If you’ve ever walked the haunted streets of Salem in October or stumbled into a horror convention packed with excitement, chances are you’ve seen — or heard — the one and only Borah! With a cackle that can shake cobblestones and a heart as big as their cauldron, Borah! has become a legend in the world of witches, horror lovers, and all of us who embrace the weird and wonderful.
In this episode of Horror Heals, we had the absolute delight of sitting down with Borah! — the fabulous alter ego of performer and community-builder Brian Sims — for a magical and moving conversation about healing, horror, and how one witch from the South found their forever home in Salem, Massachusetts.
From a Witch Dance to a Witch Icon
The story began with a viral video and a little bit of Halloween magic. Inspired by a German witch dance, Brian invited 18 strangers to gather in Salem for what was supposed to be a one-time performance. But what emerged from that night wasn’t just a dance — it was Borah!: a witchy, wise, and wildly funny character who now draws thousands of fans every year.
The journey from that first dance to becoming a beloved figure in Salem’s cultural landscape is filled with love, laughter, and more than a few haunted happenings. In the episode, they share how their makeup, voice, personality, and iconic cauldrons all came together — and how they found purpose and community in the unlikeliest of places.
Healing Through Horror and Halloween
At the heart of the Horror Heals podcast is the idea that horror isn’t just about scares — it’s about connection, expression, and even healing. And few embody that more than Borah!
During our conversation, Borah! opens up about the joy of meeting fans who return year after year, some of whom have shared deeply personal stories — from struggling with depression to feeling like outcasts in a world that doesn’t understand them. For many, a simple interaction with Borah! has been a bright light in the darkness.
We also talk about the real-life ghost in Brian’s basement, the spooky charm of abandoned places, and the emotional power of horror movies — especially the cheesy ones that make us laugh when we need it most. For Borah!, horror is a form of therapy. “It makes me feel like I’m not alone,” they tell us. “Like there’s a whole world of people who get it.”
A Witch Who Weds (and Celebrates Divorces, Too!)
Did you know that Borah! is also a wedding officiant? Yes, you can be married by Salem’s most iconic witch — and if you’re lucky, there may even be fog machines and tiny parade cars involved. But Borah! doesn’t stop at weddings; they also officiate vow renewals, gender reveals, and yes — even divorce parties, complete with arsenic jokes (don’t worry, just in theory!).
Each ceremony is custom-crafted with love, humor, and a deep respect for the people involved. Whether it’s making a couple laugh on their big day or helping someone reclaim their power after a breakup, Borah! brings heart to every event they attend.
Why Horror Heals (and Why Borah! Is Proof)
As this episode shows, the healing power of horror goes beyond jump scares and fake blood. It’s about building community, embracing what makes you different, and finding comfort in the things that scare us. Borah! lives that truth every day — whether they’re gliding down the streets of Salem or comforting someone through a screen.
And as we discuss in the episode, the power of being seen — truly seen — can’t be overstated. For many fans, seeing Borah! is like seeing a reflection of their own uniqueness and knowing they belong.
Connect with Borah!
Want more Borah! in your life? Of course you do. Follow them on Instagram at @salemsblackhatsociety to keep up with their appearances, adventures, and glorious Halloween hijinks.
Listen to the Episode Now
🎧 Listen to “Borah! The Witch Who Cast a Spell on Salem (and Us!)”
Available now on [Spotify], [Apple Podcasts], [YouTube], or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps us share these healing stories with more horror lovers like you.
Whether you’re a horror die-hard, a Halloween fanatic, or someone who just needs a little more magic in your life, this episode with Borah! is sure to leave you smiling — and maybe even a little misty-eyed.
Because sometimes, a witch really can heal the world — one cackle at a time.
