speakers and entertainment
Stan Gordon
Stan Gordon was trained as an electronics technician who specialized in radio communications. He worked in the advanced consumer electronics sales field for over forty years. Stan has been researching UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other mysterious events in Pennsylvania since 1959. Since then, he has been involved with the investigation of thousands of unusual incidents. For many years, Stan led teams of scientists, engineers, and research specialists to investigate mysterious occurrences across Pennsylvania. He is the primary investigator of the 1965 UFO crash incident that occurred near Kecksburg, PA.
Stan has been taking calls on UFO sightings and other strange reports from the public since 1969, and he continues to receive unusual reports on a regular basis.
Stan is the author of four books, Silent Invasion: The Pennsylvania UFO-Bigfoot Casebook, Really Mysterious Pennsylvania, and Astonishing Encounters: Pennsylvania’s Unknown Creatures, and Stan’s latest book, “Creepy Cryptids And Strange UFO Encounters Of Pennsylvania”.
Stan appears frequently on radio, podcasts, television programs and documentaries discussing his research on these topics. He has been interviewed for TV and radio programs nationally and internationally. Stan has been seen on the History & Discovery Channel, SyFy Channel, Travel Channel, Fox News Channel, Destination America Channel, and Unsolved Mysteries, as well as numerous other TV programs. He has been a guest on the Coast-to-Coast radio show several times. Stan was featured in two films in 2025, including the James Fox new film: Moment of Contact: New Revelations of Alien Encounters, and The David Paulides new film: American Sasquatch-Man, Myth or Monster.
Ron Murphy
Ronald Murphy is a Pennsylvania-based researcher, writer, and folklorist with a deep interest in the strange traditions and unexplained legends of the Appalachian region. Drawing on local history, oral traditions, and regional folklore, Murphy explores how stories of mysterious creatures and hauntings become woven into the cultural identity of communities.
His work often focuses on cryptids and legendary creatures reported in the forests and mountains of Pennsylvania and the greater Appalachian corridor. Murphy’s research examines not only sightings of creatures like our beloved Squonk, but also the historical context, environmental conditions, and cultural beliefs that shape these enduring stories.
Murphy is particularly known for his interest in lesser-known cryptids of Pennsylvania, and for his ability to connect folklore, local history, and eyewitness accounts into engaging narratives. His presentations blend historical research with storytelling, offering audiences both entertainment and thoughtful insight into why legends of hidden creatures continue to thrive.
At conferences and speaking events, Murphy invites audiences to consider Bigfoot and other cryptids through the lens of folklore, regional identity, and the enduring mystery of the wild places that still surround us.
Eric Altman
Eric Altman is a Cryptozoologist and Paranormal enthusiast specializing in researching the Bigfoot/Sasquatch phenomenon with a combined 45 years of study, field research, and investigations. Eric is a well-respected field investigator, contributing author, founder, and Director of the Pennsylvania Cryptozoology Society. He is one of the founding members and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society.Eric was the host and co-founder of Beyond the Edge Radio, a live weekly radio program covering a variety of paranormal and fringe topics for over 12 years from 2007 to 2019.
For over 29 years, Eric has actively investigated cases, sighting claims, and continues to conduct fieldwork dating back to 1997. He has investigated and assisted in investigating over 300 casesof Bigfoot sightings, encounters, and claims in Pennsylvania and across the country. Eric was the host and organizer of the East Coast Bigfoot Conference from 2000 to 2011. Beginning in 2016, Eric has served as the organizer, planner, and host of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Camping Adventure, an annual charity fundraising event that is coming up on the fourth upcoming 2024 Pennsylvania Bigfoot Camping Adventure.
Eric is a much sought-after public speaker on the topics ofBigfoot and other Cryptids. For over 25 years, Eric has been lecturing and presenting across the country. Eric has appeared in various documentaries, films, and television programs about Bigfoot on the History Channel, Discovery and Travel Channel. The most recent documentaries include Sasquatch Unearthed; The Ridge and Mountain Devil 3. He appeared on the Travel Channel’s “Paranormal Declassified,” an episode of the Discovery Plus series “Fright Club” and an upcoming episode on Bigfoot on the History Channel. Eric has written for and contributed to several books and magazine articles on the subject. Eric has been interviewed on hundreds of national radio programs and appeared as a featured guest on countless internet podcast shows. He has appeared in countless newspapers, magazine articles, and various forms of print media. To learn more about Eric, visit his website https://pabigfoot.com
David J Hardie
David J Hardie is an accomplished Author/Illustrator who lives in Appalachia with his three children, wife and pug. David’s first book “Appalachian Cryptids and Creatures” has sold thousands of copies in West Virginia and beyond leading to the existence of the Mothman book that you now hold in your hands.
Having spent over 20 years as a professional speaker with a BIG personality David loves telling stories with a big booming voice and Appalachian flair. Owning a legendary beard that inspires a sense of awe and wonder, David prides himself on his ability to tell enthralling stories that captivate and inspire audiences of all ages. Thus he David spends his time traveling the world speaking at schools and festivals about Squonk, Mothman and Cryptid Culture in general.
David also owns and operates a clothing line full of T-Shirts that he has drawn called “Cryptid Empire.” You can follow his family friendly cryptid journey by following him on Instagram and Facebook @cryptidempire.
You can see upcoming events and purchase Books, Stickers, T-Shirts at the online store at www.cryptidempire.com.
If you are interested in booking David for speaking engagements, commissioning custom artwork or wholesaling selling products contact him at david@cryptidempire.com.
Lisa Russell
Lisa Russell is one of the hosts of Squonkapalooza as well as author of the children’s book Why so Sad, Squonk? . Lisa has a nerdy obsession with the strange and unusual. While her main job is creating Cryptid plushies, pet toys, and assorted art, she also has a background in teaching. She used to teach a summer discovery class about cryptids and folklore and she’s going to bring some of that fun to Squonkapalooza this year. A very kid friendly speaker who will also have an art project to work on while she talks. Learn about some Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods, History of the Unicorn, and where the lines blur between Cryptid, Folklore, and mythology.
Creep it Real
Creep It Real is Ohio’s most fearsome musical duo that blends hypnotizing tunes with cheeky lyrics about everyone's favorite mythical creatures and urban legends like: Squonk, Loveland Frogman, Mothman, Chupacabra, Jackalope, The Flatwoods Monster and the whole legendary crew. They don’t sing “songs” they sing “warnings” in an audible documentary style that is both comedic and catchy. Creep It Real is nothing but good fun for all ages and kinds.
Joe Conniff
Director Joe Conniff is known for his humorous and snappy editing style as his films explore action, adventure, and the truly absurd human experience.
Starring Eugene Conniff (Baskets, NCIS: LA). Eugene is a seasoned actor who utilizes his memorable expressions to great comedic effect. He studied animation at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Douglas Comin
Douglas Comin is an Americana songwriter whose music defies easy categorization — and that's precisely the point. Drawing on the storytelling tradition of John Prine, Comin crafts songs that move effortlessly from Appalachian cryptid folklore to Alzheimer's grief, from honkytonk comedy to gospel testimony, from Western ballads to bluegrass jams. Douglas has a gift for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary — and occasionally in the deeply, gloriously weird. A veteran of the Squonkapalooza stage, he returns this year with a set of original songs drawn from his growing catalogue, including his celebrated cryptid suite — honoring the legendary creatures of the mid-Atlantic and Appalachian traditions.
Hear the terrifying tale of the Snallygaster, Frederick County's most infamous winged terror. Run for your life from the Dwayyo, the beast that even the Snallygaster fears. Meet the Snarly Yow, West Virginia's most misunderstood rescue pet. And pay your respects to the Squonk — Pennsylvania's most heartbreaking creature, who just needs someone to tell him he's pretty.
What unifies the range is an unmistakable voice — warm, observational, and deeply humane. Comin writes like someone who pays close attention to the people and moments that aren't getting enough attention. His songs find dignity in the overlooked, grace in unexpected places, and more often than not, a perfectly timed punchline right where you least expect it.
Black Magic Circus
Black Magic Circus returns with their beloved magic show, flow arts in collaboration with Creep It Real, and some cute cryptid merch at their booth.
Katie Dee & the Quaking Aspens
Katie Dee & The Quaking Aspens are a gothic folk collective from the South Hills Of Pittsburgh. They mostly are made up of Katie Dee and her wife Julien and have been writing and recording murder ballads and sea shanties since 2013. Katie loves attending Squonkapalooza as a spectator and is thrilled to attend this year as a performer.