Beastly Theories

Join me for episode 105 as I chat with the awesome - Pete Jennings! Pete is an Author, Folklorist, Historian, Anglo-Saxon Reenactor, Storyteller, and Pagan Activist— as well as an authority on the histories and mysteries of Suffolk! We talk about the strange legend of the Wildman of Orford. This naked, hairy, man-like beast was netted by fisherman off the nearby coast and kept as an unwilling guest in Orford Castle, a cannibalistic Mermaid that once inhabited a now dried-up pond in Rendlesham Forest, which is also coincidentally the location of Britain’s most celebrated UFO encounter, Anglo-Saxon warrior kings, their barrows and treasures, the terrifying tale of a Black Shuck that terrified the villages of Bungay and Blythburgh and how his upbringing in this Suffolk has inspired a lifelong love and investigation of this mysterious county. Pete is a living lexicon of history and folklore as well as an accomplished author - check out his mystical musings and literary endeavours here: http://www.gippeswic.org/books.html Check out my other beastly endeavours here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me for episode 104, as I chat with.... uh... myself! ;) I thought that I might use this space to discuss some of the cultural and psychological aspects of cryptozoology and other fringe theorems. I discuss corroborative cryptids and reports of high strangeness in countries that have a shared ethnicity of culture, and why these background cultures could affect our interpretation of unusual phenomena, more than we'd like to admit. The reasons why i recently declared the British Bigfoot Long extinct but The Loch Ness monster alive and well... A few theories about ancient British giants and their modern reimagining as hairy humanoids and Wildmen... The reasons why our having Bigfoot on the Brain is a stumbling block to scientific research into this creature and why 'evidence' like sticks and stones does more harm than good when presented without corroboration of other signs of our hairy friends! If you have an hour to spare to listen to me ramble on about the cryptozoological conundrums that keep me awake at night, you are welcome to join me. Check out my books here: https://amzn.eu/d/hoi9t6t Check out my other beasty endeavours here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me for episode 103, as I chat with Author - H.E. Bulstrode. H.E. shares how growing up in the West Country, a region strewn with ancient monuments and megaliths and steeped in curious carvings and historical curiosities, shaped his interest in the folklore of England. He shares a few peculiar tales from his best known book series - 'Curious England', which has been described as a: "casual and idiosyncratic guide to some of the folkloric and historical curiosities of rural England..." and why he thinks that preserving these stories has a socio-cultural importance, that needs to be shared with future generations. Next , we delve deep into how he came up with his ghoulish idea to 'crowd source' material for his latest book - 'Personal Ghost Stories' and the risks involved in choosing creativity over classics, and why many most authors stick to popular themes for fear of being overlooked by online algorithms! He also shares his passion for Supernatural Fiction, especially Christmas Ghost Stories and why some of the themes of the Yuletide Yarns of yesteryear are so sorely lacking in our world today He prefers to be out in the field visiting the sites and stories featured in his books and shares three of the most memorable sites he's visited, including an unnerving 'ghostly encounter' he has never quite been able to explain! Buy H.E. Bulstrode's books, here: https://amzn.eu/d/fTn9d8n Check out my other Beastly Endeavours, here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Hugh Williams was born in Worcester at the heart of the Midlands of England. He has spent years researching and exploring the strange and interesting places of the central counties and then telling their stories. An author, public speaker and consultant at the liminal space where history, folklore and the paranormal converge. We talk Megaliths, their different forms (dolmens, cromlechs, menhirs, etc.) who made them and why; and the peculiar purpose behind the creation of Misericords; as well as their imagery, symbolism and occasional humour. We uncover the confusion over the religious origins of the green man and discover why the woodwose could be related to the ancient Greek demi-god - Heracles. Later, we investigate why so many old buildings like churches and castles are haunted and reveal teh surprising origins of the stone tape theory. Finally, we talk about one of Hugh's most popular books - Mysteries of Mercia, where he shares his knowledge of this ancient kingdom's myths, legends and folklore. Where was historical Mercia, and what does it have to do with Dragons, Knights, Witches, Mermaids and Wildmen? Hugh is truly a lexicon of all things mystery; this was a truly enjoyable chat and well worth a listen! Find Hugh's books and other projects at: http://www.mysteriesofmercia.com/ Check out my other beastly endeavours at: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me for an illuminating chat with Ghostess Leanne - the founding member and vice-chair of the UK Paranormal Society. Leanne gives me a deep dive into the fantastical theorems and philosophical formulas that are claimed to prove that the spirits of our nearest and dearest are, in fact, unconventional hangers-on and obstinate overstayers that now sojourn in the land of the living… We peer into the beliefs and evidence for the existence of ghosts and other ghoulish stowaways that allegedly persist in the world of the living, like – Residuals, Poltergeists, Animus Objects, and Exorcists… and investigate an array of Hi-tech detection devices used to find them! Even though Leanne has had a few unexplainable experiences, she likes to class herself as an open-minded sceptic with a keen interest in the parapsychological explanations for supernatural experiences and questions if there is a human influence in haunting cases. Is there indeed another world alongside our own that lies just behind the hidden veil, or are we living through a retroactive resurgence of ghost hunters and paranormalists similar to that seen during the Vogue of 19th-century Victorian spiritualism? Check out the UK Paranormal Society here: https://ukparanormalsociety.org/ Check out my other Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me for episode 100 as I chat with Loch Ness Exploration founder - Alan McKenna. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZLMY9KeADg5ojhmKeZ6i7?si=5a5b7a26bc4846d6 Watch here: https://youtu.be/pgcXWFVTcME We discuss our mutual love of movies, our favourite actors - Gene Wilder and Michael Ironside and how the real reason that I married my wife is because she looks like Madeline Kahn from the movie - Young Frankenstein! We relive our recent adventure during the biggest Loch Ness expedition in 50 years, the pros and cons of Nessie hunting and why the sceptical explanations for Nessie phenomena are sometimes stranger than those of the believers! Alan delivers a nerve-racking recollection of his recent nighttime Nessie hunt, which was gatecrashed by a large unseen creature splashing in the shadows, and shares his hopes and plans to capture a future face-to-face encounter with the beast! Later, Alan hints at soon-to-be-revealed big news on the horizon and lays out his plans for the future of his cryptozoological cooperative - Loch Ness Exploration! You can find Alan at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/470765477828717/ Check out my other beastly endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof Support My Work: paypal.me/beastsofbritain

Join me as I chat with Cryptozoologist, Author, Researcher and expert on Sumatran fauna and flora - Dally Sandradiputra. Dally has been a field investigator and expedition consultant for many years, working alongside numerous scientists and cryptozoologists to discover evidence of Sumatra's very own diminutive cryptid ape - Orang Pendek ('short person'). Dally recounts his initiation into the mystery, his first attempts to find it, and the feeling of being awestruck and immobilised one day after unexpectedly catching the creature raiding his camp supplies! We discuss his theories on the probable genus of this gentle being, the successes and failures of past expeditions, how financial incentivisation only leads to tainted eyewitness testimony, and why he believes that the species could be at risk of extinction in the decades to come. However, Orang Pendek is not the only cryptid on Dally's resume, as he has conducted extensive field investigations into Orang Gadang (Giant Man) sightings (a bigfoot-like creature, similar to Sasquatch), The Cigau (a large unknown lion-coloured semi-aquatic cat) and even discovered the presence of a cryptic tiger population in an area where they are believed to be extinct, along with researchers Carl Marshall and Richard Freeman, in 2022. Dally believes that the best way to help Orang Pendek as a species is with international cooperation and incentivised environmental protection initiatives that ensure that the preservation of the species is seen as an asset by local people and government institutions. Find Dally at: https://www.instagram.com/dallysandradiputra/ Check out my other Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I catch up with legendary Loch Ness local - Steve Feltham! Watch here: https://youtu.be/i0TR54e5MGA Steve, who is the Guinness Book of World Records holder of the longest Loch Ness vigil, has spent the last 32 years investigating this mystery and is, in my opinion, the best-placed person to comment on the new resurgence of Nessie-mania. We talk about the highs and lows of the biggest hunt for Nessie in over half a century, why the media have a vested interest in sensationalizing news about the beast, and the unexpected publication of Chie Kelly's awe-inspiring photos of the monster, snapped at Dores Beach in 2018, and the soon to be released animation of all 71 photos that are currently being worked upon by photographic experts around the globe! Steve weighs in on common Monster Imposter theories and why an understanding of the natural phenomena of the loch, as well as the way in which wakes from large cruisers can continue moving up the loch long after these vessels have passed, is essential knowledge to any would-be Nessie spotters hoping to prove the existence of the beast. Later, we talk about how personal beliefs and philosophies can colour one's experience, influencing the interpretation of unfamiliar phenomena, and especially how the description of Nessie has varied over the years from water horses, giant toads, slugs, camels, giant eels and even elephants, before finally settling on it most enduring and loveable plesiosaur-like effigy. Finally, Steve shares his hopes for the future of Nessie hunting and why he thinks that legend will live on for hundreds of years to come. Find Steve at: https://www.nessiehunter.co.uk/ Check out my other Beastly Endeavours here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat British Wildlife with Cookie - field investigator, YouTube, podcaster and all-round animal lover! We discuss the curious case of Britain's out-of-place animals, like Crocodiles, Capybaras, Porcupines and Rhea birds, that have been witnessed in Britain's wild places and how the people often tear off more than they can chew when it comes to owning exotic pets. We review the ever-growing list of invasive animals, such as Rose Ringed Parakeets, Mitten Crabs, Terrapins, Mink and Wallabies that are fast becoming naturalised citizens of our island nation. Cookie weighs in on the British Big Cat phenomenon, its possible origins and why he believes that a large predator would be easy to track in a country like Britain if it were here. Finally, we tackle the tumultuous subject of rewilding, why it is unhealthy to have an ecosystem devoid of large predators, and why he believes that reintroducing wolves, lynx, and bears would not pose a threat to humans. Find Cookie at: https://www.youtube.com/@WildlifeWithCookie/featured https://www.facebook.com/wildlifewithcookie Check out my other beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

What are UFOs? Are Aliens real? Do people really get abducted? And, most importantly... what do 'They' want? Join me as I chat with writer, investigator and abductee - Dave Emmons! Dave shares his mysterious and sometimes harrowing encounters with Aliens and other lifeforms over the past 59 years, his unique insight into the alien agenda, and why he thinks people are abducted. Check out Dave's books here: https://hangar1publishing.com/collections/book-catalog/products/they Check out my Beastly Books, Podcast, Events, TV, Blogs and Merch at: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with Author, Researcher and Adventurer - Tony Healy to discuss his new book with Co-author Paul Cropper - The Yowie File. This awesome book documents the widespread belief among Australian Aboriginal people that huge, shaggy, man-like creatures lurk in the continent's rugged mountains and deep forests and attempts to document their origins, making mighty efforts to untangle the mythos from the monster, which has been invariably known by many monikers such as dulagarl, gulaga, jurrawarra, tjangara, noocoonah and wawee, but most often referred to these days (especially to outsiders) as "Hairy Man." Tony's book also uncovers many early settler stories from the early 1800s, when Europeans began reporting encounters with great hulking horrors that they named "Australian apes", "yahoos", or "youries". Now colloquially known as the Yowie, tales of this creature are now shared by all Australians, and ancient encounters, as well as modern encounters, are supported by physical evidence such as footprints, hairs, nests, and thermal film footage! Tony (along with Paul) expertly enumerates the Yowie saga, delivering a blow-by-blow commentary on the ascendence of this antipodean ape. Find the Yowie File here: https://amzn.eu/d/1ynLCWZ Check out my other Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chew the fat with Jordan Warner, an independent filmmaker. Inspired by monsters and mysteries at such a young age, his interest in cryptozoology and filmmaking began when he created a short-lived YouTube documentary series titled “Cryptid Hunt.” Searching for cryptids such as Sasquatch and Mothman and interviewing many respectable individuals such as the late Lake Champlain Monster witness Sandra Mansi. We chat about cryptid beginnings, meeting your heroes, the importance of asking if you want to receive and even manage to resolve some of the world's greatest theological problems. Jordan is now working on a new YouTube channel titled “Whispering Hollow.” From a world so hell-bent on disenchantment, the goal is to re-enchant this world. He is also working on an upcoming feature-length documentary, “The Man-Beast of Western New York.” Find Jordan at: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@whisperinghollow21 Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhispHollow21 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whispering_hollow21 Check out my other Beastly Endeavours here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with Big Cat Researcher and Fortean Zoology Expert - Carl Marshall. Carl tells us about his introduction to cryptozoology, how his youth was spent assisting a taxidermist (his father) in preserving a variety of animals, and how he would often come home from school to find his father's latest work laid out on the kitchen table! This unique upbringing gave him a keen interest in the fauna of the natural world and especially in that of Big Cats - an interest which he traces back to finding his father busily working upon the corpse of a Sumatran Tiger in their home one day! Indeed, he has recently been making waves in the world of Big Cat research, having discovered a verified cryptic Tiger in Sumatra, collected verified Leopard DNA in Stroud, England, and now preparing to release his first book on the subject. Carl defines the term cryptid cats, talks about emerging hybrids and speculates on the possibility that there may still be undiscovered species of big cats, as well as prehistoric survivors, like the sabretooth and cave lion, around the world. Later, He weighs in on whether we are close to seeing a public acknowledgement that there are indeed Big Cats in Britain and the public panic that could be caused by this revelation! Carl's new book: The Cryptozoology of Cats: Feline Folktales, Fables and Fauna, will be released by Hangar 1 Publishing later this year! If you'd like to share a sighting with Carl or ask him a question, you can email: carlmarshall83@live.com Check out my other Beastly Endeavours at: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with Comedy Writer, Music Lover and Mysterious Universe's Paranormal Aficionado - Paul Seaburn. Paul shares his life story, how he started out as a computer programmer and later accidentally fell into a career as a comedy writer, working for big names like Jay Leno and other iconic comedians...before eventually being drawn to the UFOlogy, cryptozoology and the paranormal - where he now resides as a regular contributor to Mysterious Universe and as the host of the 'What in the World' Podcast. We talk about some of his favourite cryptid encounters, why UFOs are dominating the news cycle these days, whether paranormal encounters are a form of superstitious revivalism, and what attracts o many people to ghost hunting and get his take on modern-day vampire sightings. Later, Paul weighs in on whether the academic study of these fringe phenomena could be negatively affected by their fandoms and the never-ending online demand for sensational content. Find Paul Here: https://www.facebook.com/paul.seaburn/ Listen to the What in the World podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-in-the-world-with-paul-seaburn-and-his/id1469583876?i=1000593723935

Join me as I chat with Authors, Joshua Cutchin and Allison Jornlin to discuss their new book, Fairy Films: Wee Folk on the Big Screen. A groundbreaking collection of essays, that masterfully knit the historical, folkloric and perhaps even factual influence that faeries have on the art of film. Watch here: https://youtu.be/G0jvTyjzptU We talk about Joshua's book series - Where the Footprints End: High Strangeness and the Bigfoot Phenomenon, and his theories on the supposed supernatural attributes often associated with Bigfoot reports, such as: telepathic communication, luminescent eyes, glowing orbs and the ability to pass through solid structures. Later, Alison and Joshua discuss other areas of high strangeness and Alison recalls a harrowing personal experience with ongoing poltergeist activity. You can find Joshua's books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joshua-Cutchin/e/B00YPH8ODY/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Follow Find Allison at: https://www.youtube.com/paranormalwomen Check out my other Beastly Endeavours:

Join me as I chat with Michel Raynal, a researcher and author of numerous articles and books on cryptozoological phenomena. Watch here: https://youtu.be/Zbhpxiw4L6w We discuss his cryptozoological origins, what makes an animal a cryptid, and his tireless endeavour to keep cryptozoology research within the boundaries of the scientific method! Michel, believes that cryptozoology is not the science of giant unknown animals, as some people like to believe, and reminds us that not only should little unknown animals not be overlooked, but in fact, their existence is often much more likely than these other so called: 'Monsters of Cryptozoology!' He weighs in on the mystery of how an unknown Hominid species could remain undiscovered in our modern age and whether anecdotal reports from around the globe represent several distinct species or regional variations. Later, we discuss aquatic anomalies, such as Double Finned Cetaceans and his groundbreaking research on the Giant Octopus, in his book - Tentacules! Michel also shares the methodology he developed for establishing the existence of plants and animals based upon the accumulation of testimonial evidence, what new forms of technology could be future game changers in the search for unknown animals and if cryptozoology has a future? Buy Michel's book: Tentacules https://amzn.eu/d/1jYsIV2 Read his article on: ”Cetaceans with Two Dorsal Fins” https://aquaticmammalsjournal.org/share/AquaticMammalsIssueArchives/1991/Aquatic_Mammals_17_1/17.1Raynal.pdf Read my Beastly Books: BEASTS OF BRITAIN https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Beasts-of-Britain-Audiobook/B09PG8CDS2 BEASTS OF THE WORLD (VOL.1) Hairy Humanoids https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09R6FMT4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YCXC693KWJR0EDTXXRMQ Support my Work: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/beastsofbritain?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB Check out my Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with paranormal Researcher, Podcaster and Presenter - Gee-Redvers Chinn. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZLMY9KeADg5ojhmKeZ6i7?si=aec91e7c112d42f9 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5bkn15W3OD0 Gee’s first introduction to the paranormal was due to a growing fascination with Ufology in his early 20’s and a personal encounter of the Fourth Kind that took place 8 years earlier in 1988. This interest in Ufology opened the door to many other area’s of the Paranormal and Unexplained, such as: Ancient Archeology, Advanced Civilisation Theories, Metaphysics, Time Travel and Cryptids. Not unexpectedly, Gee’s natural passion for research led to an interest in the Wildman phenomenon, Dogmen, Lake Monsters and Sea Serpents, all of which he effortlessly glides between on his podcast - The Vault We discuss his thoughts and theories on paranormal and cryptozoological entities, UFOs and extra terrestrials, and his thoughts on his harrowing abduction experience. You can find Gee at: https://youtube.com/@THEVAULTCHANNEL?feature=share8 Read my Beastly Books: BEASTS OF BRITAIN https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Beasts-of-Britain-Audiobook/B09PG8CDS2 BEASTS OF THE WORLD (VOL.1) Hairy Humanoids https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09R6FMT4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YCXC693KWJR0EDTXXRMQ Support my Work: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/beastsofbritain?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB Check out my Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with Matt Everett, the maker of 'Britain's Big Cat Mystery', and ‘Cat Hunters, to talk about his new award-winning feature-length documentary - ' Panthera Britannia.' Matt relives his first encounter with a big cat while driving home in rural England, and how this life-changing event compelled him to seek answers about Mystery Big Cats in the UK. We explore the facts and theories surrounding this story, sightings dating back to the Roman Empire and the reign of King Henry VIII, and the many eyewitnesses who have claimed to see one of these now endemic animals in the British Countryside. Matt highlights lots of little-known evidence that proves that Big cats are living in the UK, such as the bodies of big cats which have been trapped or killed; lost archive footage demonstrating the widespread ownership of big cats in private collections across the United Kingdom during the height of the unregulated exotic pet trade of the 1960s and 1970s; a 'lost' audio recording from police records featuring a confession of a mysterious individual who claims to have released a big cat into the wilderness of southern England and most importantly of all - recent DNA evidence obtained from a fresh kill that proves that, leopards at least, are preying on UK livestock! Later, he weighs in on the big question of 'what should be done?' with these large predators if they were to be found in large numbers, as well as his ideas about a possible acceptance of these beautiful animals as one of the naturalised fauna of the British Isles! Watch Panthera Britannia here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0B6DW27PY/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Find Matt at: https://dragonflyfilms.co.uk/tv Check out my other Beastly Endeavours here: https://linktr.ee/beastsof

Join me as I chat with Spanish Wildman Investigator- Ignacio Gallo Campos. Watch here: https://youtu.be/Aoom7zwFgWU Ignacio is the Founder of the School of Natural Activities and has extensively studied mycology, flora, and fauna in England, Ireland, Spain, India, and South Africa, and worked as a Nature Guide and environmental interpreter. His entire life perspective changed in 2020 during a solo hike to a remote Irish lake island that was only reachable by boat. Upon disembarking from his vessel, Ignacio was surprised by an overwhelming sensation of fear, which was exacerbated when he discovered huge teepee-like structures that were roughly woven together and dotted around the island. Surprised by the immense size of the structures and the seeming implausibility of their having been fashioned by human hands, he admits to succumbing to the 'uninvited' feeling that surrounded him and says that he hurriedly rowed away from the island, still at a loss to explain what he had just experienced. This led Ignacio to start researching legends about the area and he then discovered similar stories associated with the Irish wildman. Ignacio was taken aback to discover that Spain too (as well as much of continental Europe) had many historical wildman legends, such as the Basque Country's - Basa-Jaun and Catalonia's wildman - the Simiot, whose shadowy form later stalked him in the mountains, near the French border, close to Sant Laurent de la Cerdanya. Find Ignacio here: Www.escueladeactividadesnaturales.com Check out my Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof Read my Beastly Books: BEASTS OF BRITAIN https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Beasts-of-Britain-Audiobook/B09PG8CDS2 BEASTS OF THE WORLD (VOL.1) Hairy Humanoids https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09R6FMT4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YCXC693KWJR0EDTXXRMQ

Join me, as I chat with Mister Sam Shearon, a British dark artist, specialising in horror, science-fiction, and more importantly - Cryptids! Watch here: Sam's list of commissions, reads like a who's who, of legendary comics, rock albums, and cryptozoological books and leaves one with an impression of a devotee, able to express the hidden beauty in the monstrous and the macabre. We talk about his theories on the cryptozoological triangle (Cryptozoology-Art-Music) why so many adherents seem to have a foot in at least 2 of these camps, and what started his own journey into cryptozoology. Sam shares how he got his big break into the genre, his struggles in gaining recognition, and importantly, shows that sometimes just having the audacity to ask for what you want can solicit a positive outcome. He also shares his artistic tips and techniques for realistic cryptid commissions and what part of these creations are composed of eyewitness descriptions and creative license and gives good advice on what and when to charge, and how taking a long-term view is paramount when it comes to attracting repeat business. Sam weighs in on the looming crisis threatening the arts with the dawning of A.I. Whether he thinks artists will commandeer this new technology or if this cheap and affordable spells the beginning of the end for creative art? Later, Sam shares his view on the competing theories within the cryptozoology community about the taxonomic identity of these creatures and the philosophical beliefs surrounding them. Check out Mister Sam Shearon at: https://mistersamshearon.com/ Check out my Beastly Endeavours: https://linktr.ee/beastsof Read my Beastly Books: BEASTS OF BRITAIN https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Beasts-of-Britain-Audiobook/B09PG8CDS2 BEASTS OF THE WORLD (VOL.1) Hairy Humanoids https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09R6FMT4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YCXC693KWJR0EDTXXRMQ