Midnight Syndicate Archives | BigScaryShow.com

BIG SCARY SHOW – EPISODE 315 – BACK TO SCHOOL?

Episode 315
As we’ve passed the halfway point to Halloween, we’re moving into the proverbial second semester of the year. MHC is only a few short weeks away, and then we’ll be pulling all-nighters through the summer months as we count down to the Fall. We’ll be giving it the old college try as Episode 315 keeps you informed and entertained as you study ways to make your haunt more scary this season.

Storm is ranting about strange lights in the sky in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim talks about prison conditions in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone discusses the 40th anniversary of the Six Flags Great Adventure Haunted Castle fire and its effects on the industry. Sadly, the Gruesome Giveaway gets an ‘F’ for the month of May (because no one entered the contest). And finally, we’re spinning some rockin’ tunes as we mark the halfway point to Halloween.

The Roundtable of Terror goes back to school as we invite Doctor Susan Weidmann of Appalachian State University to have a seat and discuss her research on haunted attractions. She’s conducting what could be the first large-scale research project on haunt-tourism in the United States and she’s looking for haunt owners, managers, and designers to interview for her study. It’s an interesting conversation that could have some very interesting ramifications for the haunt industry in the next few years. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW.

Featured music:
Sam Haynes – All Hallows
Throne of Anguish – Cathedral’s Shadow Grave Tone Productions – The Final Hour Dante Tomaselli – Dark Night of the Soul

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BIG SCARY SHOW – Episode 313 – FEAR EXPO and PIRATES!

Episode 313
This past week was quite memorable for the Big Scary Show. Not only did we celebrate our 12th anniversary on April 13th, but we sent Badger to Owensboro, Ky to cover Fear Expo. He returned with some great interviews and some breaking news regarding the return of an old convention to the ‘West Coast’. Wonder what it could be? Tune in to Episode 313 to find out.

Storm is ranting about putting haunt concepts on TV in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim talks about chain gangs in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone discusses how to negotiate a contract for your haunt.. Do we have a Gruesome Giveaway for the month of April? Stay tuned to find out. Vysther returns with a segment called ‘View From the Bar’ as he celebrates our anniversary, and we’re bringing the spooky tunes (Courtesy of Midnight Syndicate) to keep you in the haunting mood as we approach the halfway point to Halloween.

The Roundtable of Terror goes a little off-topic as we bring in our old friend Kelly Collins, formerly of MHC and the Scare-A-Torium haunted attraction, to have a seat and discuss his latest project, the Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest in Ohio. You’ll be shiverin’ in your timbers and begging to walk the plank to get out to Buckeye Lake to attend this event in May. It’s going to be a lot of fun and you might even see someone from the show attending in full pirate garb. As a bonus, there’s a tie-in to a nearby haunt that’s open that evening. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (And to all our friends, fans, and sponsors who’ve supported us over the past 12 years, we thank you so very much.)

Featured music: (Midnight Syndicate)

Fortune’s Folly
Winged Fury
Fellowship of the House. Vampyre

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BIg Scary Show – Episode 312 – TRANSWORLD Part 2 and ECHC!

Episode 312
We tried to pack Transworld 2024 into one single show but we simply had too much information and material to fit it all in. Therefore the Big Scary Show Episode 312 brings you Part 2 of our extensive coverage of Transworld 2024. You’ll still feel as if you were there as we bring you interviews from some of our favorite vendors and introduce you to some brand new ones. We hope you enjoy all the action from the show floor in St Louis.

Storm is ranting about the eclipse in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim talks about state sponsored torture in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone shares her experience with the Fire Marshal (Dun, Dun, DUUUNNN) and asks haunters at Transworld one very important question. We have a new Gruesome Giveaway for the month of April, and we’re spinning some spooky tunes, courtesy of Jerry Vayne.

The Roundtable of Terror invites Kris Zahrobsky of Transworld to have a seat and discuss the inaugural East Coast Haunters Convention coming to Philadelphia in just a few short weeks. We discuss what it takes to put on a show like this and the expectations of a new show that’s already generating a lot of buzz in the industry. If you were on the fence about attending this convention, perhaps this conversation will sway you to register.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (And special thanks to Jen, Rich, and the entire Transworld crew)

Featured music: (Jerry Vayne) When Hinges Creak
Mind Control
Blackmoon Asylum Voodoo Doll
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Big Scary Show – Episode 311 – Transworld Part 1

Episode 311
What an event! Transworld 2024 will no doubt go down as one of the biggest shows in its history. There was SO much going on that we still don’t know how Badger and Jonna the Old Crone managed to spend all 4 days running up and down the aisles, interviewing vendors, and giving away our Box of Mystery to one lucky winner. (BTW: Congratulations to Tara from R Acres of Terror haunted attraction in Illinois for being our Box of Mystery winner.) There’s SO much material that we have, we can only bring you Part 1 of all our Transworld coverage. More coming on the next show.

Storm is ranting about big box store Halloween props in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim Talks about the fate of drug offenders in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone talks with consultant Scott Swenson. Do we have a Gruesome Giveaway for the month of March? Stick around to find out. And finally, we’re spinning some rockin’ tunes as we start to move into build season

There is no Roundtable of Terror due to the sheer number of Transworld interviews and coverage. It will return for the next show, but please remember that HauntPay is the proud sponsor of the Roundtable of Terror. Be sure to visit them and tell Alex and his staff how much you appreciate them.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (And special thanks to Jen, Rich, and the entire Transworld crew for all they do)

Featured music:
Lita Ford – Devil in my Head
Wednesday 13 – Trick or Treat
GWAR – The Road Behind
Charred Walls of the Damned – Avoid the Light

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BIG SCARY SHOW – Episode 310 – Oddities and Curiosities Expo

Episode 310
Transworld is finally here. By the time you tune into Episode 310, the Big Scary Show will be in St Louis for the biggest trade show of the year. Badger, The Old Crone, and Wicked Wendy will all be vending, walking the floor, and talking to everyone they can. However, before we hit the road to St Louis, Badger spent a weekend at the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Charlotte, and talked to several odd and curious vendors.. If you get a chance, be sure to visit one of the O&C Expos if they come to a town near you.

Storm is ranting about Leap Day and trailers in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses Death Row in Asia in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone talks about selecting a realtor to help find a location for your haunt. We have a brand new Gruesome Giveaway for the month of March. And finally, we’re spinning some spooky tunes to put you in the mood for Transworld.

Since everyone is in St Louis, The Roundtable of Terror decided to forego having any guests as most everyone is busy making their final preparations. Because of that, we’ve brought back our soon-to-be-famous game show, the 13 Questions of Doom. Storm is in charge this week as he doles out the questions, judges the answers from the (g)hosts, and awards points accordingly. Will there be a new champion crowned in this show? Stay tuned to find out. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (And please visit us at booth 2136)

Featured music:
Throne of Anguish – Cathedral’s Shadow
Dr. Frankenfingers – An Unholy Citadel
Audio Zombie -Rainbow Flavored Nightmares Sinister Symphony – The Hellfire Club

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BIG SCARY SHOW – Episode 309 – HAUNTCON & TRANSWORLD SURVIVAL GUIDE

Episode 309
The haunt convention season has officially begun with HAuNTcon opening its doors after a long hiatus in Daytona Beach Florida earlier this month. The Big Scary Show sent Badger down there to talk to vendors and attendees to get their thoughts about the return of HAuNTcon as a free-standing event. He brings back some great interviews with vendors and staff and learned that HAuNTcon 2025 will be in Orlando next January so start making your plans.

Storm is ranting about haunted hotels in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses ‘a view from death row’ in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone talks about focusing on your goals at Transworld. Dick Terhune returns with another Marketing Morgue segment. Is there a Gruesome Giveaway winner for the month of February? Tune in to find out, and we’re spinning some rockin’ tunes to put you in the mood for Transworld.

With Transworld literally a couple weeks away, the Roundtable of Terror brings back its annual Transworld Survival Guide. We invite first-time attendees and vendors to join us, and pair them with some long-time veterans of the tradeshow to discuss what to expect. What shoes should you wear? How many black t-shirts should you pack? And who actually brings catalogs these days? If this is your first-time attending the biggest tradeshow of the year, you don’t want to miss this conversation. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (See you in St Louis)

Featured music:
PsychoCharger – Channel 13 (With Uncle Pigors) Radio Cult – Saturday Night Double Feature Zombie Surfers – Transylvania Surf
Crispy Bess – Ormondium

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Big Scary Show – Episode 307- THE VOICE FROM HELL

Episode 307
It may be cold outside, but things are heating up as the haunt industry begins to prepare for the Transworld trade show coming to St Louis in just a few short weeks. Don’t let the ice and show get you down. Rather, curl up to the fire, grab a hot beverage, and let the Big Scary Show Episode 307 entertain and inform you.

Storm is ranting about human sacrifices and sports teams in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses hangings and the judicial system in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone reminds you about bookkeeping deadlines haunt owners need to remember, Is there a Gruesome Giveaway for the month of January? Stick around and find out. And of course we’re spinning some hot tunes to get your blood pumping and keep you warm during these cold winter months.

The Roundtable of Terror welcomes back the Voice From Hell, Dick Terhune, to discuss the best ways to promote and advertise your haunt in 2024. Is advertising on the radio dead? What about TV? Billboards? How about social media? And don’t get us started on AI. With all the new technology out there, what’s a haunt owner to do to maximize his advertising budget? Also, will Dick be teaching at any conventions this year? Stick around and find out. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (and happy new year everyone)

Featured music:
Baron Misuraca – As We Embrace
13 Pagan Holiday 13 – She’s Dead
Army of Walking Corpses – Crawl
The Independents – Bloody Night, Bloody Knife

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BIG SCARY SHOW – Episode 305 – FAREWELL 2023, HELLO 2024

Episode 305
As we say goodbye to the year 2023 and prepare to welcome in 2024, the Big Scary Show (g)hosts are in a reflective mood. This time of year things tend to slow down and it gives us time to think about the year that was, and what are our goals for the upcoming year. Will there be conventions and tradeshows to attend? Will there be haunted houses to visit? What about new and exciting haunt products to see and experience? The (g)hosts hope to bring you all that and so much more in the coming year.

Storm is ranting about compassion animals in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses lethal injection in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news. The Old Crone talks about haunts working with their local chambers of commerce and tourist bureaus, and of course we’re spinning some rockin’ tunes to welcome in the new year.

Due to the holidays and guests spending time with family and friends, the Roundtable of Terror decides to take things a little easy this episode. The (g)hosts gather around the table to discuss the past year and make some new year’s resolutions for 2024. No doubt there will be some interesting plans made and we’ll have to see how many of them will be kept. Also, why is the roundtable lined up with shot glasses? Stay tuned to find out. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW. (and happy new year everyone)

Featured music: (Neil Zaza)

Fugue in G Minor
Funeral March Op:35 Carnival of the Animals Danse Macabre

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Big Scary Show – Episode 304 – STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, 2023

Episode 304
The Holidays are almost here and the Big Scary Show (g)hosts are getting excited. We’re mulling some wine, preparing the Christmas goose, and finishing up our shopping. Hopefully, this season isn’t causing you undue stress. If so, then we suggest pulling up a comfy chair by the fire, grabbing a hot toddy, relaxing for a while, and let episode 304 of the Big Scary Show calm you, inform you, and entertain you.

Storm is ranting about Krampus getting into extreme sports in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses the gas chamber in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news and brings you an interview from Hacker House’s Krampus event. The Old Crone talks about your end of the year checklist. Do we have a Gruesome Giveaway for December? Stay tuned to find out. Vyshter returns for his take on the new Godzilla movie, and of course we’re spinning some special holiday tunes to keep you in the spooky spirit.

The Roundtable of Terror invites Alex Linebrink from HauntPay to discuss the results of their State of the Industry survey that they ran earlier this year. The numbers have been crunched and the results are quite interesting. Did haunts make more money? Did more haunts open off-season events? What were the biggest sources of revenue at haunts? How does YOUR haunt stack up against others? Take a listen and find out. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW.

Featured music: (Midnight Syndicate) Up on the Housetop
Parade of the Tin Soldiers
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Christmas at Midnight

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Big Scary Show – Episode 302 – IAAPA AND DER KRAMPUS

Episode 302
It’s almost time for that very special holiday, where that big hairy guy visits all the children of the world to give them their just rewards. Of course we’re talking about the Krampus, the christmas demon who metes out punishment to all the naughty children. Krampusnacht is December 5th and the Big Scary Show is celebrating the fact that the Krampus has gained a permanent foothold in American Culture, especially in the haunt industry. In addition, IAAPA was going on this past week in Orlando and the Big Scary Show was there talking to vendors and seeing all the cool new things you’ll see at amusement parks and attractions next year.

Storm is ranting about in a Haunt Minute. Meathook Jim discusses in Between the Corpses. Badger reads the latest in Deadline news and brings you interviews from IAAPA. The Old Crone visits with paranormal investigators at a haunted attraction in an actual mortuary. Do we have a Gruesome Giveaway for November? Stay tuned to find out. And finally we’re spinning some rockin’ tunes to help you cope with any lingering post-Halloween depression.

The Roundtable of Terror features none other than Der Krampus itself. We bring in a trio of guests who run Krampus societies and events throughout this time of year. Hopefully there’s something Krampus-related coming to a town or haunted attraction near you this season. If so, get out and support them. All this, and so much more.

We hid the body, but you’ll become an accomplice just by listening to……..the BIG SCARY SHOW.

Featured music:
Midnight Syndicate – Krampus Michael Hedstrom – Hall of Portraits Redcrow Designs – Body Freezer Verse 13 – Blighted