10 Podcasts Like Radio Rental: Strange, Spooky, And A Bit Too Real

There’s nothing like curling up, getting cozy, and turning on a jaw-droppingly good podcast. If that sounds right up your alley, chances are you’ve probably already tuned into “Radio Rental.” And if you haven’t, helloooo??? Hosted by the iconic Rainn Wilson (AKA Dwight from “The Office”), “Radio Rental” is spooky, weird, funny, and all based on real, true events.

We’re talkin’ supernatural encounters, strange coincidences, unexplainable events all the things that make you go: “Wait, there’s no way that actually happened.” Each story is told through Rainn’s alter-ego, “Terry Carnation,” an 80s video rental shopkeeper. You get the vibe.

If you’re like us and have already binged every episode, don’t stress. We have a handful of podcasts like “Radio Rental” with those same eerie, on-the-edge-of-your-seat feels. Fill up your “Gather Round” mug with somethin’ hot and settle in we’re just getting started.

10 Podcasts Like Radio Rental: Strange, Spooky, and A Bit Too Real

If you’re currently worried about “Radio Rental’s” recent whereabouts (say that 5 times fast), don’t worry we’re diving into that too. And while we’re waiting on their return, we’re giving you similar podcasts to fill the void. Think: unexplainable encounters, eerie events, and a sprinkle of supernatural sightings. Don’t worry, we didn’t come to disappoint.

What Happened To Radio Rental Podcast?

Okay, so let’s talk about what happened to Radio Rental. On December 19th, the podcast released an episode titled “Beeeeeeep,” where host Terry Carnation (aka Rainn Wilson) announced a temporary pause on the show. Fans were distraught, to say the least, but the show is known for taking a few seasonal breaks here and there!

10 Podcasts Similar To Radio Rental

Dark Air with Terry Carnation

We couldn’t start this list without mentioning “Dark Air with Terry Carnation,” it just wouldn’t feel right! Hosted by Rainn Wilson (still in character, obvi), this podcast is actually a spin-off of “Radio Rental.” Rather than focusing on real stories, this show has more of a fictional, comedy-centered vibe.

It’s still got that spooky, paranormal spice we love from Terry in “Radio Rental”—we just get to see more of his weird, unfiltered energy outside of being a strange 80s video rental shopkeeper’s life. Make sense? Tune it to check it out yourself.

Spooked

The Creators of “Snap Judgement” came together to create this spine-tingling podcast, and we can’t get enough. “Spooked” gives us real, supernatural stories told by the people who experienced it themselves. Yeah, we get the raw, up-close-and-personal experience.

Each week, we get a different guest, a different story, and a whole new level of fear. It definitely has less humor than “Radio Rental,” but your goosebumps will have goosebumps.

Unnerved

If you’re looking for a podcast with that “no fluff, straight to the point” kind of energy, you’ll love “Unnerved.” Chris Farke has a very eerie, straight-to-the-point approach to his podcast, but it keeps you hooked.

This podcast basically feels like you’re sitting around the campfire with a friend who’s really good at telling scary stories. FYI, don’t listen to this podcast at night if you have any plans to sleep consider yourself warned!

This Is Actually Happening

Sooo, “This Is Actually Happening” isn’t so much paranormal as it is “How is this possibly a true story?”. Every episode has a different guest who tells a wild, bizarre, real-life experience. From waking up in the morgue to surviving a serial killer, this show covers it all.

Some episodes are confusing, some are emotional, and some are straight-up nightmare-fuel. If you love that “what happens next???” feeling, you’ll be obsessed with this podcast.

Jim Harold’s Campfire

Ahhh, an OG in the paranormal podcast world. With over 700 episodes since 2009, there’s a reason “Jim Harold’s Campfire” is still so loved to this day. People just like us call in every day to share their stories about anything and everything supernatural ghosts, shadow people, UFOs you name it.

Whether you need something captivating to keep you awake during a road trip or you want something to listen to while you do your daily skincare routine, hit shuffle on this podcast and enjoy the ride!

Let’s Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast

Here’s another podcast that doesn’t feature scary ghosts or paranormal events, but the real-life horror stories make up for it. Host Andy Tate narrates a handful of mini-stories throughout each episode of “Let’s Not Meet,” giving us back-to-back jaw-dropping encounters.

Think: psychotic exes, home intruders, dangerous stalkers. This is the kind of stuff that has us buying outdoor cameras and extra pepper spray. But also, we can’t stop listening?

You Can See Me in the Dark

We all love a good paranormal story, but don’t you ever wonder how the people who experience them feel? So do Melissa Sweazy and Nate Reisman, which is what “You Can See Me in the Dark” is all about.

These stories aren’t just spooky; they make you feel like you’re actually the one who experienced the event. Each episode is deep, emotional, and, of course…unsettling.

Rattled and Shook

“Rattled and Shook” is created by the same people who created the beloved “Radio Rental,” so you already know this show will be fun. Hosts Meredith and Juliette have that same vintage-radio energy exactly what we need while missing Terry Carnation.

Did you ever have a sleepover where you told a spooky story with a flashlight under your chin? Yeah, that’s what this podcast feels like. Each week dives deeper into a new theme, which means there’s always something new and exciting to tune into.

Odd Trails

If you loved “Let’s Not Meet,” you’re in luck! “Odd Trails” is made by the same team, but you get more of that spooky and strange paranormal vibe. Narrated by Andy Tate and Brandon Lanier, each episode has the same “multi-story” format as its sister show.

If someone has experienced something strange and unexplainable, chances are “Odd Trails” has room to talk about it. Basically, every story is unpredictable and unexplainable need we say more?

Two Girls One Ghost

This podcast is hosted by two besties, Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga, and you’ll feel like the third missing link every time you listen. This show feels like you’re sharing spooky stories over cocktails and snacks at girls’ night.

Haunted explorations, urban legends, unexplainable encounters there’s nothing paranormal that this podcast doesn’t cover.

Is Radio Rental Podcast Coming Back?

There’s technically no “official” word on when “Radio Rental” will make its long-awaited return, but the playful tone of the most recent episode suggests it’s just a matter of time. Before you know it, Terry and his sidekick Malachai will be back with more eerie stories we won’t be able to get enough of.

Which super spooky podcast like Radio Rental are you adding to your “must-listen-to” list?

If “Radio Rental” had a podcast friend group, we can pretty much guarantee the ones we listed would be in it. As much as we miss Terry Carnation and his terrifying, intriguing, thought-provoking episodes, we’ll be here waiting for his inevitable return. Until then, we’ll be over here bingeing all of these similar recs.

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