Beastly Theories (Ep.82) The Untold Story of Champ - with Robert Bartholomew

Join me as I chat with Robert E. Bartholomew - American medical sociologist, journalist, Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland (New Zealand), and author of my favourite lake monster book - The Untold Story of Champ: A Social History of America's Loch Ness Monster!

In addition to publishing more than 60 academic papers, he has written or co-written 16 popular science and skeptical non-fiction books. He writes for several newspapers and journals on sociological and fringe science topics, including Psychology Today, Skeptical Inquirer, and British magazines The Skeptic and Fortean Times.

Robert's expertise in fields such as - sociological phenomena, mass hysteria and mass psychogenic illness, combined with his objective disposition and interest in fringe phenomena; make him the perfect person to examine the denominational spectacle of communitarian cryptozoology with its myriad canons and creeds.
We discuss the family origins of his interest in Champ, as well as its folklore and history; and other similarly described lake monsters in the region.

Robert weighs in on my charge that the modern desperation for social content, leads some researchers to ‘exaggerate ‘their findings; and gives some candid advice to researchers about the trials and tribulations that can beset those who dedicate their lives to finding mystery animals.

Later, we talk about the problem cryptozoology has with the foundational theories of its forefathers, being built upon as though they were fact; the protectionism many cryptozoologists exert around their research areas and evidence, and one of the most surprising chapters in his book, titled: Egos, Obsessions and the Quest for Fame: The Monster Hunters. which aptly portrays the animosity and lack of cooperation that so often exists between many researchers.

The Untold Story of Champ... is just one of the awesome books that Robert has written - check them out here!

https://rebartholomew.com/

https://youtu.be/OjGyH9LgfaE

https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-3unda-13e2080