This podcast connects creators and collectors of art that embodies the spirit of Halloween. Listeners will discover the stories and inspirations behind the artwork—and the artists—who bring Halloween to life. We’ll also hear from passionate collectors who’ve secured their dream pieces. Plus, we’ll explore Halloween-themed destinations to inspire your next spooky season adventure.

About Kristen Stafford, Creator, Host, Halloweenist

I’m Kristen Stafford—a boy and dog mom, Midwesterner living in the South, project manager, and most relevant here: an avid Halloweenist and the producer of this podcast.

My love of Halloween started in childhood, but it blossomed into a full-blown obsession about 20 years ago. It began innocently enough with collecting Halloween Department 56 Snow Village houses. That led me to eBay, where I discovered original Halloween art—and my collection was born. The first artist I collected was Carolee Clark of King of Mice Studios.

Over time, my collection grew from a few pieces to an obsessive amount… many of which are displayed year-round. I collect in a variety of mediums, including jewelry, paintings, dolls, figures, pottery, and more.

Online collecting eventually led me to art shows like Halloween and Vine, Ghoultide Gathering, and Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween. It’s been an absolute thrill to meet and befriend many of the artists in person. I’ve also found a tribe of fellow collectors who share my passion, both online and in real life.

Traveling to shows sparked my interest in Halloween-themed destinations—like Anoka, Minnesota (the Halloween Capital of the World), Salem, Hell (yes, the one in Michigan), and New Orleans. You’d be hard-pressed to get me to Disney World when it isn’t Halloween there. I’m constantly adding new places to my Halloween travel bucket list.

This hobby has led to experiences I never could have imagined. I’ve curated a display of my collection at a local library, modeled Halloween makeup on local TV, commissioned a doll (by Sylvia Smiser) that appeared on the cover of a national magazine, and run countless Halloween-themed races just for the cool shirts and medals.

In addition to Halloween, I’m also a taphophile—a lover of cemeteries. I’m a docent at a historic cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I share my cemetery adventures on Instagram: @notlostgonebefore.

Find your interests—and pursue them with zest!

Memberships

Collector member of the Eclectic Halloween Artists Guild 

 

Acknowledgments

Many people have contributed to this passion project. Some of them are...

  • Rebecca Kilimnik for creating the perfect logo for the podcast.

  • Michael Meadows for the spooky original music.

  • Gretchen Sutton, Tiffani Bollinger, and Rachel Faller - for spending hours talking Halloween and keeping me going. Long live the Krewe.

  • Jennie Helper-Takens for being a sounding board, being willing to be my first guest, and sparking me to GET GOING.

  • Laurie Harden for pushing me to share these stories.

  • Carolee Clark for the feedback, faith, and optimism.

  • Jorene Lomenzo for sparking even more collecting and passion.

  • Dave Jackson of the School of Podcasting - for sharing his experience and passion for podcasting with the world.

  • ...and countless other Halloween lovers, artists, and collectors who inspire me everyday!