
Hosted by By Pumpkin's Light · EN

Brandon Redenius, founder of Black Mast, a merch company mixing the glamorous and gothic with camp and drag, joins the lair to share childhood Halloween memories from Northern California, his favorite spooky season activities, and how his love for Disney villains and pirates inspired the Black Mast name and aesthetic. He also shares what sets his bold, spooky, campy designs apart, his collaborative process creating merch for drag icons like Bianca Del Rio, and why he's passionate about slow fashion over fast-fashion giants. Plus, Brandon reveals his favorite part about connecting with fans at events like Midsummer Scream and his dream collaboration.

In this episode, we welcome writer, actor, musician, and producer Sean Keller to discuss his lifelong love of Halloween and the creative projects that keep him in the spooky realm year-round. Sean shares childhood Halloween memories, reveals how he and his wife, Chelsea Stardust, plan their killer couple's costumes, and dives into his work writing horror for companies like Blumhouse and Hulu, getting original songs placed in films like Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, and penning Slashed! The Musical—an 80s slasher musical. We also explore the origin story behind The Killer Sounds of Halloween, his four-album series of original Halloween songs by fake bands, and how he inhabits alter egos like The Quickies, Krimson Ghost, and Dullboi to create music that feels instantly authentic and familiar.

If you haven't heard of the Ghouldaddies yet, you're about to become a fan. Matthew & Paul, the LA-based duo taking the spooky corner of the Internet by storm, join Mike and Miranda to chat about their love of Halloween and horror, how they built their brand, and some of the incredible opportunities it's brought their way — from Knott's Scary Farm ambassadorships to horror movie premieres. Plus, they're sharing their must-visit SoCal spots and what they're most excited about this Halloween season.

In this episode, we welcome Mike and Matt — part of the team behind Halloweeniacs, a podcast celebrating all things spooky on the 13th and 31st of each month. The guys share their childhood Halloween memories, discuss whether year-round Halloween culture is diluting the season's magic or making it better, and reveal their October traditions. We dive into how they connected to create Halloweeniacs, their famous "Reese's or a Rock" rating scale, and the most controversial "Rock" ratings they've ever given. We've also got a special edition of our Lightning Round to wrap things up.

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.