#029 -The Cryptid Files: Heartland Horrors & Deep South Legends

A road trip through America’s most disturbing cryptids turns into a hilarious, unfiltered deep dive into monsters that feel just a little too real. If you’re into folklore, horror, and the kind of chaotic banter that somehow makes the nightmare fuel even better, this one is for you. Robert Herr, Ryan Thomas, Rowan Michael, and ProfessorTieDye(JL) start in Alabama with the terrifying "not deer" - a deer that is very much not acting like a deer - and quickly spiral into a full tour of the uncanny. Along the way, they break down what makes these creatures stick in the brain long after the episode ends: the dread, the wrongness, and the weirdly specific details that make each legend feel plausible enough to keep you looking twice in the woods. You’ll discover: - Why the not deer freaks people out even when natural explanations exist - The competing lore behind the Rougarou, the Louisiana swamp monster, and the Chupacabra - What makes the Michigan Dogman, Beast of Bray Road, and Minashunka so enduring - How the Wendigo shifts from Indigenous horror to pop-culture nightmare - Why some cryptids feel less like myths and more like warnings Robert, Ryan, Rowan, and JL each bring a different angle to the table - from blunt skepticism and running jokes to folklore knowledge, horror references, and the kind of story-rich commentary that makes the legends feel immediate. The conversation keeps colliding with real-world explanations like mange, chronic wasting disease, and behavioral oddities, while never losing sight of the fact that these monsters still work because they tap into something ancient and primal. If you’ve ever stared into the woods and wondered what was staring back, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Perfect for cryptid fans, horror lovers, and anyone who likes their folklore served with equal parts scholarship, skepticism, and absolute chaos. Follow the show everywhere: https://linkbio.co/spinstatepod Follow us on Social Media: Robert: https://link.me/realrobertherr Ryan:  https://x.com/ryanthomastalks, https://instagram.com/ryanthomastalks Rowan: https://x.com/RowanMicheals Subscribe to the UNSPUN Newsletter: https://unspun.beehiiv.com Eclipse Holsters (Use code ‘RyanThomas’ at checkout):  https://eclipseholsters.com  Get a free 30-day trial to Beehiiv & 20% off your first 3 months: https://www.beehiiv.com/?via=spinstatepod  Join us on PickAx: https://pickax.com