What’s your most memorable Halloween experience?

Halloween has always been about more than costumes and candy for me. What makes it memorable is the feeling—the mystery, the creativity, the stories, and the anticipation of being scared. That passion eventually inspired me to create Tales of Dread, where I share true stories of terrifying events from history. Seeing people become fascinated by those stories has made my love for Halloween even stronger.

Tell us why you would make it to the end of a horror movie.

I know better than to make the classic horror-movie mistakes. I wouldn’t split up, investigate a creepy noise alone, or casually wander into the basement when every instinct says RUN! I’d stay calm, pay attention, trust my instincts, and think before acting. My fascination with real-life horror stories has taught me that the smartest person in the room is usually the one who recognizes danger before it’s too late.

What would you do with the unlucky $13,000?

I’d turn the unlucky $13,000 into something lucky. I’d invest a portion into growing my creative projects, especially Tales of Dread, use some to create unforgettable Halloween experiences, and save the rest for the future. If Halloween has taught me anything, it’s that a little bit of mystery can go a long way—but I’d rather make my own luck than leave it to chance!

Who is your real-life hero who you would want to survive a horror movie with?

My real-life hero is my mom. She’s been there for me every step of the way, through the good moments, the difficult moments, and everything in between. If I had to survive a horror movie, there’s no question I’d want her by my side. We’ve faced life’s challenges together, so if a horror-movie monster came after us, I know we’d have each other’s backs. And honestly, I think she’d surprise everyone with how tough she is.