About this episode

Erick Wessel and Terri Rivera discuss their journey in creating unique horror destinations and the current state of horror film culture.

Erick Wessel and Terri Rivera are the creators of The Mystic Museum and The Horror Boodega, two of LA’s most unique horror destinations. In this episode, we trace the journey from punk rock beginnings and getting drunk in Vegas to how a small oddities shop grew into the Mystic Museum and how the Horror Boodega was built in just four months. We talk about nostalgia, wearing horror on our sleeves, and designing immersive spaces that celebrate the genre and bring fans deeper into the experience. We get into the paranormal side of the Mystic Museum — from hauntings and séances to visitor encounters and even a true crime event tied to the building. We reflect on belief vs. skepticism, how fear of death connects to our love for horror, and why these stories resonate so deeply with fans.We also cover the state of horror film culture today: the best and worst films of the year, remakes and reboots, mean-spirited horror, critics, and the movies we defend even when everyone else hates them. Along the way, we talk about the first horror films that shook us, casting mega-stars in horror, and the exhibits that keep the Mystic Museum evolving — from Horror High Reunion to Total Grotesque Live…

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