The Tales Of The Unexpected Podcast

New season. New twist. Same terrible life choices. We're back at it… and for the first episode of Season 7, we’re getting shouted at by George Peppard. Which, regardless of perspective or context, is a right proper treat. Fred Pearson’s time in Vietnam left him with a problem that followed him home: one particularly sadistic sergeant who seemed to take personal pleasure in making his life mise...

Back! Again! … and this time we’re heading to the seaside for the Season 6 finale because nothing says “grand ending” like salt air, stubborn pride, simmering resentment and cheese wires. Turn The Tide gives us old grudges, shifting fortunes, and that classic Tales atmosphere where everyone’s smiling politely while absolutely seething underneath. There’s dignity on the surface, desperation underne...

Back again… and this year’s Christmas Special is going full goth. Sepia style!!! We’re diving into The Mezzotint by M. R. James, a tale that proves you don’t need jump scares, chains, or shouting - just a picture, a cursed family, and the creeping realisation that something in the corner has definitely moved. Chris and Damo pore over cursed artwork, unsettling silence, Victorian restraint, scholar...

Back again… FINALLY! This one is all about love, vanity, and a miracle anti-ageing formula - which is already a perfect Tales' recipe. amiright? Caroline Coates is climbing the TV ladder and determined to stay youthful while doing it. Enter Dr. Humphrey Baxter, a genius scientist with a face like a walnut and a potion that promises an eternal glow. Chris and Damo unpack the unholy mix of scien...

Back again… and this one's got dinner parties, dramatic exits, and a very unexpected main course. Roger’s a sweet young doctor. His wife? Not so sweet. It takes one dinner party and suddenly the marriage is very over. But when she vanishes into the night, things take a turn. You won't want to miss Vera's mirrored bedroom. but there's also intrigue, dilemma, worry, mystery, and a tw...

Back again… and this one’s steeped in upper-class guilt, overcooked lamb, and just a hint of vengeance. Three posh ladies gather for a genteel little lunch in honour of their former nanny, Dench. But as the sherry flows and the niceties crack, it becomes clear their ‘tribute’ might be a touch self-serving. Chris and Damo tuck into the snobbery, the shade, and the slow reveal that maybe Dench wasn’...

Back again… and things are getting classy. In this episode, a charming writer agrees to a “simple lunch” with a mysterious woman—what could possibly go wrong? Well, the bill for starters. Expect oysters, champagne, and an increasing sense that he's made a terrible, terrible mistake. Chris and Damo pick apart the menu, the manners, and the mounting financial doom, with a side order of meat trol...

Damo and Chris, back again... and this one’s got all the ingredients: a smooth-talking German, a hotel with vibes , and a girl called Molly who may or may not be trouble. Helmut’s just closed a deal, feeling good, and clearly in the mood to make some very poor life choices. There’s a bar tab, a warning from the world’s least subtle hotel detective who should absolutely have his own spin off, and a...

This time, we’re getting fancy with swords, secrets, and some very intense Germans. In this episode, Peter Cushing does what he does best—being effortlessly brilliant—while everyone else gets caught up in a tale of Groucho Marx disguises, sharp objects, and questionable decision-making. Chris and Damo will, of course, dissect the unexpectedness (or the plausibility of said unexpectedness) while ta...

This one’s got it all (if by 'all' you mean an American soldier, a nostalgic return, and a dancefloor encounter). Chris and Damo try to uncover the episode’s twists, turns, and questionable romantic choices, with plenty of 80s wrestling moves along the way Throw in some mysterious women, and a side helping of "Wait, what just happened?" and you've got yourself another classic TOTU.

cats, crypts, chaos and Christmas. Enjoy a little pressie from your second or third favourite podcast. Merry Christmas gang x

This episode starts off with Damo's void of darkness and finishes with a non-ending... other than the mention of a piglet crossed with a fish creature. It could only happen on the TOTU podcast so strap in, listen carefully and where's your sense of humour?

In a spine-tingling Halloween special, Chris and Damo dive into the murky, twisted world of Inside No. 9 , dissecting the creepy classic episode Dead Line . This episode begins with a shout-out to the eerie influence of Ghostwatch —where the paranormal bleeds into reality—and somehow, in a fashion only these two can manage, wraps up with musings on Mick Hucknall. Expect spine-chilling speculation,...

Q: What's better than David Cassidy featuring in a TOTU episode? A: Well it's definitely not two David Cassidys featuring in an episode because this smug bastard would be a nightmare to deal with. However, we do end up with an episode from the US - one of the ones which looks more like an episode of Columbo at times. See how you get on with an episode hinging on circumstance and confusion to get a...

In a behemoth episode we introduce a new voice to the podcast. Yes, joined by Charles, we smash through the 2 hour mark and discuss his favourite episode... it's been a few years in the making and was a pleasure to record. Plus, Damo goes all Columbo and unearths evidence of how this episode lies at the centre of one of Dahl's last, and controversial, publications. Listen 'til the end.

Back again... I really enjoy typing that. Very satisfying. This one is all about the tiniest hotel, the tiniest swim shorts, and the tiniest reception desk. There's also (as usual) some unexpectedness - however well it works... or not. Along the way, Chris and Damo will venture into a smattering of 80s related trivia with only the briefest mention of filling a cocktail glass full of... somethi...

There's been a bit of a gap between this and the first episode - it has been very busy... Head like mom's spaghetti - and it's complete coincidence that this episode is about a memory man because a lot of the gap was caused because I kept on forgetting to upload. Join Chris and Damo for today's episode, The Memory Man.

It's the start of a new era... the (much missed) Robless chapter, but a new chapter at least. Damo and Chris dig out the notepad and pens, and get stuck into this return to form, potentially Norwich based, tale. With regular features like: too much ramble lots of nonsense and a flagrant disregard for the interest of listeners Settle down for nearly 2 hours of mobsters and opinion.

The train pulls into the final station! We are back for the final part of this anthology so before Season 6 can begin properly, we need to let this behemoth of a special run it's course... or track. Quick reminder for anyone just tuning in. We have a plan and we are actually back but we probably need a bit of practice and maybe you need a reminder of what they actual do. Chris and Damo decide...

This part 2 replaces the previous part 2 which I buggered up uploading. You've Damo to thank for getting it right... This is why I insist on working with proper podcasters. Keep the faith, people. ********************************************************* We are back... how the heck are you? We have a plan and we are actually back but we probably need a bit of practice and maybe you need a remi...

We are back... how the heck are you? We have a plan and we are actually back but we probably need a bit of practice and maybe you need a reminder of what they actual do. Chris and Damo decide to dust off the podcast mics, lubricate the voice boxes and watch one of those old style horror anthology movies and finally record some stuff to listen to. If you're one of the faithful, give us a few mo...

You'll noticed this is the second part (of two) so please catch up with part one first. As previously stated, when we started recording, the idea was purely just to practice again - so splitting up the episode was all done as an afterthought... hopefully the transition isn't as jarring as I make it out to be in my waffle.  Podcasting will resume, so hang tight - maybe eave some reviews and te...

Not so much a tale from the Tales... more a possible inspiration for what the Tales became. It's Lady Killer featuring Jesus and we decided to take on one of the episodes from Thriller - if you're a fan of TOTU, you'll love this - watch along on youtube ( here's a link to the episode ) if you want and it'll save you searching out the boxset online...  although, spoiler alert, we WILL be revis...

It's part 2 of our trip down the river, as we babble through Way Upstream to the dramatic conclusion. Join me and Damo for another TOTU mid season special in preparation for the season 6 start. Your patience is appreciated, and sorry I've been absent - at least you're not paying for this shite ay? Anyway - if you've any reviews to post or feedback or whatever, let us know. Thanks everyone now enjo...

join me and Damo for a little change in pace to the usual TOTU specials. Its the meatiest episode we’ve ever attempted but it’s one heck of a journey… on a boat. We’ll happily be your skippers as we navigate through the treacherous waters of Way Upstream. (thanks for your patience by the way, we’re recording as we’re able so your support is, as always, incredible)