Shh. It's starting. There are kids in this world who are different. Special. I think it's a hoverboard. They look like us and they act like us. But they are not us. You're Mother Nature. Who wants a selfie with the Grim Reaper? There's a girl flying in the water. Find her treasure. She belongs to the world of good. You can lock it exactly like mine. Tom, run!
And that's real smoke! The haunted house is on fire! Easy, Adam. This barn is full of people. We don't want to start a panic. Okay, but I'm kind of panicking. We have to find her! It's so dark. I can't see a thing. We have to keep going. My mom's in trouble. I think the smoke is coming from the haylock. The stairs are this way. Too many people. They'll never get through. Okay, Coach Bones said I'm built for football. I'll block it. You two, run!
Sorry! Excuse me! Pardon me! Sorry! Come on! Boo! Excuse me! Sorry folks! Coming through! Emergency! Cure the stairs! Come on! Follow me! Do you think you can get everyone else out of the barn? All right, Jill. Every town has its ghosts. But in Sleepy Hollow, as Halloween draws near, the wall between the land of the living and the dead That's when he rides again. The ghost of the Headless Horseman. Gen Z Media presents...
The Hollow, an eight-part audio adventure inspired by Washington Irving's timeless Halloween tale in honor of its 200th anniversary. Episode 8. The Headless Hero. Get the kids out of the barn. Not without you. I think I can smother the flames with my coat. That's the last of it. I don't know what to say. I owe you my life. Well, anyone would have done the same. But you did it. Mom, are you okay? I am. Thanks to Mr. Crane.
No thanks necessary. As long as you're alright. Mom, did you really see the horsemen? Only through the flames. Stand aside, everyone. I've got a fire extinguish... Oh. You're a little late, Coach Bones. Fire's out. But... how? Mr. Crane came to the rescue. He put it out with his coat. Crane? Are you joking? He saved my life. We got separated in the dark, but thankfully I found her. Right place, right time. I see. Coach Bones, what are you wearing? A costume.
Why? Is it... a Headless Horseman costume? Well, yeah. Your dad asked me to play the part this year. He said I have the size, but... When I saw the fire, I broke character and ran to the fire extinguisher. Jack, look. What is it? A lantern. In the hay. That's what started the fire. Mom, when you saw the horsemen... He was standing near that very lantern. You aren't suggesting that I... I certainly am. Bob? Bob? What are you saying? I saw it, Kate. With my own eyes. You saw what?
I'm sorry, Coach, but I was headed to the loft to scare some guests when I saw you toss that lantern into the hay. Is that true? No! Kate, I... I was searching for you when the lantern flew out of my hand and landed on the straw. Like I said, I ran to get the fire extinguisher. So you could play the hero for Katrina? I would never do that.
So it just magically flew out of your hand? I swear that's what happened. Just like you swore that the ghost of the Headless Horseman started a fire in the school? Yes! Coach Bones. Ah, Chief Diaz. I'm glad you're here. Coach, why don't you come with me? You can't actually believe any of this. Bob told me the whole story. Let's talk about it down at the station. Come on.
This is a lie! It's not true! Katie! It's not true! Kate, let's go get you checked out at the first aid station. I'm fine. Just swallowed a little smoke. We'll let the nurse be the judge of that. Are you okay, Jill? I'm fine. You get that checkup and I'll meet you outside. Thanks for looking out for my mom, Mr. Crane. My eternal pleasure. Off we go, Katrina. Hey!
Jill, your mom's okay? Yeah, seems like it. Thanks. And thanks for clearing the haunted house, Adam. How did you put the fire out? Mr. Crane smothered it with his coat from his costume. That was a big fire for one coat. Yeah, well, it's... Wait a second. What is it, Joe? His coat. It looks so good. Well... It's a pretty decent Ichabod Crane costume, but... I mean, look at the shape it's in. There's not a mark on it. It doesn't even smell like smoke. How is that possible?
He reached right into the fire with it. Huh. What? Adam? I passed him on the stairs and he waved at me. His hand looked totally fine. But Jack and I watched him put... Both hands right into the flames. How could that be? What is that? It's coming from downstairs. The whole barn is shaking. It's the feed room. Something's behind that d- DH! Were you locked in there? He can't talk. Where's his phone? Here, take mine. What happened? It was he.
The traitor who turned me in all those years ago. He's here. That sound. That was my steed Shadow. Someone has taken him. But Shadow was hidden in the stable. Who would take him out? I mean... Not just anyone can ride a ghost horse. But a ghost can. A ghost who can also knock lanterns out of people's hands and put out fires without getting burned. Mr. Crane.
He's a ghost too? Look out the window! It's Mr. Crane and my mom! On Shadow! Ichabod. You mean he's really? Ichabod Crane. He was the dastardly villain. The one who betrayed me. Ride, Shadow! Ride, you miserable beast! And now he has my mom! Where's he taking her? To the bridge. The bridge? It's not even there. Tonight, on Halloween, the bridge has returned. But at the stroke of midnight, that cursed bridge will disappear.
And thus, I will return to my grave for another two centuries. The bridge is where the wall comes down! Yes, and it is where the living can tether the dead. of Israel. Then if Ichabod can bind himself to my mom before the bell tolls 12 times, he can live again. What time is it? 1147. Let's go. But how will we get there in time? Crate has taken Shadow. You can take our fastest horse. I'll drive with you, D.H. What about us, Jack? I've never been on a horse before. I can take my dad's tractor.
But I'm gonna need you to reach the pedals. And to hold the ladder when we get to the church. Ladder? Why are we going to the church? I'll tell you on the way! Then off we ride, with no time to spare. Peaches! Peaches? Peaches! Well then... Hold on tight. Easy, Peaches. Steady, girl. Chill! Mom! That's far enough, you headless loser. You can't cross the bridge, but I can. Jill, is he? Yes, mom. D.H. is really the Headless Horseman. And he's my friend. Your friend? You people!
People of Sleepy Hollow, you think the Headless Horseman is a character and a story. Some harmless work of fiction who brings in the tourists every Halloween. You put his image on street signs, coffee mugs, and t-shirts. But I know who he really is. He's the one who's tormented me for 200 years. Because you betrayed me. I thought you were a friend, but...
believe I was a traitor. You cost me my life and my head. And it has taken 200 years for me to catch up to you, Ichabod Crane. And another 200 before you get the chance again. Why did you do it, Mr. Crane? Why did you lie and tell the colonists he was a traitor to their cause? For my Katrina. The British offered me gold. Enough gold to win Katrina's heart.
Build her the house of her dreams and make a life with her. A life she could never have with a simple school teacher. You sold him out for money? And I'd do it again for you, Katrina. You really are... I gave my life and my head for this country. You took both from me, Ichabod. But no one will ever know it. Because at midnight, you'll be gone and I'll live on. Thanks to you, Katrina.
I said my name is Kate! The bell in the old church is beginning to toll. Yes, when it rings for the twelfth time, Katrina and I will have crossed the river, and I'll be here to stay. We can't let this happen. I cannot cross. But I can. Jill, what are you doing? The bridge is where the wall comes down. Dad, if you're there, we need help. Mom's in trouble. I love you. I miss you. Forever and a day. Three more bells and we begin a new life.
And you, horseman, go back to a traitor's grave. Farewell, headless horseman. Blast this fog! Something's blocking the bridge. We can't go forward. Is there a problem, Ichabod? The bell struck midnight. We should be across the river, and you should be six feet under. What's that? Chew! Jack! You did it! Did what? What's happening? Oh, you know, we climbed up into the bell tower and pushed the clock ahead a couple of minutes. You mean... It's not midnight yet, Ick. Dad, please...
We need you. Forever and a day. Forever and a day. Hey! You stupid horse! What are you doing? It's just wind! Mom! Jump off the horse! Now! That's it. Almost here. I'll never let you go. Shadow, to me. We ride. Out of my way. You and your mangy horse can't stop me. No, but my sword can. No. Wait, wait. You wouldn't. You couldn't. Don't worry about losing your head, Ichabod. You'll have 200 years to get used to it. No. Not my head.
Not my head! Better run, Icky. It's almost midnight. Just enough time to make it to the other side. But, Katrina! I'm sorry, Mr. Crane, but you're dead to me. Very... Dead. I should have done this a long time ago. No! Not the pumpkin! Not the flame! I'll return!
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and that helped us get sponsorships for pet owners. And that's just one example of how you've helped us already and how you can help us again. So help us out by going to gzmshows.com slash survey and taking a super quick survey to tell us more about yourself and what you like. Once again, that's gzmshows.com slash survey. Thank you. They're gone. And so is the bridge. One minute past midnight. Miss Mathers.
Are you alright? Yes. Thanks to my daughter and... the headless horseman? Jill? He was here, Mom. Dad, he helped us. The wind that spooked the horse. That was him, wasn't it? Yeah, but he's gone now too. And Halloween is over. The wall is back up. The wall between the living and the dead. I'm sorry, sweetheart. He'll always be with us. You know that. Yeah. I'm gonna head down to the police station.
Clear up. The misunderstanding with Coach Bones, somehow. You wanna come? Is it okay if I stay just a little longer? Only if you three promise to stick together. Promise. I love you, sweetheart. I'll see you at home. I know your dad is proud. Well. Well. Well. They're really gone. My dad. And DH, too. Guess we'll have to live to be 212 to see him again. Wait! Listen. Look!
The bridge is materializing! It's D.H. in shadow! Except... does he...? He has his head! And he's wearing a different uniform! D.H., it's you! All of you! Isn't it something? The uniform's a little tight around the collar, but otherwise, it's my own dear head! It's very handsome, D.H. But do you have a name? My name is Major Benjamin Crosby, Continental Army. Nice to meet you, Major. But how did this happen? The moment Ichabod vanished?
My head appeared as if I'd never lost it. But why didn't you disappear with him at the stroke of midnight? I suppose it's because I still have unfinished business here. But you cleared your name. You proved Ichabod Crane was the real traitor. You did what you came to do. I have one last thing to do. And that's to say, thank you. Jack. Adam. Jill.
I owe you everything. What are friends for? Friends. So much has happened since I scratched that word on this bridge with my sword. Is that a tear in your eye, Major? After 200 years, I can finally shed a tear of happiness. But Halloween is over. Shadow and I must be on our way. But not forever. Don't wait 200 years. Sleepy Hollow won't be the same without you. Very well. Until next Halloween, then. Wait! What about the story? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!
Should we tell the librarian to change it? Leave it as it is. I proved myself to you. That's all that matters. And besides, it's a good story. Ride, Shadow! The horseman and his trusty steed Shadow rode across the bridge and into the fog. That Halloween night was the last anyone heard from Ichabod Crane in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Some tried to say it was Brom Bones who scared him off, and that the Headless Horseman was just nothing but some silly ghost tale. What do you think, Daddy?
I think the Horseman is real to all who believe. And someday maybe we'll know the true story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I believe, Daddy. Me too, Jilly. Me too. Now give your dad a kiss goodnight. Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight. Do you want me to leave a light on? No, that's okay. I'm not scared. That's my girl. I love you, Jilly. Forever and a day. Forever and a day. Good night, Shadow. Good night, Mr. Horseman.
The Hollow was created by Lucky Gold and David Kreisman, Benjamin Strauss, and Chris Terry for Gen Z Media. Based on the legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. It was directed by Michelle Tatenbaum, written by Lucky Gold and David Kreisman. Sound design by Ed Rosenberg III, Darian Newsome, and Chris Terry. Theme music by Ed Rosenberg III, with additional music by Chris Tarry, Sean Pierce, and Jennifer Roecamp. Starring Chloe Bryan as Jill.
Anton Griffin as Jack and Truman Eoff as Adam. Featuring Danielle Linnae as Kate, Graham Stevens as Mr. Crane, Luis Bermudez as Coach Bones, Michael Stewart Allen as Mr. Van Buren. Ian Lowe as Bob. Postel Pringle as Michael. Karen Contreras as Chief Diaz. And yours truly... June Ballinger as Ms. Quisenberry. For more great family audio, visit gzmshows.com. Have a happy Halloween. And try not to lose your head. For more awesome pods, go to gzmshows.com. Shh, it's starting. GZM Shows. Imagination.
Are you a fan of teen spy action-adventure podcasts? Then you'll love six minutes. But don't take my word for it. The New York Times said children and their adults who love the X-Men and other tales of youths with innate powers will get lost in the six-minute fictional saga. And we're not just in the news. We've got over 15,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts alone.
Look for 6 Minutes on Apple Podcasts and for more information on gzmshows.com. Now that this story is over, don't let the adventure end here. If you loved The Hollow. You'll love the podcast six minutes, but don't take our word for it. The New York Times said that children and their adults who love the X-Men and other tales of youth with innate powers will get lost in the six minutes fictional saga.
Up next is a special preview of Episode 1 of 6 Minutes. Afterwards, look for more episodes on Apple Podcasts or find more information at gzmshows.com. There are kids in this world who are different. Special. They look like us and they act like us. But they are not us. And one of them is missing. I know twice as much as this lady. We know you do, honey. Dad, did you know that the humpback whale's brains have a neuron cell that's also found in humans? I didn't know that, Cyrus.
And he didn't really care either. That's not nice, Birdie. Your brother loves science. So does your mother, by the way. It's why she became a doctor. But I don't want to learn about whale brains. I want to see a whale! I'm sure we'll see one soon, birdie. Maybe that helicopter scared them all away. I read online that the scientists at Whittier are actually using whale cells to experiment with human evolution. Don't believe everything you read. But wouldn't it be epic if- Hold that thought, Si.
You said you were going to turn off your phone on the boat. Sorry, sweetheart. I have to take this. Hello? Yes, Admiral Grayling. What kind of activity? Doesn't the government ever take a day off? No, I understand. Yes, of course. Monica, honey, can you come inside the cabin for a second? Sure. Be right back, guys. See how many whales you spot before we get back. Did that seem weird to you? Like...
Did Dad got a work call? He's always getting work calls. Especially since we moved. Then why did he ask Mom to come with him? Who cares? I can't see anything from down here. Bertie, what are you doing? Trust me, if there's a whale, you'll see it. You're not supposed to climb the railing. Then, I'm gonna get nice and close. Look, I'm right in the blowhole inside. Hang on birdie. I'm throwing the life preserver grab onto it and don't let go Swim to it good bird good
Cyrus, what's going on? Where's Birdie? She's in the water. What? She fell in. Help me pull her up. Go. Pull. Keep pulling. She's right. There's a girl out there. Look. What? Cyrus, what are you doing? Cyrus! I'm going in. Cyrus! Come back! but she's breathing. My name is Dr. Anders. Can you hear me?
Is Holiday going to be alright? Holiday? That's what she said on the boat. It must be her name, right? You two must be freezing. You're still wet. We're fine. Where is she? She's resting in that exam room. Has she said anything else? She hasn't woken up since we put her in the ambulance. Cyrus, Bertie, you guys wait out here. Why can't we go in and see her? She's not ready for visitors. But you're going in. Please stay with your sister. Mom? What is it, Cyrus?
What's that marking on her left hand? I didn't notice any marking. We'll be out soon. I can cover up the marking with a bandage. Good. I called around. There's nothing out there about a missing girl. Peaceful lying there. It's a miracle she survived, James. Since when do you believe in miracles? Sooner or later, someone's going to come looking for her. You know that. What's happening?
She's in distress. I can give her something to calm her down. Wait. I think she's waking up. Can you hear me? Do you know where you are? Holiday? What happened? You were in the hospital. Hospital? Do you know how you got here? No. What's going on? Why can't I remember anything? It's okay, honey. You're safe now. You were in an accident. I... Are you... Are you my parents? Are we... Yes. Yes, sweetheart. Of course we are. We are your mom and dad.
For more episodes, search for Six Minutes and be sure to start at Season 1, Episode 1. Now go and enjoy the most downloaded family audio drama in history.