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On the hit NBC show_ Parks and Recreation_, actor-comedian Retta’s character, Donna Meagle, introduced Treat Yo Self Day, a fictitious holiday that encourages people to buy themselves

anything they want, just because they want to. Over the years, Retta, 54, admits her own concept of treating herself has evolved. “I allow myself to indulge in experiences as opposed to

products,” says Retta, who has also appeared in the NBC series_ Good Girls_ and the Netflix movie _Hit Man_. She’s currently hosting HGTV’s _Ugliest House in America_ and its new spin-off,

_Scariest House in America_, which premieres Oct. 4, and she tells AARP how she made the decision to pursue acting instead of going to medical school, the advice she gives aspiring actors

and the top three design mistakes she’s learned after touring all those houses for six seasons. _This interview has been edited for length and clarity._ What was it like to film your new

show, _Scariest House in America_? It was an experience. When they first asked me to do the _Scariest House_ series, I thought it was going to be about people who dress up their homes for

Halloween. I didn’t realize it would be scary because of stairs that weren’t built right, or a former jail inhabited by bats, or that one house with all the death traps. I don’t like scary

movies, and I’m a bit spooked by every creak and critter, so that part wasn’t fun for me. Retta hosts the new HGTV series "Scariest House in America," premiering Oct. 4. HGTV DO

YOU BELIEVE IN THE SUPERNATURAL? AND DID YOU HAVE ANY GHOSTLY EXPERIENCES ON SET? I do believe in the supernatural, but I didn’t have any experiences while filming. I’ve heard that battery

drains are common at haunted houses, and the crew said their camera batteries would drain very quickly in two of the locations. While the crew was shooting behind-the-scenes footage, they

had to change the batteries in their cameras around five times, where normally they would need to be changed maybe twice a day. Season 6 of _Ugliest House in America_ is returning in 2025.

What are the top three design lessons you’ve learned from the show? Well, carpeting in a bathroom is an absolute no. Take your time when trying to do decor. Don’t rush, because you end up

getting stuff that you aren’t in love with, and then you’re mad and want to replace it. And I would say don’t do concrete floors — your knees will regret it.