Podcasting 101

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

April 30, 2025

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. And don’t get us wrong, we’re SO tuned into “Rainn Wilson on God, Banana Bread, and the Dwight of It All” from Good Guys. But Rainn basically TRANSFORMS as his Radio Rental alter ego.

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 Luckiest Girl mug with somethin’ hot and settle in we’re just getting started.

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

Radio Rental has that perfect blend of true crime, paranormal activity, and real-life scary stories. In other words, it’s one of those that you’ll definitely listen to with the lights on… and the door locked. It’s also the perfect niche for listeners who loved our posts on the best true crime podcasts and the best podcasts about mysteries.

That said, there’s a lot of questions surrounding Radio Rental. Like… Did they go on a hiatus? Will Rainn Wilson ever return to Radio Rental? Are they still making episodes? And we’re here to cover it all. Before we dive into the top podcasts like Radio Rental, let’s first talk about what the show is—and why so many fans were waiting for its return.

What Happened To Radio Rental Podcast?

Okay, so let’s talk about what happened to Radio Rental. On December 19th, 2025, 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!

The show made is grand appearance again on April 3, 2026, which marked the show’s 100th episode. Since it’s come back on air (so to speak), Rainn Wilson has not returned, and hasn’t talked about returning. However, fans are still totally tuned in for the eerie vibes, edge-of-the-seat stories, and, of course, binge-worthy episodes.

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?

Radio Rental HAS come back! It made its reappearance on April 3, 2026, which also marked their 100th episode. As we mentioned earlier, there’s no word of if—or when—Rainn Wilson will return to Radio Rental. However, new episodes drop every Friday with early access and ad-free listening available on Tenderfoot+!

Scariest Radio Rental Episodes

There are SOOO many good episodes of Radio Rental, we couldn’t choose a favorite. We can, however, choose a handful of the scariest. Here are all of the creepiest, eeriest Radio Rental episodes that deserve a spot on your queue:

Episode 4

In the second segment of “Episode 4” lies a story that fans frequently come back to—even all these years later. The story is called “Laura of the Woods.” According to the episode, a young boy meets Laura in the woods, but Laura was a little… unkempt. She was dressed weird, her hair was matted, and she lived in a “mystery house” in the attic. But as the boy continued visiting Laura, he noticed something was off. She wouldn’t leave the woods, she was terrified of her own house, and she kept repeating herself.

Interested in hearing the rest? Tune into the episode! It’s literally so much scarier than you’re probably imagining.

Episode 1

The inaugural episode of Radio Rental also happens to have one of the scariest stories of the series. (They had to start out with a bang, right?!) The story is called “404 Not Found.” It begins with a man who believes in the Universe’s “randomness,” right up until he received a text from a stranger. While it was initially innocent (seemingly, at least), something’s… off. Over the next few days, the stranger begins sending the man pictures of road signs and landmarks. And what does the man realize? That they’re slowly getting closer to his location.

You’ll have to tune into “Episode 1” to hear how it plays out!

Episode 44

The “Night Scope” lies in Radio Rental’s 44th episode, and it remains one of the most haunting stories. To start, a couple goes camping in a super isolated area, only relying on the man’s outdoor expertise. And when we say outdoor expertise, we mean he has things like thermal imaging equipment, night-vision scopes, the whole nine. But suddenly, as he’s looking through the scope, the woman spots something. Something that’s way too big to be a human. But the scariest part? As soon as the non-human thing realizes it sees them, it slowly turns back.

We’ve got chills just thinking about this story. It’s definitely not one you’ll want to miss.

Radio Rental Guest Hosts

Radio Rental frequently features a rotating cast of guest hosts, all of which add their own unique spin to the podcast and the stories. Here are handful of listeners’ most favorite:

Josh Radnor

Josh Radnor is an actor, filmmaker, and musician. You probably know him from playing Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother! (Speaking of, check out all of our top recs for shows LIKE How I Met Your Mother!) But he’s not Josh in Radio Rental. Instead, he’s Jared—a fixer-upper repairman. You can listen to his guest episodes on the podcast in “Episode 87” and “Episode 108.”

Rachel Dratch

Known as a cast member for Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1999-2006, Rachel Dratch is also an actress, comedian, and writer. In recent years, she’s contributed to Bob’s Burgers, Just Go With It, and 30 Rock with Tina Fey. On Radio Rental, though, she leaves her iconic status behind to step into the role of Sandy Van Duzer—a local librarian and huge Terry Carnation fan. You can hear her in both “Episode 85” and “Episode 86!”

Jeff Foxworthy

Jeff Foxworthy is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and radio and television host. You probably know him from series like Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and The Jeff Foxworthy Show. But in Radio Rental, Jeff plays the role of Ricky Lee Bagley—an astrological advisor. You can hear all he has to offer in “Episode 88” and “Episode 89.”

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 podcasts 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.

For more must-listen to podcasts, check out these posts:

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