Dark Carousel Podcast

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Welcome to our podcast where we talk about Haunts, special effects and also horror. Our goal is to get haunters recognized for who they are and where they came from. This is a show for Haunters. Come join us on the Dark Carousel Podcast and support us and

Dark Carousel Podcast


    • Nov 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 57m AVG DURATION
    • 105 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Dark Carousel Podcast

    Avel:

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 87:16


    In this emotionally charged and unfiltered episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast we welcome a phenomenal force from Field of Screams Maryland AvelWith nine years in the industry Avel has become more than just a performer in the fog They are a storyteller a truth-teller and a symbol of fearless self-expression in a world built on masks From the first scream to the final breath Avel shows us what it truly means to haunt not just the guests but the atmosphere the spirit and the moment itselfThis conversation goes deep We explore the roots of their passion the creation of their character and the emotional strength it takes to live with authenticity in a world of shadowsAvel speaks on identity creativity discipline and purpose And through it all they remind us that haunting is not just an act It is a part of who they areWhether you are a lifelong haunter a fan of the scene or someone who understands what it means to find yourself in darkness this episode will resonate in a powerful wayThis carousel will never stop spinning

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 85:08


    Step inside the madness. In this episode, we descend into the twisted domain of Snuggles—a performer whose terrifying presence at Woods of Terror is only matched by the passion that drives him. Beneath the smeared paint and grotesque smile lies a heart dedicated to the art of the scare. Every scream, every lunge, every chilling stare has meaning. This is more than just a costume. It's a calling. We explore how he built his legacy one nightmarish step at a time, and how this craft became not just performance—but purpose. This isn't just another haunt actor. This is a master at work. Welcome to Snuggles' domain. You won't come out the same.

    Vincent Castiglia :The Blood Behind The Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 104:39


    This new episode is about confronting the weight of creation. It's about how art made from blood makes people nervous but it also forces people to feel something real again. It's about the way Vincent turns trauma into legacy. He walks right into his shadows and comes back with a masterpiece that can't be faked. He takes the thing most people hide and uses it as the source of truth.This episode isn't sensational. It's vulnerable. It's uncomfortable. It's human.There's this quiet power in hearing him speak plainly about why he does what he does. Not to shock. Not to offend. But because the soul deserves a medium that can't lie. A medium that can't be separated from the person who lived the pain.This is what The Dark Carousel Podcast does when it's at its best. You tap into the secret pulse beneath the haunt world. You find the ones who have carved something true out of all the things most people bury.Vincent didn't show you theatrics.He showed you blood as memory.Blood as ink.Blood as proof we're here.

    blood vincent castiglia
    A Haunter Carved by Commitment : Frankie Peracchio

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 86:22


    He has been haunting for ten years but his heart truly lives inside Brighton Asylum. There are haunters who enjoy the season and then there are haunters who are built from it. Frankie is built from it. He drives two hours just to step into that place and he does it because he feels connected to those rooms in a way that goes beyond convenience or timing. It has become part of who he is. Brighton Asylum is not just a haunt to him. It is a piece of his identity. He even has merch there which means his character is not only alive in the haunt world but recognized inside the place that he calls home.Sitting with him was not just an interview. It felt like speaking with someone who gives himself fully to the craft. It felt like hearing the heartbeat of someone who understands what it means to bleed passion into a character and then step into the dark to give that passion to the guests. His dedication is rare. His fire is real. And it was a true honor to spend time learning what drives him to keep returning year after year. Frankie reminds us that haunting is not simply a performance. It is devotion. It is love for the scare. It is a promise you make to yourself to show up even when the world is heavy.I walked away from this conversation believing even more in the power of this community. Frankie is the type of haunter who keeps the nightmare alive.

    Let's start a RIOT!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 70:29


    This episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast dives into the mind of Riot, a traveling actor who has spent the last five years pouring his soul into the world of haunting. From fog-filled nights to the roar of chainsaws and screams in the dark, Riot's passion burns brighter with every season.

    Saving Halloween: The Story of John Acors and Dark Acres

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 95:57


    In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we step into the fog-filled backyard of one man's obsession, Dark Acres. For 13 years, John Acors has transformed his own home into a 2000 square foot haunted world, built by hand, fueled by heart, and opened for one night only on Halloween. What began as a small neighborhood scare has grown into a tradition that captures the spirit of what haunting is all about.Every wall he builds and every scream that echoes through the night is powered by pure passion. John isn't chasing fame or money. He's chasing the feeling of keeping Halloween alive for everyone who still believes in the magic, the mystery, and the thrill of being scared. His story is one of late nights, creativity, and community.Saving Halloween is a reminder that you don't need a big budget or a massive team to create something unforgettable. All you need is heart, imagination, and a love for the season that never dies.

    Behind the Fear : The Legacy of Ms Laurel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 100:30


    Buckle up haunters this is our longest episode yet and for good reason. We're diving deep with the one and only Ms. Laurel (Angelica) a haunting legend whose name is carved into the very walls of Laurel's House of Horror in Maryland.With 18 years of experience, Ms. Laurel's story is more than just about scaring. It's about passion, purpose, and a love for the art that refuses to fade. Her dedication shines through every scream, every performance, and every night she steps into character. She embodies what it means to live and breathe haunting, inspiring others to chase their own creative fire without fear.This episode isn't just a conversation. It's a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the unstoppable heart of a haunter.This Carousel Never Stops Spinning.

    Painted in Fear :

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 80:26


    From the depths of Reapers Revenge in Pennsylvania rises a makeup artist whose creativity turns fear into art Jess FX

    Funny Bones: Where Laughter Meets Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 80:13


    Welcome to Haunted Gallows in Burrillville, Rhode Island, where laughter turns to screams and passion fuels the darkness. In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur Snagz and Steve Mr. Sweets step into the eerie world of Funny Bones, a veteran haunter with over thirteen years of haunting in his soul.Funny Bones isn't just about scaring people—he's about connecting with them. Every scream, every jump, every look of terror is an interaction that feeds his fire. Through his years at Haunted Gallows, he's built relationships that run deeper than makeup and masks, creating a legacy based on emotion, dedication, and heart.Step into the circus of shadows and discover how Funny Bones keeps his art alive, one scream at a time.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 85:13


    Some people find haunting…Others are born into it.In this spine-tingling new episode, The Dark Carousel Podcast welcomes Jada Nichole, the powerhouse costume and actor manager from Laurel's House of Horror and the daughter of none other than Mandy Gibson. The haunt world runs deep in her veins, stitched together with fabric, fear, and pure determination.Arthur (Snagz) and Steve (Mr. Sweets) dive headfirst into the madness that is Jada's world , from late-night wardrobe meltdowns and actor wrangling to her dream of becoming a full-blown costume designer. She's tough, talented, terrifyingly organized… and just chaotic enough to thrive in the dark.Oh, and let's be clear .She's gunning for more followers than her mom now. Let's help her make it happen.

    Buckshot Unleashed: Sliding into Madness at Laurel's House of Horror

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 68:32


    In this blood-splattered installment of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur (Snagz) and Steve (Mr. Sweets) descend into the chaotic world of Buckshot, the fearless haunt slider of Laurel's House of Horror in Maryland.From his first night in the fog to the adrenaline of every spark that flies beneath his gloves, Buckshot opens up about his origins, pain, passion, and the art of fear. He shares the dangers behind the slide, the thrill of connection with the crowd, and the emotional weight of what it truly means to be a haunter.It's raw. It's real. It's relentless.This is Buckshot unmasked, unfiltered, and unstoppable.

    Through the Gates: John LaFlamboy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 91:42


    On this electrifying new episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur and Steve sit down with the mastermind of terror himself, John LaFlamboy , the creator of HellsGate Haunted House and Zombie Army Productions.From his theatre beginnings to running Statesville Prison, and finally raising the gates of one of the most immersive haunted attractions in the country, John shares a journey filled with creativity, sacrifice, and pure haunting magic.For one of the very first times on the podcast, Arthur is left completely speechless, overwhelmed by John's passion and the dark legacy of HellsGate. This isn't just an interview, it's a descent into the very soul of haunting.

    The Haunting Hands of MacFX

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 76:16


    Arthur and Steve step into the fog drenched halls of Laurel's House of Horror to face off with McKenzie, a makeup artist and actress whose work embodies terror itself. She reveals how she first entered the haunt world, what inspired her to master SFX makeup, and the dedication it takes to bring nightmarish characters to life. From the chaos of show nights to the meaning she finds in haunting, McKenzie pulls back the curtain on the artistry that makes Laurel's one of Maryland's most unforgettable attractions.

    Behind the Masks : AJ Good

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 73:16


    In this chilling new episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur (Snagz) and Steve (Mr. Sweets) pull back the curtain with none other than AJ Good of The House of Masks, one of the most respected and controversial voices in the mask-collecting world.From his earliest memories of Halloween to the rise of his legendary collection, AJ opens up about the passion, obsession, and raw emotion that fuels his journey. We dig into the iconic legacy of Don Post Studios, Be Something, Topstone, and other vintage mask makers, while diving headfirst into AJ's lifelong connection to Slipknot and the darker corners of horror culture.But this isn't just history ,it's brutal honesty. We ask the questions others won't: the darkest fan requests, the weight of legacy, and what it means to let masks define your identity. At the same time, AJ shares the highs, the victories, and what this community truly means to him.Whether you're a diehard Slipknot fan, a vintage mask hunter, or a Halloween fiend, this episode is a blood-soaked love letter to the art of masks ,and a reminder that this carousel never stops spinning.

    Painted in Fear: Mandy Gibson & Laurel's House of Horror

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 84:55


    Step inside the airbrush world of Mandy Gibson, the makeup artist behind some of the most chilling faces at Laurel's House of Horror.

    Blood, Smoke & grimy Smiles: Rochelle's Curse

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 75:22


    In this chilling episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we welcome Rochelle, a powerhouse haunt actress and makeup artist from Disturbia Haunted House in Chicago. For the past four years, Rochelle has been dominating the haunt scene as a performer ,and she's still kicking ass every night she steps into character. On top of that, she's now approaching her second year as a makeup artist, transforming fear into flesh with jaw-dropping detail and gruesome creativity.Known for her terrifyingly immersive performances and grotesque FX artistry, Rochelle has built a reputation for bringing nightmares to life with spine-tingling precision. She takes us deep into her creative process, from crafting horrifying looks that drip with realism, to embodying monsters that blur the line between actor and nightmare.We explore her inspirations, her most shocking haunt moments, and the raw dedication it takes to thrive in the haunted attraction world. Rochelle's passion for haunting is more than just performance ,I t's about creating unforgettable experiences, pushing boundaries, and living the art of fear.⚠️ This Carousel Never Stops Spinning ⚠️

    Scott Dieterman: Sliding in the Haunt industry.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 82:05


    In this powerful episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with Scott Dieterman, the founder of Slider Dynamix and one of the most influential figures in the art of sliding within the haunt industry. From his very first sparks to building a movement that redefined how scare actors perform, Scott opens up about his journey, struggles, and triumphs.Listeners will hear the raw emotions behind his sliding career. The adrenaline of the scare, the meaningful moments that shaped him, the funny mishaps along the way, and the deep connection he feels to haunting. Scott also reflects on training the next generation of sliders, the culture of the haunt community, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.Join us as sparks fly, memories unfold, and we dive deep into what sliding truly means to one of its greatest pioneers.

    sliding haunt industry
    Bladez the Clown: Fear in Formaldehyde

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 66:42


    Step into the shadows with us as we welcome the one and only Bladez the Clown !!!a character as chilling as she is captivating. Known for her grotesque beauty and unflinching commitment to the art of haunting, Bladez takes fear to an entirely new dimension.Not only does she embody a horrifyingly unique clown persona crawling with decay, maggots, and menace ,but she also draws inspiration from her real-world path as an embalming apprentice. Her performance is more than a mask; it's a visceral fusion of death's rituals and the raw chaos of the haunt world. Every gesture, every look, every detail of Bladez carries the weight of her deep understanding of mortality and transformation.In this episode, Bladez opens up about her haunting journey, her inspirations, her pre-show rituals, and how she uses her embalming knowledge to elevate her character into something unforgettable. Beyond the fear, she is a true artist and a deeply passionate soul ,someone who lives to create, terrify, and inspire.This isn't just another episode , it's a dive into the mortuary of nightmares.

    The Undead Queen : Zombae Undead

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 69:16


    Step into the shadows with us as we welcome the one and only ZOMBAE! A haunting force who has turned fear into an art form.In this chilling episode, Zombae peels back the mask to reveal the story behind her terrifying transformations. From the first spark that drew her into the world of haunting, to the wild nights inside attractions, to the painstaking artistry of her makeup creations, her journey is as raw as it is inspiring.

    Flix the Clown: Where Fear and Beauty Collide

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 73:45


    Ladies and gentlemen, step right up…This week on The Dark Carousel Podcast, we descend into the haunted woods with the one and only Flix the Clown. Not only is she a terrifying performer, but she's also a master costume designer and makeup artist who pours her soul into every creation.One of her most haunting characters is Ophelia, the Dead Bride — a tragic figure with a story as sorrowful as it is terrifying. On the day she was to be married, her bridesmaids, overcome with jealousy, pushed her into a lake. That betrayal drowned her future, leaving her to rise again as a spectral bride. The sadness of Ophelia lives in every layer of Flix's design — from the veil to the decay, each detail carries grief and beauty hand-in-hand.In this episode, Flix opens up about her artistry, the blood, sweat, and tears behind her craft, and the haunting balance of terror and tragedy that makes her characters unforgettable.⚰️ The carousel never stops spinning… it spins with Flix the Clown.

    Into the trail : Part 4 ( Michael McKnight -The final boss)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 72:22


    Step deeper into the shadows as we return to the twisting, torch-lit paths of the Middletown Haunted Trail. In this chilling fourth installment of our Into the Trail series, we sit down with Michael McKnight ,Manager of the Haunted Trail at Land of Illusion.Michael has walked these woods for years, not just as a leader, but as a storyteller of fear, guiding his crew to weave nightmares that linger long after the screams fade. In this heartfelt and haunting conversation, he opens up about the craft of building terror from the ground up, the family-like bond of his team, and the eerie magic that transforms a quiet trail into a living, breathing nightmare each October.From the crunch of leaves underfoot to the distant roar of chainsaws in the dark, this episode will pull you into the very heartbeat of the trail… and remind you why some journeys are meant to be taken only under the moonlight.This carousel never stops spinning.

    VAX: The Infection Spreads

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 67:56


    In a world of twisted masks and midnight fog, some characters aren't just played ,they're lived.In this powerful and raw episode, we welcome VAX. The towering, grotesque, unforgettable force of fear known throughout the haunt community as Freak Skinny. But behind the slime, the screams, and the chaos lies a human story: one of pain, transformation, and healing through horror.We dig deep into the mind and heart behind the monster. From humble beginnings to viral moments, from late night haunt floors to emotional breakthroughs, VAX opens up about the madness that started it all, the message behind his mayhem, and the meaning of being a haunter in today's world.Whether you're in the fog every weekend or just learning the art of fear , this episode will remind you why we all haunt.This one hits the soul.

    Kate Biddle: A Decade in the Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 76:34


    Step into the shadows with us as we shine a spotlight on Kate Biddle, a powerhouse haunter who's been leaving her terrifying mark on Netherworld Haunted House in Stone Mountain, Georgia. With ten years of this beautiful horror, she's not slowing down anytime soon. From blood-curdling screams to bone-chilling characters, Kate's dedication to the craft of haunting is nothing short of inspiring.Her journey is a testament to passion, grit, and the pure love of the scare. Whether she's slathered in makeup, drenched in fog, or lunging from the darkness, Kate brings the nightmare to life with unmatched energy. Her story will leave you in awe of what it truly means to be part of this incredible haunt family.We are honored to have Kate join us on The Dark Carousel Podcast, and trust us, you definitely won't want to miss this episode.Tune in and hear firsthand how one woman turned screams into a legacy.This carousel never stops spinning…

    SINISTER SLIDE GEAR: Built for Fear, Fueled by Chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 81:24


    In this explosive episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with the mastermind of mayhem himself, Devin Carter, the creator of Sinister Slide Gear. From scraped-up knees to sparking chaos across concrete, Devin takes us deep into the origin of a movement that's transforming the world of haunt sliding.We go back to where it all began, childhood scares, wild inspiration, and the first time Devin hit the ground running (and sliding). With emotional reflections and hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, Devin shares what it means to live life on your knees, how Sinister Slide Gear became a symbol of adrenaline-fueled fear, and the heart that beats beneath the monster.This episode is packed with raw stories, gear disasters, burning passion, and the unfiltered truth about haunting as a lifestyle. From the emotional toll to the brotherhood formed in blood, sweat, and sparks, this is more than a brand. It's a legacy in motion.Because this isn't just about gear.It's about the ones who wear it… and the chaos they leave behind.

    Beneath the sparks: The legacy of Slider Jesus.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 73:27


    In this powerful continuation, The Dark Carousel Podcast dives deeper into the firestorm that forged one of the most unforgettable forces in the haunt world — Slider Jesus.Part 2 reveals the man behind the sparks — not just the flames from his knees or the chaos of his slides, but the pain, perseverance, and purpose that created the legend. From personal loss to personal power, this episode uncovers the emotional core of a character who turned grit into greatness and fear into fuel.This isn't just about haunt acting.It's about influence, endurance, and unforgettable presence.

    Into the trail - Part 3 : Cory and Kimberly (Land of Illusion)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 60:12


    Cory and Kimberly are two of Land of Illusion's most passionate and enduring trail actors, known for their relentless energy, chilling performances, and deep-rooted love for the haunt community. With years of dedication poured into the woods of Middletown, Ohio, they've transformed screams into art and fear into family. Their journey goes beyond blood and masks, it's about finding identity, healing through horror, and building a legacy in the shadows. From unforgettable scares to emotional breakthroughs, Cory and Kimberly embody what it truly means to be haunters.

    Into the Trail - Part 2: Mickey & Matt (Land of illusion)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 74:07


    Step into this dark world — where the chainsaws scream and the monsters don't blink.In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with the ruthless duo of Mickey Jackson and Mike Mateikat, two powerhouse haunters from Land of Illusion in Middletown, Ohio. From their bloody beginnings to the legacy they're carving out in the haunt world, nothing is off-limits.We dive deep into their characters, the secrets behind their scare tactics, and what it really means to serve under haunt legend Michael McKnight. You'll hear their emotional journeys, their signature haunt crutches, and some of the darkest, dumbest questions we've ever asked on this carousel of chaos.

    Fueling the Fear: The Rise of FrankenFuel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 81:45


    FrankenFuel”Description:In this electrifying episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with Mike—the brilliant mind behind @FrankenFuel, the energy drink that's shocking the haunt world and beyond. From his roots in fear to launching a brand that tastes like adrenaline and chaos, Mike shares an amazing story of passion, grit, and monstrous creativity.His love for horror, innovation, and the haunt community shines through in every word, as he takes us on the wild ride of building FrankenFuel from the ground up. You'll hear the joy in his voice as he talks about the dark adventure he's on, the risks he's taken, and what the future holds for this killer brand.

    Panik in the Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 70:56


    Step into the shadows with us as we welcome the fierce and unforgettable Dani Panik , a 16+ veteran of the haunt industry and the creative force behind the wardrobe magic at 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago. In this emotionally raw and empowering episode, Dani shares her journey from first-time scare actor to Senior Wardrobe Manager, opening up about the sacrifices, transformation, and personal growth that haunting has brought into her life.This episode dives deep into what it means to create fear with purpose, to find healing in horror, and to inspire the next generation of haunters through authenticity and grit.Whether you're a haunt actor, a fan, or just someone chasing a dream this one's for you.

    Into the Trail – Part 1: Josh & Austin (Land of Illusion)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 63:12


    In this chilling first installment of our 4-part series on the legendary Middletown Haunted Trail at Land of Illusion, we sit down with two standout haunt performers — Josh and Austin. Known for their wild energy, unmatched passion, and unforgettable scares, these two bring the chaos to life every season. From behind-the-scenes stories to hilarious haunt moments, this episode dives deep into what makes them such crowd favorites. Get ready for laughs, frights, and raw haunt passion on this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast.“This carousel never stops spinning…”

    Chuckles the Clown: Painted in Pain, Powered by Laughter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 67:26


    On this chilling episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur and Steve sit down with the one and only Chuckles the Clown!!! A haunting icon who's spent years transforming laughter into fear and trauma into terror. But behind the red nose and razor-sharp smile lies a story drenched in heart, grit, and pure haunt passion.Chuckles opens up like never before, sharing her origin story, her first time stepping into the fog, and the rituals that fuel her transformation. From the chaotic joys of clowning to the emotional scars that bleed beneath the paint, this is a raw, powerful journey through the madness and magic of the haunt industry.Hear about the good times, the nightmares, the unexpected breakdowns, and the moments that made it all worth it. Whether it's fans breaking down in tears, or personal pain turned into performance art, Chuckles leaves it all on the table.And don't miss her parting words, a message straight from the heart to any new soul brave enough to step into the dark.

    Now Entering the Big Top: VORTEX & SLINKY Unleashed!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 64:52


    MISCHIEF: THE SMILE THAT HUNTS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 63:59


    This week, the carousel grinds to a halt for only one soul… and her name is Mischief.Step into the fire-lit fog as Arthur and Steve face their most chaotic and chilling guest yet—Kelsey Livengood, better known in the haunt world as Mischief the Clown. With her devilish smile, blood-red makeup, and a reputation that haunts both sides of the funhouse mirror, Mischief is more than just a clown—she's a phenomenon.From crawling through padded rooms and owning magazine covers, to breaking boundaries in the haunt industry, Mischief opens up about character building, live show insanity, the dark psychology of clown work, and how the haunt community shaped her into the living nightmare we all admire.

    Where Monsters Are Family – The Story of Woods of Terror”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 70:31


    On this chilling episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we have the honor of welcoming one of the most respected and revered icons in the haunt industry—Eddie “Bone Daddy” McLaurin, the visionary mastermind behind Woods of Terror in Greensboro, North Carolina.With over 30 years of dedication, creativity, and raw passion, Eddie has transformed a haunted stretch of farmland into a legendary Halloween destination—one that draws thousands of thrill-seekers and actors from across the country each year. Woods of Terror isn't just a haunted attraction—it's a living, breathing ecosystem of fear, theatrical brilliance, and family. From the iconic Monster Midway to over 16 immersive haunted zones, Eddie's work is a perfect fusion of artistry, adrenaline, and soul.But Eddie is more than just the face of Bone Daddy. He's a protector of his monsters, a mentor to rising haunters, and a fierce advocate for zero tolerance toward bullying. His cast of over 100 performers isn't just a team—they're a family, united under a leader who pushes them to find their inner darkness while holding onto their sense of purpose, respect, and belonging.Eddie's influence stretches far beyond the gates of his haunt. He's known across the industry for his authenticity, leadership, and the spiritual depth he brings to his work. His story is one of endurance, creativity, and unwavering love for Halloween and the haunt community.To us, having Eddie on our show is more than just an interview—it's a celebration. A moment of appreciation for a man who has helped shape what it means to be a haunter. His legacy runs deep, and on this episode, we dive into the soul of Woods of Terror, the birth of Bone Daddy, and the future of fear itself.This is more than a conversation—it's a ride on the carousel… and tonight, it never stops spinning.On this Friday the 13th special of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we summon the spirit of one of the most iconic figures in the haunted attraction world—Eddie “Bone Daddy” McLaurin, the mastermind behind the legendary Woods of Terror in Greensboro, North Carolina.With over three decades of experience breathing life into nightmares, Eddie has built more than just a haunted attraction—he's built a haunted kingdom. From the bone-rattling energy of the Monster Midway to the heart-stopping terror inside over 16 immersive zones, Woods of Terror is a place where fear becomes family and performance becomes purpose.In this unforgettable episode, we dive deep into the mind of the man who turned dirt and junkyard remnants into one of the most respected haunts in the world. We talk about what drives Eddie, how he protects and uplifts his cast of over 100 monsters, the importance of his no-bullying policy, and how his rules and structure have created one of the strongest haunt families in the industry.Eddie opens up about his spiritual ties to the land, the meaning of Halloween, the music that fuels him, and what it truly means to wear the face of Bone Daddy. We also explore the emotional core of haunting—the pain, the pride, the legacy—and ask: will he ever pass the torch?This episode isn't just a conversation. It's a celebration of leadership, loyalty, and the haunted spirit that refuses to die.The carousel never stops spinning. And on this Friday the 13th… it spins straight into darkness

    Carnival of Screams: Inside the Mind of Cody Wilmot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 78:23


    Step right up, freaks and fiends—this week's episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast is not for the coulrophobic. We're diving headfirst into the neon nightmare with the one and only Cody Wilmot, the creative genius behind the Killer Klowns Haunted Attraction at Land of Illusion in Middletown, Ohio.From twisted circus tents to blood-drenched big tops, Cody takes us behind the greasepaint to explore what it takes to bring this chaos-fueled clown world to life. Hear how he breathes soul (and terror) into every laugh, every squeak, and every scream echoing through the fog. Whether you're a die-hard haunt actor or just love the sound of chainsaws in the dark, this episode will paint your nightmares in red and white stripes.

    Heartbeat of Horror: Data-Driven Scares with Heather Doggett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 87:05


    In this thrilling bonus episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we welcome Heather Doggett to discuss a groundbreaking innovation that's redefining fear inside the haunt industry.With real-time biometric tracking, audiences can now compete with their friends to see who gets the most scared. Attraction owners get instant dashboards showing up-to-the-minute scare data, and even haunt staff compete to deliver the most intense frights.But that's just the beginning…Heather reveals how this technology goes beyond fear—measuring frustration, contentment, and true audience engagement like never before.Get ready to step into the future of fear with Heather Doggett—only on The Dark Carousel Podcast.

    Echoes of the Banshee

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 72:22


    From Flesh to Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 61:17


    What does it take to become unforgettable inside the fog? In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, Arthur (Snagz) and Steve (Mr. Sweets) rip open the guts of character creation and show you what really goes into building a haunt persona that sticks in guests' minds long after the screams stop.From twisted backstories and blood-soaked costumes to psychological triggers and movement that disturbs, this one's for the diehard haunters. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned scare veteran, you'll walk away with the tools—and scars—to create something truly terrifying.This isn't about wearing a mask.This is about becoming the monster.

    Dinn Widdie Da Clown

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 68:31


    On this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, the guys sit down with the one and only Dinn Widdie Da Clown—a standout haunt actor from Laurel's House of Horror, located at 935 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD 20707. Dinn Widdie dives deep into how he first stepped into the haunt world, what the industry means to him, and shares some of his most unforgettable moments behind the makeup.So buckle up and brace yourself—this ride through the Dark Carousel is about to get twisted.

    We bleed for this!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 58:28


    In this episode, we rip into the passion behind haunting—from blood-soaked haunt actors to the artists who sculpt fear with makeup. This is our ritual, our obsession, our family. Welcome to the macabre beauty of the scare.

    Hunters of the Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 61:55


    Snagz hits North Dakota to stir up the haunt scene while Mr. Sweets crashes Sonic Temple with pure chaos. MR. Sweets and Snagz dive into the thrill of being hunters — whether stalking scares in a haunt or chasing the next adrenaline rush.

    Look what the cat dragged in.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 56:15


    On this spine-chilling episode of the Dark Carousel Podcast, the two clowns have clawed their way out of their graves, drenched in the shadows of the unknown, ready to drag you into the most terrifying, pulse-pounding show on the Internet. The lights are flickering, the air is thick with whispers, and there's no turning back now.Buckle up… this ride only goes deeper into the dark.

    We're back!!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 46:00


    Tonight episode Mr. Sandman and Mr. Sweets talk about our favorite thing on earth, HORROR MOVIES!!!! So, buckle up and come take a ride on the Dark Carousel Podcast.

    nothing special

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 6:00


    Well.... we'll talk about what ever we want

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 30:25


    this episode we bounce around talking about random things then sandman shows up and saves the day.

    Sweets and Possibilities

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 22:16


    This episode is a quickie.... july possible comicon visit.

    Movie talk and rants

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 59:41


    On this episode we talk a little about some horror films then we rant about what bothers us in the haunt world.

    Old Sweets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 12:03


    Just a quick recap of upcoming events

    Grim Trails Haunted attraction (Ky)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 51:32


    On this episode, we sit down and talk with the owner and manager of the Grim Trails haunted attraction in Louisville, Kentucky. They go over the details on their creepy mythical haunt, which you got to see! Based on folklore, fairy tales, and all mythical creatures You wouldn't want to miss this spooky episode.

    We have a interview!!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 17:55


    This episode is short.... Snagz is sick so Sweets hops on real quick to go over the next show. We have a interview from a haunt out of louisville KY. It will feature on our next show so stay tuned.

    Half way to Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 46:04


    This episode we talk about some of the haunts we've interviewed in the past and hopefully some future interviews. Plus we talk a little about the D&D movie.

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