Jack-O’-Learn Changes The Dynamic of Traditional Learning Putting a Goth and Dark Edge on It

How did you come up with the character Jack-O’-Learn?

Jack: I’ve always loved Halloween. The spooky season has sparked my imagination for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly drawing monsters and spooky characters, and as an adult I had the opportunity to work as a scarer in the Doll Factory at Knott’s Scary Farm. I loved creating memorable scares and bringing creepy characters to life.

The biggest inspiration, though, came from my nephew. He looks up to me, and
seeing him struggle with school reminded me of the challenges I faced at his age. That inspired me to create educational videos with a spooky twist—making learning more fun, engaging, and less intimidating.

The name “Jack-O’-Learn” came from combining the iconic Jack-o’-lantern with the word “learn.” It represents my belief that learning should be exciting, creative, and something we continue throughout our lives. My goal is to inspire kids, families, and adults—especially those who may feel a little different or simply love the spooky season like I do—to embrace curiosity,
celebrate their uniqueness, and never stop learning.

You say you struggled learning as a child, what was the struggle and what
reignited your passion for learning?

Jack: When I was younger, I struggled in school because learning often felt frustrating instead of inspiring. Some teachers and even other students made me feel like I wasn’t smart, and over time I began to believe that. As a result, I pulled away from schoolwork. Instead, I poured my energy into the things that genuinely excited me, like Japanese anime, monsters, and anything spooky. That was my creative escape. I also discovered that I thrived in classes where I could use my imagination, make videos, and learn by creating. Hands-on, creative learning has always been where I do my best.

As I got older, I realized just how important the fundamentals are. That understanding reignited my passion for learning and inspired me to go back and strengthen the skills I had struggled with. Looking back, I don’t think I ever stopped being a lifelong learner—I just needed to discover the learning style that worked for me and find ways to make subjects that didn’t come naturally feel engaging and meaningful.

That’s one of the reasons I created Jack-O’-Learn. I want to help others discover that learning doesn’t have to fit into one mold. When curiosity, creativity, and fun come together, learning becomes something you want to do, not something you have to do.

Tell me about Jack-O’-Learn and what his ethics and values are, what is he
trying to teach humanity and the world?

Jack: To me, Jack-O’-Learn represents the idea that learning should never stop. My mission is to inspire people of all ages to stay curious, ask questions, and discover something new every day. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, I believe there’s always something new to learn.

One of my core values is to never judge a book by its cover. Just because something looks spooky, different, or unfamiliar doesn’t mean it’s something to fear. Some of the most fascinating people, places, and ideas reveal themselves
when we’re willing to look beyond first impressions. I also believe that everyone learns differently. Some people learn by reading,
others by watching, creating, exploring, or asking questions.

There isn’t one “right” way to learn, and struggling with a subject doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent—it may simply mean you haven’t found the learning style that works best for you yet. I want to encourage kindness, curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. I hope to inspire people to keep an open mind, respect others, and never lose their sense of wonder. The world is filled with incredible history, science, art, and cultures waiting to be explored, and every new thing we learn helps us better understand one another. At the end of the day, my message is simple: never stop learning, stay curious, and never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes the things that seem the scariest at first become the most fascinating once we take the time to understand them. If I can help someone discover a love of learning—or help them see the world a little differently—then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.

How did you discover the “dark side” and the goth alternative subculture?

Jack: I’ve always been drawn to the “dark side” and the goth alternative subculture. Ever since I was a kid, I loved monsters, Halloween, haunted attractions, and anything with a spooky atmosphere. It wasn’t about being negative—it was about imagination, storytelling, and finding beauty in things that were a little different. Growing up as an Asian American, though, I rarely saw people who looked like me embracing the goth or alternative subculture. That changed when I discovered the Japanese rock band GLAY. Seeing their guitarist, HISASHI, confidently wearing dark fashion and makeup was a defining moment for me. For the first time, I saw someone I could relate to expressing themselves so authentically.

Before discovering GLAY, I admired the goth aesthetic but never felt confident enough to dress that way myself. Seeing HISASHI inspired me to take that step. It gave me the confidence to embrace the style I’d always been drawn to and
express myself without worrying about what other people thought.

That experience taught me the importance of representation and authenticity. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who looks like you living unapologetically to realize that you can do the same. Today, that same philosophy is reflected in everything I create. Through Jack-O’-Learn, I want people to know it’s okay to be different, to embrace what makes you happy, and to let your curiosity guide you. Our differences aren’t something to hide—they’re often what make us the most interesting.

Who were some of your art, music and acting influences?

Jack: I’ve been inspired by a wide range of artists, musicians, authors, and storytellers, and I think that’s what makes my creative style unique. One of my earliest influences was Mr. Rogers. He taught kindness, curiosity, and the importance of treating everyone with respect. Those values have stayed with me and are a big part of what I hope to share through Jack-O’-Learn.

Believe it or not, Tales from the Crypt was practically my bedtime story growing up. While some people saw it as scary, I was fascinated by the storytelling, the humor, and the unforgettable Crypt Keeper. It helped spark my lifelong love of
horror and spooky entertainment. Another major influence is folklorist Alvin Schwartz, the author of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I admire how he preserved folklore and introduced generations of
readers to legends and ghost stories that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Watching the documentary Scary Stories about his life and work gave me an even greater appreciation for the importance of preserving folklore and using storytelling to educate, entertain, and inspire curiosity. Musically, discovering Siouxsie and the Banshees was a huge moment for me. I first found their music after watching Batman Returns, and I was immediately
drawn to the dark, artistic aesthetic and powerful sound.

Of course, GLAY had an enormous impact on me. As an Asian American, seeing guitarist HISASHI confidently embrace alternative fashion and makeup gave me the confidence to express myself in ways I hadn’t before. Another major influence is Malice Mizer. Their elaborate fashion, theatrical performances, and incredible attention to visual storytelling showed me that music could be a complete artistic experience—not just something you hear, but something you see and feel.

Those are just a few of the people who have inspired me over the years. I’ve always admired creators who aren’t afraid to be different, push creative boundaries, and stay true to themselves. I think those influences naturally found
their way into Jack-O’-Learn, where I try to combine education, storytelling, creativity, and a love for all things spooky.

What is your favorite subject to teach?

Jack: One of the things that makes Jack-O’-Learn unique is that I’m not trying to be the expert on everything. I love inviting people who are passionate about their craft to share their knowledge, and I get to learn right alongside the audience. I think there’s something really special about being curious together. If I had to choose my favorite subject to teach, though, it would be history. History gives us the opportunity to understand the people, events, and decisions that shaped the world we live in today. It reminds us where we’ve come from, helps us appreciate different cultures and perspectives, and teaches lessons we can carry into the future.

There’s a famous saying that those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it. While the wording is often debated, I believe the message is important: when we understand the past, we’re better equipped to make thoughtful decisions in the present and build a better future.
Ultimately, I hope to inspire people to be curious about history—not just to memorize dates and names, but to understand the stories behind them and why they still matter today.

What is your favorite subject to learn about?

Jack: History has always been my favorite subject because it helps us understand where we came from and how the past has shaped the world we live in today. I believe there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a famous historical event or a forgotten story that deserves to be remembered.

I’m also passionate about art because it’s another form of storytelling. Art encourages creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression, and I love learning new techniques from talented artists.
One of my favorite parts of Jack-O’-Learn has been inviting guests to share their knowledge. I had a wonderful guest who looked just like Wednesday Addams teach us how to draw a skull. As I like to joke, “We all have enough skeletons in our closet, so why not learn how to draw one?” It was a fun way to make art a little less intimidating.

Another memorable guest was special effects artist Damien, who has worked on television productions including American Horror Story. He showed us how to build a spooky diorama. We also had an episode where we learned how to use a Dremel to carve a spooktacular pumpkin featuring Jack Skellington and Zero. I love projects like that because they combine creativity with hands-on learning. At the end of the day, I don’t think I could ever pick just one favorite subject.
Whether it’s history, art, science, Halloween traditions, or meeting people with unique skills, I simply love learning. Every subject has a story to tell, and if I can help spark someone else’s curiosity along the way, that’s the best part of what I do.

Guilty geeky pleasures of Jack-O’-Learn?

Jack: I’m not even sure I believe in “guilty pleasures” anymore—if I love something, I love it. But I do definitely have a few geeky interests that I fully embrace. Back when I first got into Japanese anime, it was nowhere near as mainstream as it is today. I wasn’t just watching it—I was completely immersed in it. I would research the stories, the characters, the creators, and even the cultural references and symbolism behind different series. It wasn’t just entertainment for me; it was something I genuinely studied because I was so fascinated by it.

That curiosity hasn’t really gone away. I still love anime, film culture, and especially digging into Easter eggs, hidden meanings, and behind-the-scenes details in movies and shows. I’m the kind of person who will pause something just to figure out what a background detail means or how it connects to a larger story. So I guess my “geeky pleasure” is really just being a superfan of storytelling in all its forms. Whether it’s anime, film, or television, I love getting lost in the world-
building and discovering the little details most people might miss.

What is the biggest set back you have had to deal with in regard to content
creation?

Content creation is incredibly rewarding, but it definitely comes with its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been financing the channel.
Producing quality content takes time, equipment, supplies, travel, and sometimes specialized materials, so the costs can add up quickly. It’s truly a labor of love.

Another challenge has been coordinating schedules with guests. I’m fortunate to collaborate with talented artists, historians, and creators, but finding a time that works for everyone can be difficult. Even so, it’s always worth the effort because every guest brings a unique perspective and gives both me and the audience an opportunity to learn something new.

The hardest challenge, though, has probably been dealing with negative comments online. Like many content creators, I’ve received criticism that can be discouraging at times. But whenever that happens, I remind myself why I started Jack-O’-Learn in the first place. I think about my nephew, I think about the younger version of myself who struggled in school, and I think about everyone out there who just needs someone to spark their curiosity or remind them that it’s okay to be different. At the end of the day, if even one person discovers a love of learning, feels inspired to embrace their creativity, or realizes they belong, then every challenge has been worth it. That’s what keeps me going.

Your favorite monster and horror film?

My favorite monster is Count Orlok from Nosferatu (1922). There’s just something unforgettable about him—he’s eerie, unsettling, and completely iconic in a way that still holds up over 100 years later. What I love most is how different he looks compared to modern vampire interpretations. Today’s vampires are often polished, stylish, and romanticized, but Count Orlok is the complete opposite. He’s awkward, creepy, and genuinely haunting—which, in my opinion, makes him way more interesting. There’s something almost charming about how unapologetically strange he is. He doesn’t try to be cool or seductive… he just shows up looking like a nightmare and commits to it fully. Respect 100%

If you could invite 3 guests (alive, dead real or fictional) to a dinner party who
would you invite?

This is a really difficult question for me because there are so many fascinating people I would love to invite. But if I had to choose three right now, I’d go with:

First, Brandon Lee, especially in his role as The Crow. There’s something so powerful and iconic about that character—both visually and emotionally—and I think it would be incredible to hear about his creative process and what that role meant to him artistically. Second, Mr. Ballen. I’m a big fan of his storytelling. He has a unique way of taking real-life mysteries and strange events and turning them into something completely captivating. I think he’d be the kind of dinner guest who could keep everyone completely hooked the entire night. And third, Robert Smith from The Cure. His music has such a distinct emotional
and atmospheric quality, and I’ve always been fascinated by his artistic style and presence. I’d love to hear about his creative influences and the stories behind some of his most iconic songs. I think that combination would make for a really interesting dinner—part film, part storytelling, part music—and probably a lot of great conversations about creativity, identity, and the darker, more beautiful sides of art!

YouTube