
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

Aug 19, 2024 • 35min
S03E47 Darren Naish pt 2: The State of Cryptozoology
Part two of a two-part discussion with paleontologist Darren Naish about the history of Dogman lore. In part two, we discuss the current state of cryptozoology.Be sure and check out Darren's Dogman article below:Darren’s Dogman Article (TetZoo)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Aug 12, 2024 • 39min
S03E46 Darren Naish pt 1: The Dogman
Part one of a two-part discussion with paleontologist Darren Naish about the history of Dogman lore. Next week in part two, we discuss the current state of cryptozoology. Darren's Dogman Article (TetZoo) STM - Beast of Bray Road (YouTube) Drive down Bray Road on your computer (Google Maps) Linda Godfrey's Obituary Beast of Bray Road (wiki) Dogman (wiki)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Aug 5, 2024 • 44min
S03E45 - Archaeological Frauds & Hoaxes
We're delighted to welcome back Dr. Ken Feder to talk about his new YouTube series that covers many archaeological frauds & hoaxes, and explains how archaeologists know what they know. Catch his web series here. Ken's books are great - here's an affiliate link to his author's page. Catch our previous episodes with Ken.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jul 29, 2024 • 41min
S03E44 - Monstrum Talk with Dr. Emily Zarka
We're excited to bring you an interview with Dr. Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum series on the humanities web channel Storied.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jul 22, 2024 • 52min
S03E43 - Ancient Werewolves
Werewolves are an ancient idea, but the meaning and beliefs around the concept have changed over time. How were they viewed in the classical world and even earlier? Find out in this week's episode as we interview Dr. Tanika Koosmen. Dr. Koosmen's thesis at Newcastle online archive The werewolf story in Satyricon Some movies mentioned: Van Helsing (2004) Deep Rising (1998) Interesting terms: Versipellis - In Roman mythology and literature, a "versipellis" is literally a "skin changer" and referred to someone who could change their skin or shape, similar to a shapeshifter. The term is derived from "versus" (changed) and "pellis" (skin). Episode art by Team Smith (my kids worked together on this one)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jul 15, 2024 • 53min
S03E42 - From Cryptids to Kaiju with Dr. Justin Mullis
We welcome back Dr. Justin Mullis to tell us about the interesting connection he found between Cryptozoology and the Godzilla franchise. He just appeared at G-Fest in Chicago where he spoke on this topic. Justin's profile at Academia.Edu Justin visiting with Cian at The Lost World Podcast talking Kong Skull Island Justin writes for AIPT in NYC The Impossible Archive podcast Justin discussing "little people" with Cian Gill Thanks to Stephen & William Smith for this week's episode art.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jul 8, 2024 • 44min
S03E41 - The Real Swamp Monster
We're joined by mosquito and disease expert Dr. Louisa Messenger of the Las Vegas PARAVEC lab. It turns out that gators and snakes aren't the big danger in a swamp. And this monster isn't constrained to swamps. In fact, it's probably in your own backyard. Mosquito problem in Las Vegas How to fight Mosquitos Dr. Messenger's Lab website Additional Reading: History of antimalarial drugs Modern use of Quinine The Color Mauve History of Malaria Lyle Blackburn's Sinister Swamps (affiliate link) Theodore Sturgeon's IT!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jul 1, 2024 • 38min
S03E40 - Silver Cliff Cemetery Ghost Lights
Karen Stollznow and Matt Baxter recount their journey to solve the mystery of the ghost lights of Silver Cliff Cemetery, in Colorado. Silver Cliff Cemetery Prisoner's Cinema History Colorado Karen's book Haunting America (Amz affiliate link) Announcing the release of Karen's latest title: bitch: The Journey of a WordBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jun 24, 2024 • 36min
S03E39 - What the *BLEEP* is up with Zimbabwe Goblins?
We answer a listener question that takes us down some interesting rabbit holes and face to face with the apparently never-ending tendrils of the Satanic Panic. Photo of Tokoloshe statue courtesy Peter Aller. Lots of show notes for this one: South Africa’s Occult Crimes Unit: How Apartheid shaped South African attitudes toward Paganism and the Occult Dr. Kobus Jonker More on "Donker" Jonker What is a Sangoma? Wikipedia: Tokoloshe A sample of The Daily Sun coverage of Tokoloshe The SAPS Occult Unit was never truly disbanded? How Apartheid shaped SA attitudes about Paganism and the Occult Article about the 666 Gangs and the Occult Task Force Frighteningly familiar SA Police web page about spotting Occult in kids 1999 article about failures of the Occult Task forceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.

Jun 17, 2024 • 48min
S03E38 - Scary Query: Cassowary
The US Library of Congress says the Cassowary is the world's "Most Dangerous Bird!?" But is it? We talked with biologist Steven Portugal to find out. Steven Portugal's search for the Cassowary trip Cassowary (Wiki) Darren Naish on the 2023 Cassowary Florida Relocation EventBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.