Kentucky Bigfoot Researchers Evaluate Claims and Promote Open Dialogue

A recent episode of Squatch DTV, hosted by veteran investigator Steve Coohl and Chris Bennett from the Kentucky Bigfoot Research Project, takes on a Connecticut Bigfoot sighting that's been generating buzz—and drawing some sharp criticism from the hosts about how mainstream media has been covering it. The Connecticut angle is just the launching pad for a much wider conversation in this episode. Steve and Chris spend considerable time unpacking what they call "lamestream media" treatment of the report, and they don't mince words about their frustrations with traditional outlets. Connecticut has actually been a surprisingly active region for Bigfoot sightings over the years—often referred to locally by names like "wood booger" or simply "the wild man" in older folklore from the Northeast. The dense forests of Litchfield County and the quieter corners of the state have produced their fair share of witness reports over the decades. Beyond the sighting discussion, the episode is packed with other interesting threads. There's mention of Project Forest Stalker, which sounds like a significant ongoing research initiative, and Steve drops some tantalizing hints about a project he's been working on that he describes as potentially making the Kennedy assassination "look like nothing." That's a bold statement, and it definitely leaves listeners wanting more details. Chris also shares some personal updates, including his progress through police academy training—he mentions completing his first week on his own with just a physical fitness test remaining. The guys even crack jokes about him channeling Tackleberry from the Police Academy movies, which adds a nice lighthearted touch to the episode. One of the more substantive discussions centers on a researcher named Jared who appeared on another podcast and made claims that Steve and Chris reviewed in a previous episode. Rather than getting into the kind of "infighting" that some have accused them of, Steve actually reached out to Jared directly and offered to appear on the original podcast to hash things out face-to-face. Unfortunately, that invitation was politely declined, and the other podcaster opted to air a solo rebuttal instead of having a productive dialogue. Steve makes it clear that the invitation remains open and that he's genuinely willing to change his mind if presented with compelling evidence—a stance that's refreshing in a field that can sometimes get territorial. The episode also briefly touches on The Proof is Out There potentially getting renewed for another season, and references the upcoming Hawking Hills Bigfoot Festival in Vinton County, Ohio, where Chris is serving as MC. For anyone interested in how researchers handle disagreements behind the scenes, how mainstream media covers cryptid sightings, or what's brewing in the world of Bigfoot research heading into next year, this episode is definitely worth a watch. The Connecticut sighting is just the hook—the real value is in the candid look at how the research community navigates these tricky conversations.