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BEASTLY THEORIES - is a low tech, low key, low brow endeavour, hosted by author of Beasts of Britain & Beasts of the World book series - Andy McGrath, as an attempt to discuss the highs and lows of paranormal research and obsession. Although ’podcast’ in name, the ’show’ is more of an exercise in nepotism, as Andy seeks conversation with those embroiled in the subject he is chiefly interested in, and determines to avail himself (and you) of the prize of knowledge that lies inside their brawny brains.
Episodes
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Join me as I chat with Robert E. Bartholomew - American medical sociologist, journalist, Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland (New Zealand), and author of my favourite lake monster book - The Untold Story of Champ: A Social History of America's Loch Ness Monster!
In addition to publishing more than 60 academic papers, he has written or co-written 16 popular science and skeptical non-fiction books. He writes for several newspapers and journals on sociological and fringe science topics, including Psychology Today, Skeptical Inquirer, and British magazines The Skeptic and Fortean Times.
Robert's expertise in fields such as - sociological phenomena, mass hysteria and mass psychogenic illness, combined with his objective disposition and interest in fringe phenomena; make him the perfect person to examine the denominational spectacle of communitarian cryptozoology with its myriad canons and creeds.
We discuss the family origins of his interest in Champ, as well as its folklore and history; and other similarly described lake monsters in the region.
Robert weighs in on my charge that the modern desperation for social content, leads some researchers to ‘exaggerate‘ their findings, and gives some candid advice to researchers about the trials and tribulations that can beset those who dedicate their lives to finding mystery animals.
Later, we talk about the problem cryptozoology has with the foundational theories of its forefathers being built upon as though they were fact; the protectionism many cryptozoologists exert around their research areas and evidence, and one of the most surprising chapters in his book, titled: Egos, Obsessions and the Quest for Fame: The Monster Hunters. Which aptly portrays the animosity and lack of cooperation that so often exists between many researchers.
The Untold Story of Champ... is just one of the awesome books that Robert has written - check them all out here!
(Note: there is a slight break in audio due to a storm that briefly passed over Robert's house. As it was not possible to edit this out, I hope that you will bear with this minor disruption)
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
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