Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Dickson.
Hi Jamie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Orlando and have resided here for 29 years. Growing up, having Universal Studios and Walt Disney World being a 30 minute drive away felt like having a whole other world at the tips of your fingers. Although many think because you live in Orlando that you must visit the parks all the time, for me that wasn’t necessarily the case.
I actually frequented Disney more when I was younger since I had family members who worked there and were able to get my parents and I in with their complimentary tickets. As for Universal, I would really only go for one thing… and that is Halloween Horror Nights. Now that I’m older and have my own money to blow, I find myself at the theme parks more than ever. Along with an everlasting love for the horror genre.
I attended my first Halloween Horror Nights event in 2005 when I was nine years old and looking back now, I was way too young and a blatant scaredy cat to truly enjoy myself. Fast forward 20 years later, now I have the pleasure of discussing Halloween Horror Nights on a daily basis for a podcast I am a part of: “Fear and Beer: A Halloween Horror Nights Podcast.” This was a passion project created by my boyfriend Nick, and his cousin Shamus during Covid times and has really turned into something incredible.
Along with the pod, I am also a contributor for Macabre Daily and write reviews for horror and sci-fi films alongside an incredibly talented team.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that these things I take pride in have come somewhat naturally, but not without effort. With the podcast, it took some convincing of Nick and Shamus to let me join on, not knowing how it would work with three people. They were aware that I’m very familiar with HHN and do have some pretty extensive knowledge on the event, but truthfully it was a battle within myself to shake the nerves and actually do it; and I’m so glad I did.
With Macabre Daily, I actually reached out to them inquiring about writing positions after having followed them on social media for quite sometime. Having no previous experience other than freelance writing and some schooling, my EIC at the time took a chance on me.
Since then, I’ve done numerous press releases, reviews, and interviews for some big name and independent films and series. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shudder, HULU, AMC+, and Terror Films to name a few. It has been nothing short of fulfilling, being able to do something that I truly have a passion for.
How do you think about happiness?
I have a passion and love for the world of horror and all its inhabitants. Ever since I was younger, I have been fascinated by the strange and macabre. Mind you, being scared and intrigued by something was very difficult to navigate as a child. I remember the first horror movie I ever watched was “The Exorcist” with my grandmother. Great choice, right? I do feel as if that was what ignited that spark though. Now that I’m older, I can fully appreciate it for what it is. Horror isn’t just for the outcasts and weirdos, it’s for everyone. It’s an escape into places that aren’t meant to be explored. For inquiring minds to experience together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://macabredaily.com
- Instagram: @jamiedickson/@fearandbeerpod/@macabredaily
- Youtube: Fear and Beer: A Halloween Horror Nights Podcast
