Episodes

Feb. 28, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 28: Listeners Choice Volume 1

Members of the Facebook Listeners Group submitted a list of topics for discussion...and here are some of them. This is the first of several episodes based on listener input. Thank you Patrick, Austin, Matthieu, Tater, and Wicksey for your suggestions....

Episode page
Feb. 25, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Flashback: Episode 9 A Scott in the Dark Making…

This episode was recorded in the midst of the 2017 Haunt Season and focuses on surviving the full run of a haunted event without losing your voice, your health or your mind. Scott discusses the importance of planning before the …

Episode page
Feb. 11, 2019

[Marketing Your Attraction] The quick & dirty Marketing Plan

Struggling with your attraction's marketing plan? This episode walks you step by step through a marketing plan. Download the template from our email list!

Episode page
Feb. 7, 2019

[HaunTopic] HAuNTcon 2019: Our review and interviews from the convent…

HAuNTcon (co-located with the Halloween and Party Expo) is one of the nations's fastest growing conventions for Haunters, Halloween buyers, and Haunted Attraction Owners. HAuNTcon stands for Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention. IN...

Episode page
Jan. 29, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 27: HAuNTcon 2019 Interviews With Frien…

Scott recorded a great (and often silly) conversation with his friends Rick West from Midsummer Scream and entertainment icon J Michael Roddy. He also recorded a "simulcast" with Johnny Bronto and Haunt Scene which aired live via Facebook Live. This...

Episode page
Jan. 15, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 26: The Special Event Tradeshow 2019

Hear Scott's thoughts and observations about The Special Event Tradeshow 2019 in San Diego California.

Episode page
Jan. 5, 2019

[HaunTopic] Epic Home Haunts: The Documentary About the Lives of Home…

The Epic Home Haunts Documentary is a movie that shares the lives of four Home Haunter families and how they get ready for Halloween each year. Setting up realistic Haunted Attraction events in their yards, garages, & properties..all for free …

Episode page
Jan. 2, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 25: Shopping for Your Haunt All Year Lo…

Since Haunters never really stop haunting, this episode discusses what to keep an eye out for all year long so that when the season arrives, you will have everything you need to tell a terrifying story.

Episode page
Nov. 19, 2018

[HaunTopic Radio] Hauntcon 2019 & Stories of The Dead Factory and Dea…

What's inside this podcast episode? Liz Irving joins us from HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention to let us in on what's going on this January 25-27th in New Orleans. Brian and Darryl discuss their Haunt Season..some...

Episode page
Oct. 28, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 24: Installing Canadian Dark or a Layov…

While making a transfer in the Huston airport, Scott shares some of his experience installing his most recent haunt project, "Dark" at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton Alberta Canada. He also discusses a couple of other great Haunts this season...be...

Episode page
Sept. 18, 2018

Marketing Your Attraction: Marketing’s Role In Recruiting

NEWS/Quick-Takes: The Halloween season is starting much earlier than usual and the Theme Park Halloween landscape is shifting to keep pace. See Festival del Terror at 6 Flags Mexico, the early Cedar Point opening of HalloWeekends, and Knott’s....

Episode page
Sept. 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 23: When the Tide Comes in All Ships Ri…

Scott discusses the importance of treating other haunters and other attractions with respect, especially in the world of social media. He talks about finding the right forum to share suggestions and the importance of professionalism.

Episode page
Sept. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 22 The 4 Levels of Haunt

Scott chats about the 4 key demographics that haunted attractions target; Kids, Tweens, Teens Plus and Mature Guests. Having worked on haunted attractions from each of these categories, he is able to share insight into all of them.

Episode page
Sept. 3, 2018

Adding Value to Your Attraction (AKA Rethinking Upcharges)

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Amazon has YouTube envy: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-15/amazon-wants-twitch-to-be-a-youtube-competitor?mod=djemCMOToday Theme Park Announcements: Canada’s Wonderland Six Flags Magic Mountain Carowinds Scary Farm...

Episode page
Aug. 31, 2018

Groupon and the Art of Discounting - A Cautionary Tale

NEWS/Quick-Takes: This 18+ Horror-Themed Campground Is The Most Disturbing Place To Go Camping: https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/toronto/travel/this-18-horror-themed-campground-near-toronto-is-the-most-disturbing-place-youll-ever-go-camping Six Flags...

Episode page
Aug. 13, 2018

SEO - Search Engine Optimization For Beginners

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Empty Malls - https://digiday.com/marketing/online-retailers-using-empty-mall-spaces-test-products/ The Science of Storytelling - https://marketingland.com/the-science-of-storytelling-245561 The Expanding Market: “DXB...

Episode page
Aug. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 21: Two Shows in Long Beach

Join a sleep deprived Scott as he shares random moments from Midsummer Scream and The Leadership Symposium for Seasonal Attractions.

Episode page
Aug. 6, 2018

Your Guide to Working With Marketing Agencies

The hosts walk through best practices for working with marketing, creative, and media buying agencies for your attraction. NEWS/Quick-Takes: Physical products are more valuable than digital products -...

Episode page
July 31, 2018

Navigating Review Websites

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Alien: Descent vs. The Void Midsummer Scream: A great convention chuck full of marketing examples for attractions. All the attractions in the Southern California area participate and each is a great example of attractions...

Episode page
July 22, 2018

Digital vs. Traditional Marketing for big and small attractions

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Theme Park WiFi - http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-theme-park-wifi-20180720-story.html Reviews of Comic-Con Activations including escape rooms:...

Episode page
July 22, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 20: from the League of Historic America…

Scott recently attended this "non-haunt" convention to co-present a seminar on monetizing theatre's ghost stories. This episode includes a great interview with co-presenter, Jill Witecki, Marketing Director and official "Ghost Host" for Tampa...

Episode page
July 17, 2018

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities NEWS/Quick-Takes: Elevating Moments Into Lasting Memories article: http://bradjashinsky.com/memorable-moments-themepark-attraction/ Live stream from a roller coaster:...

Episode page
July 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 19 Greetings from SEHEC

Hear Scott's take on the new Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention in Ocala FL. Scott also interviews great folks from Universal Studios and Legoland. PLUS a surprise visit with Alex Crow!

Episode page
July 12, 2018

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questi…

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questions NEWS Blooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencer List An interesting read to see the diversity of the industry. https://blooloop.com/blooloop-50-theme-park-influencer-list/#top50...

Episode page