#1927 - Forrest Galante

At a Glance

• Discussing the Ozark Howler Legend - “They perpetuated the rumor of the howler to keep people out of the woods. Right. So it like checked all these boxes to like make up this animal”. Forrest Galante explains how the legend of the Ozark Howler was likely a combination of declining red wolf populations and moonshiners wanting to keep people away from their operations. This moment highlights how myths can arise from real events and human activities. ‍
• Possibility of Extant Thylacines in Papua New Guinea - “In Papua New Guinea, there could be an extant population. …there’s isolated unexplored areas that the thylacine could still be thriving without the competition”. Forrest Galante shares his belief that the thylacine, a species thought to be extinct, might still exist in isolated regions of Papua New Guinea. This reveals the ongoing hope and mystery surrounding potentially rediscovered species. ‍
• Encounter with a Potential Thylacine Sighting - “There’s a guy named Nick Mooney, who’s like a state biologist… And he swears that he saw one in Tasmania about 25 years ago”. This recount of a credible sighting by a respected biologist adds weight to the possibility that the thylacine might not be entirely extinct, underscoring the intrigue and hope within the field of cryptozoology. ‍
• Critique of Idealistic Views on Nature - “This idea that you’re going to, like, I send out a message of peace. We’ve become so jaded in the sense of, like, nature is in harmony and balance. It’s terrifying. It’s the opposite, you know”. This exchange critiques the romanticized view of nature as harmonious, emphasizing the harsh and often brutal reality of natural environments. It serves as a reminder of the true, unfiltered state of the wild. ‍
• Humorous Incident with Parasitic Wasps - “One of these parasitic wasps flew up his shorts and got him on the tip, right on the head” A lighthearted moment where Forrest Galante recounts a humorous and painful encounter with a parasitic wasp, illustrating the unpredictable and often comical experiences faced by field researchers.

What to Do

• Get out from under the thumb of networks and do your own thing - This advice encourages independence and self-reliance, suggesting that one should not be constrained by external control or limitations imposed by networks.

• Understand that nature is not harmonious but chaotic - This advice aims to correct the misconception that nature is always in balance and harmony. It stresses that the natural world is often brutal and survival requires awareness and adaptability.

• Be cautious of misinformation and idealistic perspectives - This advice encourages critical thinking and skepticism towards overly idealistic views of the world, particularly those that are disconnected from reality.

What to Get

• Ho-hos and Ringdings - These are types of snack foods mentioned in the context of junk food available at supermarkets. https://amzn.to/3Xxq2Py

• Protein Shakes - One speaker mentions not using protein shakes because they get enough protein from eating meat and eggs. https://amzn.to/3xtcN7S

• Lucky Charms - Mentioned in a discussion about a controversial NIH-funded food chart that places this cereal above eggs in terms of healthiness. https://amzn.to/3zlYH8Q

• Chocolate Covered Almonds - Example of misleading health claims, being placed above steak in the same food chart. https://amzn.to/3zcVUPz

Summary

The conversation between Joe Rogan and Forrest Galante is a fascinating dive into the world of cryptids, extinct species, and the mysteries of nature. They kick off the discussion with a light-hearted exchange about Forrest’s show, “Mysterious Creatures,” where he was investigating the Ozark Howler, a creature believed to be a mystical beast but likely just a red wolf. Joe and Forrest agree that the legend of the howler was probably perpetuated by moonshiners to keep people out of the woods, blending folklore with practical deterrence. They also touch on the concept of cryptids, with Forrest expressing skepticism about creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster but showing interest in the possibility of the thylacine still existing in Papua New Guinea. ‍ The conversation then shifts to the topic of isolated human populations and how they can be mistaken for cryptids. Forrest mentions the Khoisan people of Southern Africa and isolated tribes in Borneo and Sumatra, suggesting that sightings of “Bigfoot” or other humanoid cryptids could simply be misidentified humans. They discuss the Homo floresiensis, a small human species that lived alongside modern humans until relatively recently, and how such discoveries challenge our understanding of human evolution. Joe and Forrest agree that the diversity of human species is much greater than previously thought, with new species like Denisovans being discovered, which adds to the intrigue of cryptid sightings. ‍ The conversation takes an interesting turn when they discuss the American Prairie Reserve’s efforts to rewild the Great Plains by reintroducing bison and other animals. Joe and Forrest are enthusiastic about the project, seeing it as a key to future conservation efforts. They also touch on the fascinating story of Christopher Knight, the “North Pond Hermit,” who lived alone in the woods for 27 years, surviving by stealing from nearby camps 10. This leads to a discussion about people who choose to live off the grid, including a Japanese soldier who hid in a cave in Guam for years after World War II. The conversation is a blend of humor, curiosity, and genuine interest in the mysteries of the natural world, making it an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.