The real and imaginative adventures of Dennis Spielman

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Soonercon, Roughtail and Haunted Shuffle

Hello, everyone!

had a great time at Soonercon in Norman, Oklahoma, this year, and I want to start this post with a recap of my experience.

Photo of Dennis with panelists at Soonercon.For the first panel about urban legends, moderated by Jeff Provine with Trina Jacobs, I knew in advance I would be late due to a gig with the OKCMOA, so Jeff said I should make a dramatic entrance. When I arrived, I burst in as Mr. Menace the Sixth, proclaiming I had a message from beyond the grave. Since Jeff was in on the plan, he introduced me to the audience, so they would know we were doing a bit. I went on to share the story of the EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) I captured at Flower Bluff Manor, in which a man said, “I’m here.” You can listen to that full story on my Tales Unveiled podcast episode, I’m Here at Flower Bluff Manor. After my entrance, I took my TV head and proceeded with the rest of the panel as myself.

The title screen for the Haunted Shuffle horror trivia game night.

Following this panel, I hosted my horror trivia game. When I did the trivia session last year, I filled up the room (and I did again this year). From what I learned in the previous session, I created a slide deck this year to display the questions and answers on the big-screen TV. I included a diverse assortment of trivia questions from TV, movies, anime, podcasts, art, and even real-life horrors. Out of 24 questions, the winner got about 17 correct, with the audience average being 10. I also had a couple who came last year come back because they had so much fun; however, they arrived after I finished, but I had time, so I did a private game session, which they enjoyed. 

Play testing Haunted ShuffleOn Saturday, I got to do a one-on-one play test for my Haunted Shuffle card game. A play-test with strangers has been on my to-do list for a long time. I got some great feedback. Next, I need to run a large-group playtest, since up to 8 people can play. Then I’ll need to print a new version and test it before I get to the launch phase.

A selfie taken by Dennis Spielman with other panelists.For Sunday, I was on a panel about being creative in Oklahoma, moderated by Elizabeth Campbell with J.D. Woods, Karen Thrower, and Matthew Price. I enjoy chatting with other professional creatives because I always learn something new or get inspired.

I also filmed a cosplay interview with Mr. Ray, asking them about their fears and how to hide a body. This was a test for a new Spooky Talk segment, which you can watch here

Photo of the Doorventure.art box and pull tabs.

I ended Soonercon by setting up in the Creator Spotlight for an hour, talking to folks about Doorventure.art. I had a wonderful time meeting with everyone, and I know some of you are here now because of that encounter, so thank you again!

As for what’s next, I’ll be at Roughtail Brewing Co. in Oklahoma City on Friday, July 10th, at 5 pm, as part of their horror short-film festival. Several of my Haunted Shuffle skits will be scattered throughout the programming block to break up the pacing with the longer shorts. I also plan to be there, all dressed up as Mr. Menace. 

That’s all for this blog post! Thank you for following me!

In Dreams: Tour of the David Lynch exhibition at Uncanny Art House

David Lynch (1946-2025) was an American filmmaker, visual artist, musician, and writer whose work reshaped modern film and television. He is known for creating dreamlike worlds where ordinary settings conceal unsettling truths, and where emotion and intuition take priority over traditional explanation.

Lynch began his career as a painter, and that visual approach carried into his films and television work. His storytelling often follows dream logic rather than linear narrative, using sound, symbolism, and atmosphere to invite personal interpretation rather than fixed meaning.

“In Dreams: A Tribute to David Lynch” features a mix of works from artists across the country that include direct references to Lynch’s films and imagery, as well as original pieces inspired by his themes, tone, and artistic approach. The exhibition features artwork by longtime Lynch collaborator Michael Horse, whose work reflects a shared creative world shaped by collaboration, intuition, and exploration of the unseen.

Visiting Haunts at Moore Lindsay Historical House Museum and Downtown Norman

Join Jeff Provine in this episode of Visiting Haunts as he delves into the haunted history of the Moore-Lindsay House Museum and explores the ghostly tales of Downtown Norman, Oklahoma.

Thank you to all of our supporting members who helped made this series possible! Help support our future stories by becoming an adventurer at https://spielventure.com

The Norman Ale Trail with the Beer Babes Family

Join Amanda and me as we explore the vibrant beer scene of Norman, Oklahoma, in our latest adventure on the Norman Ale Trail! In this episode, we visit every brewery in Norman, starting with a special collaboration at Legally Brewed with the Beer Babes Family to create a unique golden stout. Discover the process of brewing, from heating the water to the magic of fermentation, while enjoying a variety of creative beers. From a glittery disco lemonade sour to the award-winning American fiber liner and the dangerously delightful lavender elderflower hard seltzer, there’s a brew for every taste.

Amanda, a local beer expert, shares her insights on the best beers Norman has to offer, including special brews like the medieval-inspired honey oak ale and the creamy, sessionable dry Irish stout. At the second spot at 405 Brewing’s new downtown location, they dive into the Jazz series, blending beers to create the perfect mix of flavors, including the standout Interdimensional Jazz Magic.

Next, we visit BIG Brewing Co, where long-time friends Justin and Eric share their journey from garage brewers to owning a beloved local brewery, showcasing their passion for traditional styles, hazies, and innovative hops.

The adventure continues at Lazy Circles Brewing, where the atmosphere is as relaxed as the name suggests. Here, they sample a range of beers that celebrate the spirit of Norman, including the popular lager and the creatively brewed specialty IPAs. The laid-back vibe and community feel make it a must-visit spot on the trail.

Finally, they head to Campus Corner to visit Crossed Cannons, a brewery with a patriotic theme and a lineup of robust, flavorful beers. From their flagship American Pale Ale to their richly flavored stouts, Crossed Cannons offers a diverse selection that pays homage to American brewing traditions. The brewery’s dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every sip.

Don’t miss out on this flavorful journey across Norman’s best breweries. Grab your Norman Ale Trail passport, collect your stamps, and discover the diverse and exciting world of local craft beer. Cheers!

Branding for Creatives: An Art & Victory Panel Discussion

In this Art & Victory panel discussion on branding yourself, seasoned professionals Vincent Lee and Jennifer Bergen share their insights, strategies, and experiences in building a personal brand that stands out. Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, writer, or any other kind of creative, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate your unique vision, engage your audience, and navigate the business side of the creative industry.

THE PANELISTS:

Vincent Lee isn’t your typical brand guru. Sure, he’s an author with a keen eye for storytelling, but he’s also a perpetual student, constantly fascinated by the ever-evolving world of branding. His passion lies in empowering small and mighty businesses, and non-profits. He believes that with the right tools (many of them free!), anyone can craft a powerful brand story that cuts through the noise and ignites excitement. So, if you’re ready to ditch the brand blahs and unleash your inner champion, Vincent’s your guide on the journey to brand elevation.

Jennifer Bergen is a mixed-media abstract artist based in Norman, Oklahoma. Jenny’s love for abstract art was quite literally born from chaos. Like many other people, COVID changed Jenny’s life forever. While looking for a creative outlet to survive lockdown, Jenny found her spark in a kids’ paint set and the Google search bar. Over the next three years, Jenny’s art evolved into the creations you see today. Jenny believes her art speaks to the incredible value of vulnerability and authenticity in everyday interactions, and considers herself incredibly blessed to have found this craft.

Thank you to Yellow Dog Coffee in Norman for hosting us!

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