I think during amplirecathon some people discussed that with depressing stories, especially, listening to the podfic made them feel less alone with the story.
Ah!

This makes *total* sense to me, and I'd never have thought of it on my own.

There have been plenty of moments with sad/depressing/dark stories where I've felt pretty miserable and isolated by the end of them, and I think you and the original poster are probably right that a human voice 'keeping me company' would likely lessen that feeling.

Thanks for chiming in.