In this thought-provoking episode of Mapping Bigfoot, host Scott Tompkins welcomes tech anthropologist and changemaker Astrid Willis Countee for a deep dive into the human side of Bigfoot encounters. Together, they tackle the complex role of belief, perception, and cultural frameworks in understanding Bigfoot reports. Astrid's background in anthropology, UX research, and change-focused initiatives offers a unique perspective on the social, psychological, and even spiritual dimensions of Bigfoot sightings.

Scott and Astrid explore the concept of liminal spaces, cultural narratives, and how human cognition influences the way people experience and report encounters. They address questions like: Are our brains filling in the blanks? How does cultural imagination shape sightings? And, most importantly, how can researchers like Scott analyze "unexplainable" reports with an open but objective lens?

This episode offers listeners a chance to see Bigfoot from a fresh perspective — not just as a mysterious creature, but as a catalyst for exploring human experience and belief systems. Whether you're a "flesh and blood" Bigfoot researcher or open to the "paranormal possibilities," this episode bridges the gap between camps and opens the door to new ways of thinking.

Don’t miss this mind-expanding episode as Scott and Astrid challenge assumptions, dive into the psychology of belief, and push the boundaries of what it means to "search for Bigfoot."