Podcast Summary
Exclusive content and community building on Confessionals app: Confessionals podcast members can access exclusive content and build a community through the app, including member-only chat threads, direct messaging, and all episodes.
The Confessionals podcast now offers a members-only app where subscribers can access exclusive content, including member-only chat threads, direct messaging, and all episodes. The app also serves as a platform for community building among members. The podcast's host, Tony Merkel, will be speaking at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference in July and hosting a live show in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in September. Martin Groves, a popular guest on the show, is returning to discuss his new book, "Beast Between the Rivers, A Trace of Death," which details his experiences in the LBL and new discoveries related to the topic of dogman. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The power of personal stories and face-to-face conversations: Sharing personal stories and experiences, even the unbelievable, fosters connections, learning, and community
The power of authentic storytelling and face-to-face conversations shines through in creating meaningful connections. Martin Groves, a returning guest on the show, shared his experiences of encountering the unknown, including his encounters with dog men and Bigfoot. His firsthand accounts, detailed in his first book "Beast Between the Rivers," captured the attention of many listeners and sparked curiosity for more. Since then, Groves has continued to share his experiences and insights through his writing, with a second book already released and a third on the way within the next 90 days. The importance of sharing personal stories and experiences, even those that may be unbelievable to some, can resonate deeply with audiences and foster a sense of community. It's through these connections that we can learn, grow, and appreciate the unique perspectives of others.
Belief of unknown creatures in Land Between the Lakes area: Some believe there are unknown creatures in Land Between the Lakes, described as larger than bears with bear-mountain lion traits, potentially impacting tourism if acknowledged
There is a belief among some individuals that a firefighter was killed by a creature in the Land Between the Lakes area in Kentucky in 1993, which was not officially reported as a bear attack despite witnesses' descriptions suggesting otherwise. The creature was described as being larger than a bear, having the characteristics of both a bear and a mountain lion, and not an upright walking dog as some may believe. This incident, along with others, highlights the belief among some that there are unknown creatures living in the area that are not acknowledged by authorities due to potential negative impacts on the tourist trade. The potential existence of these creatures, often referred to as Bigfoot or dogmen, challenges the commonly held belief of what exists in the natural world and raises questions about the extent to which authorities may go to maintain certain narratives. The economic implications of acknowledging these creatures could be significant, potentially doubling the revenue from tourism. However, the fear of negative public perception and potential backlash may prevent authorities from acknowledging their existence.
The author shares previously hidden accounts of strange encounters from himself and others: The importance of sharing unbelievable experiences is emphasized in this book, as the author reveals previously concealed accounts from himself and a hunting partner.
The second book, "Beast Between the Rivers and A Trace of Death," by the author, is a continuation of his earlier work detailing his experiences with strange encounters. The author credits the cover designer, Tony Merkel, for giving him the courage to share previously hidden aspects of his story. The book includes accounts of events experienced by others, including a hunting partner named Harry, who wanted to remain anonymous but felt his story should be told. Harry's encounter took place while he was hunting alone in a cornfield and resulted in a disturbing experience. The author kept Harry's story hidden out of respect for him and his family but has now decided to share it as part of the larger narrative. The book provides a deeper look into the author's journey and the importance of sharing even the most unbelievable experiences.
Encountering the Unexplained in the Woods: Two men, Harry and the speaker, experienced inexplicable occurrences in the woods - objects thrown, orbs flying, and strange noises - leaving them both puzzled and frightened.
The area around the devil's backbone, where Harry and the speaker were hunting, is a dangerous and mysterious place. Harry, who was known for his fearlessness, was brought to his knees in fear when he experienced unexplained objects being thrown at him, including a corn cob that seemed to come from a great distance. He also saw two bright, orange-red orbs flying past him, and heard a metallic sound that he couldn't explain. Both men were in the woods alone, and there were no vehicles or buildings nearby that could have made the noise. They shared their experiences around a campfire, and realized they had both encountered strange phenomena in the same area. The events left them both shaken and unsure of what they had experienced.
Survivor's Warning: Sharing Otherworldly Encounters Could Save Lives: A survivor of a potentially otherworldly encounter emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences to prevent future tragedies and acknowledges the work of investigators in understanding these phenomena.
The speaker, a survivor of a potentially otherworldly encounter in the woods, believes that it's crucial to share his experience in order to potentially save lives. He feels that he may be one of the few who have lived through such an event and that the details of his story, though not about him personally, are important. He also believes that there are thin places in the world where the veil between realities is thinner, and that these areas may be prone to encounters with strange phenomena. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of investigators like Scott Carpenter, who have made significant strides in understanding these phenomena. Overall, the speaker's message is that these encounters are real and that sharing information about them could help prevent future tragedies.
Encountering a portal leads to a new understanding of unknown creatures: After investigating flesh and blood monsters for 30 years, a speaker's perspective shifts when encountering a portal, realizing these beings might not be of this world
The speaker's perspective on the nature of unknown creatures or beings he had encountered shifted dramatically after experiencing a portal opening in front of him. For 30 years, he had dedicated his life to investigating what he believed were flesh and blood monsters, but after encountering this portal, he came to the realization that these beings might not be of this world. This paradigm shift was not an easy one, as it went against the widely held belief that these creatures were just physical beings. The speaker had to grapple with the fact that his new understanding might not be accepted by everyone, but he was driven by his own experiences and the knowledge he had gained from investigators like Scott Carpenter and Barton Nunley. The journey of coming to this new understanding was not an easy one, but it was fueled by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the true nature of these mysterious beings.
Encounter with a Mysterious Creature in the Louisiana Bayou: Two explorers had a terrifying encounter with an 8-foot tall creature in the Louisiana Bayou, leaving them with unexplained symptoms and a deep sense of unease.
During an investigation in the Louisiana Bayou, two explorers had an encounter with an otherworldly creature. They had been in the woods for several days when they heard noises and felt surrounded. They heard tree knocks and believed they were being circled by unseen entities. As they made their way back to their truck, they saw a creature emerging from a gray mist on the side of the road. The creature was massive, approximately 8 feet tall, with a rounded snout, white glowing eyes, and a mane-like feature on its back. As they passed it, both men experienced strange symptoms, with Darrell's legs going numb and his eyes leaking, and the speaker's symptoms being more severe. The encounter left them shaken and unsure of what they had experienced. Despite the personal nature of their findings, Darrell eventually decided to share the story, believing it needed to be told.
Unexplained encounter in the forest leaves investigators baffled: Two investigators had an encounter with a floating entity, accompanied by a strong smell and strange symptoms, leaving them unable to explain the phenomenon and changing their perspective on the supernatural
The witness and his companion had an encounter with an unexplained phenomenon in the forest, which left them both experiencing strange symptoms and unable to breathe. The entity they saw appeared to be floating, and the encounter was accompanied by a strong smell of battery acid and the sensation of being sprayed with a powerful chemical agent. Despite their extensive experience investigating the supernatural, they were unable to provide a logical explanation for what they had witnessed. This encounter significantly changed their perspective on the nature of the creatures they were searching for, leaving them with more questions than answers. Daryl, who had previously experienced similar phenomena, had also encountered an orb that produced a possum. These experiences were mind-blowing and raised many questions about the true nature of the supernatural entities in the forest.
Sharing extraordinary experiences and knowledge: Speakers believe in extraordinary phenomena, share stories, and desire to bring others together to discuss experiences further.
The speakers in this discussion believe in the existence of extraordinary phenomena, such as portals and non-human entities, and they are passionate about sharing their experiences and knowledge with others. They recognize that there is no definitive way to gauge whether the world is ready for such information, but believe that the first step is for individuals to bravely come forward and share their stories. The speakers also express a sense of camaraderie with each other, having experienced these phenomena together and shared their stories publicly. They admire each other's knowledge and insights, and express a desire to bring them all together in one room to discuss their experiences further. Overall, the speakers' enthusiasm and conviction underscore the importance of sharing unusual experiences and the potential impact it can have on others.
Sharing Unexplained Experiences: A New Wave of Openness: People are sharing unexplained experiences, forming communities, and validating each other's stories to create a wave of openness and acceptance.
People who have had unexplained experiences or encounters with the unknown are no longer holding back due to fear of ridicule or disbelief. They are coming forward to share their stories and form a community to validate each other's experiences. These experiences range from witnessing strange creatures to encountering portals and unexplained phenomena. One example given was the discovery of accounts of "shadow people" and "dog men" dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. More recently, there have been reports of these creatures being sighted in various locations around America and other countries. The speaker emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for people to share their stories and for researchers to investigate these phenomena, particularly for those who have lost loved ones and have not been believed or heard. The ultimate goal is to create a wave of openness and acceptance, allowing people to come forward and find validation and support.
Reports of shadow people and strange encounters near cemeteries: Unexplained sightings of shadow people and dog-like creatures emerging from portals in Kentucky and Tennessee cemeteries have been on the rise since July 2021.
There have been numerous reports of shadow people and strange encounters, including the sighting of dog-like creatures, emerging from portals, particularly in and around cemeteries. These accounts have been increasing in frequency since July 2021. Witnesses, who are unconnected to each other, have described these incidents in separate parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. The exact nature of these portals and the beings that emerge from them remains a mystery. The investigator in this case has personally encountered a witness who claims to have seen a portal in a cemetery and has photographic evidence of a large tree believed to be the location of the portal. Similar stories have been shared by other families, and the investigator has not disclosed this information to them. These accounts suggest that there may be a phenomenon at play that warrants further investigation.
Cemeteries as Supernatural Sites: Cemeteries, with their long history of human interaction, may facilitate supernatural activity. Closed roads and specific areas in cemeteries may be kept hidden to prevent disturbances, and building cemeteries on ancient Indian mounds could have implications. Further investigation is encouraged.
Certain areas, such as cemeteries, particularly old ones, may not be as inactive as they seem. According to the speaker, these sites, which have been used for centuries for burying the dead, may be facilitating some kind of supernatural activity. The speaker shares personal experiences of discovering closed roads and cemeteries in the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) area in Kentucky, which he believes are not closed for maintenance reasons but to keep people away from specific areas. He also mentions the potential issue of disturbing ancient Indian mounds by building cemeteries on them. The speaker suggests that the human interaction and activity of collecting and burying the dead may be thinning the veil between worlds, allowing for these supernatural occurrences. The speaker encourages further investigation into this phenomenon, as it may hold more significance than the cultural stereotype of cemeteries being creepy or haunted.
Investigators find evidence of Bigfoot in untouched Tennessee area: Investigators discovered tree breaks, large tracks, feeding ground, and rock structures that don't align with human capabilities, suggesting the existence of Bigfoot in a remote Tennessee location.
A group of investigators discovered evidence of Bigfoot in a remote area they've been monitoring for years. This area, located on the Tennessee side of their investigation site, was untouched by the storm that caused widespread damage elsewhere. They found tree breaks that didn't match the pattern of wind damage, but instead appeared to be the result of something with immense strength snapping the trees. They also discovered Bigfoot tracks, some as large as 16 inches, and a feeding ground with a large, flat rock where the creature was breaking open mussels. Additionally, they found tree structures and bedding areas, as well as rock formations that looked like they had been built by an expert mason. The investigators were unable to access some of these areas due to their depth and steepness, and they couldn't imagine a human building the rock structures they found. Overall, their evidence suggests that Bigfoot is real and that it inhabits this remote area.
Tennessee locals discover unusual tracks and signs of unidentified creatures: A group of individuals in Tennessee have found evidence of large, unidentified creatures, believed to be Bigfoot and dogman, and are documenting their findings in their local area. The excitement and significance of these discoveries have led some to believe they have found their life purpose.
A group of individuals in Tennessee have been discovering unusual tracks and signs of large, unidentified creatures in their local area, including Bigfoot and "dogman." These findings have been documented with photographs and footprints, some of which are deeply embedded in the ground and cannot be replicated by humans. The group has also uncovered evidence of these creatures in a nearby cemetery. The excitement and significance of these discoveries lie in the fact that multiple people are investigating the same area together, and the proximity of the location to where they live, making it an accessible and intriguing exploration for them. This experience has led some to believe they have found their life purpose and that their move to Tennessee was not an accident. Historical accounts of similar sightings in the area further add to the intrigue.
Unexplained phenomena in Maryville, Tennessee: Investigators have documented unexplained incidents in Maryville, including pet disappearances and sightings of dog-like creatures, possibly interdimensional in nature. The community is exploring theories of portals or interdimensional doorways to explain these occurrences.
There are unexplained phenomena occurring in the city limits of Maryville, Tennessee, including the disappearance of pets and sightings of dog-like creatures, possibly interdimensional in nature. These incidents have been documented by investigative teams like Joe and Jesse Doyle of Hell Bent Holler, who have captured compelling evidence such as the thermal photograph of a dog man. The community is coming to terms with these occurrences and attempting to understand them through the concept of portals or interdimensional doorways. This is a developing understanding, and as time goes on, more sophisticated terminology and explanations may emerge. Regardless, it is essential to respect the pioneers of this field who have contributed to our growing knowledge of these unexplained phenomena.
Investigating the Unusual: A Long-Standing Dedication: People have been investigating unexplained phenomena for generations, with a passion to uncover the truth despite criticism and danger.
The investigation into unusual phenomena, such as encounters with Bigfoot or unexplained disappearances, has a long history, with people like Barton Nunley facing criticism and even danger for sharing their experiences decades ago. This dedication to uncovering the truth, passed down through generations, is what drives investigators like the speakers today. The stories shared, often in a casual and conversational way, can be as captivating as if the cameras weren't there. The "devil's backbone" refers to the land between the rivers, encompassing the mountainous region and deep crevices, where many unexplained events have taken place. The speakers plan to delve deeper into these mysteries and present their findings in a comprehensive, investigative manner.
Tales of the Devil's Backbone: Mysterious Disappearances and Unexplained Deaths: The Devil's Backbone, a region in the Appalachian Mountains, is infamous for its dark reputation and stories of supernatural occurrences leading to mysterious disappearances and unexplained deaths.
The Devil's Backbone, a region in the Appalachian Mountains, has a dark and ominous reputation with a long history of mysterious disappearances and unexplained deaths. The name is believed to have originated from local folklore, with stories of the devil or other malevolent entities causing harm to those who ventured into the area. One tale involves a man whose body was found in the Devil's Backbone, torn apart and 15 feet up in a tree, leading his wife to believe that something supernatural was at play. Another story involves a TVA officer contacting a woman years after her brother's supposed death to reveal that his tent was torn apart and he was actually killed, not by natural causes as initially believed. The Devil's Backbone continues to be a place of intrigue and caution, with many believing that it is best avoided.
Exploring the Legendary Baldwin County Forest in Alabama: Investigating the rich history and mysterious occurrences of the Baldwin County Forest, the investigator shares the importance of respecting local warnings and being the modern-day storyteller to carry these stories forward.
The Legendary Baldwin County Forest in Alabama, also known as the Little Birmingham or LBL, is a place rich in history and mysterious occurrences. The discussion revealed the existence of the Devil's Elbow Trail and Devil's Backbone area, where a tragic incident involving a young man named Derek took place. The investigator, who has conducted over 200 investigations in the last 14 months, emphasized the importance of respecting the warnings given by locals, such as Granny, and staying away from the devil. The LBL holds numerous stories, and the investigator expressed his desire to be the torchbearer for the next generation by sharing and investigating these stories. He views himself as the modern-day storyteller, passing down the knowledge to future generations. With his unique situation of living close to the LBL and being in contact with experienced investigators, he plans to learn, gather information, and carry these stories forward. The investigator acknowledged his own limitations due to age and physical health and encouraged the next generation to build upon the knowledge passed down to them.
A Passionate Investigator's Encounter with the Unknown: Believer in paranormal phenomena shares a personal encounter with a mysterious creature, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded and allowing events to unfold naturally while acknowledging the significance of documented cases and historical evidence.
The speaker expresses a strong compulsion to investigate paranormal phenomena, particularly those involving Bigfoot or other cryptids. They believe that we are on the cusp of a major discovery and that the traditional boundaries between the paranormal and physical worlds are blurring. The speaker shares an experience of witnessing a large, mysterious creature emerge from a mist, describing it as having a spider-like crawl and being translucent. They did not see any legs move as it rose up, making it seem otherworldly and almost ghost-like. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being in the right environment and allowing events to unfold naturally, while also acknowledging the significance of documented cases and historical evidence. Overall, the speaker's passion and conviction for uncovering the truth about these phenomena is evident.
Exploring the Interconnectedness of Paranormal Phenomena: The rapid sharing of information reveals overlapping experiences and encounters between different paranormal phenomena, challenging us to keep an open mind and consider new possibilities
The lines between different paranormal phenomena, such as Bigfoot, Dog Man, portals, and UFOs, may be more interconnected than previously thought. Witness encounters and experiences once considered separate may in fact overlap. The rapid sharing of information in today's world allows people to make these connections and consider new possibilities. For instance, the discovery of a body dressed like a "Man in Black" in the 1970s, as detailed in Dewey Edwards' upcoming book, raises questions about the existence of portals and time travel. The more we explore these topics, the more crossover we may find. It's important to keep an open mind and be willing to consider new perspectives.
Paranormal Investigators' Unique Experiences Near Devil's Backbone: A group of paranormal investigators plan to share their stories and knowledge in a podcasting haven near the Devil's Backbone, bringing together unique experiences and collective intelligence.
A group of paranormal investigators, including Dewey Edwards, Barton Nunley, and others, have had unique experiences and discoveries within a 2-3 mile radius on the Devil's Backbone. Dewey, who has been dealing with health issues, is eager to return to the field and share his stories. Barton Nunley, another investigator, is expected to join them soon. The speaker envisions this area becoming a paranormal podcasting haven, bringing together these investigators and others to share their knowledge and experiences. The idea of a roundtable discussion or special episodes featuring these individuals and their investigative work excites the speaker, who believes the collective intelligence gathered would be legendary.
Productive discussions lead to new insights and ideas: Verbalizing ideas out loud can help clarify thoughts and make connections. Collaborative environments can lead to uncovering new information and solving problems. Importance of being in sync with others and having a strong support system.
Productive discussions and brainstorming sessions can lead to new insights and ideas when individuals come together and share their knowledge. The speaker emphasized the importance of verbalizing ideas out loud and how this can help clarify thoughts and make connections. He also mentioned the nostalgic idea of a presidential fireside chat, envisioning a group of people gathered around a table, exchanging ideas and expanding their collective knowledge. The speaker expressed excitement about the potential of such a collaborative environment and the possibilities it holds for uncovering new information and solving problems. Additionally, the speaker mentioned the significance of being in sync with others, even if it's just waking up at the same time, and the importance of having a strong support system. The speaker also hinted at the need to explore and uncover information in the Smoky Mountains, and expressed a desire to collaborate with someone to delve deeper into the subject.
Personal connections and telepathic communication with Bigfoot: Researchers like Scott Carpenter have reported telepathic communication with Bigfoot, opening up new possibilities for understanding these creatures and explaining unexplained disappearances. Read Martin Groves' books for more insights.
The speaker, a Bigfoot researcher, shares his personal connection to Scott Carpenter, a fellow researcher, and how Carpenter's experiences with telepathic communication from Bigfoot opened up the speaker's own mind to the possibility of such encounters. The speaker emphasizes the personal and taboo nature of this type of communication and how it might explain unexplained disappearances of hunters. He also mentions the importance of various researchers and their contributions to the field, and encourages listeners to read the books of Martin Groves, whose work "Beast Between the Rivers" and upcoming "A Trace of Death" the speaker recommends. The speaker expresses his excitement for future collaborations with Carpenter and others, and shares his appreciation for the support of the Bigfoot community in sharing information.
