Go behind the scenes at a New Jersey Spirit Halloween store

By Student Podcast Challenge,

Isabel Jacobson, Adam Sanders

Published October 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM EDT

Each year, about 1,400 Spirit Halloween shops pop up across the U.S. Two student journalists, Isabel Jacobson and Adam Sanders, visited their local shop to meet the spirited employees who work there.

This is an excerpt from "The Spirit of Spirit Halloween" by Isabel Jacobson and Adam Sanders, recent graduates of Princeton University. Their story was a finalist in the 2024 NPR College Podcast Challenge.

Related Stories

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now