CRYPTOZOOLOGY 101

Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma

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Paul and Stephen reveal some of their favorite American cryptids.

Skip by the oft-told stories of Sasquatch and Chupacabra and follow Paul into the dark primeval forests of Maine to meet the Spectre Moose. Hear the legend of this mysterious prehistoric-looking giant of the Maine woods. Some sightings recall the Spectre Moose’s faint white glow and an ability to walk through solid objects.

And if that’s not trippy enough, Paul recalls the time he took elk velvet to add some pep to his step. Next are sightings of the Big Muddy Monster of Illinois complete with actual police reports, but this cryptid has a sci-fi twist including epic screaming and slime residue. But was it all a hoax? Shout out to Ricky Kells to come forward and spill the tea about the Big Muddy Monster that hasn’t been seen since 1976.

Then the legendary Melon Heads of Connecticut - not to be mistaken for the Wobbleheads of Michigan - make an appearance. All this and cannibalistic, inbred witches. Are these more urban legends than cryptids? And what’s the reason for our fascination with mythical, marginalized creatures? You decide, Chinwaggers!

Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor and producer. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art.

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Vocab Chin-Word of the Week: TERATOGEN

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