ClearTales - Narrated Stories For Dementia Patients

The Devil's Rudder - Chapter 10. Killing Women Now.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a man in tweeds, recounting the chilling story of poor Maggie's fate and the impact it had on Charlie, who spirals into madness. As the ship docks, the weight of the tragedy hangs heavy over the crew, who silently disperse, unable to face the memory of the lost girl.
The episode explores themes of loss, guilt, and the indomitable spirit of the sea, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to listen to its mournful tales. Charlie, forever changed, finds himself on a new path, commanding a steamer on the China coast, never to return home again.

Echoes of the Victorian Seas: The Voice of the Night

Join Richard Carlton London as we delve into the eerie and atmospheric world of Victorian ghost stories. The era, from 1837 to 1901, saw a surge in chilling tales, many penned before the advent of modern conveniences.
This story, "The Voice of the Night," is a haunting sea narrative by 19th-century writer William Hope Hodgson. Born in Essex, England, Hodgson led a fascinating life as a seaman which greatly influenced his supernatural and early horror writings at sea. 

Echoes of the Victorian Seas - Chapter One. The Row Boat

On a dark and starless night, a schooner is becalmed in the northern Pacific, enveloped in a dense mist. The crew, resting in their quarters, are unaware of the mysterious events unfolding on deck. The tranquility is shattered by an unexpected, eerie voice calling out from the sea, launching the vessel's master, Will, and the narrator into a strange encounter that starts with surprise and ends in a compassionate deed. The voice speaks of hunger and an unmentioned companion left behind on an unknown island. Amidst the shadows and uncertainty, the narrator and Will strive to comprehend the peculiar circumstances they find themselves in, ultimately driven by a sense of empathy. This suspenseful narrative explores themes of fear, charity, and the unknown.

The Devil's Rudder- Chapter 11. The Devil's Rudder.

As the narrative unfolds, a new skipper and his second mate, Wilmot, take charge of the ship amidst festivities and farewells. However, the celebration is short-lived as the vessel encounters treacherous weather and mysterious whispers in the night.
Wilmot, caught in a storm of rain and whispers, faces a perilous situation as the ship heads dangerously close to the rocky coast. In a dramatic twist, the vessel meets her doom, taking five souls, including Wilmot, with her.
Join us as we explore the strange instruments of providence and the chilling end of the ship's murderous ways in "The Devil's Rudder."

Echoes of the Victorian Seas - Chapter Two. The Voice Returns

The haunting sound of oars returns, as Will and the narrator find themselves entangled in a mysterious encounter at sea. The suspense thickens with each passing hour as they receive an unexpected communication from a small boat on the ocean. Through the curious conversation with the voice from the boat, an astonishing revelation unfolds about the mysterious voice and his sunken ship. The discovery of an unexpected refuge—a large sailing vessel shrouded in mist is told. 

Echoes of the Victorian Seas - The Final Chapter. The Voice Departs

In the final chapter of The Voice Of The Fog, the storyteller in the row boat and his companion struggle to survive against the ever-returning grey lichenous masses. Despite their best efforts, the fungus spreads, creating unease and desperation.
The vivid narrative unfolds with a chilling encounter of the spreading growth finally affecting them personally. Forced to confront unspeakable fears and an insidious hunger, choices must be made. This episode takes listeners on a suspenseful, emotional journey where the boundaries of fear and survival blend into the unknown.

Smoking Is Bad For You - A Lecture On Tobacco

Welcome to Clear Tales, where short and amusing stories come to life. In this episode, dive into Anton Chekhov's delightful tale, "Smoking is Bad for You," adapted for your enjoyment. Follow the misadventures of a man who awkwardly stumbles his way into delivering a lecture on the perils of tobacco, a topic he would rather avoid discussing. Chekhov's comedic genius shines through as he portrays this entertaining narrative.
Enjoy a touch of Mozart's "Rondo a la Turk," enhancing the lighthearted tone of the story and it's end completed by Beethoven. 

Smoking Is Bad For You - Part One and Two

Mr. Fitchett, a humble man tasked by his wife to make a speech at the Midlands Provincial Club, takes on the challenge of warning about the dangers of tobacco. Set in 1889 Manchester, amidst significant historical events, Mr. Fitchett, driven by a blend of scientific curiosity and matrimonial encouragement, presents an earnest yet comically fraught lecture.Standing before a modest audience, he ambitiously debates the ill effects of nicotine, diving into chemistry and personal anecdotes, all while battling an untimely asthma attack. His candid and occasionally humorous exposition keeps the crowd both entertained and enlightened, offering insights into societal norms and medical practices of the time.