
MonsterTalk
MonsterTalk: The Science Show About Monsters is a free audio podcast that critically examines the science behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or werewolves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.
Latest episodes

Dec 24, 2024 • 26min
Christmas Special #012 - Smee by A. M. Burrage
One of the most "Christmas Ghost Story" ghost stories for Christmas that I've ever come across. Smee tells of a night of holiday revelry turned chilling and mysterious by the appearance of an unexpected attendee at the festivities.You can read along with the ebook by purchasing it here. (affiliate Link)Read more about A. M. Burrage if you like. (Wikipedia)Art for this episode is by one of my progeny. -BBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Dec 23, 2024 • 32min
S04E12 Do You Believe in Magic with Laura Krantz
We're excited to have Laura Krantz back to talk about her latest book - a youth-focused look at how to distinguish between magical and scientific thinking: Do You Believe in Magic?Laura's very entertaining and informative podcasts: LINKLaura's other writings (affiliate LINK)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Dec 16, 2024 • 47min
S04E11 - The Saucer Life with Aaron Gulyas
An interview with writer, researcher and podcaster Aaron Gulyas - host of the UFO themed history podcast The Saucer Life.Gulyas is also the author of many books (affiliate link) including some likely to be of particular interest to MT listeners:Extraterrestrials and the American Zeitgeist: Alien Contact Tales Since the 1950sConspiracy Theories: The Roots, Themes and Propagation of Paranoid Political and Cultural Narratives -----If you like the 1970s In Search Of... why not check out our sister show In reSearch Of...Blake (and his wife Kathleen) will be participating in the 2025 "Skeptoid Bermuda Triangle Adventure" - details here if you want to come along and explore Robert the Doll, the Bimini Wall, or to look for the missing planes of Flight 19...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Dec 9, 2024 • 41min
S04E10 - The Wollaton Gnomes with Chris Woodyard
We welcome back Chris Woodyard to discuss the very odd story of the Wollaton Gnomes - a 1979 reported sighting of little men in little cars by a group of children in a British park. Chris & Simon's podcast Boggarts & Banshees (Apple Podcasts)Transcript of the gnome witness children's Interview (courtesy Simon Young)Wollaton Hall (wiki)Blog by Frank Earp, who claims to have investigated the gnomes contemporary to the events. Laughing Gnome (1967) David Bowie songThe Original Fairy Investigation Society (wiki)The reborn Fairy Investigation Society (facebook)Fairy Census OneFairy Census TwoGeorge Harrison's Friar Park (and gnomes)Gnomes (wiki)Garden Gnomes (wiki)Kabouter (wiki)Klabautermann (wiki)Paracelsus book about various spirits (wiki)Tom Clark Gnomes (retail site)Books (Affiliate Links):Gnomes by Wil HuygenThe Wollaton Gnomes: A Nottingham Fairy Mystery by Dr. Simon Young (and others)A is for Arsenic - by Chris WoodyardOther books by Chris Woodyard========Got a show suggestion? Fill out this form: https://bit.ly/MTsuggestionsWant to buy someone a subscription to the commercial-free Patreon version of the show? Gift SubscriptionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Dec 2, 2024 • 57min
S04E09 - THEM! and The Monster from Newark
We're delighted to celebrate Thanksgiving with the return of Dr. Brian Regal. He's here to talk about a favorite monster film, and announce the release of his autobiography, The Monster from Newark.Links: Brian's autobiography - The Monster From Newark (affiliate link)Karen's anthology of skeptics having weird experiences:Would You Believe It? (affiliate link)Lucky Dragon No 5 (wiki)Castle Bravo test & "maru" ship (wiki)List of Giant Ant Movies List of Giant Monster MoviesThe Pet (1921)The Lost World (1925)Reptilicus MST3KBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Nov 25, 2024 • 43min
S04E08 CryptidCon 20244
Thanks to your generous support I was able to make it to CryptidCon 2024 and this is a chat with Karen and me, reporting on day one.I'll be heading out later today for the five and a half hour drive back home but this has been delightful and you're sure to hear more from the connections I made and the ideas I heard while immersing myself in the cryptid community once more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Nov 21, 2024 • 1min
GoFundMe - Van Repair Emergency
I'm sorry to come to you with hat in hand, but our family vehicle's water pump just went out a day before I was to head up to Kentucky to go to CryptidCon. If just 10% of our listeners would donate $1 it would absolutely cover this repair and restore my confidence in heading out of town.I hate to ask but I don't know any other way to come up with the money on such short notice. So if you enjoy the show and want to hear more cryptid content in particular, please check the show notes and consider giving a buck or two to help me get our family vehicle repaired. Thanks so much for ANY consideration you give this request.https://gofund.me/95e85c4aBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Nov 18, 2024 • 46min
S04E07 Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose
Blake and Karen are joined by Matt Baxter to discuss the 2023 film Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose, based on the story of Gef, the talking mongoose at the heart of the story.Visit our original coverage of Gef in episode #67Watch the film (Amazon affiliate link) A list of the clever things a mongoose might say...The Haunting of Alma Fielding - a recent book about Nandor Fodor's investigation of an alleged psychic (Affiliate Link) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Nov 11, 2024 • 43min
S04E06 Griffinology
We're joined by author and professor Anne McClannan to discuss her new book Griffinology. These monsters are visually easily recognized - but how much do you know about their history?Links:Griffinology is available directly from University of Chicago Press.Coupon code UCPNEW is good through Dec 2024 for 30% off - which brings the price down to $28 off its regular cover price of $40! Griffins (wikipedia)Here is a link to some Griffins in ancient artwork. The artwork in Griffinology is a stunning and impressive selection of such examples.PopSci article on plausibility of Griffin/Fossil ConnectionAdditional:The Leucrotta (per Reddit)The same beast per D&DBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Nov 4, 2024 • 43min
S04E05 Real Vampires with Joe Laycock
We managed to catch up with Joe Laycock for ONE MORE VAMPIRE EPISODE! This time we're having a look at the world of people who believe they are really vampires. Some drink blood, some drink energy, most embrace vampire gaming.Joe wrote Vampires Today: The Truth About Modern Vampirism In fact, Joe has written a lot of books that will be of interest to you guys!And I'm so excited about Joe's current research - which you'll hear about at the end.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.