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.
 
Reward, recognize, and retain your haunt crew with Merit Badges for Haunters ScareItBadges.com

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
Terror in the Corn: Mazes, Marketing, Management & Monsters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:36
Join the haunt community at HauntersToolbox.com and start your own haunted attraction or grow your current haunt business. Get instant access to haunt master classes, the haunt library, haunt vendor discounts, and haunt…
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Duration: 2:01:00
What makes a Haunt a GREAT one? The Scare Factor reveals their secret list of what they look for as they review haunted attractions. What to do and what not to do. We all can improve our attractions, here's your list. Be…
Haunted Hollows & Warehouse of Nightmares [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:23
Come with us as we tour a couple of haunted attractions in and around Hannibal, Missouri. Haunted Hollows Haunted Trail Warehouse of Nightmares Don't forget your ScareIt Badges for your Haunt parties and to reward your h…
WickedFest: Halloween/Horror Con in Hannibal,MO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:06
Hannibal's inaugural Halloween & Horror Con! October 7th 2023 ~ 1:00PM until 9:00PM Celebrity Guests, Vendors and Costume Contest. Kids 10 and under are free. Price of admission: $20.00 Guaranteed to be frighteningly fun…
Are your Scare Actors ready? Japes Palles helps you get them ready. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:31
Get your Haunt started at HauntersToolbox.com Japes Palles, a scare actor manager and scare actor, shares many tips and tactics to build a strong team and how to make your haunted attraction one to remember. We cover thi…
The Haunt Hour: We get interviewed by Dan, Troy, & Suzie! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:55
Check out the Haunt Hour every Tuesday and their LIVE program for Haunters at https://www.facebook.com/haunthour The tables have turned! We get drilled by the team at Haunt Hour. Everything from how we got started in Hal…
Haunt Tips from the Haunted Attraction Association [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:16
The Haunted Attraction Network interviewed 5 new board members from the Haunted Attraction Association about their experience in the haunt industry and picked their brains. You get to enjoy their tips & strategies! To ch…