Season 2 of Working the Fright Shift launches with this week’s Fear Architects, who are none other than the legendary Midnight Syndicate — the duo whose dark, orchestral soundtracks have defined the atmosphere of Halloween for nearly three decades. We dive into their origins, their evolution, their groundbreaking live shows at Cedar Point Halloweekends, and the creative alchemy that made them the heartbeat of Halloween.

This week’s Horror Blueprint breaks down one of the most iconic horror creations of all time and explores how its cinematic DNA continues to influence modern haunts. And in Echoes of the Past, we journey into a major piece of haunt history that connects directly to my own path in Halloween themed entertainment.

The lights are low, the fog is rising, and the Fright Shift begins now.

Season 2 of Working the Fright Shift continues its exploration of the people and ideas shaping Halloween themed entertainment. Hosted by Ted Dougherty—award‑winning author, writer, and director for Halloween themed experiences—the podcast returns with new conversations that highlight the creators, performers, historians, and innovators driving this unique industry forward.

This season takes a closer look at how Halloween, horror and haunts evolve, how immersive stories are built, and how cultural influences shape the way we experience fear. Through thoughtful interviews and behind‑the‑scenes insights, Ted offers a clear, engaging look at the craft, collaboration, and creativity behind these seasonal experiences.

Whether you work in the field or simply love the world of haunts, Season 2 provides an accessible, insightful look at the community and creativity that define Halloween entertainment. 

Working the Fright Shift continues—with plenty more to explore.

This creepy holiday bonus is wrapped in shadows and delivered straight to your ears as a gift of terror filled with fun frights!

In The Horror Blueprint, we chart a twisted subgenre where eerie spirits gather at your door, caroling with shrieking voices screaming through the winter night.

With a variant on Fear Architects, we twist the spotlight toward one of the great horror architects in history—unearthing the chilling foundations they built—and unveil a special surprise lurking within the same segment.

In Echoes of the Past, the frost creeps in as we explore a chilling, cold subject that rattles like icy chains in the dark.

Pour some hot cocoa, keep the fire burning, and brace yourself…

...this holiday horror gift is yours to unwrap.

In our Season 1 finale of Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by legendary scare actor and horror makeup artist Anthony Dalbis, our featured Fear Architect whose transformative characters and grotesque creations have stalked the fog for decades. 

With a scream in his step and a brush in his hand, Anthony blurs the line between performer and creator—embodying terror while crafting the faces of fear from the ground up. 

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we explore horror creates unforgettable haunt icons. Then, in Echoes of the Past, I reflect on the scary monsters and haunts and how that helped shape my own creative path. Hold your breath and brace for the reveal… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by Salem and Sleepy Hollow historian Dani October, our featured Fear Architect whose deep dives into witch trials, folklore, and haunted heritage have cast a spell over scholars and scare fans alike. 

With a passion for truth wrapped in mystery, Dani unearths the real stories behind the legends—revealing how history itself can be the most chilling narrative of all. 

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we explore the elements of horror shape the way we experience fear. Then, in Echoes of the Past, I trace how haunts of yesterday helped my own creative journey. Light your lantern and step carefully… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by Shawn and Carmelle Marshall, the dynamic duo behind Parks and Cons, our featured Fear Architects whose tireless coverage of themed entertainment has become a lifeline for fans craving haunt news, park updates, and convention thrills. 

With cameras rolling and mics hot, they’ve documented countless scare attractions from the front lines—capturing the pulse of the community one fog-filled walkthrough at a time. 

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we dive into haunt culture and explore how that shapes seasonal fear.  Then, in Echoes of the Past, I reflect on the shifting landscape of Halloween’s past and how that inspired my own creative path. Grab your lanyard and charge your battery… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by special effects technician Jacob Larson, our featured Fear Architect whose mechanical mayhem and gruesome ingenuity have powered some of the most unforgettable scares in the industry. 

From home haunting to pneumatic terror, animatronic monstrosities, or blood rigs that erupt on cue, Jacob engineers the chaos that makes audiences scream, flinch, and come back for more. 

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we crack open the toolbox of fear.  Then, in Echoes of the Past, I trace the lineage of scare experiences, and how those screams shaped my own creative evolution. 

Buckle up and brace for impact… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by media and haunt culture icon Hauntina, our featured Fear Architect whose digital presence has electrified the horror community with glam-gore tutorials, behind-the-scenes haunt tours, and unapologetic scary style.

With a flair for the theatrical and a pulse on what fans crave, Hauntina bridges the gap between creator and audience—turning every post into a celebration of fear, fandom, and fierce individuality.

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we explore factors that terrify and haunt us.

Then, in Echoes of the Past, I reflect on the evolution of Halloween and how those cultural shifts shaped my own creative journey.

Lights, camera, scream… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by sound designer Dan Bieranowski, our featured Fear Architect whose sonic sorcery has rattled walls and spines across haunted attractions and immersive experiences. From guttural growls to spectral whispers, Dan crafts the invisible architecture of dread—using frequency, distortion, and silence to summon fear from the shadows.

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we tune into the psychology of a classic example of fear, dissecting how horror manipulates emotion and amplifies terror.

Then, in Echoes of the Past, I explore the legacy of horrors of long ago—and how those eerie echoes shaped my own creative path. 

Dim the lights and crank the subwoofer… 

This week on Working the Fright Shift, we’re joined by special effects horror artist Michael "Rib" Ribagin, our featured Fear Architect whose twisted creations have haunted stages, scream parks, and nightmares alike. As a master of blood, latex, and illusion, Rib brings monsters to life with a sculptor’s eye and a mad scientist’s flair—blurring the line between reality and terror.

In our Horror Blueprint segment, we peel back the skin (literally) on what makes visual fear so visceral. 

Then, in Echoes of the Past, I dig into the legacy of scare entertainment and how those gruesome inspirations shaped my own creative journey.

Sharpen your fangs and cue the fog…