The Secrets of Spookyworld with David Bertolino

The Secrets of Spookyworld with David Bertolino

Author: Brian Foreman & Darryl Plunkie: Haunters, Scare Actors, Haunt Owners May 31, 2026 Duration: 1:19:26
We're going live with one of the true pioneers of the haunted attraction industry — David Bertolino, the founder of Spooky World.
 
If you've ever been through a professional haunt and wondered what really goes into creating those experiences, this is your chance to hear it straight from someone who helped shape the industry. From its early days as a haunted hayride to becoming a full-scale Halloween destination, Spooky World has set the standard for immersive scares, detailed sets, and high-energy performances.
 
During this live, expect real behind-the-scenes insight — not just about what you see as a guest, but what it actually takes to run a major haunted attraction year after year. We'll be talking about what works, what doesn't, and how the industry has evolved over time. Whether you're a haunt fan, actor, or someone thinking about getting into the business, this is a rare opportunity to learn from experience you won't find anywhere else.
 
Join the Haunter's Toolbox Facebook Group to attend the next live session if you missed this one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/haunterstoolbox
 
 
Join the Haunter's Toolbox membership and start your own Haunted Attraction Business.
 
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Ever wondered how the chilling atmosphere of a professional haunted house is really built, or what it takes to make a scare actor’s performance truly unforgettable? HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters pulls back the heavy black curtain on the world of professional scares. Hosts Brian Foreman and Darryl Plunkie aren’t just commentators; they’re working haunters, scare actors, and haunt owners who live this passion year-round. In each episode, they sit down with the artists, builders, and visionaries who create the terrifying events we love, capturing their personal stories and hard-won expertise. This podcast is built on practical, real-world advice, focusing on how you can design effective scares and build compelling attractions without relying on a massive budget. It’s a deep, conversational dive into the craft, from makeup techniques and set design to the psychology of fear and the business of Halloween. You’ll hear the triumphs, the creative problem-solving, and the dedicated community that brings the haunting season to life. Tune in for an authentic look behind the screams, where passion for the art form is always the main topic.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters
Podcast Episodes
Scare Actor Training & Managing with Fright Nights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Halloween Hollow Haunted House: Starting from ground zero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Eddie McLaurin is the creator and owner of the Woods of Terror haunted attraction in Greensboro, North Carolina. Here's a brief overview of his story: Family Legacy: The Woods of Terror sits on land that has been in McLa…
Terror in the Corn with Bart Butler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ask the Haunt Expert: Bart Butler from Terror in the Corn Hosted by HauntersToolbox.com Bart Butler is the show director for Terror in the Corn in Eerie, Colorado. Bart answers all of your haunted attraction-related ques…
Haunt Marketing, Haunt Dolls, & Conjured Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:21
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How to get more people to your Haunted Attraction: Philip Hernandez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:16
Philip Hernandez, the founder of the Haunted Attraction Network and CEO of Gantom, answers all of your marketing questions. He has experience in social media, marketing, video & audio, theme parks, haunted attractions, p…
Create Killer Videos and Photos of Your Haunt with Haunting Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:44
Scott and Jewel Simonson answer all of your questions about creating killer videos and photos at your haunt, marketing on a budget, retaining your actors, haunt technology, and other questions you have about Haunted Attr…
Ask the Haunt Expert: Leonard Pickel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:44
Start, grow, and scale your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com In this episode, we discuss many things like Scare Actors, Safety, Timed Ticketing, Wall panels, Haunt Construction, Tent Haunts, Outdoor Trails, Inte…