Bigfoot Researchers Discuss Sasquatch Conference and Cryptid Adventures

If you've ever wondered what it's like to sit down with two of the most dedicated researchers in the field, there's a podcast segment floating around YouTube that's worth your time. Cat Ward, host of the Paranormal Heart Podcast, recently sat down with Ann Selene and Ken Gerhard for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and packed with the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from decades of fieldwork. Ken Gerhard is a name that needs no introduction for anyone who's spent time in this community. A renowned cryptozoologist and author, Ken has spent over 40 years investigating reports of Sasquatch, Dogmen, lake monsters, and other legendary creatures across the globe. His origin story alone is fascinating. Raised by a father who was a forestry professor and a mother who was a travel agent, Ken grew up immersed in the outdoors and surrounded by exotic animals. He had a pet Cayman alligator as a kid, was raised on monster movies like Godzilla and King Kong, and first heard about Sasquatch back in 1975 when he was just eight or nine years old. By the time he was 15, he was already at Loch Ness with his dad, interviewing witnesses and walking the shoreline with a little movie camera. That was 1982, and he hasn't looked back since. Ann Selene brings her own unique perspective as a paranormal researcher, investigator, and experiencer. Her passion for exploring the unknown has led her down paths that most people never even consider, and her enthusiasm is contagious. The chemistry between her and Ken, along with Cat Ward's warm hosting style, makes the conversation flow naturally from one topic to the next. The main event being discussed is the Gatineau Sasquatch Conference, happening August 15th and 16th in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. This is significant because Canada is essentially the birthplace of Sasquatch conferences. The very first one took place in the late 1970s at the University of British Columbia, hosted by the anthropology department. Pioneers like John Green, René Dahinden, and Peter Byrne were all in attendance. There were follow-up conferences in the 80s and 90s, mostly in British Columbia again. The word "Sasquatch" itself is Canadian, derived from the Halkomelem word "sasq'ets," so it only makes sense that the conference scene would have deep roots there. One interesting bit that came up during the conversation is that in the Gatineau area, Sasquatch is known by a different name among Indigenous communities. Ann mentioned learning last year that the local term is something like "Sab," though she wasn't entirely sure of the pronunciation. This kind of regional variation in names and lore is something that researchers have documented across North America, with different Indigenous nations having their own names and stories for these beings. The conversation also touched on the physical evidence that gets shared at these events. Ann described the experience of holding a cast footprint for the first time, admitting she was nervous the entire time and kept thinking "please don't drop this." Ken chimed in with a hilarious story about traveling through the San Antonio airport with a Bigfoot cast in his carry-on. The TSA agent stopped the belt and yelled out "We got Bigfoot!" which drew a crowd of curious security personnel who wanted to know all about it. It's moments like these that show just how mainstream this subject has become, even among people who aren't actively researching it. For anyone interested in attending the Gatineau Sasquatch Conference, this podcast segment serves as a great primer. Ken mentioned he's done tons of Sasquatch and Bigfoot conferences over the years but never one in Canada, despite always wanting to. The fact that the conference scene started there makes this particular event feel like a homecoming of sorts for the research community. The segment is part of the Paranormal Heart Podcast, which airs on United Public Radio Network 107.7 New Orleans, 105.3 The Gulf Coast, YouTube, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Cat Ward's hosting style is warm and inviting, and she clearly has genuine connections with her guests. The conversation covers everything from how people get into this field in the first place to the cultural significance of conferences and the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge about these beings. If you're looking for something to listen to while you're out in the woods this summer, this one's a solid pick. The full segment runs about an hour and covers way more ground than I can fit here, including some fascinating tangents about ancient Egyptology (Cat is clearly passionate about that too) and the global reach of paranormal podcasting. Listeners tuned in from Australia, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and all over the United States, which just goes to show how widespread the interest in this subject really is. Check it out when you get a chance. It's the kind of conversation that reminds you why this community exists in the first place, to share stories, preserve knowledge, and keep the search going.