Slingshot Nation Previews Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference

If you've ever wondered where the real action is for cryptid sightings in the Southeast, Tennessee keeps popping up in conversation again and again. The Appalachian region has long been considered prime territory for Sasquatch activity, with its dense forests, rugged terrain, and deep hollows providing the kind of cover any large, elusive primate would need to stay hidden. And recently, a fascinating discussion on a podcast-style show dove deep into exactly why East Tennessee deserves a spot at the top of any investigator's list. The episode brought together some familiar faces in the Sasquatch community. Tony Merkel hosted the conversation alongside Derek, with two notable guests joining the table: Matt Seeber from East Tennessee Bigfoot and Martin Groves, a well-known figure in the research world. What made this particular chat so engaging was the mix of personalities and the genuine excitement everyone had about the upcoming Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference. Martin Groves dropped a pretty intriguing detail during the show. He mentioned that he'll be bringing along "Sammy the Sasquatch" — apparently a baby Sasquatch figure making its first public appearance. Martin will be a featured speaker at the conference, and the idea of him carrying this little figure on stage is the kind of moment that makes these gatherings memorable. Whether you're a longtime researcher or just curious about the subject, hearing speakers who aren't afraid to bring some personality and fun to the stage is part of what keeps this community alive. Matt Seeber shared his own plans for the event too. East Tennessee Bigfoot will have a booth set up, giving attendees a chance to meet him in person and pick up some exclusive merchandise. One of the highlights? Conference-only t-shirts and a brand-new coffee line that nobody has tasted publicly yet. The coffee blends alone sound worth the trip — names like "Hairy Man's House," "Pinkies Out" (a clever nod to the six-fingered Nephilim theory), "UAP" (Unidentified Aromatic), and "Midnight Merc" show that the folks behind this brand understand the culture and aren't afraid to have fun with it. The conversation also touched on the round table discussion happening at the conference. David Bakara, who runs Expedition Bigfoot Museum in Cherry Log, Georgia, will be hosting. Lori Wade is also confirmed for the panel. For anyone unfamiliar with Bakara's museum, it's a roadside attraction off a main route in the Georgia mountains that has become something of a pilgrimage spot for enthusiasts traveling through the area. The round table format typically runs about 45 minutes to an hour, giving attendees a chance to hear multiple perspectives in one sitting. One other thing worth mentioning — the show also ran a giveaway for tickets to the Remnant Rising 2.0 conference in Missouri, hosted by a ministry called Hear the Watchmen. That event runs August 7th through the 9th, and even if listeners didn't win the free ticket, a discount code was shared for anyone still interested in attending. The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference itself takes place Saturday, July 25th. There's a flat fee for expo entry, with a separate charge if you want access to the speaker sessions. Honestly, if you're anywhere near the region, it's one of those events where the real value comes from the conversations in the hallways as much as the scheduled talks. This video is absolutely worth checking out if you want a feel for the energy building around these conferences and the kind of community that's keeping Sasquatch research alive and kicking. The chemistry between the hosts and guests makes it feel less like a formal interview and more like hanging out with people who genuinely love this subject. Catch the full episode over on The Confessionals YouTube channel — you won't regret it.