In the first half, Bigfoot field researcher Cliff Barackman discussed his Sasquatch investigations, as well as the promising biological studies related to the elusive cryptids. Barackman currently operates the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon, where he focuses on public education and the preservation of historical research. On the physical appearance of Sasquatch, he offered a concise portrait: "Picture a gorilla with a human-like bottom half that walks around on two legs," typically 6.5 to 8 feet tall, covered in reddish-to-black hair with pronounced brow ridges. Barackman noted intriguing vocal evidence and the possibility of proto-language, citing the classic "Sierra sounds" recordings.
He expressed significant optimism regarding a current DNA project led by Dr. Darby Orcutt at North Carolina State University. Barackman believes this university-backed study of unknown hair and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples represents the most likely path toward a breakthrough in finding Bigfoot. The conversation also touched on the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film. Despite modern skepticism and a recent documentary that alleges the film was a hoax, Barackman remains firm in his acceptance of the footage, citing the complex biological "signatures of dynamic interaction" seen in the subject's gait and the associated trackway of footprints.
However, he also acknowledged several confirmed hoaxes, such as some forged casts made by "stompers" through the wilderness. Barackman also described legal oddities, such as a 1969 Skamania County ordinance originally written to deter people "hunting" Sasquatches, as well as to protect pranksters in suits. Despite these pranks, Barackman focuses on what he sees as clear evidence. "Sasquatches are, in fact, real," he insisted. "This pre-discovery history that we're living through right now is going to be of great historical interest."
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In the second half, Professor of Parapsychology Cal Cooper explored the scientific evolution of paranormal research, most notably 19th-century spiritualism's transformation into a recognized academic discipline. Cooper defined parapsychology as the "scientific study of alleged psychic phenomena and anomalous experiences," including telepathy, precognition, and psychokinesis. He noted that the field is currently thriving, particularly in the United Kingdom, where over a dozen universities offer courses on these subjects.
According to Cooper, modern research has moved beyond observed hauntings into laboratory settings, utilizing Faraday cages and flotation tanks to explore remote viewing and "clinical parapsychology"—a subfield focused on the psychological impact of anomalous experiences on witnesses. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Dr. Alex Tanous, a psychologist and psychic. Cooper claimed Tanous had the strange ability to project light from his eyes. "I've heard of people claiming they have X-ray vision... but projecting light from your eyes is very unique," Cooper noted. Tanous was also recognized by many for his alleged out-of-body experiences, which he said began in childhood.
Cooper also addressed the study of "survival"—the possibility that consciousness persists after physical death. He referenced the Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies essay competition, which awarded significant prizes for evidence of the afterlife. He explained that while many hauntings appear to be repetitive imprints of the past, others involve interactive apparitions that show awareness of the living. "If we had an explanation for all these things and we understood the mechanisms behind them, they would just become part of everyday psychology," Cooper stated. "That's why parapsychology is still at play."
News segment guests: Michael Shedlock, Sandra Champlain