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Is it possible for a witch to change the world? If you're Borah!, the answer is a wickedly enthusiastic YES.

In this enchanting episode of Horror Heals, we sit down with Salem’s spellbinding star, Borah! — the beloved persona of Brian Sims, who has become a mainstay in the spooky streets of Salem and a symbol of joy, healing, and self-expression for thousands.

Borah! The Witch Who Cast a Spell on Salem (and Us!)

We talk about:

• How a viral German witch dance sparked the creation of Borah!
• Moving to Salem and discovering a deeper connection to self and community
• What it's like officiating weddings (and divorce parties!) as a fabulous witch
• The healing power of horror, Halloween, and embracing your weirdness
• Stories of fans and strangers whose lives have been touched by Borah!'s presence
• Ghosts, haunted places, abandoned resorts — and why we love them
• And yes… why Jamie Lee Curtis needs to come on Horror Heals 🧡

Whether you’ve seen Borah! twirling through the Halloween streets of Salem, judging costume contests at cons, or spreading joy online, this episode is a celebration of the magic that happens when you fully become you.

Don’t miss this one — it’s warm, funny, heartfelt, and just a little witchy.

Guest Bio:

🧹 Meet Borah! (aka Brian Sims)

Borah! is the high-heeled, high-spirited witch alter ego of Brian Sims — a performer, creator, and community figure based in Salem, Massachusetts. What started as a Halloween witch dance in 2016 has evolved into a year-round celebration of spooky joy, inclusion, and personal expression. Borah! is a regular fixture at cons like Silver Scream and Spooky Empire, a judge of costume contests, an officiant of wonderfully weird weddings, and a source of healing and laughter for thousands who encounter them in person and online.

Borah!’s mission? To remind everyone that it's okay to be different, weird, and wildly yourself — and that sometimes, the best magic is just being seen and celebrated.

Follow Borah! on Instagram: @salemsblackhatsociety

Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. 

Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.

If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.

You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.

Horror Heals is produced by How the Cow Ate the Cabbage LLC.

Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.