Episodes

  • Tahoe Tessie: The Giant Serpent of Lake Tahoe | California Cryptids Podcast | Special Episode
    Jan 30 2026

    Tonight, on a special episode of California Cryptids, Andrew, along with his co-hosts, Alexis and Kyle, discuss the possibility of a giant serpent living in Lake Tahoe. A lake that borders California and Nevada.


    Special Thanks:

    Pan_Pan for the opening animation: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelzyrose?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc


    SniffSniff53 for the thumbnail: https://www.instagram.com/sniffsniff53/


    This episode includes:

    - An opening animation by Pan_Pan

    - Our typical discussions.

    - Reading eyewitness stories found in news reports.

    - And a review of Chase Petley's video showing what we are now finding in the depths of this enormous lake.


    Chapters:0:00 - No Whales Were Harmed0:20 - Cold Open (animated by Pan_Pan)2:34 - Welcome to California Cryptids4:47 - When Places Feel Off6:37 - The Camp Crystal Lake Debate10:30 - Story 1: The Settler and the Serpent19:48 - Tessie x Nessie: A Cryptid Romance?20:50 - Which is Creepier?21:49 - Tessie Goes Mainstream: Children's Books22:05 - Detective Work: The Mystery of I.C. Coggin23:46 - Story 2: What Lurks Beneath the Waves29:17 - Unexpected Brokeback Vibes31:32 - Your Lake Tahoe Experiences32:46 - Strange Finds in the Lake34:35 - Chase Petley's Discoveries: Sharks & Jellyfish41:48 - End Credits


    Have you witnessed any thing strange at Lake Tahoe? How about California? Let us know in the comments below!


    ~ JOIN OUR SOCIALS ~

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspod

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspod


    ~ SOURCES ~

    San Francisco Call Newspaper: https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn85066387/1897-11-21/ed-1/?sp=17


    Cryptozoology online: https://forteanzoology.blogspot.com/2011/11/richard-freeman-lake-tahoe-monster.html?


    Archives: https://archive.org/details/illustratedfrate1890sanf/page/71/mode/1up


    Tahoe Deep Echo Location Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzryMpMNogo


    Tahoe Deep Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nflogifhfJ4


    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Animals-Batsquatch-Chupacabra-Creatures/dp/0313359067

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    43 mins
  • The Beast of Billiwhack Ranch: California's Local Goatman Conspiracy | California Cryptids | Season Finale
    Nov 23 2025

    Deep in the hills of Santa Paula, California, lurks one of the state's most terrifying and bizarre legends, the Billiwhack Monster. Described as a towering, muscular apelike creature with gray hair and curved ram horns, this cryptid has haunted Ventura County since World War II.

    But the story gets darker. According to local legend, the beast wasn't born in nature it was created in underground tunnels beneath the Billiwhack Dairy by owner August Rubel, allegedly working with the Office of Strategic Services to develop a "super soldier" for the war effort. When the experiment went wrong, the creature escaped into the surrounding wilderness.

    For decades, high school students and locals have reported terrifying encounters near the abandoned dairy. Is the Billiwhack Monster a surviving cryptid? A failed government experiment? Or just an urban legend that refuses to die?


    In this episode of California Cryptids, we investigate the history of the Billiwhack Dairy, examine eyewitness accounts, and explore the WWII conspiracy theories that make this one of California's most unique cryptid cases.


    🔍 TIMESTAMPS:

    0:00 | Cold Open

    1:54 | Discussion: Last Episode Of The Season

    3:01 | Glizzymare: Hotdog Induced Nightmares

    4:50 | Discussion: Have you heard of the Billiwhack Monster?

    10:25 | Story 1: The Beast and the Boy

    19:42 | Discussion: Would you go to an abandoned building to prove it is haunted?

    25:16 | Story 2: The Beast and the Car

    32:25 | Discussion: Would you go to the ranch on a triple dog dare?

    38:05 | Police Report: The Boy with the Sword

    40:38 | Police Report: Dorothy vs. The Angry Mob

    45:43 | Discussion: Would you try to slay the Billiwhack Monster?

    48:04 | Origin: Billiwhack Ranch and The Monster

    53:02 | Discussion: What do you think Billiwhack Monster was?

    54:41 | Thank you for watching

    57:00 | Bloopers

    59:49 | Nothing Beats A Jet2Holiday!

    1:00:05 | Credits & Special Thanks


    See you on the next strange encounter.


    📍 LOCATION: Santa Paula, Ventura County, California

    🎙️ SUBSCRIBE for more California cryptid investigations and paranormal mysteries!

    👍 LIKE if you want to see more obscure California legends!

    💬 COMMENT below if you have had your own cryptid encounter?


    #CaliforniaCryptids #BilliwhackMonster #Cryptozoology #UrbanLegends #Conspiracy #VenturaCounty #SantaPaula #Cryptids #ParanormalPodcast #CaliforniaLegends #WWII #UnsolvedMysteries #MonsterHunting #CryptidHunting


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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Borrego Sandman: The Desert Bigfoot Murder Mystery | California Cryptids Podcast | Ep. 8
    Nov 12 2025

    Watch (or listen) to our most unhinged episode yet, as we dive into the terrifying legend of the Borrego Sandman, an 8-foot tall, white furred cryptid that has hunted the people of California's Anza-Borrego Desert for over a century. This episode investigates two chilling encounters that blur the line between myth and murder.🔍 Mysterious strangulation murders near Deadman's Hole spark a manhunt. Hunters Charles Cox and Edward Dean track down something far more terrifying than any human killer.⛏️ A lone prospector's desperate fight for survival when ambushed by a group of these desert creatures near Borrego Sink.🎙️ Chapters / Timestamps0:00 | Cold Open

    1:32 | Footage of the Sandman

    3:35 | That's Arnold Schwarzenegger Right?

    5:13 | Should Arnold be our next cryptids?

    7:31 | What is the Borrego Sandman?

    9:19 | Story 1: A Monstrous Murder Mystery

    16:10 | Borrego Sandman Could be Andrew or Alexis

    19:40 | Alexis is the monster!

    21:22 | Discussion: Case Closed

    24:53 | Andrew's Terrible Schwarzenegger Impression

    26:12 | We make fun of Kyle's reading abilities

    27:02 | Story 2: The Prospector and The Sandmen

    32:28 | Discussion: Alexis sounded Great!

    33:30 | Who has the best growls?

    38:49 | Who would Win the Sandman or....

    39:55 | Alexis needs to cut a wrestling promo

    42:12 | Outro👣 Was this California's desert Bigfoot, a murderous cryptid, or something else entirely? Explore the unsolved deaths, Native American warnings about "Hairy Devils," and why this desert mystery remains one of California's most chilling legends.Perfect for fans of: cryptozoology, paranormal, desert legends, California mysteries, Bigfoot encounters, comedy podcasts🎧 Want to Listen to more cryptid stories on California Cryptids?:• https://youtu.be/eYi0cWjg1UM• https://youtu.be/msMyJ5TNQIc~JOIN OUR SOCIALS~Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspodSources:Weird California - https://www.weirdca.com/location.php?location=310Bigfoot Encounters - http://www.bigfootencounters.com/stories/monster.htmBorrego Springs - https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/the-enigma-of-the-borrego-sandman-unveiling-the-desert-s-cryptid#gsc.tab=0San Diego Tribune - https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/10/25/local-legends-include-big-foot-or-his-cousin/#BorregoSandman #CaliforniaCryptid #DesertBigfoot #TrueCrimePodcast #Cryptozoology #AnzaBorrego #UnsolvedMystery #ParanormalPodcast

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    44 mins
  • Penelope of Sierra Nevada: The Pale Witch of the Pines | California Cryptids | Ep. 7
    Nov 6 2025

    Deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, they say a pale, skeletal woman wanders between the pines, park rangers supposedly call her Penelope. Others call her a strange creature.


    In episode 7 of California Cryptids, we uncover the chilling stories behind Penelope, the so-called Pale Witch. From Tioga Lake to Mono Lake, witnesses describe a figure with both human and inhuman features. Could she be a ghost, a cryptid — or something even older?


    🎙️ Chapters / Timestamps

    0:00 – Cold Open: The Pale Witch of the Pines

    1:37 – Have you ever heard of Penelope?

    3:50 – Story 1: The Terror of Tioga Lake

    10:23 – Discussion: Does giving something a name create validity?

    12:08 – What would you name the creature?

    13:39 – Does it seem like a ghost, cryptid or something else?

    14:18 – Story 2: The Monster of Mono Lake

    20:01 – Discussion: Is this the same creature as the first story?

    20:35 – Alexis Makes Steve Sound Hot!

    21:31 – Did Steve make it in time to go fishing?

    22:15 – Story 3: The Origin of Penelope

    27:43 – The Wendigo Connection

    29:54 – The Legend of Ninitakati: The Walking Skeleton of the Mono Tribe

    33:37 – The Witch from Left 4 Dead 2 and other comparisons

    41:07 – Penelope vs. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    42:31 – What was your favorite story tonight?

    44:24 – Outro


    🌲 About This Episode:

    Penelope’s legend may be rooted in Native folklore, but her sightings stretch from Tioga Lake to Mono County, where hikers and campers still report seeing a tall, pale figure watching from the trees. We connect her myth to the Wendigo, explore the Legend of Ninitakati, and debate whether naming a creature gives it power.


    🎧 Want to Listen to more cryptid stories on California Cryptids?:

    • https://youtu.be/eYi0cWjg1UM

    • https://youtu.be/msMyJ5TNQIc


    ~JOIN OUR SOCIALS~

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspod

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspod


    Sources:


    ToContriveandJive: - https://tocontriveandjive.wordpress.com/2022/10/25/penelope-the-terrifying-monster-stalking-the-silent-hills/?utm_source=chatgpt.com


    Native Languages - https://www.native-languages.org/mono-legends.htm


    Field Guide to North American Monsters (book) - https://archive.org/details/fieldguidetonort0000blac/page/28/mode/2up

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    46 mins
  • Haunted Disneyland: Dark Stories of California's Most Infamous Amusement Park | Walt's Ghost, Mr. One Way & More
    Oct 31 2025

    🎃 CALIFORNIA CRYPTIDS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃


    The Happiest Place on Earth... or the MOST HAUNTED? 👻


    In this spine-chilling Halloween episode, we dive deep into the REAL paranormal stories from Disneyland cast members who've experienced the unexplainable. From Walt Disney's ghost lighting his lamp in the Fire Station apartment to the mysterious Mr. One Way who haunts Space Mountain, these aren't your typical Disney stories.


    Kyle returns to hosting in his legendary Peppa Pig costume (still undefeated against the Fresno Nightcrawler), Alexis channels Bonnie from FNAF, and Andrew brings the Hash Slinging Slasher energy as we explore:


    👻 Walt Disney's Ghost & The Firehouse Lamp

    🎢 Mr. One Way - Space Mountain's Mysterious Single Rider

    💀 The Tragic America Sings Incident

    ⚰️ Why People Scatter Ashes on Haunted Mansion (Yes, Really)

    🏰 Among Other Attraction Tragedies


    These are REAL accounts from maintenance workers, camera operators, and ride attendants who've witnessed the paranormal at The Happiest Place on Earth.


    ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

    0:00 | Cold Open - Main Street USA at Midnight

    1:50 | Kyle's Confession (He is not Peppa Pig)

    2:42 | Have You Been to Disneyland?

    3:52 | Best Disneyland Food & Drinks

    5:12 | Do You Believe in Ghosts?

    5:30 | Peppa Pig vs Fresno Nightcrawler Rematch

    8:39 | STORY 1: Walt Disney's Ghost & The Lamp That Won't Turn Off

    14:42 | Walt's Secret Apartment Above the Fire Station

    16:37 | STORY 2: Mr. One Way - Space Mountain's Phantom Rider

    20:01 | Who Is Mr. One Way? (Space Mountain Discussion)

    21:55 | Someone Farted on Space Mountain (We Get Sidetracked)

    24:31 | The Dark Truth: Ashes Scattered on Disney Rides

    26:25 | Which Ghost Story Scared Us Most?

    27:35 | STORY 3: The America Sings Tragedy (Camera Woman Jen speaks!?)

    28:30 | Calling All Cast Members - Share Your Stories!

    28:47 | More Infamous Disneyland Tragedies


    🎙️ ABOUT CALIFORNIA CRYPTIDS:

    We're Kyle, Alexis, and Andrew - three friends exploring the strangest cryptids, urban legends, and paranormal stories from cities across California. From Fresno Nightcrawlers to haunted theme parks, no mystery is too weird to discuss!


    📧 CAST MEMBERS: Have your own Disneyland ghost story? Email us or comment below!


    🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly California cryptid investigations!

    👍 SMASH that like button if you believe Disneyland is haunted!

    💬 COMMENT your Disneyland experiences below!


    ~JOIN OUR SOCIALS~

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspod

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspod

    ---


    Previous Episodes:

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOAWI_wYWxCbTLony8hNpiRdTShnFtAOp&si=KVJHGJicdxM-SUYa


    ---

    Sources:


    Wander Wisdom - https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/haunted-disneyland-ghosts-in-the-happiest-place-on-earth


    Medium - https://davidvaughn.medium.com/a-disneyland-ghost-story-954e38a3f803


    Disney Fanatic - https://www.disneyfanatic.com/spookiest-things-happened-at-disney-ks1mmb/


    The Park After Dark, Richard Carradine - https://www.amazon.com/Park-After-Dark-Original-Unauthorized/dp/1534607137/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/146-8104829-4784611?pd_rd_w=yulxe&content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_r=W2S8GGAHRDYEH2ACKYA7&pd_rd_wg=dtob2&pd_rd_r=5c7ffc3e-d63c-48f6-977c-3048875bc9c4&pd_rd_i=1534607137&psc=1


    ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses real deaths and tragic incidents at Disneyland. Viewer discretion is advised.

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    38 mins
  • Dark Watchers: The Shadow People Stalking California's Mountains | California Cryptids Podcast | Ep. 5
    Oct 22 2025

    In Episode 5, Alexis, along with Andrew and Kyle learn that The Dark Watchers have been silently observing travelers along California's Santa Lucia Mountains for over 300 years. But what happens when they decide to do more than watch?


    🔗 If you enjoyed this, check out our most popular episode: Fresno Nightcrawlers

    https://youtu.be/eYi0cWjg1UM


    Video Edited by Colson Kepford


    In this episode, we explore three chilling encounters with these towering shadow figures:

    - A Monterey hiker's terrifying experience inspired by John Steinbeck's "Flight"

    - A rattlesnake and hummingbird attack near Topatopa Mountains where a Dark Watcher simply... watched

    - Two girls' haunting sighting on Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo


    Are the Dark Watchers connected to Chumash afterlife beliefs? We dive deep into December's Child and Chumash World at European Contact to uncover the truth about these 10-foot tall figures in cloaks and wide-brimmed hats.


    🎙️ Hosts: Alexis, Andrew, and Kyle

    📍 Locations covered: Monterey, Santa Lucia Range, San Luis Obispo, Highway 101, Topatopa Mountains


    ⚠️ If you're driving through Central California at twilight, keep your eyes on the ridgelines. Someone might be watching you back.


    ~JOIN OUR SOCIALS~

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspod

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspod


    PREVIOUS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/msMyJ5TNQIc

    Char Man of Ojai, California


    ---

    TIMESTAMPS:

    0:00 | Cold Open / Intro

    8:15 | The Steinbeck Connection

    12:06 | Story 1: The Rattlesnake & The Hummingbird (Char Man Territory, Ojai)

    20:21 | Discussion: Do Dark Watchers Gather Tea?

    22:33 | Story 2: Highway 101 Encounter (Reenactment)

    27:09 | Discussion: Are the Dark Watchers Real or Just Optical Illusions?

    30:10 | Story 3: Chumash Afterlife Connection

    37:05 | Discussion: Dark Watchers vs Dementors - Who Wins?

    40:21 | Closing Thoughts & Credits


    Sources:

    San Francisco Gate - https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/dark-watchers-santa-lucia-range-stories-steinbeck-16012812.php


    All that interesting - https://allthatsinteresting.com/the-dark-watchers


    Weird California - https://www.weirdca.com/location.php?location=179


    Forteana forums - https://forums.forteana.org/index.php?threads/dark-watchers-vigilantes-oscuros-ominous-figures-santa-lucia-mountains-california.68244/


    Books:

    The Chumash World at European Contact - Lynn H. Gamble

    December's Child - Thomas C. Blackburn

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    42 mins
  • Camp Comfort's Fiery Phantom: The Char Man Encounters | California Cryptids | Ep. 4
    Oct 15 2025

    Dive deep into the chilling legend of the Char Man, a terrifying cryptid said to haunt Camp Comfort in Ojai, California. Born from the ashes of devastating wildfires, this fiery phantom has left a trail of fear and unanswered questions. Join us as we explore the eyewitness accounts, local folklore, and eerie theories surrounding one of California's most mysterious creatures.What do you think stalks Camp Comfort? Share your theories in the comments!🔥 THE CHAR MAN:📍 Location: Ojai, California | Ventura County🏕️ Camp Comfort Park & Bridge📅 The 1948 Fire Incident🌶️ The Char Man Hot SauceTIMESTAMPS:0:00 | Something Burned in Ventura County1:17 | Ojai: California's Hidden Mystery2:18 | Personal Camp Memories5:30 | Favorite Summer Camp Movies?7:30 | The Origin of Char Man9:56 | Separating Fact from Legend11:40 | Emma's Camp Comfort Encounter17:53 | Would You Stay At Camp Comfort?19:25 | Face to Face: Eddie vs. Char Man26:40 | What Do We Believe?29:01 | Kyles Cat Caught On Fire!?29:49 | The Char Man Hot Sauce Hot Ones Challenge40:20 | Thanks For Watching!The Char Man legend has haunted Ventura County for decades. Some say it's just an urban legend. Others say something still lurks near the old burn zone. We read stories and tell the origin in hopes of finding out the truth.This episode is part of our ongoing investigation into California cryptids, urban legends and unsolved mysteries. If you're interested in paranormal podcasts, creepy cryptids, or California history, subscribe for more episodes!---CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspodHashtags:#charman #cryptids #ojai #campcomfort #mystery #podcast #californiacryptids #unsolved---SOURCES:Creepy Urban Legends - https://www.quotev.com/story/10849147/Creepy-Urban-Legends/135Weird California - https://www.weirdca.com/location.php?location=77Medium (A cheeky budhist) - https://medium.com/%C3%A2%CC%AC%C4%89%CC%AC%C4%A5%CC%AC%C3%AA%CC%AC%C3%AA%CC%ACk%CC%AC%CC%82%C5%B7%CC%ACb%CC%AC%CC%82%C3%BB%CC%ACd%CC%AC%CC%82d%CC%AC%CC%82%C4%A5%CC%AC%C3%AE%CC%AC%C5%9D%CC%ACt%CC%AC%CC%82-%E0%A5%90/the-legend-of-the-char-man-efbd8e91e71cWestern Folklore - https://kcharman.tripod.com/thechar-man.htm(Disclaimer: In Story 1 the names were changed and the dialogue was added for entertainment purposes only. Otherwise we remained as accurate to the sources as possible.)RELATED TOPICS:California cryptids, Ventura County history, Ojai mysteries, Camp Comfort hauntings, 1948 California fires, Topatopa Mountains, urban legends, paranormal investigation, true stories, California folklore, cryptid documentary

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    41 mins
  • The Riverside Monster: Southern California's Forgotten Cryptid Case | California Cryptids Podcast | Ep. 3
    Oct 8 2025

    In Episode 3, we're diving into the legend of the Riverside Monster: a terrifying California cryptid spotted by multiple eyewitnesses in Riverside, California! This is one of the most unexplained sightings in Southern California history. 👾Two different people encountered this mysterious creature on back-to-back days near the Santa Ana River. What did they see? Was it the same monster... or are we dealing with a Sharks and Jets situation? Join Andrew, Kyle, and Alexis as we explore the eyewitness accounts, debate the evidence, and ask the REAL questions - like who would win in a fight: The Riverside Monster or the Creature from the Black Lagoon? 0:00 | Cold Open: Giant Paper Cup Mystery1:42 | Riverside, California: The Setting3:32 | Have You Seen Anything Weird in California?7:10 | Story 1: The Riverside Monster Eyewitness Account10:04 | "Jerked the Wheel" - Kyle is such a Child10:56 | CSI Miami Sunglasses Moment11:38 | What Did He Actually See?12:32 | Mortal Kombat Cryptid Mashup13:46 | Shape of Water vs Riverside Monster14:36 | Internet Theories: What Is This Creature?15:00 | What Would YOU Do If You Saw It?16:39 | How We React When Scared19:30 | Story 2: The Wetzel's Pretzels Encounter20:28 | Please Sponsor Us, Wetzel's 🥨23:53 | Andrew's Terrible Shriek Impression25:33 | Breaking Down the Second Sighting26:43 | Police Investigation: What They Found27:30 | Important Debate: Best Wetzel's Pretzel Dip28:27 | "That's Not True, You Don't Think"28:39 | Cryptid Gang Wars: West Side Story Theory29:13 | The Paper Cup Origin Theory32:50 | Outro & CreditsABOUT CALIFORNIA CRYPTIDS:We're a comedy podcast exploring monsters, legends, and mysteries from across the Golden State. New episodes every week! COMMENT BELOW: Who would win - Riverside Monster or Creature from the Black Lagoon?~ FOLLOW US ~Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiacryptidspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiacryptidspod🎧 NEXT EPISODE: Char Man - Coming October 15th!#CaliforniaCryptids #RiversideMonster #Cryptids #Podcast #CaliforniaLegends

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    34 mins