Haunted California

On this spine-tingling episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson delves into the captivating stories behind the Golden State’s most iconic haunted attractions with three spooky-season experts.

First, Johnson is joined by John Murdy, the creative director of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Murdy reflects on how his lifelong fascination with movie monsters and pop culture sparked his journey into the horror industry. “When I was 10, I made a Star Wars–themed haunted house,” says Murdy. “I did it for four years until my dad shut me down because there were hundreds of people lined up in front of our house.” He also shares his creative process for designing the event’s immersive haunted houses and teases exciting new features in this year’s chilling mazes.

Next, Johnson sits down with Dylan Matteson, the director of experiences at The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Matteson explores the ship’s recent renovations, its storied past, and why it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted locations. “Whether you come here to have dinner or you go to the observation bar to have a drink, you feel the history really strongly.” He also highlights the unique tours available aboard, including the ship's thrilling Halloween events.

Lastly, Johnson speaks with Dante, a seasoned tour guide at Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. Dante shares tales from San Diego's wild west past, spotlighting the city’s most notorious haunted sites, including the Whaley House and the Davis-Horton House. He then recounts some of his most thrilling ghost encounters. “Three girls were huddled together, and they were pointing at one of the two rocking chairs in the parlor because they saw the chair start to rock,” he shares. He also outlines the variety of offerings, from eerie walking excursions to a tour on a bus resembling a coffin.

GUESTS

John Murdy, creative director of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

Dylan Matteson, director of experiences at The Queen Mary

Dante, tour guide and creative director at Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours

RESOURCES

John Murdy is the creative director of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, where he transforms his passion for horror into immersive haunted experiences.

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles

World-Famous Studio Tour

Revenge of the Mummy Ride

Dylan Matteson is the director of experiences at The Queen Mary in Long Beach.

The Queen Mary

Long Beach

The Gray Ghost Project

Dark Harbor

Haunted Encounters Tour

Glory Days Historical Tour

Dante is the creative director at Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours, where he’s led history-filled haunted tours for more than 15 years.

Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours

San Diego

The Whaley House

Davis-Horton House

Old Town San Diego

Heritage County Park

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson

Editorial Director, John Godfrey

Producer, Kate Eplboim

Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall

Theme music, Aaron Taos