In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we welcome our friend David J. Hardie from Cryptid Empire for a deep dive into one of the most mysterious legends in American folklore — the Mothman.

David is an artist, author, and cryptid researcher whose work blends Appalachian folklore, detailed study, and bold original designs. We kick things off with how he first stepped into the world of cryptids before diving into his book, Appalachian Cryptids and Creatures — the inspiration behind it and the themes that shape his storytelling.

From there, we head straight to Point Pleasant.

David shares stories from his multiple visits to West Virginia, his experiences spending time in Point Pleasant, and the theories he’s developing as he finishes the illustrations for his upcoming Mothman book set to debut this spring/summer. We explore who — or what — the Mothman might really be, and why the legend still grips people decades later.

We also talk about his journey as a creator — including the moment he got a major boost when Danny Trejo bought one of his shirts and snapped a photo with him. And yes… we discuss how the Mothman Museum might as well be the unofficial “David J. Hardie warehouse” with how quickly his designs move through their shop.

To close things out, we run David through a cryptid showdown — a rapid-fire “who would win” battle between legendary creatures like the Fresno Nightcrawlers, Flatwoods Monster, Michigan Dogman, Batsquatch, the Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp… and of course, the Mothman. Chaos may or may not ensue.

🍺 Beer of the Episode: Mosaic Archives from Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co. (6% West Coast IPA)

We paired this beer with today’s episode because we’re digging into David’s “archives” of Mothman research, artwork, and upcoming projects. Just like a brewing and blending company carefully layers batches to create something unique and intentional, David layers folklore, history, and artistic vision into his work. It felt like the perfect match.

If you’re into cryptids, Appalachian folklore, original art, and deep Mothman theory — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we dive into two real-life time slip incidents — the eerie Palace of Versailles encounter in 1901 and the mysterious Bold Street experience in Liverpool in 1996. We break down what happened, explore theories from thin spots in the veil to overlapping realities, and consider how perception, memory, and even reality itself could play tricks on us.

We also crack open a can of Other Half Brewing Co.’s “Einstein’s Daydream”, a Double Dry Hopped Imperial Oat Cream IPA. I chose it for two reasons: Einstein’s ideas show that time can bend, stretch, and blur past, present, and future, making the concept of time slips feel plausible, and the word Daydream reflects how a time slip feels — like your perception briefly drifts into another moment. Put them together, and “Einstein’s Daydream” becomes the perfect companion for exploring these strange experiences.

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We dive into one of England’s biggest folklore mysteries, spectral black dogs. Seen throughout the region some look at them as protectors, while others believe they are an oman of death.

We talk ancient history, getting into Cerberus and his duel with Hercules, along with Norse and Welsh mythology of Hell Hounds from the underworld.

To finish we get into 3 hounds and their folklore in England that have a lasting impression to this day. Grab your favorite brew and get ready for another crazy, booze filled episode.

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