In the season one finale of the Mystery Soup podcast, hosts Curt and Chris discuss wrapping up their first season, which includes reflections on key episodes and their favorite takeaways. They consider implementing seasons for their show, share insights from their interviews with escape room experts, and delve into the importance of fun, theming, and accessibility in escape room design. The conversation also covers strategies for marketing, staffing, and enhancing customer experiences.

Curt and Chris welcome escape room designer Vincent Stevens. They discuss his journey from nursing to escape room design, designing his first escape room in Oregon, and growing his business in Southern California. Vincent shares insights on his design process, favorite escape games, and his work with major clients like Sony. He emphasizes the importance of creating fun and engaging experiences over challenging players, and he offers advice for those looking to enter the industry. Additionally, Vincent reveals some upcoming projects and his thoughts on the escape room industry trends.

Breaking Point Escape Rooms

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In this episode, Curt and Chris interview Nicole and Tom from Nocturne Adventures. They discuss the background of their unique escape room business, their horror film inspirations, and the intricacies of designing and running immersive escape room experiences. Nicole and Tom share the challenges and rewards of owning an escape room, their design process, and the importance of atmosphere and set design in creating memorable experiences for players. They also touch on the benefits of having different scare levels for their horror-themed rooms.

Nocturne Adventures

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In this episode, Curt and Chris welcome Rob and Cecilia of Niagara Escapement who share their personal journeys, the genesis of their partnerships, and their philosophies on creating fun and accessible experiences. Topics include overcoming challenges, humor and accessibility in design, and finding success with a DIY mindset. The episode also explores supplementary ventures like Dungeons & Dragons camps and board game cafes.

Niagara Escapement

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Curt and Chris welcome special guests Christine and Jeremiah from Exit Games OC. The discussion delves into the origins and inspirations behind Exit Games OC, the nuances of their popular '13th Basement' game, and the impact of escape rooms on their marriage. Additionally, they share insights on the technical challenges and creative processes involved in escape room design, the importance of community among escape room owners, and their plans for future family-friendly games.

Exit Game OC

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In this episode, Curt and Chris chat with Heather and J.R., the dynamic duo behind Boxed In Escape Rooms. The couple shares their inspiring journey of launching and growing their escape room business in Festus, Missouri, all while juggling full-time jobs and family commitments. Listeners will gain insights into their set design process, marketing tactics, and the essential role of community engagement. The discussion also delves into their collaboration with Puzzol Creative, the balance between radio and digital advertising, and the introduction of unique "Marathon" Medals. With entertaining behind-the-scenes stories and a fun speed round, Heather and J.R. provide invaluable advice and tips for aspiring escape room entrepreneurs.

Boxed In Escape Rooms

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Curt and Chris interview Blake DeCiccio, a dedicated enthusiast of escape rooms. Blake shares her journey into the world of escape rooms, her favorite rooms and experiences, and the unique elements she has encountered globally. The discussion also covers the logistics of traveling for escape rooms, the differences between U.S. and European rooms, and the potential future of the escape room industry.

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Curt and Chris talk with the owners of CU Adventures in Time and Space, Chris and Anne Lukeman. CU Adventures is an escape room business based in the Champaign-Urbana (CU) area of Illinois. They discuss the origin of their business, the design philosophy behind their rooms, and the challenges they faced, particularly during the pandemic. The Lukemans share insights into their creative process, balancing fun with functionality, and their exciting new venture into mini golf escape rooms. They also offer advice for aspiring escape room owners and reflect on their favorite industry experiences.

CU Adventures in Time and Space

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