. Prepare your tissues.
Ron
Boys, I won’t keep you long. This question is for, Golden Owl? is that right?
Olivia
Yes.
Ron
Before my question ma’am, you might want to work on that name. It might just be me, but it sounds like a sophisticated lemon party for birds.Not that I’m against that sort of thing. Sh[bleep] even last night—
Sammy
Ron Begley, ladies and gents.
Ron
Alright I get it, enough foreplay. Brass tacks Miss Owl, how does it work if you didn’t particularly own the pet, but you saw it as a kid, grew up near it, fed it, maybe had a puff the magic dragon relationship with it.
Ben
He wants to know if you can tap into your unending source of pain and find Kingsie’s parents. Maybe tell us how they were, harpooned by Japanese tourists in front of Kingsie as a baby and made into sashimi.
Olivia
Mr. Begley I’m not sure if that’s really in my wheelhouse, but perhaps if you introduce me to this Kingsie you’re referencing?
Ron
Well hell yeah! How can I get a hold of you to make an appointment?
Sammy
All of Miss DuPont’s information is on our website Ron, or you can check it out on twitter at—
Ron
Yeah yeah, @, ampersand, hashtag, underscore, exclamation mark dot dot dot King Falls dot net. Shut your sweet little trap Sammy! I got it! I’ll be in touch soon Golden Owl. [mildly exasperated] But seriously, work on that name
[click, dial tone]
Ben
Other than, re-breaking everyone’s hearts, Olivia— what do you get out of this?
Olivia
I’m sorry for the troublesome story, Ben. Not all of them -hardly any of them- end so badly.
Ben
So I’m just the lucky one.
Sammy
Ben—
Ben
I’m so glad to hear that not everyone’s pet got thrown out of a moving car and into Peace river and down the falls by Sheriff damn Gunderson. That’s the silver lining, right?
Olivia
If it’s true.
Ben
[skeptical] You get a lot of lying cats and dogs in your line of work, Olivia?
Olivia
[awkwardly] Not— to my knowledge.
Ben
He did it.
Sammy
Okay, let’s not go making accusations it could have been any number of deputies, maybe even from a different county, I mean who can say?
Ben
[insistent] It was Gunderson, I just know it. He literally damn near spelled it out! Ask him to spell out the rest, Olivia.
Olivia
He saysss, *sigh* Golden Owl, your business license is up for renewal, so don’t rock the boat?
Ben
BULL!
Sammy
*clears throat* Olivia, we’re gonna take another phone call here in a minute. Perhaps, uh, before that you could give us a light-hearted example of a run in with someone’s, uh, expired creature.
Olivia
Well, there was this one encounter with Bruce the Stingray.
Sammy
[incredulously] A stingray. Now, what’s a dead stingray got to talk about?
Olivia
Well, Steve Irwin[2] for one.
[KFAM outro]
[Credits]
REFERENCES:
[1] Teddy Ruxpin - Teddy Ruxpin is an animatronic children's toy in the form of a talking 'Illiop', a creature which looks like a bear. The creature's mouth and eyes move while "reading" stories played on an audio tape cassette deck built into its back.
[2] Steve Irwin - “The Crocodile Hunter” was an Australian zookeeper, television personality, wildlife expert, environmentalist and conservationist. Possibly best known for the show “The Crocodile Hunter” (1996–2007), an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series, which he co-hosted with his wife Terri. They also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the Queensland state capital city of Brisbane. Steve died on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Summary: June 1, 2015 - Sammy & Ben are live at Lake Hatchenhaw for the 55th Annual King Falls Bass Tournament with special guest Mayor Grisham.
[Podcast intro music]
[Banjo music]
Randy McMullet
[heavy southern accent] Howdy y’all! It’s Randy McMullet from McMullet’s International Palace of Snake Skin Boots and I’m here to tell you we got some slithery savings this weekend! So much savings you’ll have a hissy fit! We’re not holdin’ anything back ‘cause it’s that time of year again! It’s our annual Snake Skin Blowout! I’m talkin’ ‘bout rattlesnake, copperhead, viper, black mamba, and boa constrictor. We got big snake boots at baby snake prices! Ya better hurry though before our inventory is extinct! So come on down to McMullet’s International Palace of Snake Skin Boots! We’ll be there from sun up to sun down this Saturday and Sunday at the corner of Route 72 and ol’ Bombin’ Range Road! McMullet’s International Palace of Snake Skin Boots! Where we fill your boots, with savin’s!
[Banjo music fades out]
[KFAM rock intro music]
Sammy
Good morning! You’re listening to King Falls AM, that’s 660 on the radio dial. It’s twelve minutes to six and a beautiful 67 degrees out here at Lake Hatchenhaw.
Ben
We are mere minutes away from the starter pistol going off signaling the beginning of the 55th annual King Falls Bass Tournament.
Sammy
Ben! I couldn’t have said that better myself, you’re a natural!
Ben
[“aw shucks”] Whatever, Sammy.
Sammy
But you heard it, kids! The tournament’s about to get under way, but the festivities will be happening all day today. Be sure to swing on by the King Falls AM booth, pick up a bumper sticker, say hi to your favorite personalities, that sort of thing.
Ben
And, of course, don’t forget to tweet us your pics today @KingFallsAM or Instagram us with the hashtag kingfalls, and we will repost those bad boys.
Sammy
Absolutely, Ben. But just because this show is winding down, doesn’t mean we’re going to sleep on you! We’ve got a guest!
Ben
We’re here with Ron Begley, of Begley’s Bait and Tackle. Sponsor of today’s outing.
[note: Ron’s voice can generally be described as “gruff”, any descriptors in transcription are more-so]
Ron
[gruffly] Watch it, Ben. Outing is a big word. This is a gathering.
Sammy
Hey, nice to meet ya, Ron!
Ron
[sweetly] Nice meetin’ you too, Sammy! And always good to see you, Ben.
Sammy
Now, Ron. For all the listeners on the fence about making their way down to the Tourney today, what would you tell ‘em to change their minds?
Ron
Ah hell, if they aren’t here now, they ain’t coming.
Ben
Metaphorically though—
Ron
[harshly] Don’t use ten dollar words when a five dollar word will suffice, Ben. If the lazy bastards aren’t up an’ at em and waiting on Mayor Grisham to fire that pistol, then there ain’t no convincing them otherwise.
Sammy
Well, you know what- We’ve got quite the turn out here it seems, so uh, maybe everybody made it down?
Ron
[aggressively] I’ll give you fifty damn bucks if you show me Shell Snyder’s fat ass at this lake right now!
Ben
Uhhh, I’m sure-
Ron
I saw that lazy son of a bitch at the town hidey-hole last night, and I know he hasn’t drug his carcass outta bed.
Sammy
Hidey-hole?
Ben
Don’t ask.
Ron
You want something that’ll put some asses in the seats? I’ll give you somethin’ and this one’s for free. Today we got the fishing tournament, we got the bouncy house for the kiddies, we got that weird food truck that nobody ever eats at but it still shows up to all the King Falls events,
Ben
Aaand?
Ron
[teasing] And you know where I’m going, Ben. And just last week out by the sunken pontoon boats… We had a sighting!
Ben
By the BOATS? That is so close.
Sammy
Alright guys. You got me. What did we see?
Ben
Sammy—
Ron
Why, the Lake Hatchenhaw monster, Sammy!
Sammy
Monster.
Ron
Why the hell didn’t you Wikipedia-Google-book this town before you moved your sweet ass to it?! Everybody in creation knows about the Lake Hatchenhaw monster!
Sammy
Alright, *chuckles* I’m sorry. Uhhh, I don’t mean to be rude, Ron, but you’re talking about your own version of the Loch—
Ron
Don’t. Say it. Don’t even think it! That fake sh[bleep]show of a lake monster has nothin’ on Kingsie.
Ben
You’ll have to pardon Sammy. He doesn’t believe in the extra-ordinary.
Ron
[softly for Ron] What a sad life you must live, Samuel.
Ben
So, Ron. This will be the fifth sighting this year, is that correct?
Ron
[happy/proud] Fifth this year! She’s been a busy one. Since I took over this shop from my dad, I don’t know that we ever got Kingsie more than twice a year.
Sammy
Well, ya heard it here ladies and gents. Uh, If tournament, the bouncy house, and the weird food truck don’t get you down— Kingsie will.
Ron
That’s the spirit!
Sammy
*chuckles* Okay, about the tournament, Ron. What exactly is on the line here? Wha-Whats the prize today?
Ron
Same as every year, Sammy! Brand new bass boat with all the fixin’s and a 500 dollar check from the King Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Sammy
That is a hell of a prize! I might just put the mic down and have a go myself, guys!
Ron
More than welcome! [gruffly] But you better bring Ben along so you don’t end up as a “fictional lake monster”’s din-din.
Ben
*sighs* I’d love to be out on that lake today! Nothing like it!
Sammy
Ron Begley, everyone. Uh, Ron, thanks for dropping by and adding some color to the end of our broadcast today!
Ron
[quiet and angry] Is that a gay joke, Sammy?
Sammy
Uh, I-I’m sorry, what?
Ben
Ron, not. At all.
Ron
[threateningly] I’m not going to come on this show, and have you talkin’ trash. I’m the only soul brave enough in this town to own my identity and I’m not going to take any flack about it—
Sammy
Ron. Ron. No harm was intended. I-I didn’t even know.
Ron
[angry, almost shouting] Well now you do so watch your mouth! I like f[bleep]in’ and I like fightin’ and I’m completely sure you don’t want any part of either!
Sammy
I-I Ron. *nervous laugh* I mean—
Ron
[pleasantly] I’m just jerkin’ your chain, Sammy! Keep up the good work, guys!
Ben
*Laughing loudly* Oh, you should see your face!
Sammy
Thanks, Ben. Uh—
Some Guy
*Slurred* Heyy Ben! What up duuude?
Ben
Heyy, uh, Matt! Uhhh. We’re-we’re kinda live here, buddy.
Matt
Riiight on! … maintain brah…
Ben
Sorry.
Sammy
Oh, no worries, bro.
Ben
Uh, uh- alright folks! You’ll never believe who we’ve got heading this way! The man of the hour, the man with all the power… Mayor Grisham.
Sammy
Mayor Grisham. Thanks so much for taking some time out to talk with us today!
Mayor Grisham
Oh, I’ve been wanting to! Believe me. But you boys are on so darn early! I just can’t drag myself out of the bed.
Sammy
Understandable.
Mayor Grisham
However, my assistant, Riley, transcribes every show for me. Seems like you’re doing a great job. The both of you.
Ben
Oh! Thanks so much, Mayor Grisham!
Mayor Grisham
You got it, Ben! Hey, how’s your mom doing these days?
Ben
Great! She’ll be thrilled that you mentioned her!
Mayor Grisham
Least I can do.
Sammy
Now, Mayor Grisham, you’re joining us today because in just a few short minutes we’re gonna be kicking off the 55th annual King Falls Bass Tournament—
Mayor Grisham
Absolutely! It’s one of the perks of the job that makes it all worthwhile. I mean, who could turn down a beautiful morning on the lake, with all the people of King Falls?
Sammy
So, do you ever partake in the tournament yourself?
Mayor Grisham
*chuckles* I wouldn’t want to put the King Falls residents to shame! I’m quite an avid outdoorsman.
Sammy
Well, it’s nice of you to give everybody a sporting chance.
Mayor Grisham
Oh yeah.
Sammy
Now, before we let you go- and believe me I hate to break down the mood —
Mayor Grisham
Then don’t.
Sammy
Oh, *chuckles nervously* well I-I was just gonna ask if you had heard any recent news regarding…
Mayor Grisham
Sammy. Another time and another place.
Sammy
Well, Mayor Grisham. [floundering] We here, we—
Mayor Grisham
That’s all at this time. Thanks for having me. Have your people call Riley and we’ll schedule something soon, Sam.
Sammy
[confused and irritated] Heh… Okaay?
Ben
What is he- he- can’t- we’re supposed to be here for another three minutes, Sammy.
Sammy
*unamused laugh* It’s fine, Ben, uh- it’s not your fault.
Ben
Well, no. You ran him off, *scoffs* [growing frantic] buuut he was supposed to stay with us until we went live! with the opening ceremonies!
Sammy
Hey, hey. It’s okay.
Ben
[worked up] I’m going to fix this. Uh- I got it!
Sammy
Ben-Be- Well. That was Ben just leaving in a full sprint, kids. Uh, seems it’s just you and me now, uh, and the mayor’s assistant, recording our every word.
Voice in distance
Shotgun Sammy!
Sammy
*groans* Okay, so we’re about four minutes away from the top of the hour, and the tournament getting started. Uh, we’d like to wish all the participants today the best of luck, break legs, uh, you know catch fish, wh-what have you. Uh, watch out for Kingsie, obviousl—
Ben
I got it! I got it! I’m back!
Sammy
Oh, Ben’s back ladies and gents! And he has a friend!
Ben
Sammy, King Falls, this is Mr. Herschel Baumgartner. Winner of last year’s tournament! How you doing today, Mr. Baumgartner?
Herschel
Good, Benny. Real good. Just ready to get my spot and giveitago this year. Uh, you know it’s about to start, right boys?
Sammy
So, Herschel, you won the actual tournament last year, is that correct?
Herschel
Oh, you bet I did! Won it back in ‘92, and ‘89 as well. But don’t go askin’ for tips now, son. Now if you excuse me—
Sammy
Oh wow! So you are a three time winner of the King Falls Bass Tournament lookin’ for big number four this morning!
Herschel
[sarcastic] Huh, Big City can count. We’re T-minus three minutes here, boys. If you don’t have anything pressing…
Ben
Uh, for the listeners, Mr. Baumgartner, wha-what would you say is, is, is, the-the most important part—
Herschel
[suspiciously] Who put you up to this? Was it Cecil? [grumbling] Amateur, usurpin’ so-and-so-
Ben
No! We-we just needed to fill some time.*nervous laugh*
Herschel
You’re going to pull me out of my boat to fill time? You are a DUMB son of a b[bleep]!
Sammy
[warning] Hey now!
Herschel
Don’t you dad-voice me, son. I’ll put a boot rrright up your ass, just like I did those Krauts[1] back in WWII! [said “dubya-dubya two”]
Sammy
[harshly] You know what? Great talking to you Herschel.
Herschel
[grumbling] New-fangled radio bums, looking for a hand-out. I ain’t givin’ ya no tips! No spots, no tricks o’ the trade! How I flick my wrist [fades out as he walks away]
[woman screams in bg]
Ben
Was… that a scream?
Sammy
[laughing dismissively] I’m sure it was just someone seeing Mr. Baumgartner’s lovely personality.
Ben
I think something might be up, Sammy. Seriously.
Sammy
Uh, ladies and gentlemen, as always, we thank you for tuning in with us here at King Falls AM. We’re about to go live with the opening ceremonies at the 55th annual-
[another, longer scream. Someone in the bg yells “There’s a body in the lake!” followed by sounds of an agitated crowd and a lot of people screaming]
Sammy
Folks, stay with us! It seems that a body has just surfaced here at Lake Hatchenhaw! Come on, Ben!
Ben
[incredulously] We’re going there?
Sammy
Cronkite. Brokaw. Ben Arnold.
Ben
*huffs* Right.
[Deputy Troy yells incomprehensibly through a megaphone.]
Ben-at-a-distance
Tweet us!
[screaming continues]
Sammy
Alright, we’re on the dock. [aside] if we could just push past— There’s the mayor! Right there!
Deputy Troy
[through a megaphone] Everybody please stay calm!
Ben
[quiet,worried] What if it’s Tim?
Sammy
Mayor Grisham! Can you confirm that there is a body here—
Deputy Troy
[still through the megaphone] Sorry boys. I don’t want to, but the Mayor’s going to cut—
[audio cuts to static]
[KFAM outtro]
[CREDITS]
References
[1] Kraut - a derogatory term for a German, especially a German soldier, during WWI and WWII
Note: My goal in creating these transcripts is to provide readers with as close an experience to listeners as I can. I make a lot of notes on tone and sound descriptions, and manipulate text (without messing with font family or color) in ways that I feel best convey how things are audibly expressed. Therefore, such things are very much subject to my own interpretation.
Things to know:
[these are sound effects, music, background noises]
[these refer to the tone people are speaking in]
*these are sounds people make, like sighs and laughs*
superscripts after words/phrases[1] mean there is an explanation of the reference being made at the end of the transcript
[1] unless it says “sic” instead of a number, which means the words are transcribed as said, even if they’re not said correctly
Any other punctuation or alteration in text is meant to be indication of how things are said.
Notes on frequent callers; most of these are noted upon the character’s first appearance, but left out after that. Anyone not on this list, I either haven’t gotten to or has no real distinctive tone overall. But if you ask I’ll do my best to describe them:
Emily Potter
Generally, Emily sounds like sunshine
Troy Krieghauser
Troy has a southern accent and sounds like friendship.
Herschel Baumgartner
Herschel is a grumpy, old man. He sounds like a swear.
Cecil Sheffield [“Sessil” not “Seesil”]
Cecil is also very old. His voice is often slightly shaky and confused, and slurred from drink.
Pete Myers
Pete speaks very quickly and is permanently stuck between “It wasn’t me!” and “So there!”
Ron Begley
Ron has a deep, gruff voice. He’s definitely a bear. (not the animal kind)
Archie Simmons
Archie sounds like a Dramatic Gay™ Gossip with a southern accent and is always accompanied by the yapping of tiny dogs.
Doyle Bevins
Doyle is a stoner. He sounds like a stoner.
Cynthia Higgenbaum
Cynthia has a high-pitched, nasally, persistent “I want to speak to your manager” voice.
Riley Bevins
I legit thought Riley was an automated message at first.
Mayor Steven Grisham
Grisham is a smarmy politician. He sounds like a smarmy politician.
Finn
Finn has never not been excited in his entire life. His volume suggests he’s always using speakerphone, but I’m not willing to bet on that. (Good for him if he is, though)
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenblum
Dr. Rosenblum’s voice is measured and monotonous and mildly creepy at all times, especially when saying words/phrases meant to express any kind of feeling, like “Wowzers.”
Ernie Salcedo
Ernie, or whatever he’s calling himself this time, has a heavy New York(-ish) accent. He sounds like the kind of person who says “whosie whatsies”
Howard Ford Beauregard III
HFB3 has a “High Class-Better Than You” drawl at all times. Except “High Class” from 200 years ago.
Mary Jensen
Mary has a southern accent. She sounds like your best friend’s mom calling you “honey” and asking if you want pie.
Tim Jensen
Tim doesn’t have a notable accent/feel to his voice, though he often sounds nervous.
Reverend Xavier Hawthorne
Hawthorne leads a for-profit, travelling mega-church. He sounds like it and over enunciates.
Chet Sebastian
Chet has a deep, smooth, overly-suggestive voice. Good for jazz, bad for sexual harassment claims.
[CREDITS]
King Falls AM is a production of the Make Believe Picture Company. For credits, as well as more information about King Falls AM, you can find us on Twitter @kingfallsam, on Facebook, and at kingfallsam.com. Thanks for listening to 660 on the radio dial.
King Falls AM - Episode Eleven: Ringin’ Hell’s Doorbell
View on Google Docs
Summary: October 1, 2015 - After an unexpected listener call-in, the boys find a cassette tape in the mail and listen live as an adventure unfolds from one of King Falls less-friendly hiking trails.
[podcast intro music]
[KFAM intro music]
Sammy
Welcome back, everyone. The time is 4:44AM here at King Falls AM.
Ben
It’s a slow night. You wanna do… weather and traffic?
Sammy
It’s warmin’ up! And if there’s traffic at this ungodly hour, we got problems.
Ben
*snickers* Got that right, Sammy! Uh, before we go back to the phones in a sec, I’ve got an email I’d like to read you. I think you’ll get a kick out of this. [definitely smirking]
Sammy
Oh! Well, very cool. Alright, whatcha got?
Ben
[eager] So, you know I wrote the producers of Mission Apparition, right?
Sammy
… No. What are you talkin’ about?
Ben
Yes you do. It’s that brain tumor of a show on Channel 13?
Sammy
I-I- I know the show, Ben! I’m saying I didn’t know you wrote them.
Ben
Dude. You’re gonna love it. I emailed trying to get them booked as guests so we could tear them apart. *snicker*
Sammy
Well, I mean, they did keep the lights on a few weeks back, running an ad, of course. [not hopeful] So, please don’t tell me you got confrontational?
Ben
If telling the truth about their staged scares counts as confrontational, then… [smug] I totally did.
Sammy
Okay, so you accost a paid sponsor of King Falls AM; please continue…
Ben
*excited laughter* Okay, let me read this to you. “Dear Sammy,”- [aside] sorry, you— left your station email up.
Sammy
Uh-huh.
Ben
“Dear Sammy, We at Mission Apparition are extremely sorry! you feel the show is “Overly Produced” and not “true to the nature of actual distressed spirits.” In actuality, Dan and Larry are two of the most highly trained professionals in this field. While we appreciate constructive criticism, name-calling just isn’t needed. If you have any real suggestions to make the show better, please let us know.”
Sammy
Ben. [resigned] What did you call them?
Ben
Doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I wrote them back, and they’re going to be shooting a future episode- of the show- in King Falls.
Sammy
No way!
Ben
I said “we have many fine spectral establishments here.” The gauntlet was thrown down and they took the bait.
Sammy
As much as I hate to say this, you’re gonna get to see the Mission Apparition guys in a real situation at least.
Ben
Oh yeah. [stoked] I’m not sure which to offer up the old Slaughter House off Cottontail Hollow or the library.
Sammy
I’m not gonna make a you’re-trying-to-impress-Emily comment here, because I know that that place is chock full of activity.
Ben
Exactly.
Sammy
But… [semi-muttered] You are trying to impress Emily.
Ben
*deep breath* Whatevs. K-ca- Okay, get this though! After I told them I was co-host of a late-night AM talk show? they asked if I’d like to come on set so I can get an interview live.
Sammy
Well, book it! Make it happen!
Ben
Done and done.
Sammy
But please stop using my email.
Ben
No promises.
Sammy
Alright folks, after that exciting announcement, we’re gonna open up the phone lines to you, our dear listeners. And, uh, Ben? You got a topic?
Ben
*tsk* I absolutely do, but you can’t have it until a touch after the 5 o’clock hour, Sammy.
Sammy
You heard the man, ladies and gents. It’s a bonafide free-for-all for the next ten minutes or so. Give us a call 424-279-3858.
Ben
Or hit us up on twitter @kingfallsam
Sammy
Lucky Line 1, you’re live with Sammy and Ben.
Line 1
[deep, nasally, almost bestial voice] Uh, yeah… *heavy breathing, smacking lips* Did you check the mail? Heh
Sammy
[mildly sarcastic] Maybe once or twice in my lifetime, uh, do you have a topic? Or is this Ted Kaczynski[1] calling from prison?
Line 1
Uh… you’ll have a topic sooon… heh… [ominous click, dial tone]
Ben
Yoouu know I should go take a look in our mail slot now, right?
Sammy
[exasperated] Don’t.
Ben
It’s a verbal triple-dog-dare! I’ll be right back.
Sammy
*sighs* One day, it’s just gonna be a head. I just know it. Line 5, welcome to King Falls AM.
[ominous music]
Line 5
[voice is male, higher pitched, and very nervous] Oh, I got through! Sammy?! I- I need to speak with you in private. Please!
Sammy
Iii’m gonna be a little bit sir- we just came back from break. But I’m happy to talk about whatever.
Line 5
We really can’t talk about this on the air. Ehh *nervous breathing* It’s about… wwel-I- *quick sigh* - I really don’t wanna say too much, but— I sent you a text message about, uh…ohh…a month or so back? We need to speak! It’s incredibly urgent!
Sammy
Sir, I get a lot of texts over the course of a month.
Line 5
W-well- we can’t talk about this on the air.
Sammy
Who am I speaking with?
Ben
[returning] We have mail, Sammy!
Line 5
[almost whispered] I turned the power back on…
Ben
Mr. Thompson?
Probably Mr. Thompson
Err— no! [click, dial tone]
Sammy
Hello? Sir?
Ben
What was that about? [laughing slightly] I swear that dude sounded just like my old science professor.
Sammy
Can you get a number on line 5, Ben?
Ben
… Yeah! Yeah… uh, in a minute! Look at this!
Sammy
*laugh* Is that a cassette tape?
Ben
Yeah. No letter— just a tape. It’s labeled “D.D.” [eager] We should play this.
Sammy
I hope it’s Duran Duran.
Ben
I’ll just stick this in… heeere.
Sammy
Uh, do you think we should listen to that first? I know you got a trigger finger on the dump, but…
Ben
[smugly] You’re looking at the fastest finger in the tri-state.
Sammy
You know, there’s a dirty joke there that, for our friendship, I’m just gonna cruise- right on past.
Ben
Where’s the play button on this hunk’a junk? Merv, why do we have a cassette player in the studio?! It’s 2015.
Sammy
I think you know why.
Ben
[hands rubbing together] I’m excited! [sounds of tape being inserted in the player]
Sammy
You better be payin’ attention. I don’t want to hear one –
[TAPE PLAYS]
Lance
[heavy Australian accent, narrating like a documentary] “This is Lance McCord checking in. I’m about 5 kilometers off the Stealth Ridge Trail now. It’s heavily wooded and just getting thicker.”
[stop click]
Sammy
Do you know this guy? “Lance”?
Ben
Never heard of him. But if the “R” word was politically correct for broadcast? I’d totally use it for him right now. That trail is like the boonies within the boonies.
[play click]
Lance
“So far so good. I was- I was a bit worried with all the tall tales surrounding the ‘Devil’s Doorstep.’ I guess that’s why I’m talking to you; tracing my steps. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary. I have noticed a lack of wildlife and birds, to be this far in the bush.”
[stop click]
Ben
… There is no way.
Sammy
“The Devils Doorstep”?
Ben
Definitely the R-word— or has a death wish! Or both!
Sammy
Where is this place?
Ben
[reluctant] It’s north of King Falls. It’s a dark-ass set of woods. Obviously, this guy isn’t from around here because he’d know you don’t even talk about it, much less go there.
Sammy
Ominous…
Ben
And We Don’t joke about it.
Sammy
[challenge accepted] It sounds so inviting, The Devil’s Doorstep. What kind of Welcome Mat do you think the Dark Lord picks out? Do you think he has a “NO SOLICITING” sign?
Ben
Stop it. I know you laugh about stuff like this, but… Don’t.
[play click]
[eerie siren-like singing in bg]
Lance
“Right, about 30 minutes from my last check in. My mobile has lost signal. It- looks like it’s just you and me, pal. I lost a little bit of, uh, time. I got turned around a few minutes back. All the paths are starting to look really similar, so, it’s hard to… [ominous chant-singing in bg. there’s static/rustling/indistinct whispers that fades in and out] Still no wildlife. I don’t know if any men or women have ever stepped where I’m stepping. I kind of like that.”
[stop click, siren song stops]
Sammy
Did you hear something there?
Ben
NOPE! NO SINGING.
Sammy
I didn’t say singing. I said something.
Ben
I didn’t hear anything!
[play click]
[static or whispers in bg]
Lance
“It’s getting colder now. Darker. That or my- mind is playing the tiniest of tricks on me. Voices, singing— whispers. It’s, uh– it’s head games. [siren song begins] Nothing’s gonna stop me from making it to the gate.”
[stop click]
Ben
I think that’s enough.
Sammy
Ben, honestly. “Gate?” I’m not following here. You’re the expert, what’s he looking for? Or- or why’s he even looking for it?
Ben
COMMERCIAL TIME! Let’s do this…
[“exciting” sports channel music]
Announcer
[Mexican accent] Weekdays! 6 to 9 AM, Listen to the Hector el Chavo Show! The fastest growing show in the fastest growing demographic in the tri-state area! On King Falls Deportes! AM. Every week, Hector el Chavo discusses your favorite sports with your favorite players! Don’t miss out this week. Monday we talk to Big Pine Striker, Javier Rancor. Tuesday we’ll talk to Saddle Creek midfielder, Jorge Carpe-Gutierrez! And Friday we talk to King Falls Goalie Bubba “Super Gringo” Wallis! Tune in to Hector el Chavo Show, King Falls Deportes on 730AM. Your sports capital for goal!!!
[KFAM theme music]
Sammy
And welcome back to King Falls AM that’s 660 on the radio dial. We’ve just been listening to a tape we received anonymously. Apparently, there’s a hiker out adventuring in—
Ben
[desperately, voice breaking] LINE 8, you’re live.
Finn
Ooh boy! Things are getting tense on that tape, y’know?!
Ben
Forget the tape! Ha-how-how’re you doing, Finn? Is everything— still intact?
Finn
Doin’ swell, just swell! [scratching sounds]
Ben
You okay there, Finn?
Finn
Oh sorry! Didn’t think you’d pick that up. I’ve just been scratchin something awful the past couple weeks. I got in some poison oak, or— something – I don’t know!
Sammy
Glad to hear you’re doing well, after…
Finn
*growling* [scratching continues]
Ben
[apprehensively] … You got a travel buddy with you tonight, Finn?
Finn
Oh, no. [horn in bg] Just got cut off going down the highway, here. [muttered] Lousy drivers… [almost shouting] we got three other lanes y’know! [distracted] Ahh! Look at the food billboards!
Sammy
Okaaay. Um, what’s on your mind tonight buddy?
Finn
Ah, just callin’ in to say hi… that sorta thing. Plus, this story? Wooweee, who is this guy? Have you talked about this place before? I don’t think I heard you mention it… Uhh, I don’t think…
Ben
Because we don’t, Finn.
Finn
Spoooky stuff, fellas!
Sammy
Yeeaah… I don’t know if you were–
Finn
*howls loudly*
Ben
I- I’m sorry. Yyou gotta keep your pup- quiet.
Finn
[confused] Pup? No doggy here! Just you two fellas- and mee, rolling down the rooaad.
Sammy
You don’t have a dog with you, Finn?
Finn
Couldn’t if I wanted to. I’m allergic. [scratching]
Ben
Are… are you feeling okay? Did you ever get checked out after that night you hit that… were— dog?
Finn
What?! I wouldn’t lay hands on a pooch! Are you feelin’ alright, Ben?
Sammy
*laugh* He’s talkin’ about the dog you accidentally hit awhile back. Uh, y-you got out to check on it and the call dropped off?
Finn
Uh… Naooo, wasn’t me. Y’know, I think I’d remember somethin’ like that! [honking in bg, sound of semi passing] Dammit all, I gotta go, boys. Can’t scratch, drive, and talk at the same time. Finish that tape, it’s givin’ me the willies!
Ben
Stay awake and- stay safe, Finn… Make a doctor’s appointment!— maybe…
Sammy
Or a vet…
Finn
*chuckles* Oh, you two! I’ll catch you later. *loud howl*
[click, dial tone]
Sammy
Now, Ben. You know- I love what you do on this show. I wouldn’t wanna do this with anybody-else… BUT. I’ve got a tiny issue with you cutting to unscheduled breaks during conversations.
Ben
[innocently] Did that happen? I’m so sorry, I just… I’m so interested in—
Sammy
In doing everything but playing that tape. You got us all interested now, man. You gotta follow through.
Ben
Okay– [definitely not having fun] it was fun! but I think we should just forget about it.
Sammy
Impossible.
Ben
S-sit down, don’t—
[play click]
Lance
[wind gusting] “There’s no doubt that something is, uh, keeping me away from the gate at this point. [siren song in bg] My- watch has just stopped working, so I don’t know what time it is. I can’t really see the sun from the thickest overhangs to tell… I checked my compass [sing-chanting in bg] to ensure I was… [rustling] WHAT THE?” [creepy sing-chanting intensifies]
Super Creepy Whisper Voice
“TURRRN. BAAACK. NOOOW.”
Lance
“My fu[bleep]ing compass- is literally spinning like a top! There’s EVIL in these woods! You can feel it- in the air! It’s palpable!”
[stop click]
Sammy
Ben! Don’t be mad!
Ben
[seriously upset] We shouldn’t be playing this! This isn’t a joke, man! This is a tape that probably needs to go to the proper authorities! I’m gonna google Missing Persons.
Sammy
Look, I’m not against that. But let’s finish this up, and at the very least talk to me. Tell us a little bit about the woods.
Ben
If- if I tell you, will you stop playing the damn tape?
Sammy
Absolutely! Help fill these last minutes until your actual topic of discussion arrives.
Ben
*heavy sigh* The path, Lance is on, is called Stealth Ridge. It’s about a five-mile round-trip hike up north in- Perdition Wood.
Sammy
You guys really know how to name things here.
Ben
*deep breath* Okay, supposedly— as in, “legend-has-it” kind of talk, way off the beaten path— I mean WAY off, as in nobody’s ever seen it— is what he’s looking for. A cave called… [reluctant] “The Devil’s Doorstep”
Sammy
Uh-huh.
Ben
[agitated] Put two and two together here- Sammy! It’s an entrance to the gates of hell! Many people have went out looking for it! None have ever found it— SOME never return.
Sammy
[softly] Have you been up there, Ben?
Ben
Once…
Sammy
And?
Ben
Are you serious?! HELL NO, I haven’t been! I’m not crazy like Crocodile Dundee[1] on that tape.
Sammy
I mean, he’s gotta be okay, right? The tape made it here! [getting nervous] I-it could’ve been him who dropped it off in our mail and called tonight! Right?
Ben
This was fun for a minute, now it’s just massively creepy. Let’s move— [play click] SAMMY!
Sammy
Du- you’re looking at me! I didn’t push the button!
[siren song]
Lance
“It is so cold. [wind gusting] I’ve des-scended a great deal from the initial crest- of the ridge it seems … I saw what appeared to be—”
Super Creepy Whisper Voice
“LAASST. WAARRNING. MORRTALLL.”
Ben
TURN IT OFF!
[click of buttons being pressed on tape player]
[rustling/cracking in bg]
Lance
“What the F[bleep] is that?!”
Sammy
[sarcastically] Good job!
Ben
Alright it won’t stop. Unplug it! I’m not kidding.
Sammy
It is unplugged!
[creepy sing-chanting starts, chilling scream]
Lance
*breathing hard* “It’s after me! … [calmer] Umm, I- I don’t know what that was. [song/chant continues in bg] I’m heading to the lip of this cove, here. I think I’m just gonna- wait it out- u-until morning. I’m wet, cold– I, uh, caught my jacket in the bush. I’m bleeding— Jesus… My, uh- my phone is missing. God dammit. It really is just you and— [rustling/cracking]
Super Creepy Not-Whisper Voice
MEEE!!!
Lance
“No! [impact noise] Help me!!” [sound of running, anguished scream from Lance]
[sing-chanting continues]
[KFAM outro music]
[CREDITS]
References
[1] Crocodile Dundee - Crocodile Dundee is a series of action comedy films centered around a crocodile hunter from the Australian Outback named Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee.