Ope Cast is BACK! Braden kicks off Season 3 with Larry Kirchner of Scarefest and Blacklight Attractions. Larry is a prominent figure in the haunted house industry and the mastermind behind several renowned attractions in St. Louis, including The Darkness, Creepyworld, and Lemp Haunted House. Known for his innovative approach, he also runs Blacklight Attractions, which specializes in designing themed attractions, and heads Scarefest, a company producing events and resources for the Halloween and haunt industry.

His work has transformed St. Louis into a hotspot for immersive haunted experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike. The Darkness, in particular, is famous for its intense, movie-quality sets, 3D elements, and high-tech scares, making it one of the top-rated haunted houses in the country.

Larry's s annual involvement with the TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show also drives him and his team to innovate and revamp these attractions yearly. This dedication not only fuels his success but also sets a high bar within the industry, attracting other haunt professionals worldwide to witness his latest designs and creation You can follow Larry on all socials at @Scarefest or his website www.scarefest.com

On this episode, Braden sits down with one of the most notable names in St. Louis sports, Tom Ackerman. Tom is the Director at KMOX in St. Louis, the flagship station for the Cardinals (MLB) and Saint Louis University (NCAA), hosting radio shows for both teams. He's also a co-host of Total Information A.M., the top-rated show at the station, providing listeners with news, traffic, weather, business and sports each weekday morning. In addition to radio, he calls college basketball play-by-play on TV for the Missouri Valley Conference and host on the video board at Scottrade Center during Blues home games. I’m also the play-by-play broadcaster for SLU women’s basketball.

He shares his journey into media, love for St. Louis, integrity in his role, involvement in UCP Heartland, love for food, and much more.

You can follow Tom on X at @ackerman1120

On this episode, Braden sat down with Polo Ascencio of the St. Louis Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network. Polo shares his Tijuana upbringing, love for baseball, the journey of broadcasting Cardinals games in Spanish alongside Bengie Molina.

Over the years, Ascencio and Molina have expanded their reach, beginning with just two games in 2016 and now covering all home games and playoffs. Their broadcasts have brought the excitement of Cardinals baseball to Spanish-speaking fans worldwide, adding a vital voice for the Hispanic community in St. Louis and beyond. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, their passion and impact remain strong, connecting listeners from across the globe to their favorite team. This season, Polo partnered with the Cardinals Museum on Viva Los Cardenales. This takes you from the present day all the way back to 1913 detailing the Latin and Hispanic players who paved the way for the next generation. He shares his joy of bringing this exhibit to life. You can follow Polo on Instagram at @polosview or tune into the Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network WIJR 880 AM La Tremenda