‘But I do believe in the paranormal, that there are things that our brains just can’t understand.’
– Art Bell, an American broadcaster and author.
Recently, I found myself hooked on ghost stories podcasts, and it has been a thrilling ride ever since.
There is something about the eerie atmosphere, chilling narratives, and unsettling silence between each tale that keeps me coming back for more.
It started innocently enough—a snippet of an interview with Emma Maembong, a random episode of Safwan Nazri’s “Sembang Seram” podcast during a late-night scroll on TikTok.
The snippet was so compelling that I went on YouTube to look for Safwan’s channel and scrolled through countless episodes to find the one featuring Emma.
It didn’t take long before I found myself hooked.
Emma’s episode on “Sembang Seram” was everything I didn’t know I needed—a perfect mix of suspense, and supernatural encounters coupled with her candid and relatable storytelling.
As she recounted her chilling experiences, it felt like I was right there with her, gripping the edge of my seat with every eerie twist and turn.
What made it even more captivating was how casual the conversation seemed, almost like swapping ghost stories with friends late at night.
The genuine reactions, the small moments of disbelief, and the occasional nervous laughter all added to the authenticity.
But that was just the beginning.
After Emma’s episode, I couldn’t stop myself from exploring more.
“Sembang Seram” wasn’t just another ghost story podcast; it was a whole community of believers and sceptics alike, sharing encounters that ranged from the spine-chilling to the downright bizarre.
One episode turned into two, then three, and before I knew it, I was binge-watching hours of these stories—each one more gripping than the last.
What I loved about Safwan’s podcast was the diversity of stories.
One moment you’re listening to an account of a haunted hotel in Genting Highlands, the next you’re hearing about a ghostly figure spotted on a quiet road in Johor Bahru or Melaka.
And it wasn’t just the stories themselves, but how they were told—raw, unfiltered, and often leaving just enough ambiguity to keep you wondering long after the episode ended.
As I dove deeper into “Sembang Seram,” I noticed the only one getting hooked.
The comment sections were flooded with fans sharing their spooky encounters or debating the plausibility of the stories.
Some easily believe in the paranormal, while others remain sceptical but intrigued.
It was like being part of a secret society where everyone was fascinated with the unknown.
What makes podcasts like ‘Sembang Seram’ so irresistible, I think, is the way they tap into our primal fear of the unseen.
It’s not just about ghosts or ghouls; it’s about that universal human feeling of vulnerability—those moments when the familiar world suddenly feels unfamiliar.
Regardless of our beliefs in the supernatural, these stories compel us to acknowledge the potential existence of realities beyond our current understanding or perception.
And that’s exactly what keeps me coming back.
Each episode is like a mystery, leaving me to fill in the blanks and ponder the unanswered questions.
Was Emma’s encounters and experiences truly supernatural, or could they be explained by something more rational?
The beauty of these stories is that they never give you all the answers, thus letting your imagination run wild.
Now, it’s become a sort of ritual for me.
After finishing all the episodes available on Safwan’s YouTube channel, I needed more of that same spine-tingling thrill, so naturally, I turned to “Ashrapp Channel” by Ashraf Ahmad.
I’d heard about his channel through the “Sembang Seram” fanbase, with many recommending it as a must-watch for anyone hooked on ghost stories.
Ashraf was the one who inspired Safwan to create “Sembang Seram.”
Ashraf had built quite a reputation in the podcast scene, and I was eager to see how his storytelling would compare.
Ashraf’s style was different from Safwan’s but equally compelling.
Where Safwan’s episodes often felt like you were listening to friends sharing ghost stories around a campfire, Ashraf’s had a more structured, almost documentary-like approach.
The Ashrapp Channel community was just as passionate as Safwan’s followers, if not more so.
Viewers often left comments sharing their experiences with haunted objects or eerie encounters.
I found myself scrolling through hundreds of comments after each episode, fascinated by how many people seemed to have firsthand experiences with the paranormal.
Before I knew it, I had binged through most of Ashraf’s episodes, completely immersed in his world of haunted places, cursed objects, and supernatural beings.
Each story left me wanting more, and I realized that what I had initially thought was just a passing fascination with ghost stories had grown into something much deeper.
I was no longer just a casual listener — I was invested, captivated by the mysteries of the unknown, and always looking for the next story that would send shivers down my spine.
Ashraf and Safwan both created something authentically exceptional — platforms where people could explore their curiosity about the supernatural, share their encounters, and engage in conversations that blurred the line between myth and reality.
Now, I find myself constantly searching for the next ghost story podcast or YouTube channel that can deliver that same level of excitement.
Countless stories still wait to be told, and I can’t wait to discover them all—one spine-chilling episode at a time.
Whenever I need a break from reality or feel a little thrill, I put on an episode of ‘Sembang Seram’ or ‘Ashrapp Channel’ and let myself get lost in its eerie world.
Whether I’m listening late at night with the lights off or during the day with the sun streaming in, the stories always manage to transport me somewhere else—somewhere darker, more mysterious, and full of possibilities.
And while I started as a casual listener, I have become a regular now, waiting eagerly for each new episode to drop.
Who knows what chilling tale Safwan and Ashraf will share next?
One thing’s for sure—whether it’s another celebrity recounting a ghostly experience or an ordinary person with an extraordinary story, I’ll be there, headphones on, ready to be spooked again.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
