From the misty lochs of Scotland to the deltas of Africa, every river has its ghosts. Join me by the hearth as we delve into tales of the Kelpie, the Washer at the Ford, the Nøkk, the Lorelei, the Water Panther, and Mami Wata spirits, which remind us that water remembers.

Come on in, kinfolk, the creek’s whispering tonight.

Gather round the hearth for a Halloween tale born from the misty hollers and the old country beyond. In this special episode of Geek Pizza, Nathaniel tells the story of Elias Boone, a young miner who makes a desperate bargain at the crossroads for the gift of music. But when the debt comes due, it is not the Devil who rides to collect. It is The Rider, whose blue flame burns with the light of every soul it has claimed.

Between the fiddle strings, the whispers of Granny Roots, and the echoes of Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues, this story carries you deep into the folklore that bridges the Appalachian Mountains and the old Irish myths that inspired them.

Settle in close, kinfolk. The fire is warm, but the wind outside carries hoofbeats.

Original Story by: Nathaniel King

Step off the porch and into the yard, where old magic still hums in the wind. From haint blue paint to bottle trees and iron gates, we dig into the traditions that kept mountain homes safe and the stories that still guard the holler when the night gets quiet.

Geek Pizza: A Slice of Life is a podcast about the stories and adventures that make up geek culture. Each week, host Nathaniel King talks about video games, movies, tabletop role-playing games, and folklore. Every episode explores how stories shape our world and how a bit of magic can be found in everyday life.

Nathaniel is a lifelong gamer, storyteller, and Army veteran who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. He brings his love of myths, nature, and creative storytelling to each episode. Whether you enjoy rolling dice, watching fantasy movies, or learning about old legends, Geek Pizza has something for you.

So grab a slice, sit back, and join the conversation about the games, stories, and ideas that keep our imaginations alive.