#72-1&2 Sasquatch: Legend meets science - Jeff Meldrum
- Tony H
- Dec 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Exploring Bigfoot with Dr. Jeff Meldrum:
An Interview on 'High Strangeness' In this episode of 'High Strangeness,' host Tony interviews Dr. Jeff Meldrum, a full professor of Anatomy and Anthropology at Idaho State University and author of 'Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science.' Dr. Meldrum discusses his background, professional journey, and interest in the study of Bigfoot. He shares fascinating insights into his research on human and primate anatomy, and how his curiosity about Bigfoot evolved over the years. The episode also includes a discussion on television portrayals of Bigfoot research, particularly focusing on the show 'Expedition Bigfoot,' and questions about scientific approaches to investigating Bigfoot phenomena.
00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness 00:18 Meet Jeff Meldrum: Bigfoot Expert and Professor
01:33 Life in Idaho and Idaho State University
04:33 Jeff Meldrum's Academic Journey 12:32 Discovering Physical Anthropology 20:55 Navigating Academic Challenges 26:08 The Journey to Doctoral Success 26:32 A Childhood Fascination with Bigfoot
27:06 The Patterson-Gimlin Film's Impact 28:41 Footprints and Bipedalism
31:42 Skepticism and Evidence
33:49 Challenges in Academia
35:28 Expedition Bigfoot and Media Representation
53:07 Scientific Approach vs. Paranormal Explanations
59:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Full Show Link: https://youtu.be/82tAGnOuyzM
High Strangeness Part 2: Exploring Cryptozoology with Jeff Meldrum
In this second part of the episode, 'High Strangeness,' host and guest speaker Jeff Meldrum, an author and professor, delve into the realm of cryptozoology. The conversation explores the study of 'hidden animals,' focusing on species reported in folklore and mythology that are rediscovered in unexpected places. Meldrum discusses his book's scientific approach to cryptozoology, the discovery process of new species, and the controversy and criticism surrounding the field. The episode also covers various evidence like forensic measurements, hair analysis, and vocalizations. Meldrum speaks on the complexities and scientific value of studying such entities while addressing the challenges in mainstream scientific acceptance.
00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness
00:45 Exploring Cryptozoology
00:54 The Science of Hidden Animals
02:39 Discovering New Species
04:09 Challenges in Cryptozoology
06:36 Bigfoot and Cryptozoology
09:08 Caught on Camera: Forensic Measurements
09:24 Dermatoglyphics and Bigfoot Evidence 19:03 Analyzing the Patterson-Gimlin Film 26:34 DNA Evidence and Hair Analysis
32:27 DNA Analysis and Challenges
34:32 Vocalizations and Wood Knocking
39:29 Footprints and Evidence Evaluation 46:23 Relic Hominoids and Evolution
51:12 Bigfoot Festivals and Outreach
55:39 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
Full Show Link: https://youtu.be/2c9KqEYKFCg