First-ever puzzle designed with an integrated podcast explores the weird and wild history of Halloween

SUMMIT NJ – Oct. 22, 2025 – Craig Engler, former General Manager of AMC Networks’ horror streaming service Shudder, has launched The Great Halloween Puzzle & Podcast, the first-ever jigsaw puzzle with an integrated podcast.

Engler, who co-created Syfy’s hit TV series Z Nation and who greenlit fan favorite Shudder shows like Creepshow and The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, was inspired to turn his passion for horror and Halloween into a family-friendly puzzle because of his 10-year-old daughter. The idea was sparked while the two were working on a puzzle together and wondered about the story behind it. Realizing they could create their own, they combined their love of Halloween with Engler’s storytelling background to design a puzzle that comes to life through an accompanying podcast.

“A lot of people listen to something while they puzzle,” Engler said. “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just background noise—something that was part of the experience itself. And we knew it had to be about our favorite holiday, Halloween.”

Engler and his daughter partnered with comic book artist Ryan Dunlavey (Action Philosophers, M.O.D.O.K) and colorist Adam Guzowski (Nailbiter, TMNT) to create the puzzle’s artwork. The family-friendly design depicts a small-town Halloween parade that transforms as it’s built, revealing hidden details tied to the history and traditions of Halloween. The companion podcast deepens the experience with historical insights and clues that correspond to sections of the puzzle.

“For instance, in the image on the box, there’s a Victorian mansion on the hill with a party going on,” Engler said. “But when you assemble that section, it becomes a haunted house filled with ghosts and monsters. The podcast tells the story of haunted houses while giving you clue to what you’re building.”

To enhance the Halloween vibe of their project, they also included a custom Halloween playlist, a watchlist of both scary and not-so-scary movies, and a recipe for a forgotten Halloween treat called a Soul Cake.

“My daughter and I have always loved Halloween—costumes, candy, pumpkin carving, all of it,” Engler said. “With The Great Halloween Puzzle & Podcast, we’ve turned that passion into an interactive experience families and friends can share. It’s like getting Halloween in a box.”

The Great Halloween Puzzle & Podcast is live on Kickstarter now at www.thegreatpuzzleco.com, and the campaign ends at midnight on Halloween. Backers can choose rewards like being drawn in the puzzle, or getting a shout out from the creators in the podcast.

Contact:

press@thegreatpuzzleco.com

The Great Puzzle Co.

www.thegreatpuzzleco.com