Welcome award-winning author Culliver Crantz to the lair to discuss his middle-grade horror series, "FrightVision," where each book connects to a larger mysterious experiment. Culliver shares his childhood Halloween memories, reveals the truth behind his origin story involving "cursed screws," and explains how spooky stories hook reluctant readers — including his work with young writers through FrightStorming workshops and "Exhibit A," a collection of over 60 kid-authored tales. With the final FrightVision book releasing April 14, 2026, Culliver teases what's in store and reveals which of his own monsters he'd be most terrified to face in real life.

Claire Dunlap, event producer behind Spooky Swap Meet and co-producer of Midsummer Scream, joins Mike and Miranda in the lair to share how Spooky Swap Meet was born during the pandemic, why Heritage Square Museum's Victorian manors are the perfect setting, and how she creates inclusive events for families and haunt fans alike. They also discuss Claire's childhood Halloween obsession, life as a self-described "decor hoarder," and favorite moments from the year-round Halloween community.

Today, Mike and Miranda welcome John Brhel, the artist behind Spooky Shake Studios, to the lair to discuss how he turned his year-round Halloween obsession into a thriving business creating spooky-cute art that celebrates all things October 31st. John shares childhood Halloween memories from New York, reveals how he makes every day feel like Halloween, and the surreal experience of having Jennifer Love Hewitt tattoo his artwork on her arm.

In this episode, we welcome Julia Halina Hadas, the magical mixologist behind Witchcraft Cocktails, to discuss how she blends her witchcraft practice with craft cocktail expertise. Julia shares her journey from San Francisco bartender to author, explaining how she transforms recipes into spells and why ingredients like herbs, crystals, and intention matter. We also dive into her latest book, Mystical Mocktails, her Halloween memories and traditions, and how she celebrates spooky season as a practicing witch.

Jason McKittrick, the artist behind The Cryptocurium and co-creator of the beloved Order of the Thinned Veil, joins Mike and Miranda in the lair to talk about Halloween, horror, and the art of handmade monsters. Jason shares stories from his childhood Halloweens, his love of vintage autumnal nostalgia, and the eerie inspirations behind his "handmade horrors," including his longtime fascination with Lovecraftian creatures. From sculpting rituals to a decade of creative chemistry with Sam Heimer — and even a peek inside his paranormal podcast Other Dangers — this episode is a celebration of spooky art and the magic of keeping Halloween alive all year long.

Meet the wildly creative Spooky Professor, a professional cosplayer known for bringing iconic horror characters, and her own original creations, to life at SoCal's biggest Halloween and horror events. From childhood Halloween memories and dream costumes to the painstaking process behind transformations like Poe and Gilly Anne Phibian, she shares what fuels her love of spooky cosplay. It's a fun, fang-filled look at Halloween, horror, and the art of becoming someone (or something) else for the night.

Meet Ben Farthing, a horror author whose love of Halloween and storytelling began in childhood and now fuels a body of work steeped in liminal spaces, nightmares, and eerie imagination. He joins the lair to explore his earliest Halloween memories, the traditions he keeps today, the writers and weird tales that shaped him, and the inspirations behind his viral books — including The 31st Trick-or-Treater and the "I Found Horror" series.

Composer and pianist Juli Draney joins the lair to explore the childhood Halloween memories and musical inspirations that eventually led her to create the whimsical world of Henry's Halloween. She shares how her early love of costumes, traditions, and storytelling shaped both the original book and its evolution into a full rock opera ballet that blends classical, metal, funk, and dance into a magical, immersive experience.

Halloween fine artist Christopher Cox explores the childhood memories, handmade costumes, and year-round traditions that shaped his lifelong love of the holiday. He also talks about the story behind his intricate sculpted creations and his brand October Rds, offering a look into his creative process, inspirations, and the magic that fuels his witchy, whimsical work.

Sandi and Terrence, the husband/wife duo behind Spooky Cat Press, join us in the lair to talk about their lifelong love of Halloween and how it continues to shape their family and creative lives. From the origins of their iconic designs to the creative process behind their expanding product line — and even their dreams for future spooky goods — this episode is a celebration of art, nostalgia, and Halloween magic.