Monkey Wrench Podcast Previews Bigfoot Festivals and Squatching Adventures

So I was scrolling through YouTube the other night and stumbled across an episode of the Monkey Wrench Podcast from the Bigfoot Project channel, and honestly, it had me marking my calendar for some upcoming events. If you're into the community side of the research world, this one's worth a listen. The episode kicks off with the hosts running through a pretty solid list of upcoming gatherings that any enthusiast would want to know about. The Western Pennsylvania Case Expo is happening September 26th in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The Mothman Festival is set for September 19th and 20th in Point Pleasant, West Virginia — which, if you've never been, is an absolute must. Point Pleasant has that undeniable energy, and the Mothman legend ties right into the broader tapestry of cryptid research that so many of us are passionate about. Then there's the Honobia, Oklahoma Bigfoot Festival on October 2nd through the 4th, and the Texas Bigfoot Conference running October 16th through the 18th. But here's what really caught my attention — one of the hosts mentioned capturing a photograph in Honobia that shows two figures. They were quick to emphasize the word "possible," and honestly, that's the kind of integrity we need more of in this field. The image is pixelated, so it's not definitive, but two unidentified figures in a known hotspot area? That's still worth paying attention to. Honobia sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, a region that has long been considered prime Sasquatch territory by researchers. The dense hardwood forests, the rugged terrain, the limited human access — it all adds up to the kind of environment where these beings could thrive undetected. The hosts also talked about camping plans in the Allegany National Forest in Pennsylvania, which is another legendary spot on the East Coast. One of them mentioned arriving a few days early to secure a campsite, which is solid advice for anyone heading into the field. The Allegany stretches across northern Pennsylvania and into southern New York, covering nearly 800,000 acres of old-growth forest. It's the kind of place where the night sounds are different, where the woods feel ancient and watchful. The guest for this episode is Natalie Smearman, though the meat of her interview doesn't appear in this portion of the show. Based on the introduction, she seems to be someone with insights to share, and I'd recommend tuning in to catch that segment. There's also a heartfelt segment where the hosts share prayer requests and praise reports from the community. One member shared news of a clean cancer diagnosis, another spoke openly about living with an autoimmune condition affecting their heart. It's a reminder that this community is about more than just the research — it's about the people who dedicate their lives to it, supporting each other through everything. The hosts also referenced Dr. Dennis Carroll, a well-known figure in Sasquatch research who has spent decades investigating reports across the country. His work on vocalizations and the cultural significance of these beings continues to influence how researchers approach the subject. If you're looking for something to listen to on a Wednesday night, this podcast has that campfire feel — casual, community-driven, and full of the kind of information that keeps you planning your next trip into the woods. Definitely worth checking out.