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.

Arriving with a force all his own, Karl O’Connor joins Working the Fright Shift to talk about The Nightmare Realm, the internationally acclaimed Irish scream park known for its cinematic worlds and boundary‑pushing approach to fear. As co‑founder and creative visionary, Karl has helped transform the haunt landscape in Ireland and beyond, crafting experiences that are as theatrical as they are terrifying.

In this chapter of The Horror Blueprint, we look to a true master of fear — a figure whose influence continues to shape how creators build tension, dread, and unforgettable scares. And in Echoes of the Past, we travel back through formative fright encounters that pulled me into the world of Halloween entertainment, the kinds of experiences where you weren’t just watching the story… you were pulled into its grip.

Step forward into the shadows – The Fright Shift awaits…

This week on Working the Fright Shift, I sit down with Claire Dunlap, co‑creator of Midsummer Scream and Spooky Swap Meet, and one of the most influential producers shaping the modern Halloween fan experience. Claire has helped build some of the most beloved Halloween gatherings anywhere, blending community, artistry, and a deep love of Halloween into every project she touches.

In this episode’s The Horror Blueprint, we drift into something ghostly and lingering. And in Echoes of the Past, we revisit childhood frights that once lived under beds and now echo through the work I create in Halloween entertainment today.

Within the Fright Shift, memories linger and Halloween awakens.

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…