In this episode of Working the Fright Shift, Ted Dougherty sits down with two creative forces shaping the next wave of immersive entertainment: Allison Fox and Nate Weber of 88Twenty Group. Allison brings years of leadership in large‑scale experiential production, guiding teams through the complex world of themed entertainment and live events. Nate, a veteran in creative development and technical strategy, has helped build experiences that blend storytelling, design, and audience engagement with precision and imagination.

Together, they helm 88Twenty Group, a company known for
producing high‑impact attractions, live experiences, and branded events across
the country. Their work spans concept development, creative direction,
fabrication, and full‑scale production—helping studios, parks, and
entertainment brands bring ambitious ideas to life. 

This episode’s Horror Blueprint drifts into the realm of ancient cosmic dread—while Echoes of the past explores a lineage of characters who have shaped
fear for generations.

Season 3 continues with creators who build the extraordinary—and stories that remind us why the strange corners of imagination never stop expanding.

The Fright Shift has terrifying new ideas — step closer and hear it breathe.

Season 3 of Working the Fright Shift opens with a landmark conversation recorded live at the world‑famous Halloween convention, Midsummer Scream. Ted Dougherty sits down with David Bertolino—the creator of Spooky World, one of the most influential and wildly ambitious Halloween scream parks ever built. Long before modern scream parks became the norm, Spooky World blended celebrity appearances, horror icons, elaborate sets, and outrageous entertainment into a Halloween destination that helped define an entire generation of fear‑based experiences.

In this special live episode, David shares stories from the early days of building a haunt empire, the unexpected moments that shaped Spooky World’s legacy, and how its impact continues to ripple through the industry today.

This week’s Horror Blueprint opens the door to a curious corner of fear—those strange beliefs people cling to when the unknown feels a little too close. And in Echoes of the Past, we tune into a chilling chapter of horror history where terror traveled not through visuals, but through something far more invisible… and far more unsettling.

Season 3 begins with a legend, a live audience, and a journey into the strange corners of fear that still whisper to us.

Clock in to Working the Fright Shift - there’s a fresh chill in the air, and it’s looking right at you.

Season 3 of Working the Fright Shift steps even further into the creative engine that powers Halloween entertainment. Hosted by Ted Dougherty—award‑winning author, writer, and director for Halloween theme park attractions—the podcast returns with a new slate of topics and conversations that spotlight the makers, thinkers, and storytellers shaping the future of fear.

This season explores how the Halloween themed entertainment industry adapts to new technologies, audience expectations, and creative challenges. From the craft of designing unforgettable scares to the cultural threads that keep horror
thriving, Ted guides listeners through insightful interviews and behind‑the‑scenes
perspectives that reveal how these eerie worlds come to life.

Whether you build haunted attractions, love the artistry behind them, or simply enjoy a good seasonal scare, Season 3 offers a thoughtful, entertaining look at the
evolving landscape of Halloween experiences.

Working the Fright Shift continues—where the night always has new stories to tell.

As we bring Season 2 of Working the Fright Shift to a close, we return to our conversation with Ken Parks, the current Vice President of Creative Development for Corporate Planning & Design at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, whose creative fingerprints are etched into the very soul of Knott’s Scary Farm. In this second chapter, we shift from stages to the legendary attractions he helped shape — the kind of work that didn’t just entertain guests but redefined what a Halloween theme park event could be.

For this edition of The Horror Blueprint, we confront one of the scariest horror creations ever publicized. And in Echoes of the Past, we tackle one of the most pivotal questions in Halloween theme park history, tracing how its answers continue to steer my own creative compass today.

Close the gates behind you as we clock out...of Season 2 of Working the Fright Shift.

In this week's Working the Fright Shift, we sit down with Ken Parks, the current Vice President of Creative Development for Corporate Planning & Design at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, whose creative DNA is forever intertwined with the legacy of Knott’s Scary Farm. From his early days performing and writing shows to helping shape the groundbreaking world of Ghost Town Alive, Ken’s career is a masterclass in storytelling, character, and theme park innovation.

In this edition of The Horror Blueprint, we wade into a long‑running horror debate.  And in Echoes of the Past, we follow the guides who led thousands into the dark and helped carve the path toward the Halloween entertainment I create today.

Step into the story — the fog has plenty to say inside The Fright Shift.

Haunt Comp takes center stage this week as we shine a light on the annual haunted house design competition that’s become a launchpad for rising haunt creators and a celebration of the craft behind immersive fear. Joining us as this episode’s Fear Architects are Xochilt Khoury, Executive Producer and Co‑Founder, and Taylor Scott, Executive Producer — two driving forces who’ve helped transform Haunt Comp into a creative arena where innovation, artistry, and Halloween passion collide.

In The Horror Blueprint, we pull inspiration from one of horror’s legendary trailblazers.  

Then, in Echoes of the Past, we revisit a foundational form of horror entertainment that paved the way for modern haunts and shaped my own path into this world of shadows and storytelling.

Strap in — it’s time to clock in to Working the Fright Shift.

Joining Working the Fright Shift is Jordan of Cupcakes and Coasters, the sharp‑witted creator whose blend of theme park insight, humor, and honesty has made her one of the most recognizable voices in the UK coaster and attractions community. From deep‑dive essays to spirited critiques, she brings a perspective that’s equal parts fan passion and industry savvy.

In this edition of The Horror Blueprint, we tune our ears to the sonic textures that make fear vibrate.  

In Echoes of the Past, we wander back to the places where graves line the fog‑filled hillside, tracing how those early encounters with atmosphere continue to shape the Halloween worlds I work on today.

Follow the fog — it always knows the way into The Fright Shift.

This week on Working the Fright Shift, I shine a spotlight on Jamie Weisgerber, the creative force behind Samhain’s Lot, one of Southern California’s most beloved and meticulously crafted home haunts. Jamie’s passion for Halloween, his cinematic eye for detail, and his ability to transform a neighborhood yard into a fully realized world have earned him admiration from fans, fellow haunters, and industry pros alike.

In this episode’s The Horror Blueprint, we explore the lighter side of fear — those playful, mischievous horrors that remind us Halloween can be just as fun as it is frightening. And in Echoes of the Past, we revisit a few iconic haunt experiences that shaped my own journey in Halloween entertainment.

Mind the pumpkins — they tend to lead you places inside The Fright Shift…

Stepping into Working the Fright Shift this week is Jonathan Casco, the talented creator behind The Hauntline, a series that provides exciting live streams as well as documentary‑style explorations to chronicle the artistry, history, and heartbeat of the haunt community. Jonathan’s eye for mood, his reverence for the craft, and his ability to elevate haunt and review storytelling have made him one of the most compelling voices documenting haunt culture today.

For this installment of The Horror Blueprint, we turn our attention to a true horror icon. 

And in Echoes of the Past, we journey back through the formative haunt experiences that shaped my creative path.

Follow the signal – The Hauntline enters The Fright Shift.

We dive into the wonderfully twisted world of Adam and Jess Dollins of AdamJessFX, the creative duo turning imagination into creatures, characters, and uncanny practical effects that feel startlingly alive. We outline their journey from immersive performers to full‑blown makers - equal parts artistry and deep respect for the craft of Halloween fun and fear. 

In this week’s Horror Blueprint, we explore the tactile thrills of tabletop terrors and how physical play can shape the way we think about tension, strategy, and dread.

 Echoes of the Past drifts into the legacy of midnight fright traditions that once blended illusion and horror into unforgettable live experiences, tracing how those roots still pulse through modern Halloween entertainment. 

Working the Fright Shift celebrates the creators who keep the shadows moving.