The Mystery Soup Podcast

S2-Ep16: Magazine Edition #2

Chris and Curt bring back their magazine-style format, where they delve into various topics related to escape rooms. They discuss marketing strategies for escape rooms through city quests, and creating an engaging social media presence. They share ideas for events that align with escape room themes, tools like the RFID whiz, staff incentives, and ways to design immersive sets. The episode also touches on fun and effective puzzles for family and kids, unique merchandise ideas, and how to create valuable roundtable groups for brainstorming.  Show Notes [https://mysterysoupgames.com/s2-ep17]

S2-Ep16: Magazine Edition #1

Curt and Chris kick off a new format called the 'Magazine Edition,' where they cover diverse topics related to escape rooms, marketing, and more. The episode highlights include an interesting marketing idea, creative ideas for themed escape room parties, the use of plotters and vinyl cutters, and tips on engaging staff. They also share unique tools like the Zoom V3 for voice modulation, chroma depth in set design, and offer various suggestions for kids' activities, merchandise, and collectible stickers.

S2-Ep15: Matt and Jessi Nelson of Oh! Key Escape Games

Curt and Chris sit down with guests Matt and Jessi, the owners of Oh! Key Escape Games in Idaho. They delve into the couple’s journey from teachers to escape room entrepreneurs. Matt and Jessi detail their passion for escape rooms, sparked by a surprise Father's Day adventure, leading them to create their own themed escape rooms like the unique 'Potato Room' and 'Scrying Mirror'. They discuss their game design process, pricing strategies, and the unique challenges of running a business in a small town. They also share some of their personal experiences with escape rooms and how they incorporate family involvement in their operations. Oh! Key Escape Games [https://www.ohkeyescapegames.com/] Full Show Notes [https://mysterysoupgames.com/s2-ep15]

S2-Ep14: Matthew Stein – Wonder Wizard

In this episode, Curt goes solo as Chris is still out sick, and welcomes guest Matthew Stein, a multifaceted puzzle designer, violinist, and adventurer. They discuss Matthew's unconventional career path, the intricacies of puzzle design, and the magic of music. Matthew shares his profound experiences with letterboxing, escape rooms, and puzzle hunts, including the prestigious MIT Mystery Hunt. They explore the connection between puzzles and meaningful human experiences while Matthew also sheds light on his future projects, including two upcoming books. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of creative puzzles and the adventures they inspire. IMakePuzzles.com [https://www.steinium.com/] Full Show Notes [https://mysterysoupgames.com/s2-ep14/]

S2-Ep13: Tanner Goldman of Meridian Escape Games, Escape Tuscaloosa, and Intrigue Little Rock

Curt interviews Tanner Goldman, an escape room owner, general manager, and designer. Tanner shares insights on running multiple escape room locations across different states and discusses his creative process for designing escape rooms and special events. They delve into Tanner's background in community theater, his passion for escape rooms, and anecdotes from his journey in the escape room industry. Meridian Escape [https://www.meridianescapegames.com/] Escape Tuscaloosa [https://www.escapetuscaloosa.com/] Intrigue Little Rock [https://www.intriguelittlerock.com/]