Step deeper into the shadows as we return to the twisting, torch-lit paths of the Middletown Haunted Trail. In this chilling fourth installment of our Into the Trail series, we sit down with Michael McKnight ,Manager of the Haunted Trail at Land of Illusion.

Michael has walked these woods for years, not just as a leader, but as a storyteller of fear, guiding his crew to weave nightmares that linger long after the screams fade. In this heartfelt and haunting conversation, he opens up about the craft of building terror from the ground up, the family-like bond of his team, and the eerie magic that transforms a quiet trail into a living, breathing nightmare each October.

From the crunch of leaves underfoot to the distant roar of chainsaws in the dark, this episode will pull you into the very heartbeat of the trail… and remind you why some journeys are meant to be taken only under the moonlight.

This carousel never stops spinning.

In a world of twisted masks and midnight fog, some characters aren’t just played ,they’re lived.

In this powerful and raw episode, we welcome VAX. The towering, grotesque, unforgettable force of fear known throughout the haunt community as Freak Skinny. But behind the slime, the screams, and the chaos lies a human story: one of pain, transformation, and healing through horror.

We dig deep into the mind and heart behind the monster. From humble beginnings to viral moments, from late night haunt floors to emotional breakthroughs, VAX opens up about the madness that started it all, the message behind his mayhem, and the meaning of being a haunter in today’s world.

Whether you’re in the fog every weekend or just learning the art of fear , this episode will remind you why we all haunt.

This one hits the soul.

🎧 Tune in, take a spin… and remember:

What we wear is just a costume. What we carry… is real.

Step into the shadows with us as we shine a spotlight on Kate Biddle, a powerhouse haunter who’s been leaving her terrifying mark on Netherworld Haunted House in Stone Mountain, Georgia. With ten years of this beautiful horror, she’s not slowing down anytime soon. From blood-curdling screams to bone-chilling characters, Kate’s dedication to the craft of haunting is nothing short of inspiring.

Her journey is a testament to passion, grit, and the pure love of the scare. Whether she’s slathered in makeup, drenched in fog, or lunging from the darkness, Kate brings the nightmare to life with unmatched energy. Her story will leave you in awe of what it truly means to be part of this incredible haunt family.

We are honored to have Kate join us on The Dark Carousel Podcast, and trust us, you definitely won’t want to miss this episode.

Tune in and hear firsthand how one woman turned screams into a legacy.

This carousel never stops spinning… 🎠💀

In this explosive episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with the mastermind of mayhem himself, Devin Carter, the creator of Sinister Slide Gear. From scraped-up knees to sparking chaos across concrete, Devin takes us deep into the origin of a movement that’s transforming the world of haunt sliding.

We go back to where it all began, childhood scares, wild inspiration, and the first time Devin hit the ground running (and sliding). With emotional reflections and hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos, Devin shares what it means to live life on your knees, how Sinister Slide Gear became a symbol of adrenaline-fueled fear, and the heart that beats beneath the monster.

This episode is packed with raw stories, gear disasters, burning passion, and the unfiltered truth about haunting as a lifestyle. From the emotional toll to the brotherhood formed in blood, sweat, and sparks, this is more than a brand. It’s a legacy in motion.

Because this isn’t just about gear.

It’s about the ones who wear it… and the chaos they leave behind.

🔥 Featuring: Devin Carter

🎧 Only on The Dark Carousel Podcast

This carousel never stops spinning.

In this powerful continuation, The Dark Carousel Podcast dives deeper into the firestorm that forged one of the most unforgettable forces in the haunt world — Slider Jesus.

Part 2 reveals the man behind the sparks — not just the flames from his knees or the chaos of his slides, but the pain, perseverance, and purpose that created the legend. From personal loss to personal power, this episode uncovers the emotional core of a character who turned grit into greatness and fear into fuel.

This isn’t just about haunt acting.

It’s about influence, endurance, and unforgettable presence.

🎙️ Slider Jesus shares his most honest truths yet.

From the concrete to the chaos… this legacy isn’t just performance.

It’s purpose.

Cory and Kimberly are two of Land of Illusion’s most passionate and enduring trail actors, known for their relentless energy, chilling performances, and deep-rooted love for the haunt community. With years of dedication poured into the woods of Middletown, Ohio, they’ve transformed screams into art and fear into family. Their journey goes beyond blood and masks, it’s about finding identity, healing through horror, and building a legacy in the shadows. From unforgettable scares to emotional breakthroughs, Cory and Kimberly embody what it truly means to be haunters.

Step into this dark world — where the chainsaws scream and the monsters don’t blink.

In this episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with the ruthless duo of Mickey Jackson and Mike Mateikat, two powerhouse haunters from Land of Illusion in Middletown, Ohio. From their bloody beginnings to the legacy they’re carving out in the haunt world, nothing is off-limits.

We dive deep into their characters, the secrets behind their scare tactics, and what it really means to serve under haunt legend Michael McKnight. You’ll hear their emotional journeys, their signature haunt crutches, and some of the darkest, dumbest questions we’ve ever asked on this carousel of chaos.

💀 What scares them? What drives them? And what does it truly mean to be a haunter?

This is one ride you don’t want to miss — because this carousel never stops spinning.

FrankenFuel”

Description:

In this electrifying episode of The Dark Carousel Podcast, we sit down with Mike—the brilliant mind behind @FrankenFuel, the energy drink that’s shocking the haunt world and beyond. From his roots in fear to launching a brand that tastes like adrenaline and chaos, Mike shares an amazing story of passion, grit, and monstrous creativity.

His love for horror, innovation, and the haunt community shines through in every word, as he takes us on the wild ride of building FrankenFuel from the ground up. You’ll hear the joy in his voice as he talks about the dark adventure he’s on, the risks he’s taken, and what the future holds for this killer brand.

🧠💀 Step inside his brain—if you dare—and see how fear turned into flavor.

🧪 Grab your own taste of terror at: www.frankenfuel.com/dcp