Classic Ghost Stories

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A weekly podcast that reads out ghost stories, horror stories, and weird tales every week. Classic stories from the pens of the masters Occasionally, we feature living authors, but the majority are dead. Some perhaps are undead.We go from cosy Edwardian ghost stories (E. F. Benson, Walter De La Mare) to Victorian supernatural mysteries (M. R. James, Elizabeth Gaskell, Bram Stoker, and Charles Dickens) to 20th-century Weird Tales (Robert Aickman, Fritz Lieber, Clark Ashton-Smith, and H. P. Lovecraft) and wander from the Gothic to the Odd, even to the Literary, and then back again.Each episode is followed by Tony's take on the story, which can ramble on to discuss the weather, books, his dogs, what Sheila is foraging, and what he thinks of hauntology. Perfect to fall asleep to, and perfectly optional if you only want the tale itself.Get exclusive members episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barcud

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Recent Reviews
  • AudieArn
    Underrated GEM!
    This is one of my favorite podcasts of about 80 I listen to regularly. The reader, Tony, is excellent. I’d listen to him read the phone book! I find his voice exceptionally soothing too, making this one of the best podcasts to listen to when I’m stressed out. Above all, these classic ghost stories are wonderful. Thank you, Tony!!
  • MGP Terps
    Excellent 10.stars if Apple Stars Went That High
    Awesome episodes Tony. You have a Great production and podcast
  • Garry Steven
    Good for falling asleep
    Soothing voice.
  • matt_makes_vidiots
    Tony Walker *Rocks [*I’d say Punk, but it ain’ his style] Gothic Ghost Stories
    Tony is an amazing writer, and now one of my fav Horror-Ghost Stories writer’s of all time. Have listened to literally every single one of his YTube uploads, comment ev time to hep a brudda out w the algo. Listening here so I can multitask [Byte Me, ya censorious YT dollar grubbing shekel who’res]. Rock On, Tony, you’re GREATLY appreciated! Martyr tfon, YTube globalist psychopaths… oh, you too, Tim Cook. Eat a bag of *_ [*nope, worse than that but I won’t post it & let it tarnish Tony’s sheeeeen, as they call their rides in the Gnaleans Get-TOE, lol — that’s how you say New Orleans in the Sout if your a cracker, like me, fyi]. Cheers T For those about ti Rock (fIRe!) We Salute You
  • shan189572
    Two notes
    I wish you would put the story teaser/what it is about in the episode description of each episode—I’m not interested in 4 paragraphs about the author’s life, but that’s what we get when we try and read it. Basically copy and pasted from Wikipedia—what’s the point? I prefer to know if an episode’s subject matter sounds intriguing to me before I listen to it, and that information is not presented to us. Also, I’m not a fan of the rambling nonsequitors at the end that add zero insight about the work—alarmingly at times these ramblings take up half the episode length. I’ve stopped listening as frequently because of these two things mentioned.
  • Windward62
    Tremendous Talent
    Tony’s narration and his talent in animating Each character is on a par with the best professional audiobook narrators. I had loved some of the great ghost stories in Gothic horror stories, like fall of the house of usher, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, etc. Tony selections how broad and varied this genre can be. Pure enjoyment.
  • Kgee63
    Superb!
    I love ghost stories in general, but Tony’s story choices and reading are absolutely riveting! And his after-story banter is so interesting and informative. My favorite podcast!
  • 391ajjj
    One of my favorites
    The literary selection and the performance are both excellent.
  • MiniVan MegaFun
    Late to the party…
    I’ve only just discovered this podcast but I’m kind of glad I’m late because now I can binge all the pre-existing episodes! Lovely delivery, insightful commentary, and wonderful curated selection. Thanks for reminding me why I loved spooky stories! 👻
  • DudeMeBruh
    Former subscriber
    Great podcast, had to cancel because I started receiving loud, jarring ads in different places throughout the episodes. This didn't used to happen and - apart from supporting Tony - os the primary reason I subscribe. I loved to drift off to sleep with these spooky stories and Tony's soothing voice, but now that this has been going on for weeks, I assume this is the new normal - kind of how now Amazon is inserting ads into its paying Prime customers streaming content. I hoped someone had brought this to his attention, but it hasn't been addressed, so today I finally cancelled. Sorry, but these shrill, obnoxious, and very loud ads just totally ruin the listening experience for me. Show's still great though.
  • MilesT96
    I’m inspired!
    New listener and fellow podcaster here (The Warning Woods). Tony, your narration style and production have inspired me to up my own game. I love listening to you read these stories, and you're so likable. And then there are the stories themselves. Your selections are excellent! These classics have again inspired me to improve my own writing. Thank you!
  • kitten with a whip😼
    Fantastic
    Truly amazing podcast
  • JazKraw
    Great find
    Love your voice Love the stories Love how you read them
  • MarnieEdgar
    Excellent !
    I’m new to this but I really enjoy this particular podcast. The narration is done very well - great voice to listen to, his voice pulls you right in to the story. Also, so far, the stories have been excellent. * have you ever read “Enoch” by Robert Bloch ? An excellent and scary horror story*
  • rottweilerfarm27
    Impressed
    Total package. Very well read. Stories well selected. Should be moved up to 5.0.
  • MoonlightPowers
    One of my favorite podcasts
    Tony is an amazing voice actor and writer. I love his fireside chats after the main story. If you like ghost stories and interesting men I highly recommend this podcast. ❤️
  • paylease
    Love the podcast!
    Thanks for all your hard work reading and editing these lovely stories! I have always enjoyed reading aloud and being read to. Im not sure how people fall asleep to them, but my kitty and I sit and listen while I knit!
  • hamhoc64
    Very Enjoyable!
    Nice break from all the true crime out there these days. Thanks Tony!
  • Lacedamonian
    Narration top notch
    Great stories beautifully narrated.
  • Clay3690
    Look no further!
    Simple, high quality, and well-read narrations of classic supernatural tales and ghost stories. If you’re like me and have been looking for EXACTLY THAT - here you go.
  • durpz
    Fantastic Listen
    I consume a lot of fiction podcasts, mostly science fiction and horror, and was absolutely chuffed when I stumbled on this labor of love. Tony us a fantastic narrator, provides post-story insights and personal “incoherent waffle” stream of consciousness that is a real pleasure to listen to. i cannot recommend this podcast more highly - it is truly a fantastic listen.
  • momster123
    Professional and captivating voice
    This collection of high-caliber performances of expertly curated stories is a treasure. His voice is mesmerizing and he has a huge range of accents and subtle character voices. I would listen to him read a dictionary (but I’d rather hear stories :)
  • jrm36
    Great selections!
    Tony chooses good stories, some of them classics, others quite obscure. There are so many to choose from, it’s quite a smorgasbord. His reading voice is confident and clear, and he does not do women’s voices in the obnoxious way Most male readers do. Each story is followed by some comments on the author, and a discussion of the story. This is my new favorite stories podcast.
  • Billyclub1988
    Love it
    Great array of ghost stories—some creepy, some touching, some comical—read excellently.
  • chloesot
    LOVE E F Benson!
    Agree 110% EF benson is the best classic horror author ever!! I relished always! And, you do it justice by narrating!
  • abcrystcats
    Best Ghost Story Podcast
    This guy has got an incredibly perfect voice for narration. I listened to him do a whole story in an American accent that was so convincing I wasn’t sure it was the same person. He needs to be an audiobook narrator if he isn’t already. In addition, he’s got incredibly good taste in ghost stories. I was pleased to find several MR James, Oliver Onions, Algernon Blackwood, Lovecraft, etc. His rambles after the stories are intriguing. I’m already a subscriber after two stories. This is a must listen.
  • Basic Kitsch
    Great stories told well
    I love the stories, the host’s voice and style, and the discussion. I had to take off one star due to the host’s defensiveness when these old stories and authors are criticized for their colonialism, racism, sexism, etc. I think it’s worth pointing out these flaws in the stories, as an acknowledgment of their context. But I still want to hear them!
  • still going 3
    My new favorite podcast
    I stumbled on this looking for audiobooks of love craft, and found a plethora of authors that I was utterly unfamiliar with, as well as works by authors, that I was familiar with that I did not know a thing about. Lots of great gems, here, and the reader just gets better and better! Thank you so much for what you’re doing!
  • Piper Lauderdale
    Great Podcast!
    I devour horror fiction podcasts and I think I’ve binged every offering Apple Podcasts has on file. This is one of my favorites. The narrator is so good and the sound design is very atmospheric. I really like that the narrator tells you a creepy story and then talks to you like a friend at the end. I can’t wait for more.
  • LonelyLittleKitsch
    Never stop doing this podcast!
    You’re amazing. Love your voice and the way you read. You truly are talented.
  • DrAzathoth
    Tony Walker isn’t just a fantastic voice, but an amazing writer
    I have been listening to your podcast for a while, decided I should write a review. I just thought I would say that I enjoy your readings, but my favorite stories often turn out to be your original works. You read work from all over and some of it hits like super hard (Smee is brilliant and I cannot remember the title but the one I believe was Czech about the Sanatorium where time keeps jumping is probably the greatest thing I’ve ever heard) but some of them hit a little less. You’re own stories always come strong. You never have a word out of place, no redundancy or wasted air, everything in its right place. I also never realized I had such a kinship to the stories of Fae folk, so thank you. I always look forward to your stories and have heard everything available through Spotify/Apple. You are a treasure. On a side note, may I suggest perchance a Clive Barker short story if legality permits? I feel like you could really bring his work justice.
  • maybehappyk
    Finally!
    I just stumbled upon this podcast and I LOVE it.I love classic, gothic ghost stories… they are so hard to find now. Tony has a lovely accent his reading and inflection are spot on. I’m a fan for life. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
  • Rickhardly
    Excellent
    I just love this podcast. I can barely work without hearing Tony nowadays, never puts me to sleep! Really enjoy the stories that get read here and love the analysis and thoughts afterwards, I’ve come to really look forward to those, to some history, some excellent meandering, a bit of a biography of the Author and yes, love hearing what Tony is up to, how his Mum is and so on… (I hope she’s doing well!!!) just perfect for anyone that loves a great ghost story read by someone taking it seriously, delivering it wonderfully. Thanks Tony!!!
  • +4:30
    Awesome. (I vote for original opening theme.)
    Great selections. Beautiful voice.
  • (&@"
    None Better
    Excellent podcast. Tony Walker is very well read, chooses stories that are well written including his own, his accents are authentic, and he is entertaining. I love his analysis after he reads the story. Mr. Walker is engaging, funny and modern in his podcast style. Never a waste of time to listen to Classic Ghost Stories.
  • Arm chair critique
    A gifted narrator
    This guy is great! He has just the right tone, cadence, and pacing to keep your attention and build suspense. I find myself riveted when listening to him. His commentary is somewhat wanting in substance, but it is none the less endearing for all that. His humanity shines through and you can’t help but like him.
  • riverrat_dave
    Well worth listening
    This show is very well done and entertaining. The sources are very well curated- you will be introduced to any number of stories you’ve never heard before- with supporting information in biographies. It is almost like listening to a lecture on literature. Also well read with good sound design.
  • I used to love this...
    Love the bios at the end!
    I have recently discovered this podcast and of course love Tony’s voice and exceptional readings, but I really love the little bios he does about the authors after the stories 🤗 This podcast is so lovely! Keep up the good work!
  • Stéphanie Speaks
    Wonderful podcast!!
    Tony Walker has a beautiful voice! He is very talented and I love the literature choices! Please do lots of accents, Tony! You are terrific!
  • Cisco cat
    Superbly written and read,
    A celebration of masterful works.
  • egdod17
    Love this podcast!
    Love the classic ghost/horror tales, read beautifully. The host also reads a few of his own original stories on the show, and those are actually some of my very favorite episodes!
  • Catherine Therese
    Classic classics!
    I love ghost stories but so far have been disappointed in the podcasts I’ve listened to. Mr. Walker’s is different: he mostly reads the true classics and does so very well. Additional advantages are that he’s English, a linguist, and a writer himself, so his post-read comments are perspicacious and very interesting.
  • Tushy5000
    Search no more……
    I’ve been looking for the perfect podcast that combines ghostly spooky stories with a soothing professional voice to help me relax at night as I fall asleep. Finally after searching for a year, I found Classic Ghost Stories. This is the only review I’ve written for any podcast, and I’m grateful for the awesome production quality of Classic Ghost Stories that delivers really interesting stories
  • Witchy_Hazel
    It’s perfect
    Mr Walker has collected some of the best stories to share. His voice is amazing and very soothing. My 9 year old daughter and I listen before bed and talk about the story on the car ride to school the next day. It’s so nice to have these great stories to bond over.
  • only1helton
    Omg
    I literally cannot express how much i love your podcast!!!!
  • Snogorm
    Good old-fashioned entertainment
    Thank you so much for creating this podcast! I knew I loved old classic ghost stories but have had a difficult time finding them. I came across this podcast while browsing suggestions one day and I was thrilled! I’ve enjoyed every episode immensely so far. Please keep up the good work!
  • do ghgg
    Amazing podcast 🥺♥️
    These ghost stories are perfectly read and chosen. Tony’s voice is the best for ghost stories. His “rambles” at the end, where he discusses the story he just read are just as enjoyable. If you listen you will know. Thank you Tony! 💞🐈‍⬛
  • loverlywench
    Great stories and narration
    I love this podcast. The story selection is wonderful - I’ve heard stories here which I’ve never encountered before, despite an abiding love of ghosties. I’ve also heard many old favorites. (I’m saving The Turn of the Screw for Halloween, with great anticipation.) Tony’s narration is top notch, and I enjoy his commentary as well. This podcast is perfect for rainy days and longer nights as autumn comes in. Or during the heat of summer, when I wish it would! I wish this podcast were hosted someplace with a comments section. I’d enjoy chatting about these stories with a community of others. I’m sure all of you listeners out there are enjoying them as much as I am.
  • Swimmerchick5891
    Perfect for Spooky Evening Walks
    Just found this podcast and it’s perfect for fall evening walks with the dog. Love all the stories so far and the narration is fantastic. Creates the perfect spooky mood I’m looking for.
  • SocoSojo
    Fall into the voice...
    Tony Walker also has a YouTube channel of the same name (Classic Ghost Stories), for which he reads many of the stories here - I listen to both. His have come to be my go-to channels. Every single story is carefully selected and he often provides a casual, insightful commentary on the work, not an analysis of pretentious academia, or even the harsh “Goodreads” style reviews, just his interesting reflection. You might even be surprised with an author interview or two (from those who are still amongst the living, of course ;) Walker, himself is also a phenomenal writer in the same genre - and, when we’re lucky he reads one of his own eerily luring nightmares and insinuative disturbances that are poised to be classics of their time. Worth paying attention to.
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