5/17/2016
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This podcast features actor, comedian, and filmmaker Bobcat Goldthwait. He discusses his latest film, "Willow Creek," a found footage horror movie about Bigfoot. Goldthwait also shares personal stories about his eccentric family, his experiences at a Bigfoot convention, and his views on various topics, including hunting, veganism, biker culture, and feminism.
Major Topics in the Podcast
- Bobcat’s Eccentric Brother and His Passion for Hunting:
- Bobcat’s brother was a passionate hunter who didn’t abide by rules, often poaching and breaking hunting laws.
- His brother’s funeral featured Paul bearers in camo, reflecting his hunting lifestyle.
- Bobcat recounts his brother’s unique hunting methods, including using corn to attract deer, shooting from the toilet, and turning a station wagon into a convertible for hunting.
- The stories highlight the unconventional and often controversial nature of hunting culture.
- Bobcat’s Experience at the Ohio Bigfoot Convention:
- Bobcat attended the Ohio Bigfoot convention, encountering a diverse range of individuals who believe in the existence of Bigfoot.
- He observed a noticeable lack of diversity within the Bigfoot community, with a majority of attendees being white males.
- He describes the Bigfoot community as a microcosm of faith, where individuals hold differing beliefs and interpretations.
- Bobcat’s experience provides insight into the subculture and the shared fascination with Bigfoot.
- Bobcat’s Veganism and Respect for Hunters:
- Bobcat, a vegan, expresses respect for individuals who kill animals for food, as it connects them to the source of their sustenance.
- He believes that factory farming removes individuals from the realities of meat production, leading to ignorance and lack of accountability.
- Bobcat’s perspective on veganism and hunting highlights the complex relationship between humans and their food sources.
- The discussion sheds light on the ethical considerations involved in different dietary choices.
- The Prevalence of Coyotes and their Impact on Urban Environments:
- Coyotes have become ubiquitous in the United States, even residing in urban areas.
- Their presence is attributed to the decline of coyote hunting and the reintroduction of gray wolves.
- Coyotes play a role in maintaining the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.
- The discussion underscores the interconnectedness of human and animal populations, highlighting the impact of human activity on wildlife.
- Bobcat’s Thoughts on “Famineizers” and Male Feminism:
- Bobcat identifies “famineizers” as men who feign sensitivity while still maintaining controlling and manipulative behaviors toward women.
- He attributes some male feminists’ beliefs to trauma from difficult childhoods and rejection by women.
- Bobcat’s perspective on male feminism is provocative and controversial, challenging common perceptions.
- The discussion explores the complexities of masculinity, gender politics, and the role of power dynamics in relationships.
- The Pay Gap and the Reality of Gender Inequality in the Workplace:
- Bobcat delves into the complexities of the pay gap, acknowledging that while there may be a discrepancy in overall earnings, it’s often due to factors beyond pure gender discrimination.
- He highlights the differences in job choices and occupational risks between men and women, as well as the impact of motherhood and maternity leave.
- He questions the common narrative surrounding the pay gap, presenting a nuanced perspective that considers various contributing factors.
- The conversation touches on the complexities of economic inequality and the role of gender roles in shaping career paths.
- The Authenticity of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot Footage:
- Bobcat Goldthwait expresses strong skepticism regarding the authenticity of the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage, considering it a hoax.
- He points to inconsistencies in the footage, such as the unrealistic gait, the poorly constructed suit, and the visible shoulder pads.
- Bobcat’s argument emphasizes the reliance on eyewitness testimony and the fallibility of human perception in shaping these narratives.
- The conversation explores the psychology of belief and the power of mythology in shaping our understanding of the world.
- The Possibility of Giganotopithecus and its Impact on Bigfoot Lore:
- Bobcat believes that the extinct primate, Giganotopithecus, may have migrated to North America, influencing the Bigfoot legend.
- He proposes that Native American folklore about Bigfoot may be a testament to encounters with this prehistoric primate.
- Bobcat’s hypothesis connects the Bigfoot myth to a potential real-life creature, highlighting the interplay between science and folklore.
- The discussion explores the lasting impact of ancient creatures on human consciousness and the evolution of myths and legends.
- The Mothman Phenomenon and Eyewitness Testimony:
- Bobcat explores the Mothman phenomenon, a series of sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1965.
- He acknowledges the numerous eyewitness reports, police reports, and media attention surrounding this incident.
- However, he emphasizes the unreliability of eyewitness testimony and the potential for misinterpretations and shared narratives to shape these experiences.
- The discussion highlights the limitations of eyewitness accounts and the challenges of separating reality from folklore and collective imagination.
- The Impact of Fear and Myth on Human Behavior:
- Bobcat delves into the psychology of fear and the role of archetypal characters, like Bigfoot and the Mothman, in shaping human behavior.
- He suggests that these characters may serve as symbolic representations of our primal fears and anxieties, acting as cautionary tales or warnings.
- The discussion explores the power of myth and storytelling in shaping cultural narratives and influencing our perception of the world.
- Bobcat’s insights offer a glimpse into the human psyche and our fascination with the unknown.
- Bobcat’s Perspective on Acting and His Preference for Directing:
- Bobcat shares his aversion to acting, preferring the creative control and behind-the-scenes aspects of directing and writing.
- He describes acting as challenging and prefers to focus on his own creative vision.
- Bobcat’s candid remarks provide insight into the personal preferences of artists and the challenges of navigating different creative roles.
- The conversation explores the distinct nature of acting and directing, highlighting the different skills and sensibilities required for each art form.
- Bobcat’s Experience with the “Tonight Show” and Jay Leno:
- Bobcat recounts his tumultuous relationship with Jay Leno, culminating in an incident where he set the “Tonight Show” set on fire.
- He expresses regret for his actions but acknowledges the underlying tensions and frustrations stemming from his career trajectory and feelings of resentment toward Leno.
- Bobcat’s story sheds light on the competitive nature of the entertainment industry and the pressure to succeed.
- The conversation explores the complexities of ambition, ego, and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success.
- The Significance of Authenticity and Honesty in the Public Eye:
- Bobcat emphasizes the power of authenticity and honesty in a world saturated with deception and manipulation.
- He cites examples of individuals, like Charlie Sheen and David Letterman, who chose to own their mistakes and acknowledge their flaws, leading to unexpected positive outcomes.
- Bobcat’s insights highlight the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in navigating public perception and maintaining integrity.
- The conversation explores the ethics of public figures and the consequences of both honesty and deception in shaping personal and professional identities.
- The Current Political Climate and the Spectacle of the 2016 Presidential Election:
- Bobcat expresses his frustration with the current political climate and the spectacle of the 2016 presidential election.
- He criticizes the media’s focus on sensationalism and the manipulation of public opinion.
- Bobcat’s commentary reflects the broader cultural anxieties and the sense of disillusionment surrounding politics in the 21st century.
- The conversation underscores the power of media narratives in shaping public perceptions and influencing political discourse.
- The Importance of Following Your Passion and Pursuing Fulfillment:
- Bobcat encourages listeners to follow their passions and pursue fulfillment, even if it means taking risks and challenging societal expectations.
- He shares his own experiences of making bold choices, quitting unfulfilling endeavors, and finding success through authenticity.
- Bobcat’s message emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of purpose beyond external validation.
- The conversation inspires listeners to embrace their individual paths and prioritize fulfillment over societal pressures.
5 Memorable Quotes from the Podcast
- "My brother was a wild man, a wild man for a living." – Bobcat describes his brother’s untamed and adventurous nature.
- "You go to this convention and you have this idea of what a person is who believes that there’s an 800-pound wood ape out there. And then when you get to know them, you realize that they’re really fucking weird." – Bobcat’s humorous observation about the Bigfoot community.
- "Some bikers aren’t red, you know what I mean? Like, I saw them. I go, ‘Hey. How are you?’ Like, they’re nice guys." – Bobcat’s realization about the diversity within biker culture.
- "I hate hoaxes automatically. First of all, let’s back up again. Roger Patterson, the guy who filmed this, is a con man." – Bobcat expresses his disdain for the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage, which he believes is a hoax.
- "I’d be so happy. I’d be so happy. I’d despondent one. Yeah. Well, not even if it’s no. No. I just I jumped in front of a truck, I think. Right. He’s going through a bad breakup. You made JV laugh out loud. But I think that I mean, I think I could I could honestly say it would be one of the happiest moments of my life if they found a Bigfoot, if they captured a Bigfoot." – Bobcat’s humorous and heartfelt reaction to the prospect of Bigfoot being real.
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