Episode 22 · 29 min · Twisted Tales with Heidi Wong

The Internet Myth That Refused to Stay Fiction (The Empty Man Explained!)

Published Mar 2, 2026by Crime HouseHorror · True crime

One candle for every story

1 - told, candle out
2 - told, candle out
3 - told, candle out
4 - told, candle out
5 - told, candle out
6 - told, candle out
7 - told, candle out
8 - told, candle out
9 - told, candle out
10 - told, candle out
11 - told, candle out
12 - being told, candle burning
13 - still to tell, candle lit
14 - still to tell, candle lit
15 - still to tell, candle lit
16 - still to tell, candle lit
17 - still to tell, candle lit
18 - still to tell, candle lit
19 - still to tell, candle lit
20 - still to tell, candle lit
21 - still to tell, candle lit
22 - still to tell, candle lit
23 - still to tell, candle lit
24 - still to tell, candle lit

Story 22 of 44. 21 told, 22 still waiting.

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About this episode

A monster born in the Himalayas. A legend created on an internet forum. And violence sparked by belief alone. Heidi Wong uncovers the true stories behind The Empty Man: from ancient tulpa lore and occult thought-forms to Slender Man, online mythmaking, and the real-world stabbing that proved belief can turn fiction into reality. Head over to our Twisted Tales YouTube channel to WATCH this episode: If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Twisted Tales to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Twisted Tales is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crime House 24/7, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Murder True Crime Stories, and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social YouTube: @crimehousestudios Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia Twisted Tales is hosted by Heidi Wong Instagram: @itsheidiwong TikTok: @itsheidiwong

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The Internet Myth That Refused to Stay Fiction (The Empty Man Explained!)

About this episode

Next in the series

The Underground City That Inspired a Horror Film

The Curse That Followed People Home

The Russian Sleep Experiment and Other Internet Nightmares