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After 27 years in the haunt industry, Punx the Clown’s passion runs much deeper than the scares. From Nightmare on the Ridge in Auburn, Maine, his story is about dedication, creativity, community, and finding that fire again even when it starts to fade. Behind the mask is a haunter who truly loves what he does and the people who make this industry feel like home. 🎃🤡

Halloween isn’t just a season. For some of us, it’s a way of life. On this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we welcome Halloween Haunts 365 for a conversation that goes far beyond haunted attraction reviews.Behind the cameras and reviews are two individuals who share a genuine love for the haunt industry. They’re not just there to rate attractions or tell you where to spend your money. They’re there to build relationships, support fellow haunters, share stories, and become part of the community that makes this industry so special.We dive into their journey, the friendships they’ve built, the experiences that have shaped them, and what it truly means to be a haunter.Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who’s got the biggest haunt or the scariest attraction. It’s about the people behind the masks, the passion that brings us together, and the family we find along the way.We’re not just haunt fans. We’re haunters. And this carousel will never stop spinning. 🎠

Eddie McLaurin, better known as Bone Daddy, is the owner and mastermind behind Woods of Terror and McLaurin Farms in Greensboro, North Carolina. For more than three decades, Eddie has helped transform his family property into one of the most recognized haunted attractions in the country. Now heading into the 2026 season, Eddie continues pushing Woods of Terror into new territory, including the arrival of Dee Snider’s Strangeland. Haunter. Creator. Leader. Man of faith. And still finding new ways to make people afraid of the dark. 🌲💀

This one got deep. We sat down with Allen Hopps to talk about his journey through the haunt industry, but the conversation became so much more. Allen opened up about his perspective on haunting, life, helping others, and what keeps him constantly moving forward. An extraordinary man with a massive heart for haunting, creating, teaching, and helping others. This wasn’t just about what Allen has done. It was about why he does it. 🎠 This carousel will never stop spinning.

If you love talking haunt shop, this is the episode for you! The Dark Carousel Podcast sits down with Sammy Taylor, better known as Chainsaw Sammy and host of Into the Fear, to trace her journey from where it all began to where her passion has taken her today. We dive into her years in the haunt industry, the experiences that shaped her, the love behind everything she creates, and just how insanely busy she will be this haunt season. This episode is about the people, the memories, the hard work, and the passion that keeps the haunt community alive. Two podcasts collide for an honest conversation about the journey and why haunting becomes so much more than something we do every October.

This makes that part more subtle and personal without laying it on too thick. 🎃 Pumpkin Riot Productions | Dark Carousel Podcast On this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with Bryan, owner and creator of Pumpkin Riot Productions out of Plainfield, Illinois. Since 2020, Bryan has taken his love for Halloween and turned it into something incredible, creating masks, props, yard displays, and so much more. His work is fueled by passion, creativity, and dedication, but the heart behind it comes from somewhere much more personal. A huge part of Bryan’s drive comes from the memory of his mother. Though she’s no longer here, the love and influence she gave him never left. He carries that with him, turning it into something meaningful every time he creates. We dive into Bryan’s journey, his creative process, the story behind Pumpkin Riot Productions, and most importantly, what haunting truly means to him.
 
🎠 This carousel will never stop spinning.

Some people spend years finding a character that truly fits them. Others step into the fog and somehow make it look like they’ve been doing it forever. This week, we’re joined by Spaz the Clown, a rising haunt performer who’s only been in the industry for a short time but is already making a name for herself with an unforgettable character, incredible energy, and a passion that can’t be taught. We dive into where it all began, the inspiration behind Spaz, the challenges of creating a believable clown, and what drives someone to willingly become the thing hiding in your nightmares. Because, naturally, that’s considered a perfectly reasonable hobby. From heartfelt moments and behind-the-scenes stories to the excitement of building a haunt career from the ground up, this episode proves that experience isn’t measured only in years. Sometimes it’s measured in dedication, creativity, and the impact you leave on every guest who walks through your scene. If you’re a haunter, a horror fan, or someone chasing a dream of your own, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Step into the spotlight and prepare for a broadcast unlike anything you’ve ever seen. On this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we welcome the unforgettable duo bakR and Sadie Slaughter, two incredibly talented haunters whose hauntingly original characters have captivated audiences with their eerie 1950s-inspired performances. From bakR’s unsettling vintage broadcaster complete with his iconic APPLAUSE box to Sadie Slaughter’s chilling mannequin-like presence, these characters are far more than costumes. They are years of creativity, passion, dedication, and relentless refinement brought to life. Join Arthur and Steve as they dive deep into the stories behind the makeup, the masks, and the madness. We explore how these unforgettable characters were created, the sacrifices made along the way, the challenges of staying fresh in the haunt industry, and the moments that reminded them why they fell in love with haunting in the first place. This isn’t just a conversation about scary characters. It’s about the people behind them, the passion that fuels them, and the journey that transformed imagination into living nightmares. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to become an unforgettable haunter, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Some episodes are planned. This one was pure chaos. The Dark Carousel Podcast packed up, hit the road, and traveled all the way to Laurel, Maryland, to surprise the incredible cast and crew of Laurel’s House of Horror. What started as a road trip quickly turned into one of our favorite experiences yet. We sat down with the talented actors, actresses, makeup artists, and the passionate people who bring this legendary haunt to life, hearing the stories behind the masks, the dedication behind every scare, and what keeps them coming back year after year. This episode isn’t just about a haunted attraction. It’s about family, passion, creativity, and the people who make the haunt industry one of the most unique communities in the world. Climb aboard the Dark Carousel and experience the laughs, the memories, and the heart behind one unforgettable visit to Laurel’s House of Horror. 🎙️ Never Stop Spinning.

For four years, Sparky has poured everything he has into the world of haunting. What started as a passion became an obsession, and that obsession became a legacy. From the legendary halls of Spooky World to the twisted nightmares of Fright Kingdom, Sparky has dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft, creating unforgettable scares, and becoming a character that audiences never forget. Behind the makeup, the costumes, and the screams is a haunter driven by pure passion and an unwavering love for Halloween. Join us as we dive into the story behind the monster, the sacrifices made along the way, and the journey that continues to push him forward. This is more than a haunt career. This is a way of life. The nightmare continues. 🎠 This Carousel Will Never Stop Spinning. 🎠

The Journey Begins | Part 1 Before there was Skar. Before there was Jingles. There were simply two people who discovered a passion that would change their lives forever. In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, we sit down with Landen Gessner and David Amador to learn who they are beyond the costumes. We explore how they first found the haunt industry, what inspired them to become scare actors, the experiences that shaped them, and why haunting became more than just a hobby. From their first nights in a haunted attraction to the friendships, challenges, and unforgettable memories they’ve built along the way, this episode is about the foundation of their journey. Before you know the characters… Get to know the people. Welcome to the beginning of their story. https://www.instagram.com/loi_jingles_the_jester?igsh=MWsydXAzaTZ6ZWE2OA==

Sometimes all it takes is one question. When we sat down with Azazel, we expected to talk about haunting, characters, scares, and the road that brought him from Savannah, Georgia into the haunt world. We got all of that. What we didn’t expect was a moment that hit every one of us right in the chest. One question. One answer. And suddenly the conversation became something much bigger. This episode dives into the passion behind the paint, the friendships built along the way, the struggles, the victories, and the reason so many of us keep coming back to this crazy world year after year. It’s about entertaining people, creating memories, and finding a place where you truly belong. Whether you’ve been haunting for decades or you’ve never stepped behind a mask, Azazel’s story is a reminder that passion isn’t something you find overnight. It’s something you fight for, build, and carry with you through every chapter of your life. This was more than a conversation about a character. This was a conversation about heart. Sometimes the mask tells a story. Sometimes the person underneath tells an even better one. 🎠 This Carousel Will Never Stop Spinning.

Some stories begin with a plan. Others begin with an accident. What started as an unexpected creative spark eventually grew into Macabre Intentions, one of the haunt industry’s most recognizable names in custom costume and character design. Founded by Joseph Goratowski, Macabre Intentions wasn’t born from a master blueprint or years of business strategy. It grew organically through passion, experimentation, and a relentless drive to create something unforgettable. From post-apocalyptic wastelands and industrial nightmares to cyberpunk horrors and cinematic creatures, Joseph’s work blurs the line between costume and living nightmare. Every creation tells a story. Every monster feels as though it existed long before the lights came on and will continue roaming long after they go dark. In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we dive into the accidental beginnings of Macabre Intentions, the sacrifices behind the art, the evolution of a creator, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to building monsters that leave a lasting impression. Because sometimes the greatest creations aren’t planned. Sometimes they happen by accident. And sometimes accidents become legends. 🎠 This Carousel Will Never Stop Spinning.

Step into a world where Halloween never really ends. In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with Panthemerman, the performer behind one of the most recognizable Beetlejuice characters in the haunt community. From his love of classic horror to the memories that first sparked his passion for Halloween, we dive into the story behind the character and the person who brings him to life. We talk about the nostalgia of the Halloween seasons that shaped us, the excitement of becoming someone else for a night, and the dedication it takes to create unforgettable experiences for guests. For Panthemerman, haunting isn’t just about costumes and makeup. It’s about keeping the spirit of Halloween alive and sharing that passion with everyone who walks through the doors. Whether you’re a lifelong haunter, a horror fan, or someone who still remembers the magic of Halloween as a kid, this is a conversation filled with creativity, passion, and a deep love for the season that never truly leaves us. 🏚️ Laurel’s House of Horror This carousel will never stop spinning. 🎠 https://laurelhaunt.com

From the legendary halls of Statesville to the nightmare-soaked world of Hellsgate Chicago, Sharky has become one of the most recognizable and unforgettable faces in haunting. But behind the cracked makeup, sharp teeth, and terrifying grin is something even more powerful… pure passion. This episode dives deep into the dedication it takes to live and breathe the haunt industry year after year. The long nights. The physical exhaustion. The emotional connection. The art of creating fear while still bringing people together. Sharky doesn’t just play a character. She becomes part of the experience, and every single performance shows how much she truly loves what she does. And honestly? That passion is contagious as hell. You can feel it in the way she talks about haunting. You can see it in every detail of Sharky. It’s the kind of energy that reminds people why this industry matters in the first place. Goddamnit… we love what she does too. 🎠 Dark Carousel Podcast “This carousel will never stop spinning.”