David Paulides is a renowned author, researcher, and investigator, best known for his extensive work on the topic of Bigfoot and the investigation of mysterious disappearances in national parks and wilderness areas. His unique approach to these subjects has garnered significant attention and sparked widespread interest.

Paulides’ career began in law enforcement, where he gained valuable investigative skills that would later prove instrumental in his research endeavors. His interest in Bigfoot was sparked by a chance encounter with a park ranger, who shared stories of unexplained sightings and occurrences. This conversation led Paulides to delve deeper into the world of cryptozoology and the mysteries surrounding Bigfoot.

Over the years, Paulides has conducted thorough research into Bigfoot sightings and evidence. His work in this area is characterized by a meticulous approach to data collection and analysis, as he seeks to understand the nature and behavior of this elusive creature. Paulides’ investigations have taken him across North America, where he has interviewed numerous eyewitnesses and examined physical evidence.

In addition to his Bigfoot research, Paulides is widely recognized for his investigation into the phenomenon of missing persons in national parks and wilderness areas. His book series, “Missing 411,” explores cases of unexplained disappearances, drawing connections between these incidents and various factors, including geographical clusters, unusual circumstances, and potential links to unknown entities, such as Bigfoot.

Paulides’ work on missing persons has been featured in several documentaries, further highlighting the intriguing and often unsettling nature of these cases. His documentaries provide in-depth analyses of specific disappearances, presenting theories and evidence that challenge conventional explanations and suggest the involvement of unknown forces.

As a media personality, Paulides has appeared on numerous television shows, radio programs, and podcasts, discussing his research on Bigfoot and missing persons. His media appearances have helped to raise public awareness of these topics, sparking debate and fostering a greater understanding of the complexities involved in these investigations.

David Paulides’ contributions to the fields of cryptozoology and investigative research have established him as a prominent figure in the exploration of unexplained phenomena. His dedication to uncovering the truth behind Bigfoot sightings and mysterious disappearances continues to captivate audiences and inspire those intrigued by the mysteries of the natural world.

Dr. Mireya Mayor is a world-renowned primatologist, anthropologist, and wildlife correspondent who brings her expertise and passion for exploration to her role as co-host of Expedition Bigfoot. Known for her groundbreaking research and fearless spirit, Dr. Mayor has spent her career venturing into the world’s most remote and challenging environments to study elusive wildlife and unearth scientific discoveries.

Her work on Expedition Bigfoot combines her scientific rigor with her adventurous drive, making her an invaluable asset to the team’s mission of uncovering evidence of the mysterious creature. With a Ph.D. in Anthropology, her sharp analytical skills and deep knowledge of primates allow her to draw insightful parallels between known species and the legendary Bigfoot.

Dr. Mayor is no stranger to the wild—she has earned the nickname “Female Indiana Jones” for her daring expeditions, which have included discovering new species, working with conservation efforts, and hosting television programs that inspire a love for nature. A former NFL cheerleader turned scientist, Dr. Mayor’s story is as remarkable as her work, breaking barriers and encouraging others to embrace curiosity and the unknown.

In addition to her work on Expedition Bigfoot, Dr. Mayor has authored books, delivered TED Talks, and served as a National Geographic Explorer, continuing to educate and inspire audiences worldwide about the wonders of our planet and the importance of preserving its mysteries.

Seth Breedlove is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and founder of the internationally recognized documentary production company Small Town Monsters, known for exploring the legends, folklore, and unexplained mysteries found in communities across America.

Based in Ohio, Seth has written, produced, directed, and edited dozens of documentary films and investigative series focused on cryptids, UFO phenomena, and paranormal history. Since launching Small Town Monsters following the release of Minerva Monster in 2015, he and his team have produced more than twenty films and multiple investigative series examining legendary cases such as the Mothman, Bigfoot, Dogman, and other unexplained encounters reported throughout North America.

Before moving into filmmaking, Seth worked as a journalist and freelance reporter, developing the investigative storytelling style that now defines Small Town Monsters productions. His work centers on documenting firsthand witness accounts and preserving stories from small towns often overlooked by mainstream media, presenting these experiences with a grounded, respectful, and cinematic approach.

Through acclaimed documentaries including The Mothman of Point Pleasant, Boggy Creek Monster, The Bray Road Beast, and the popular On the Trail of… investigative series, Seth has become one of the leading voices in modern cryptid and paranormal filmmaking. His productions have reached global audiences through streaming platforms, film festivals, television appearances, and live event screenings.

As both an investigator and storyteller, Seth’s mission is not simply to prove or disprove the unknown, but to give witnesses a voice and explore how legends shape local culture, history, and community identity. At Gather Up Events, Seth brings audiences behind the camera to share the stories, investigations, and real-world experiences gathered while documenting America’s most enduring mysteries.

Ryan “RPG” Golembeske is a notable researcher and media personality specializing in the study of Bigfoot, other cryptids, and various aspects of the paranormal. Known for his enthusiastic and inquisitive approach, Golembeske has made significant contributions to the field of cryptozoology and paranormal investigation. His interest in the unknown and unexplained began at an early age, leading him to pursue a path in researching mysterious phenomena and elusive creatures. His fascination with Bigfoot, in particular, has driven much of his work, as he seeks to gather evidence and understand the nature of this legendary cryptid.

Throughout his career, Golembeske has been involved in numerous field investigations, exploring areas known for Bigfoot sightings and other paranormal occurrences. His research methods combine traditional techniques with innovative approaches, allowing him to gather unique insights and data. Golembeske’s fieldwork often involves interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing physical evidence, and employing technology to track and document potential encounters with cryptids and paranormal entities.

Golembeske’s expertise and charismatic personality have led to numerous appearances in the media. He has been featured on various television shows, documentaries, and podcasts, where he discusses his research and shares his experiences in the world of cryptozoology and the paranormal. His media presence has been instrumental in bringing these subjects to a broader audience, fostering interest and awareness in the mysteries that lie beyond the realm of conventional understanding.

In addition to his fieldwork and media appearances, Golembeske is an active member of the cryptozoology and paranormal communities. He participates in conferences, seminars, and events, engaging with fellow researchers, enthusiasts, and those curious about his work. These interactions provide opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and the exchange of ideas, furthering the pursuit of knowledge in these intriguing fields.

Meet RPG at the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference

Meet RPG at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference

Martin Groves is a retired law enforcement officer with more than 32 years of investigative experience and thousands of hours of certified professional training. Throughout his career, Martin developed a reputation for careful observation, evidence-based investigation, and a relentless commitment to uncovering the truth, skills he has carried into his research of unexplained phenomena.

Martin is the author of three books and is widely recognized for his lifelong experiences and investigations involving Bigfoot, Dogman, and other unexplained creatures. His personal encounters and research have been referenced by numerous authors and researchers in the field, and he has interviewed thousands of firsthand witnesses who report encounters with these mysterious beings.

His work and eyewitness accounts have been featured in a wide range of films, documentaries, podcasts, and mini-series, including productions from Small Town Monsters (Seth Breedlove), Relic Films (Greg Ogles), History Highway (Rick Revel), Merkel Media / The Confessionals (Tony Merkel), and the History Channel’s MonsterQuest. Collectively, his appearances span more than 100 media projects, bringing his investigative insights to audiences around the world.

Respected by fellow researchers, including Ron Morehead, Martin is often described as one of the most compelling witness-investigators working in the field today. He continues to research, speak, and contribute to upcoming documentary and film projects, including a major production currently in development for 2026.

At Gather Up Events, Martin brings a rare combination of professional investigative training and firsthand experience, offering audiences a grounded yet fascinating perspective on the mystery of creatures reported from the forests, fields, and remote places of North America.

Harvest Moon is a Quinault storyteller, tribal historian, and cultural presenter from the Pacific Northwest whose voice has become an important presence in the worlds of Indigenous storytelling and Sasquatch tradition. Through her work, she shares Native history, oral tradition, and cultural knowledge with authenticity and grace, offering audiences a perspective on Bigfoot that is rooted not in passing curiosity, but in generations of inherited story, memory, and belief. Her presentations provide a powerful bridge between ancient tradition and modern fascination, revealing the deeper cultural context behind stories of Sasquatch within Native communities.

With a gift for storytelling and a deep reverence for the traditions she carries, Harvest Moon brings history to life in a way that is both moving and unforgettable. She speaks with authority, warmth, and purpose, illuminating the connections between Indigenous heritage, tribal memory, and the enduring mysteries of the natural world. Her work as a tribal historian reflects a commitment to preserving cultural knowledge while inviting others to listen, learn, and appreciate the richness of Native perspectives.

Harvest Moon’s reach extends beyond the stage. She has appeared in the films The Dark Divide and Summoning the Spirit, and on the television series Expedition Bigfoot. She has also been featured on numerous podcasts and media platforms exploring Bigfoot, folklore, and Native tradition. Across every appearance, Harvest Moon continues to offer a voice that is grounded, insightful, and deeply meaningful, leaving audiences with a greater appreciation for the power of story and the cultural legacy behind Sasquatch traditions.

Tony Merkel is a podcaster, filmmaker, producer, and independent media entrepreneur whose work explores the extraordinary experiences that often exist beyond the boundaries of conventional investigation. He is best known as the creator and host of The Confessionals, one of the leading podcasts dedicated to firsthand accounts of the paranormal, cryptids, UFOs, spiritual encounters, and other unexplained phenomena.

Tony’s path into media was anything but traditional. While working full time as a truck driver, he began developing The Confessionals at night, driven by a desire to create a place where ordinary people could openly share experiences they often felt unable to discuss anywhere else. The podcast launched in 2017 and quickly developed a loyal worldwide audience. Today, The Confessionals reaches more than 165,000 listeners each week and has surpassed 43 million downloads.

At the heart of the program is Tony’s ability to conduct thoughtful, in-depth conversations with witnesses whose lives have been changed by encounters they cannot easily explain. Rather than reducing their stories to quick sound bites or sensational headlines, he allows guests the time and space to describe what happened in their own words. Episodes have explored eyewitness reports involving Bigfoot, Dogman, UFOs and UAPs, alien abductions, hauntings, spiritual warfare, government secrecy, mysterious disappearances, portals, alternate dimensions, and entities that seem to defy familiar classifications.

Tony’s guests range from everyday witnesses sharing their stories publicly for the first time to experienced researchers, investigators, authors, and filmmakers. Through these conversations, The Confessionals has become more than a paranormal podcast. It is a growing archive of personal testimony from people who believe they have encountered something beyond the accepted limits of our understanding.

Building on the success of the podcast, Tony founded Merkel Media in 2021. The independent production and distribution company was created as a home for bold podcasts, documentaries, and original projects that challenge audiences to look more closely at the mysteries surrounding them. Under Tony’s leadership, Merkel Media has grown into a collaborative platform for storytellers and creators working across audio, film, digital media, and investigative entertainment.

Tony has also taken his search for answers beyond the recording studio and into the field. His documentary work combines eyewitness testimony, boots-on-the-ground investigation, cinematic storytelling, and a willingness to follow unusual evidence wherever it may lead. His films include Expedition Dogman, released in 2022, which follows an investigation deep into Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest; The Shape of Shadows, released in 2023, which examines reports of Skinwalkers, Dogman, UFO activity, unexplained trackways, ritual formations, and possible portals at a remote Utah research property; and Sasquatch and the Missing Man, released in 2024, which returns to the location of the encounter that inspired Wes Germer to create Sasquatch Chronicles.

Across his podcasts, films, speaking appearances, and field investigations, Tony approaches the unexplained with curiosity, determination, and respect for the people who have lived through it. His work does not simply ask audiences to believe every extraordinary claim. Instead, it encourages them to listen carefully, examine the testimony, challenge their assumptions, and remain open to the possibility that reality may be far stranger than most of us have been taught.

What began as a podcast developed after long days on the road has grown into an influential independent media company and a community of listeners and viewers around the world. Tony Merkel continues to give a voice to witnesses, investigate the stories that others overlook, and create compelling media for anyone willing to venture beyond the familiar and confront the mysteries waiting in the shadows.

Lori Wade is a longtime Bigfoot researcher, investigator with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, expedition leader, speaker, and small-business owner whose work has made her a familiar and respected presence throughout the Southeastern Bigfoot community.

Based in Tennessee, Lori has spent years investigating reports, speaking with witnesses, exploring areas of reported activity, and participating in organized field research. She is especially active across Tennessee and Georgia, while also taking an interest in reports and potential activity in Alabama. Her experience includes not only investigating individual sightings and encounters, but also leading groups into the field during BFRO expeditions.

As an expedition leader, Lori helps participants understand the realities of Bigfoot field research. That work can involve studying the history of an area, evaluating witness testimony, examining possible tracks or unusual structures, listening for vocalizations and wood knocks, conducting nighttime observations, and documenting anything that may warrant closer investigation. She is known for selecting promising research locations and creating an environment in which both experienced investigators and first-time participants can learn, contribute, and take the process seriously.

Lori’s interest in the subject is also deeply personal. During interviews, she has discussed several unusual experiences of her own, including two reported sightings. She has also spoken about strange lights in the woods, possible Dogman activity, and other unexplained events encountered during her years of research. These experiences have given her a firsthand understanding of how difficult it can be for witnesses to discuss an encounter that falls outside ordinary expectations.

That understanding shapes the way Lori approaches witnesses and members of the public. She is thoughtful, approachable, and willing to listen without immediately dismissing or sensationalizing what someone has experienced. Her ability to balance open-minded curiosity with practical field experience has made her a valued guest on podcasts, at conferences, and during public discussions about Sasquatch research.

Lori has shared her knowledge and experiences through numerous podcast interviews and public appearances, discussing Bigfoot activity in Tennessee, Georgia, and the surrounding region. Her conversations often explore the challenges of field investigation, the importance of credible witness testimony, patterns found in areas with repeated reports, and the unusual experiences that sometimes occur alongside traditional Bigfoot encounters. Recent appearances continue to identify her as both a BFRO investigator and expedition leader.

In addition to her research, Lori is the creator and owner of Bigfoot and Me, a specialty business offering handmade Bigfoot-inspired gifts and collectibles. She founded the shop after noticing that many available Sasquatch products relied on the same exaggerated or cartoon-style designs. Lori wanted to create items with a different personality and a more handcrafted feel for people who share her appreciation for the subject.

The products offered through Bigfoot and Me reflect Lori’s creativity and personal connection to the community. Many of the items are individually created, with Lori reporting that the majority involve hand stitching. The shop is not simply a separate business venture. It is another expression of the enthusiasm, imagination, and sense of community that she brings to her research and public appearances.

Lori is particularly engaging because she brings together several different sides of the Bigfoot world. She understands the seriousness of interviewing witnesses and conducting responsible field investigations, but she also embraces the friendships, creativity, humor, and shared enthusiasm that make the community welcoming. Whether she is leading an expedition, discussing one of her own encounters, meeting attendees at a festival, or introducing someone to one of her handmade creations, Lori connects with people in a genuine and memorable way.

Through her BFRO investigations, expedition leadership, speaking appearances, interviews, and work with Bigfoot and Me, Lori Wade continues to encourage curiosity, responsible research, and greater respect for those who report extraordinary encounters. Her combination of field experience, personal insight, creativity, and warmth has made her an appreciated voice among researchers, witnesses, and Bigfoot enthusiasts throughout the region.

David Bakara is a longtime Bigfoot researcher, investigator, museum curator, speaker, and the founder of Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum, one of the country’s most recognized destinations dedicated to the history, evidence, and enduring mystery of Sasquatch.

David’s fascination with Bigfoot began when he was just 12 years old after seeing the 1972 film The Legend of Boggy Creek. Unlike the exaggerated monsters often presented in popular entertainment, the film introduced him to the idea that ordinary people were reporting encounters with large, unidentified creatures in rural communities. The possibility that something so extraordinary could exist just beyond the edges of civilization captured his imagination and began a lifelong interest in the subject.

That childhood curiosity eventually developed into active field research. While living in Florida, David became involved in investigating reports associated with the Florida Skunk Ape and later participated in research through the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. His work has taken him into areas of reported activity, brought him into direct contact with witnesses, and allowed him to study the patterns, behaviors, and physical evidence commonly associated with Sasquatch encounters. David has also publicly discussed unusual experiences of his own, including possible sightings and vocalizations encountered during his years in the field.

In 2016, David and his wife, Malinda, transformed their years of research and collecting into Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum in the North Georgia mountains near Blue Ridge. Their goal was to create more than a novelty roadside attraction. They envisioned a professionally presented, family-friendly museum where visitors could explore the subject through documented reports, historical material, physical evidence, multimedia exhibits, and the stories of those who believe they have encountered something unexplained.

The museum’s collection includes footprint and hand casts, witness sketches, photographs, audio recordings, maps of reported encounters, research equipment, and artifacts gathered from across the United States and around the world. One of its most distinctive displays is David and Malinda’s own Bigfoot Research and Tech Vehicle, which represents the practical, boots-on-the-ground side of their investigations. The museum also uses artwork, recreations, video, and interactive presentation techniques to make the material accessible to serious researchers, curious skeptics, families, and younger visitors alike.

David’s vision has helped Expedition: Bigfoot! grow into one of North Georgia’s most unusual and popular attractions. The museum has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors annually and has become a gathering place for people from every background, including many who arrive with encounter stories of their own. David has observed that a large percentage of witnesses remain silent for years because they fear ridicule or simply do not know where to turn. By offering a respectful and welcoming environment, he has helped create a place where those individuals can finally speak openly about what they experienced.

Witness testimony remains central to David’s work. He understands that an unexplained encounter can be confusing, frightening, and sometimes life-changing. Rather than immediately dismissing unusual reports or forcing them into a predetermined explanation, David listens carefully and encourages witnesses to describe their experiences in their own words. Over the years, the museum has become an informal archive of regional and national sighting reports, preserving stories that might otherwise never be documented.

David also works to preserve the broader history of Bigfoot research. Through the museum, he introduces visitors to important cases, researchers, films, recordings, track discoveries, and developments that have shaped the subject over many decades. His exhibits present Sasquatch not simply as a figure from folklore or popular culture, but as an unresolved mystery supported by a substantial body of witness testimony and reported evidence.

His approach combines serious interest in the research with an understanding of how to communicate it to the general public. A lifelong fan of immersive family attractions, David has explained that he wanted the museum to blend the credibility of an active researcher with the accessibility and visual appeal of a professionally designed visitor experience. The result is a museum that can engage devoted investigators while still welcoming people who enter with little knowledge of the subject or considerable skepticism.

Beyond the permanent exhibits, David and Malinda regularly host special events, educational programs, workshops, witness discussions, and appearances by prominent members of the Bigfoot research community. These gatherings give visitors opportunities to hear directly from investigators, ask questions, compare experiences, and learn more about field research and the evaluation of possible evidence.

David has also shared his research and perspective through conferences, festivals, media interviews, podcasts, and documentary appearances. He speaks about subjects ranging from traditional Sasquatch reports and the Patterson-Gimlin film to Florida Skunk Ape investigations, witness psychology, unexplained thermal images, and the more unusual elements sometimes reported alongside cryptid encounters. His willingness to discuss both the physical and stranger aspects of the phenomenon reflects decades spent listening to witnesses whose experiences do not always fit neatly within conventional categories.

David’s influence extends beyond his own museum. His encouragement helped inspire fellow researcher Cliff Barackman to pursue the creation of the North American Bigfoot Center in Oregon, demonstrating how Expedition: Bigfoot! has served as a model for presenting serious Bigfoot research in an engaging public setting.

At the center of everything David does is a desire to preserve the evidence, respect the witnesses, and encourage people to examine the subject with curiosity rather than ridicule. He does not ask every visitor to leave the museum as a believer. Instead, he invites them to consider the number of reports, the consistency found across many accounts, the physical evidence that has been collected, and the possibility that the natural world may still contain mysteries we have not fully understood.

Through his field investigations, public speaking, witness outreach, and leadership of Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum, David Bakara has become an important advocate for both Sasquatch research and the people behind the reports. His work has helped transform a lifelong fascination into a respected public institution where history, research, storytelling, and mystery come together beneath the shadow of the North Georgia mountains.

Levi Jamison is a Bigfoot field investigator, paraufologist, speaker, and independent researcher whose work explores the places where cryptozoology, ufology, and paranormal investigation intersect. Rather than treating reports of Sasquatch, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena as entirely separate subjects, Levi examines whether some encounters may be connected through shared locations, patterns, environmental conditions, or witness experiences.

Levi is a field investigator with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and has participated in organized expeditions, independent investigations, and research outings in areas associated with reported Sasquatch activity. His fieldwork has included traveling to remote locations, speaking with witnesses, studying patterns of reported activity, and observing the unusual events that sometimes accompany traditional Bigfoot investigations.

His experiences in the field have led him to take a broader view of the phenomenon. While many researchers approach Bigfoot primarily as an undiscovered biological animal, Levi remains open to the possibility that some encounters may involve additional elements that cannot be explained through conventional wildlife research alone. Reports of unexplained lights, unusual sounds, electronic disturbances, missing time, sudden changes in the environment, and UFO or UAP activity have encouraged him to consider how cryptid research may overlap with other areas of high strangeness.

Levi describes this interdisciplinary approach as paraufology, a field of inquiry that brings together aspects of paranormal research and ufology. As a paraufologist, he studies reports that appear to cross the traditional boundaries separating UFO encounters, cryptid sightings, hauntings, consciousness-related experiences, and other unexplained events. His goal is not to force every mystery into a single explanation, but to recognize recurring details and examine whether apparently unrelated phenomena may share common characteristics.

Levi serves as director of the North American Research Center of Paraufology, also known as NARCOP. Through this work, he seeks to encourage greater communication among investigators who might otherwise remain confined to separate areas of study. A Bigfoot researcher may dismiss UFO reports, a UFO investigator may overlook cryptid activity, and a paranormal team may never consider either one. Levi believes that valuable information can be lost when researchers ignore evidence simply because it falls outside the category they originally intended to investigate.

His approach places particular importance on the complete experience of the witness. When someone reports seeing a large, unidentified creature, Levi is interested not only in its appearance, movement, and physical surroundings, but also in everything that happened before, during, and after the encounter. Details that initially seem unrelated may become important when compared with other cases. By allowing witnesses to tell the entire story without immediately separating its cryptid, paranormal, or UFO-related elements, he hopes to develop a more accurate understanding of what may have occurred.

Levi has also spoken publicly about his own experiences during Bigfoot expeditions and field investigations. These encounters have contributed to his willingness to examine unconventional possibilities while continuing to value careful observation, documentation, and responsible witness interviews. He understands that extraordinary experiences can be difficult to interpret and even more difficult to discuss, particularly when they contain elements that do not fit comfortably within a single established theory.

Through podcast appearances and conversations with fellow investigators, Levi has discussed the potential relationship between Sasquatch reports and UFO activity, the challenges of researching high-strangeness cases, and the importance of looking beyond rigid labels. His discussions encourage researchers to remain curious without becoming careless and open-minded without automatically accepting every claim as fact.

What makes Levi’s perspective distinctive is his willingness to stand between several different research communities. He respects the traditional methods used in Bigfoot field investigation while also asking whether those methods are sufficient for every reported encounter. His work challenges investigators to consider the possibility that the unexplained may be more complicated than any one discipline can adequately address.

Levi does not claim that every Bigfoot sighting is paranormal or that every unusual light is connected to a cryptid encounter. Instead, he advocates for following the available testimony and evidence wherever they lead. His research is guided by the belief that investigators should document unusual details rather than discard them, compare cases across multiple fields, and remain willing to revise their ideas when new information emerges.

As both a BFRO investigator and a paraufologist, Levi Jamison represents a growing generation of researchers who are less interested in defending traditional boundaries and more interested in understanding the full scope of extraordinary human experiences. Through his fieldwork, witness interviews, public discussions, and leadership of NARCOP, Levi continues to explore the possibility that Bigfoot, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena may occasionally be different parts of a much larger mystery.