Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The pursuit of cryptids is like wonder, which is one of the most amazing parts of being a human." — JW Walker
"So the Shunko Wo Rockin's a great example. It was a real creature that a farmer had a problem with. Instead of shooting it and couldn't really, didn't really fit any creatures he'd seen. It was vaguely canine, maybe hyena, kind of dogish." — JW Walker
"The difference with mine was, I would only do it if I could travel and see things. Their entire towns, entire groups of people that celebrate their cryptids so hard that they have statues dedicated to them and festivals every year and plaques. And it's a real phenomenon." — JW Walker
The episode features an engaging conversation with author JW Walker, delving into his book "The United States of Cryptids." Walker clarifies that he is not a professional cryptozoologist but rather a professional "faker" or explorer of oddities, with a particular interest in anything strange and different. He discusses his deep dive into the life of Edgar Allan Poe and how his fascination with the unusual led him to explore cryptids. The conversation distinguishes between cryptids that have been scientifically verified over time, such as gorillas and platypuses, and those that remain more speculative, like the "snollygaster," described humorously as a creature resembling a chicken and dragon choking on an octopus.
Walker highlights the concept of "material reality" versus folklore, suggesting that even if the exact cryptid described isn't proven, the documented sightings and local legends surrounding them create a real cultural phenomenon. He uses examples like the Shonko Wo Rockin' (Rocky Mountain Hyena) and the Mothman sightings in Chicago to illustrate how documented events, regardless of their interpretation, generate stories and local interest. The discussion touches upon how rural environments and boredom historically fueled cryptid narratives, and how this continues in a modern, albeit different, context, with festivals and local celebrations emerging around these myths.
The dialogue also explores the psychological and social aspects of the cryptid community, emphasizing the human need for wonder, connection, and a departure from the mundane. Walker asserts that the pursuit of cryptids offers a sense of shared experience and belonging for those who feel like outsiders, providing a unique form of entertainment and a reason to gather. The conversation concludes with reflections on the nature of cursed objects and the enduring human fascination with the unknown, suggesting that the mystery itself is often more compelling than definitive answers.