Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference Previewed on The Crypted Podcast

If you've been searching for a reason to get out into the field this fall, the Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference in Nixon, Missouri might just be the ticket. Coming up on October 3rd, this gathering is shaping up to be one of the more interesting events on the calendar, and a recent episode of The Cryptid Podcast with host Dano gave listeners a full rundown of what's in store. Margie K, a seasoned paranormal investigator who has been involved in the field for many years, joined the show to talk about her role as a partner with Maryanne Zyel in putting this conference together. Margie has worn a lot of hats in this community over the years, from attending the conference as a guest to running a booth and sponsoring the event. This year, she's stepping things up by bringing along Race Hobbs, a well-known radio personality who will serve as the MC for the day. If you've ever wanted to meet someone with a true radio voice, this is your chance. The speaker lineup is stacked. Super Dave, also known as Sasquatch, will be there talking about his new book, "Sasquatch in Your Face." Jim Peters and Joe Jenkins, better known as the Shaunie Squatchers, will also be taking the stage. Dan Nadello, a biologist and herpetologist, will be presenting on the upper Midwest Sasquatch, bringing a scientific lens to the subject that you don't always see at these events. And Harley Owens, a boots-on-the-ground researcher from the Appalachian Mountains, will be sharing his knowledge about Bigfoot in the Smokies, a region that has long been considered prime habitat for these elusive beings. Margie herself will be speaking about her own extraordinary personal experiences with Sasquatch, the kind of encounters that go beyond the typical sighting and venture into territory that really makes you question what we think we know about these creatures. For anyone who has ever wondered what it feels like to have a close encounter that stays with you for years, her talk should be a highlight. For those who want to make a whole weekend out of it, there's an optional barbecue the night before at Maryanne Zyel's house. Only 30 tickets are available for that, and at $30 a pop, it's expected to fill up fast. Race Hobbs is apparently a barbecue enthusiast, so attendees are in for a treat. The conference itself runs $40 per person for the full day, and there are conference t-shirts available for $22 if you want to grab some swag. Now, here's the part that really got my attention. Maryanne Zyel, who is a BFRO investigator with extensive experience leading expeditions, organizes a separate Bigfoot expedition at a secret location. This is completely separate from the conference, and interested parties need to contact Maryanne directly to get vetted and signed up. Given that expeditions in the Ozarks have a history of producing experiences for participants, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone who has been on the fence about joining one. The Ozarks have long been considered a hotspot for Sasquatch activity, with dense forests, rugged terrain, and a long history of sightings from locals who know the land best. Margie also touched on her work with the Unexplained Network, a platform that covers all things paranormal, from UFOs to haunted locations to cryptids. The network features shows from hosts like DA Roberts and Micah Hanks, and Margie herself is gearing up to launch a new two-hour live call-in show in January, a first for the network. It's available on all the major digital radio apps, including Spotify and iHeart, so there's no shortage of ways to tune in. What really stood out to me during the conversation was when Margie started talking about her own path into the world of cryptids. She's been open-minded since childhood, but her first real investigation didn't happen until 2011. She's also an investigator for MUFON, which speaks to her credibility and dedication to the field. The podcast was just getting into her personal encounters when the audio cut out due to a storm rolling through her area, which is a shame because it sounded like she was about to take listeners down some fascinating rabbit holes. If you're anywhere near Missouri this October, or even if you're not, this conference sounds like it's worth the trip. Between the speakers, the vendors, the barbecue, and the possibility of joining an expedition with a seasoned investigator, there's something for everyone, whether you're a longtime researcher or someone just starting to explore the world of Sasquatch. Definitely check out the full episode on The Cryptid Podcast's YouTube channel for more details, and keep an eye on the Unexplained Network's website for updates on the conference and Margie's upcoming shows.