The Attractions Group Podcast

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Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.

  1. 17h ago

    s6, e010 | the Attractions Group Podcast: "Behind the Scare"- the Darkness St. Louis. Larry Kirchner

    Go Behind the Scenes of The Darkness with Haunt Industry Legend Larry Kirchner! 🎃 Why do some haunted houses terrify millions while others fail to make an impact? In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with industry icon Larry Kirchner, creator of the world-famous The Darkness in St. Louis and owner of HauntWorld. Whether you're a haunt operator looking to scale your attraction or a theme park fan who loves high-level creative design, Larry breaks down what it truly takes to build and maintain an industry-dominating haunt year after year.   📌 In This Episode, We Cover: The history, evolution, and immersive design philosophy behind The Darkness St. Louis. How high-budget animatronics, set dressing, and scare-actor placement create maximum throughput. The business and marketing strategies haunt operators need to succeed in today's industry. Behind-the-scenes insights from the founder of HauntWorld.com.   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to the Fall 2026 Haunt Series 02:15 – Meet Larry Kirchner: The Father of Modern Haunted Houses 06:40 – The History & Evolution of The Darkness St. Louis 12:30 – High-Tech Animatronics vs. Actor-Driven Scares 18:10 – Designing High-Throughput Attractions Without Losing Immersion 24:50 – Marketing Your Haunt & Building the HauntWorld Empire 31:15 – Future Trends in the Theme Park & Haunted Attraction Industry 38:00 – Key Takeaways for Haunt Owners & Wrap-Up   🔔 Subscribe & Support the Channel If you enjoyed this deep dive, please LIKE, COMMENT your favorite haunt, and SUBSCRIBE to help us bring you more executive-level industry coverage! 🌐 Website: https://www.theattractionsgroup.com 🎙️ Listen on Apple/Spotify: Search The Attractions Group Podcast 📩 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries: info@theattractionsgroup.com   #HauntedHouse #TheDarkness #HauntWorld #ThemeParkIndustry #TheAttractionsGroup #HauntIndustry #Halloween2026 #AmusementParks #AttractionDesign

  2. 2d ago

    s6, e009 | the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare | the Oaks Park (Portland, OR)

    Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Flying solo again, David interviews Oaks Park Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (event, film, and audio production company located in the Portland, Oregon area). Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Welcome to another episode of the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare Series! 🎃👻 In this episode, host David Detling sits down with Emily MacKay, Marketing & Events Director at Oaks Amusement Park, and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (producers of ScareGrounds PDX), to go behind the scenes of Portland’s ultimate Halloween experience! Discover how a historical 1905 amusement park pivoted during pandemic restrictions to create a nationally recognized drive-thru haunted attraction—and how it evolved into the largest walkthrough scare park in Oregon! From creepy clowns and hillbilly cannibals to signature blood bag cocktails and night rides, learn what it takes to blend historic charm with modern frights. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome: Guests from Oaks Amusement Park [02:09] - Emily MacKay’s 31-Year Journey at Oaks Park: From Competitive Skater to Marketing Director [04:25] - Alex Fulmor’s Background in Technical Theater & Film Set Dressing [05:04] - How Emily & Alex Met on Set and Pitched the ScareGrounds Concept [07:04] - Pioneering Oregon’s First Drive-Thru Haunted House During 2020 [10:53] - Oaks Park’s Historic Legacy: Surviving 120+ Years, Floods, & Two Pandemics [12:35] - The "Scooby-Doo" Vibe: Leveraging Pacific Northwest Weather & Historic Backdrop [14:23] - Balancing the Show: Family-Friendly vs. Peak Haunted Nights [16:29] - Planning and Upgrading Attractions Year-Round [18:26] - Navigating Park Construction & Introducing Expanded "Inside Out" Scare Zones [19:28] - Crowd Favorites: CarnEVIL Clowns, Hillbillies, & Midway Characters [21:16] - Classic Guest Reactions: The "Wet Pants Count" & Actor Tactics [25:49] - Psychological Terror meets Physical Thrills: Rides after Dark [28:34] - Behind-the-Scenes Pre-Shift Rituals & Staff Costume Contests [32:40] - Fall Event Eats & Drinks: The Famous Signature "Blood Bag" Cocktails [35:46] - Rapid-Fire Halloween Q&A Session (Favorite Candies, Monsters, & Rides) [41:00] - Episode Wrap-Up & Final Remarks   🌐 Official Oaks Amusement Park Links & Social Media Website: Oakspark.com ScareGrounds PDX / Haunted Attractions: ScareGroundsPDX.com Facebook: facebook.com/oaksparkpdx Instagram: @oaksparkpdx TikTok: @oaksparkpdx Twitter / X: @oaksparkpdx   Join David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare as he chats with Emily MacKay (Oaks Park) and Alex Fulmor (Vendetta Productions / ScareGrounds PDX) about creating Oregon's premier Halloween scare park at historic Oaks Amusement Park in Portland.   #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScare #OaksPark #OaksAmusementPark #ScareGroundsPDX #VendettaProductions #PortlandOregon #HauntedHouse #ScarePark #AmusementPark #HalloweenEvents #PDXEvents #ThemeParkPodcast #HauntIndustry #PortlandHauntedHouse

  3. 5d ago

    s6, e008: the Attractions Group Podcast | Behind the Gourd at "Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom"

    🎃 Gourd Behind the Scenes at Kentucky Kingdom's Pumpkins Event! 🎃 In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with Logan Sanderson, Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the annual Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom autumn festival to life!   Discover the incredible logistics, creative vision, and operational magic required to transform Louisville's favorite theme park with thousands of glowing, carved, and giant pumpkin displays each fall season. Plus, get insider details on fall entertainment, family-friendly autumn night glow events, food and beverage treats, and what makes this Herschend Family Entertainment tradition a must-visit fall event in the Midwest! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & EPISODE CHAPTERS [00:00:00] Introduction – Welcome to The Attractions Group Podcast with David Detling [00:01:30] Welcome Logan Sanderson – Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom [00:03:15] Behind the Gourd Concept – The evolution of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom [00:06:45] Logistics & Decor – Sourcing and setting up thousands of real and sculpted pumpkins [00:10:20] Nighttime Glow Experience – Lighting up the park, rides, and giant pumpkin structures [00:14:10] Fall Food, Drinks & Merchandise – Seasonal treats and specialty autumn menus [00:18:00] Family Entertainment & Character Encounters – Live shows and kid-friendly fall fun [00:21:45] Working Under Herschend Family Entertainment – Bringing world-class seasonal events to Louisville [00:24:00] Closing Thoughts & Event Dates – Planning your visit to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom   Kentucky Kingdom, Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, Logan Sanderson, David Detling, The Attractions Group Podcast, Behind the Scenes, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Louisville KY theme parks, Herschend Family Entertainment, Kentucky Kingdom fall event, autumn festival Louisville, family friendly Halloween events, pumpkin display theme park, Kentucky Kingdom night glow, amusement park podcast, theme park industry interviews, roller coasters autumn, Louisville Kentucky attractions, fall festival Midwest   #KentuckyKingdom #PumpkinsAtKentuckyKingdom #AttractionsGroupPodcast #ThemeParkPodcast #DavidDetling #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #LouisvilleKY #FallFestivals #AmusementPark #GourdBehindTheScenes #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkIndustry

  4. Sep 30

    Gourd Behind the Scenes w/ Six Flags Boo Fest and Tricks & Treats! | the Attractions Group Podcast

    Gourd Behind the Scenes: Six Flags Tricks & Treats & Boo Fest with Natalie Conte | The Attractions Group Podcast Welcome back to another episode of Gourd Behind the Scenes on The Attractions Group Podcast! 🎃👻 In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Conte, Regional Director of Entertainment at Six Flags, to explore how the park chain brings its daytime family-friendly Halloween events to life across its national portfolio. From Tricks and Treats to Boo Fest, Natalie breaks down: - Her journey from park lifeguard to regional director overseeing entertainment across multiple parks. - How Six Flags balances bright, kid-friendly daytime festivities with terrifying nighttime scares during Fright Fest. - The operational logistics of handing out over 5 million pieces of candy each season. - Harmonizing IPs like Looney Tunes and Peanuts under one unified event banner post-merger. - Seasonal food, Oktoberfest offerings, rapid-fire fall questions, and much more! 🎟️ Plan your visit: Head to sixflags.com to check event schedules, trick-or-treat trails, and season pass options for your local park. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topic Chapters [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome Back to Natalie Conte [01:00] - Natalie's Career Journey: From Lifeguard to Regional Director [05:00] - Theme Park Industry Culture & Camaraderie [06:45] - Balancing Daytime Family Events vs. Nighttime Haunts [08:40] - How Parks Transition at Dusk: Flipping the Switch [11:30] - Managing Scares, No-Boo Options & Family Zones [12:15] - Fun Daytime Attractions: Phantom Foam Pit & Family Activities [13:53] - Tricks & Treats vs. Boo Fest: Merging Cedar Fair & Six Flags Events [15:00] - The Logistics of 5 Million+ Pieces of Candy [16:32] - Operational Integration Post-Merger [18:38] - Character IPs: Looney Tunes vs. Peanuts across Parks [24:19] - Developing Original In-House Characters (Spectral Sisters & Tinker) [28:18] - Setup Timelines: From Summer Operations to Fall Decor [32:05] - Fall Food & Beverage: Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Treats & Festival Dining [34:54] - Creative Development Timeline for New Events [36:20] - Rapid-Fire Halloween & Fall Q&A with Natalie [43:35] - Closing Thoughts & Six Flags Season Passes Six Flags, Tricks and Treats, Boo Fest, Six Flags Halloween, Kids Boo Fest, Fright Fest, Theme Park Entertainment, Natalie Conte, The Attractions Group Podcast, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Cedar Fair Merger, Looney Tunes Theme Park, Peanuts Theme Park, Theme Park Behind the Scenes, Amusement Park Halloween, Family Halloween Events, Theme Park Operations, Trick or Treat Trail #SixFlags #TricksAndTreats #BooFest #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #Halloween2026 #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScenes #FrightFest #FamilyFun #ThemeParkPodcast

  5. Sep 28

    s6, e005- Behind the Scare: Cincinnati's "the Dent Schoolhouse" | the Attractions Group Podast

    In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast Fall Series: "Behind the Scare," co-hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling sit down with Bud Stross, co-owner of the world-famous Dent Schoolhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. Discover what it takes to build, operate, and continuously innovate one of America’s top-ranked haunted attractions. Bud shares behind-the-scenes insights into haunted house operations, immersive haunt design, scare actor training, creative set builds, and the business strategies that turn legendary local folklore into an iconic Halloween destination. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00:37 - Introduction: Welcome to Season 2 of Behind the Scare with co-hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling, featuring guest Bud Stross, co-owner of The Dent Schoolhouse. 00:01:52 - The Origin & History of The Dent Schoolhouse: Bud shares the legend of the murderous janitor Charlie, the schoolhouse's origins (built in 1894), and its evolution over 30 seasons of operation. 00:03:12 - From Boy Scouts to Professional Haunt: How The Dent Schoolhouse transitioned from a 1990s Boy Scout haunted house into a premier, high-tech haunted attraction with aerial scares and projection mapping. 00:04:33 - Iconic Q-Line Characters: Bud breaks down their lineup of signature roaming actors—Charlie the Janitor, Lady in White, The School Marm, Pumpkin, Zobo the Clown, and the new 30th-season character, Mr. Shady. 00:06:27 - Operating Schedule & Seasonal Staffing: Operating dates for the season and managing a seasonal payroll of 150–200 employees across actors, ticketing, parking, concessions, and security. 00:07:31 - Deep Dive: The Legend of Charlie the Janitor: Analyzing Charlie’s backstory, his pipe wrench weapon of choice, and why guests love to fear him in the queue line. 00:10:32 - Bud’s Path into the Haunt Industry: Starting with a childhood latex mask from K-Mart, building a massive neighborhood yard haunt with 15+ actors, and joining forces with business partner Josh. 00:13:56 - Shadowing & Learning the Business: Transitioning from yard haunting to commercial ownership by job shadowing the Boy Scouts during their final operating season. 00:15:21 - Actor Training & Room-Reading Techniques: Training scare actors to stay in character, avoid cliché lines, read different guest groups, and deliver multi-layered scares. 00:18:04 - Can a Haunt Owner Still Get Scared?: Bud reflects on how knowing haunt mechanics changes the walkthrough experience and what it takes to still startle an industry veteran. 00:19:09 - Emergency Exits & Guest Safety: Protocol for handling overwhelmed guests, utilizing backstage exits, and guiding scared guests to the Monster Midway. 00:20:48 - Timed Ticketing & Throughput Logistics: How timed ticketing improves queue management and guest pacing without losing the excitement of waiting in line. 00:22:19 - Walkthrough Duration & The 12-Foot Suds Foam Maze: The average 30-minute attraction runtime and the optional giant foam/bubble maze exit experience. 00:23:18 - National & International Guest Reach: Guests traveling from across all 50 states and international fans flying in from Ireland specifically to visit The Dent Schoolhouse. 00:25:35 - The Classic Haunt Trope: Chainsaws: Trying (and failing) to replace chainsaws at the end of the haunt, and why the sound and smell of a chainsaw remain unmatched for scare factor. 00:29:45 - Optimal Group Sizes & Operational Adjustments: Ideal group sizes (4 to 8 guests) for maximum scare impact and how operations adjust for high-capacity Saturdays in October. 00:31:36 - Favorite Guest Stories & Queue Line Pranks: Hearing the first scream of the season from the office and pulling a parking lot prank on a sleeping guest using an oo-gah horn and clowns. 00:34:45 - What's New for the 30th Season: Audio overhauls, new basement scenes expanding Charlie’s lore, upgraded Monster Midway photo-ops, and the new Pumpkin Smashers game. 00:37:08 - Closing Remarks & Website Info   🔗 Connect & Follow Follow The Dent Schoolhouse: 🌐 Website: https://frightsite.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentschoolhouse 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedentschoolhouse 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentschoolhouse   Follow The Attractions Group Podcast: 🌐 Website: https://theattractionsgroup.com 🎙️ Listen On Apple Podcasts / Spotify: Search "The Attractions Group Podcast" 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theattractionsgroup 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-attractionsgroup   Haunted House Operations | Immersive Attraction Design | Halloween Industry Business | Theme Park & Haunt Marketing | Scamer Entertainment | Bud Stross Interview | Cincinnati Attractions | The Attractions Group Podcast   #TheAttractionsGroup #DentSchoolhouse #HauntedHouse #BehindTheScare #ThemeParkIndustry #HauntIndustry #Halloween2026 #AttractionDesign #AmusementIndustry

  6. Sep 28

    "Haunt" Perspectives by Don Helbig (& Guest Return!) | The Attractions Group Podcast

    Don Helbig returns to The Attractions Group Podcast! In this special Behind the Scare episode (Season 6, Episode 005), host David Detling sits down with theme park industry veteran and former podcast co-host Don Helbig. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes a Fall event or Halloween Haunt experience successful. From the storytelling and immersive decor of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Busch Gardens, to the introduction of major intellectual properties (IPs) like The Conjuring and Friday the 13th at Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks, Don breaks down the operational, marketing, and culinary strategies that keep guests coming back year after year. Plus, Don shares behind-the-scenes stories from when the TV show Ghost Hunters investigated Kings Island, and tackles 7 rapid-fire questions! Episode Timestamps [00:16] – Welcome Back: Don Helbig returns to the podcast! [03:15] – Don’s industry background & his work with Tower Topics and Theme Parks by Don [05:50] – Tracking 1,000+ Kings Island visits before spreadsheets existed [09:25] – Comparing Fall events: Busch Gardens, Dollywood, Cedar Point & Kings Island [12:55] – Theme park fall food & specialty treats (and the legendary Cinnamon Bread!) [18:23] – Bringing IPs (Friday the 13th, The Conjuring) into regional Halloween Haunts [23:50] – Inside the Ghost Hunters investigation at Kings Island [28:40] – Why theme parks feel naturally eerie during the Fall season [31:30] – Don’s Fall 2026 travel lineup (Holiday World, Cedar Point, Great America) [32:45] – Rapid Fire Questions: Halloween vs. Christmas, Beast vs. Racer, IPs vs. Originals! Connect with Don Helbig: Website: Theme Parks by Don- https://themeparksbydon.com/ Podcast: Tower Topics (co-hosted with Ryan Suhr)- https://towertopics.podbean.com/ Social Media: Follow Don Helbig on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for industry insights and articles. Stay Connected with The Attractions Group Podcast: Website: https://www.theAttractionsGroup.com Subscribe: Hit the Subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Podcast Platforms: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.   Don Helbig returns to The Attractions Group Podcast with David Detling to share expert insights on theme park Halloween Haunts and Fall events., Explore the evolution of theme park Halloween events with industry insider Don Helbig, covering IP haunted mazes, specialty Fall foods, and park marketing strategy., Join David Detling and Don Helbig on The Attractions Group Podcast as they discuss Kings Island Ghost Hunters stories, Dollywood Harvest Festival, and Cedar Fair Halloween Haunts.   #AttractionsGroup #ThemeParks #HalloweenHaunt #DonHelbig #KingsIsland #CedarPoint #Dollywood #ThemeParkMarketing #BehindTheScare #RollerCoasters #podcast Theme park podcast, Don Helbig interview, The Attractions Group Podcast, Halloween Haunt marketing strategy, Cedar Fair vs Six Flags Halloween events, Dollywood Harvest Festival cinnamon bread, Kings Island Ghost Hunters episode background, IP haunted houses Friday the 13th theme parks, Fall theme park events and food, Theme Parks by Don the attractions group podcast, david detling, don helbig, behind the scare, theme park podcast, halloween haunt, theme park marketing, kings island, cedar point, dollywood, dollywood harvest festival, busch gardens, howl-o-scream, haunted houses, friday the 13th haunt, the conjuring maze, ghost hunters kings island, theme parks by don, tower topics, roller coaster podcast, amusement park industry, theme park food, cinnamon bread, holiday world, regional theme parks, cedar fair, six flags, halloween event strategy, theme park ghost stories, haunt marketing

  7. Sep 21

    "Gourd Behind the Scenes" of Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival! | the Attractions Group Podcast

    Step inside the magic of Silver Dollar City’s iconic Harvest Festival! In this episode of the Gourd Behind the Scenes series (Fall 2026), host David Detling sits down with Brandei Clifton (Publicity Director) and Maddie from Silver Dollar City to talk all things autumn in the Ozarks. Discover the rich history of Herschend Family Entertainment, how Silver Dollar City transforms from summer to fall, the secret 18-page "Pumpkin Bible," 20,000+ glowing pumpkins, giant 1,000lb gourds, visiting master craftsmen, and family-friendly illuminated nights! 🎃 Plan Your Visit: https://www.silverdollarcity.com 🎙️ Subscribe to The Attractions Group Podcast: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.podbean.com/   Episode Breakdown & Timestamps: [00:10] Introduction — Host David introduces the episode as part of the Gourd Behind the Scenes series [00:45] Guest Introductions & Backgrounds — Meet Brandy and Maddie from Silver Dollar City's publicity team as they share their personal histories and lifelong connection to the par 03:04] History of Silver Dollar City & Herschend Family — A look back at how Marvel Cave inspired the creation of Silver Dollar City and laid the foundation for Herschend Family Entertainment [04:49] Branson & Silver Dollar City's Tourism Impact — Discussing Silver Dollar City's role as a primary tourism driver in Branson, Missouri, drawing visitors nationwide [07:31] Overview of the Harvest Festival & Artisans — Highlights of the festival, featuring over 70 visiting craftsmen alongside resident artisans [07:58] Pumpkins in the Park & Family-Friendly Atmosphere — Details on the 20,000 glowing foam and real pumpkins, giant sculptures, and non-scary, family-focused autumn experiences [09:06] The Garden of Giants & Pumpkin Logistics — How five semi-trucks deliver massive 1,000-pound pumpkins, and the setup routine guided by the park's "Pumpkin Bible" - [10:35] Park Transformation & Seasonal Transitions — A behind-the-scenes look at how Silver Dollar City rapidly transitions between seasons, from Southern Gospel Picnic to Harvest Festival and Christmas [11:41] 50+ Year History of the Fall Festival — How Mother Mary Herschend started the craft festival, featuring legendary artisans like 109-year-old fiddle maker Violet Hensley [12:25] Fall Festival vs. Old Time Christmas — Comparing the atmosphere and scale of the autumn event to the park’s massive Christmas celebration [15:08] Fall Culinary Offerings & Tasting Tickets — Exploring unique autumn food items (pumpkin chili, savory pumpkin corn dogs, sausage skillets) and how tasting tickets work - [16:53] Employee Culture & Unbelievable Retention — Discussion on long-tenured employees (citizens), 50-year service milestones, and iconic figures like Miss Shirley and Terry Wayne Sanders [22:15] The Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train — History of one of the park's original attractions, including the famous train robbery comedy routine and seasonal adaptations [24:55] Coasters, Dark Rides, & Marvel Cave Bats — Nighttime roller coaster rides through the Ozark Mountains and the natural bat populations living around Marvel Cave [31:13] What’s Next: Christmas Debut Preview — A preview of the upcoming Wonderland of Lights / Star Light Christmas Nights parade and seasonal entertainment [34:33] Behind-the-Scenes Traditions & Easter Eggs — Hidden details inside the park, including the 14 hidden mouse-carved pumpkins and post-festival pumpkin composting [36:30] Wrap-up & Closing Remarks — Final thoughts and closing conversation   🌐 Official Links & Socials Website: https://www.theAttractionsGroup.com Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-attractions-group-podcast/id1813010543 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bcW3Vj9DL5avDAz9yyNdm?si=bd10b059b69c44af Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup   Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival, Harvest Festival Pumpkin Nights, Brandei Clifton Silver Dollar City, Madie Foreman Silver Dollar City, Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri, Herschend Family Entertainment, Theme Park Fall Events, Amusement Park Podcast, Theme Park Behind the Scenes, Attractions Industry Podcast, The Attractions Group Podcast, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Craft Days and Pumpkin Nights, Silver Dollar City Pumpkins.   #SilverDollarCity #HarvestFestival #PumpkinNights #ThemeParks #AmusementPark #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScenes #BransonMO #Herschend #ThemeParkPodcast

  8. Sep 15

    tAG Podcast: "Behind the Scare" Episode 004 – Ghost City Tours | Tim Nealon, Founder & CEO

    In this episode of Behind the Scare on the Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling interviews Tim Nealon, the Founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours. From his unexpected beginnings building early-2000s websites as a whitewater rafting guide to building the world’s largest ghost tour company—serving over 700,000 guests annually across nearly 60 markets—Tim shares the fascinating journey behind Ghost City Tours. He emphasizes Ghost City Tours' core philosophy: anchoring tour scripts in rigorous historical research and local folklore rather than manufactured jump scares or cheap gimmicks. Throughout the discussion, Tim shares insights into scaling operations across dozens of markets using proprietary software, navigating team/guide quality control, investigating famous haunted locations (like Old South Pittsburgh Hospital and the Lalaurie Mansion), and expanding the business into dynamic media projects including podcasts, television, and Bigfoot/Bayou documentaries. Discover how Tim Nealon turned a web design background into Ghost City Tours, building a nationwide empire running historically accurate, non-gimmicky ghost tours across 60 cities. In this in-depth interview, Tim breaks down: How he transitioned from turnkey web design and software engineering to full-time tour operations. The development of Casper, Ghost City’s proprietary internal software platform powering back-office management for 560+ employees and 470+ tour guides. The balance between historical research, local folklore, and psychological storytelling. Personal, unexplained encounters with the paranormal at locations like Savannah’s Husk Restaurant and the Old South Pittsburgh Hospital. Ghost City's expansion into original media, including upcoming television projects with Jack Osbourne, Bigfoot documentaries in Oregon, and Louisiana bayou folklore preservation.   ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Episode Overview [01:10] - Welcome Tim Nealon, Founder & CEO of Ghost City Tours [02:18] - From Whitewater Rafting to Web Design: Tim’s Early Career [03:40] - Founding Ghost City Tours in 2012 & Transitioning Out of Web Development [05:25] - The Business Advice & Exit Strategy That Handed Tim His Freedom [07:20] - Building "Casper": Ghost City's Custom Management & Logistics Software [10:52] - Starting in Savannah: The Unexpected First Month & Explosive Growth [12:40] - Media Expansion: Working with Jack Osbourne & Cliff Barackman (Bigfoot) [14:12] - Scaling Out: Moving Operations to New Orleans & Charleston [15:25] - Managing 60 Cities, 210+ Active Tours, and 12,000 Guests a Night [16:30] - The Research Process: Fact-Checking Folklore vs. Google Myths (Lalaurie Mansion) [18:35] - Balancing Historical Accuracy & Local Legends (The Casket Girls of New Orleans) [20:35] - Quality Control Across 475+ Tour Guides: Hiring Acting Coaches over Guides [23:20] - Uncovering Forgotten History: How Stories Evolve Over Time [25:14] - Favorite Historical Locations: Gettysburg & The Sacred History of Battlefields [27:00] - Emotional Paranormal Encounters: Child EVPs at Savannah's Husk Building [28:20] - Skeptics, Believers, and What Ghost Tours Are Really Trying to Accomplish [29:45] - David Detling's Personal Unexplained Encounter on a Dark Country Road [31:25] - Haunted Attractions vs. Ghost Tours: Jump Scares vs. Psychological Storytelling [35:38] - Charleston's Haunted History: Fort Sumter, The Powder Magazine, & Circular Church [39:07] - Nashville's Dark Past: Civil War History, Mobsters, & Broadway Brothels [40:15] - 14 Days at Old South Pittsburgh Hospital: Physical Paranormal Activity [43:00] - Do Ghosts Remember You? Interactive Entities & Theories of Consciousness [46:30] - Future Endeavors: New Markets, Media Projects, and Bayou Storytellers Documentary [50:20] - Staying Motivated at the Top of the Tour Industry & Closing Remarks Connect with Ghost City Tours: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8mLejNcECG4bQvSFz7jhww Website: https://ghostcitytours.com/   #GhostCityTours #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroup #Paranormal #GhostTours #TourismIndustry #GhostHunting #HauntedHistory #PodcastInterview #Bigfoot #NewOrleansGhosts #GettysburgGhosts #CharlestonGhosts #CasperSoftware #AttractionsIndustry   Ghost City Tours Tim Nealon interview, Attractions Group Podcast David Detling, Behind the Scare podcast episode 004, ghost tour business scaling and software, Casper ghost tour software platform, historic ghost tours vs haunted attractions, Gettysburg paranormal stories, Savannah Husk restaurant ghost investigation, Old South Pittsburgh Hospital investigation, how to start a ghost tour business, New Orleans vampire folklore and Casket Girls, Charleston haunted powder magazine, Jack Osbourne Ghost City Tours media, tour guide management and training strategies, theories of consciousness and paranormal research

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About

Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    attractionsgrouppodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Attractions Group Podcast

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