By Pumpkin's Light

J.W. Ocker, bestselling author and creator of OTIS: Odd Things I've Seen, joins us to discuss his lifelong love of Halloween and the macabre, and how that passion has shaped his career documenting America's strangest stories and locations. We explore his earliest Halloween memories, what Halloween means to him personally, and how his interest in the spooky and unusual has influenced both his nonfiction oddity research and his fictional middle-grade novels. Plus, J.W. dives deep into his brand-new book, "Chasing the Headless Horseman," sharing what surprised him about the real history of Sleepy Hollow, his most memorable research experiences, and why the Headless Horseman has maintained such an iconic grip on Halloween culture for over two centuries.

Rich Smith joins us in the lair to discuss The Romero Theatre Home Haunt, a one-night-only Halloween experience he's been creating in Lee's Summit, MO, since 2017 as a tribute to horror icon George A. Romero. We dive into Rich's childhood Halloween memories, his love of horror films, and what sparked him to transform his home into an immersive haunted experience that evolves with a new theme each year. Plus, Rich walks us through the behind-the-scenes process of building and operating the haunt, shares memorable guest reactions, and reveals what makes keeping the walkthrough exclusive to Halloween night so special.

Artist Matthew Woods returns to celebrate the sixth edition of his beloved October-to-October 13-month countdown calendar featuring his iconic character, Pumpkinhead. We dive into his creative process for designing 13 original monthly illustrations each year, how he keeps the calendar fresh while balancing seasonal relevance with a Halloween focus, and what key dates and Halloween lore made it into this year's edition. Matt also shares his vision for keeping fans in countdown mode year-round and teases what's next for Pumpkinhead and @hallowwoods.

Cris The Girl joins us to discuss her passion for Halloween hunting and decorating, and how that love has shaped her YouTube channel since 2021. We explore her earliest Halloween memories, what the season means to her personally, and how she balances keeping the spooky spirit alive year-round without burning out. Cris shares her channel origin story, how she started documenting Halloween hunting adventures, and how she navigates the high-octane frenzy of Code Orange season while staying present. Plus, she teases what's coming next for her newer channel, Cris The Hermit, which focuses on witchy and metaphysical content. 

Britta Peterson, the creative force behind Eerie Elegance, joins us to discuss her decades-long passion for Halloween entertaining. We explore her earliest Halloween memories, how iconic spooky intellectual property inspired her theatrical approach to displays, and why she deliberately chooses creative spectacle over shock and gore.  Britta walks us through her creative journey, from sharing party concepts and recipes online since 1996 to publishing three books and building elaborate yard displays at her stunning 1890 Queen Anne Victorian. We dive into her creative process, how she balances hosting parties with massive yard displays, and her work raising awareness and funds for Give Kids the World Village. Plus, she shares her best advice for anyone inspired to start their own Halloween entertaining journey.