Field Notes from the Unknown

On this episode, we’re talking about the Wampashoofus—a strange creature said to be half deer, half boar, roaming the mountains of Vermont. 🌲 The Wampashoofus is yet another legend born from lumberjack tales, and this one gets weird. It supposedly has legs that are two different lengths, brightly colored fur, and… somehow… a whistle on the end of its tail.. That last part is still confusing to me...

We kick things off picking our topic… and end up diving deep into the legend of La Llorona 🌙 From her tragic origins to the many versions of her story, we explore the Weeping Woman in all her haunting forms ghost, warning, and cultural icon. It gets eerie, emotional, and a little wild. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/la-llorona https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2021/10/la-llorona-an-intr...

If you don’t want to hear about Mackenzie’s adventure into motherhood… rude 😂 but you can skip to 4 minutes in. This episode of Field Notes from the Unknown, we’re talking about Sinkhole Sam—the giant worm-like creature said to live in Big Sinkhole in Inman, Kansas. Of course, we take a few side roads along the way… from the worm in Beetlejuice to the giant sandworms of Dune… Anyway… what are you...

We are heading to the sea today to visit the Gloucester Sea Serpent: a massive, undulating creature seen off Cape Ann with over 1,000 eyewitness accounts dating back to the 1600s. From fishermen tracking it for days to a ship firing a cannon at it, this legend only gets wilder. https://www.mythfolks.com/gloucester-sea-serpent https://www.oddthingsiveseen.com/2020/11/long-dark-and-scaly-gloucester-...

Your hosts get a little sidetracked in this one but stick with us, because we dive into the Pigman! 🐷 From Vermont to Texas, New York, Georgia and even across the pond to England, this legend pops up everywhere. What would you rate the Pigman? The Terrifying Legend of the Pigman Cryptid – Hangar1publishing Pig-Man of Cannock Chase | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom Pigman of Northfield: The Terrifying Legen...

In this episode Mackenzie is taking us to Bunny Man Bridge. We are diving into the legend and lore surrounding the Bunny Man, discussing facts and local lore. https://www.roadunraveled.com/blog/bunny-man-bridge-virginia/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/bunny-man https://www.maloriesadventures.com/blog/the-real-story-behind-virginias-infamous-bunny-man-legend https://michaelkleen.com/2020/09/01/bew...

In this episode, we discuss the Goat Man, not to be confused with the Sheep Man, a few weeks ago. What story do you think could be a real story? The Hermit, The Sheep Herder, or The Scientist? Or is the Goat Man just a mythical creature? Let us know what you think and leave your field notes below! This Town Has Been Plagued By A Killer ‘Goat Man’ For Half A Century | by ClaireLinic | OMGFacts | Me...

Have you ever wondered if a giant turtle could be living in the US? In small-town Indiana, locals swore they saw a 10-foot snapping turtle, and the hunt for Oscar became legendary. What do you think about Oscar?

In this episode, the hosts dive into the multifaceted figure of the Green Man—a symbol deeply rooted in folklore, nature, and spirituality. They explore his presence across cultures, his role in architecture, and his relevance to modern environmental movements, while reflecting on humanity’s connection to the natural world. Along the way, the conversation takes a few side paths, so fair warning: e...

In today's episode, we dive into the infamous Pascagoula alien abduction case involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, one of the most documented encounters of its kind. We unpack the details of the abduction itself, the immediate aftermath, and the intense public skepticism that followed. Despite scrutiny from authorities and doubt from the public, Hickson and Parker’s accounts remained remar...

Birthday Bonus Episode! Mackenzie introduces us to the legend of the Tommyknockers. She dives into miners' legends, the influence of Tommy Knockers, offerings and beliefs associated with them, and a believability scale.

The conversation explores the urban legend of the Jersey Devil , often referred to as the state demon of New Jersey. It examines the creature’s folklore, origins, and place in regional history, including stories connected to early colonial times and the alleged involvement of figures such as Ben Franklin . The discussion focuses on how the Jersey Devil became a lasting cultural symbol, shaped by s...

The episode explores the legend of the Giwoggle. A chimeric cryptid rooted in local folklore, traces its tangled connections to Loop Hill Ike, aka Isaac Gaines, and the Kunfee family. Along the way, things get strange fast. Which raises the real question: are we finally ready to unpack the potato people? The Giwoggle: Clinton County’s Official Monster - Pennsylvania Wilds 'Giwoggle': Central Penns...

The conversation delves into the legend of the Sheepman, a bloodthirsty creature that terrorized the small town of Waterford, PA during the 1970s. The discussion covers encounters, local testimonies, and the disappearance of the Sheepman. Additionally, it explores regional variations of cryptids and the mass hysteria that can occur in small towns. Waterford Sheepman | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom

The Chupacabra, meaning “goat sucker,” is a legendary cryptid that originated in Puerto Rico and is often described as a reptilian creature. First reported in the 1970s, with a notable wave of sightings in Mocha, Puerto Rico, the Chupacabra has since evolved in popular culture, appearing in various forms ranging from reptilian to canid. Theories about its existence include misidentified animals, g...

Casey brings us into the water in this episode, the legends of Bessie, Nessie, and Champ, three mysterious lake monsters with sightings dating back centuries. Each creature is described in detail, with reported sightings, hoaxes, and theories about their existence. Bessie | Cryptid Wiki | Fandom Bessie - Spooky Appalachia Unknown Explorers - Bessie CLE Myths: Lake Erie Monster Bessie (lake monster...

In this episode, Mackenzie dives into the fascinating lore of the Snallygaster, a mythical creature from American folklore, particularly associated with the Appalachian region. The Snallygaster is described as a chimera-like being with features of a bird, dragon, and tentacles, known for its glowing eye and metallic talons. Mackenzie explores the origins of the Snallygaster, tracing its roots back...

Today we dive into the mysterious and chilling phenomenon of the Dog Man, a cryptid described as a tall, muscular creature with a wolf-like head. The discussion covers its characteristics, historical sightings, variations, and recent encounters, including aggressive behavior and attacks. ⁠Pennsylvania Dogman / Cryptid Canine Interactive Map - Google My Maps⁠ ⁠Want to learn more about Dogman Encoun...

In Episode 4, we step into the eerie world of the Lizard Man, uncovering sightings, encounters, and the local legends tied to this mysterious creature. The discussion delves into ongoing reports and chilling encounters from South Carolina. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizard_Man_of_Scape_Ore_Swamp https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/monster-festival-pilgrimage-small-town-america-180969568/ http...

In episode 1 of Field Notes from the Unknown, we explore the strange and oddly related legend of the Squonk. A tearful Pennsylvania cryptid known for dissolving in its own misery. From folklore and festivals to unexpected pop-culture appearances, we unpack how this ugly little creature became a beloved icon. Be sure to keep up with the latest field notes by following us on Instagram and Facebook a...