Monsters and Folklore

JUSTIN DECKER is fast gaining momentum and recognition in the crypto community as his extensive study and vast knowledge of mysterious creatures are both captivating and intriguing fellow researchers throughout the nation. Decker, who now resides in the epicenter of The Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is known for his astute insight into the fascinating field of cryptozoology, and his colleagues say he has profound, thought-provoking theories and ideas that facilitate riveting cryptid discussions on media platforms such as podcasts. Decker is becoming a highly sought-after guest on such podcasts as the popular Paranormal Roundtable Discussion podcast and The Skookum Sessions. Decker may be new to the crypto community, but his research into the unknown, particularly with cryptids, has been a life-long passion and endeavor. Decker was born and raised in the Amazon Jungle in Colombia, South America, instilling within him a close connection to the land and a keen observatory nature. He is a survivalist enthusiast and an avid reader, having read over 1,000 Bigfoot reports. Colleagues say it is Decker’s talented and articulate storytelling that makes him a podcast favorite. He is a gifted speaker who is already getting bookings for the 2021 convention lecture year. In one of his most recent podcasts with the Paranormal Roundtable, one YouTube listener commented that she was “hanging on to every word!” Decker’s stories from the wild terrain of the Amazon Jungle certainly enthralls, but it is also his intelligence in the field of cryptozoology and firm grasp of the subject that compel people to listen to him. In his research, Decker looks for common threads in cryptid behavior such as patterns and details. Justin loves to hike and cook and hopes to expand Bigfoot research and documentation in The Smoky Mountain region. He is also interested in other unknown subject matter and describes himself as a “curious seeker of anything odd or peculiar.” His life’s motto is Vivamus Ferox, which is Latin for “Live Fiercely.”
JENNIFER MCDANIELS
Jennifer McDaniels is a 15 -year newspaper veteran, having written for several newspapers throughout Appalachia. Some of her writings concerning the issues of Appalachia's coalfield communities have been published in newspapers all over the world through the Associated Press. Jennifer gained national attention when she became an imbedded reporter covering the historic Black Jewel coal miners protest in 2019 - a story that went global and continues to unfold today. Her video footage of the protest was aired on CBS News. Although Jennifer is currently a freelancer, she worked 10 years for The Harlan Daily before becoming a public relations specialist for Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College. Although writing is in her blood, Jennifer's current goal is to become a High School English teacher and to instill within teenagers a love for expressing themselves through the written word. She has her Master's in Communications, and is currently working on her Master's in Education.
Since she was a young girl, Jennifer has been intrigued by her Appalachian culture - particularly the folklore of her mountain home. She has documented the stories passed down to her by her elders, and she has collected hundreds of folklore stories by mountain people through the last 10 years. She has served as the past president of the Harlan County Arts Council and was recently nominated and voted in as president of the Harlan County Historical Network. She has received numerous accolades for her writing, including awards from the Kentucky Press Association. Her writing and photography have been included in several books, including Berea College's "Appalachian Heritage."
Although she loves to write about her Appalachian culture and heritage, Jennifer has most recently become passionate about folklore. She feels that folklore, oral histories, and storytelling are important art forms that preserve the more humanistic aspects of history. She has spoken at conferences and lectures on Appalachian folklore concerning Foxfires, the Blue People of Appalachia, Mountain "Haint" Stories, as well as her experiences of being a single woman reporter in the mountains of Southeast Kentucky. Jennifer has discovered in recent years her Melungeon heritage and hopes to soon lecturing on this fascinating group of people. Jennifer is currently working on three books she plans to have published in 2022 including mysterious happenings on Harlan County's Big Black Mountain, the murder of Pine Mountain's Laura Parsons, and her memories as a young girl growing up Appalachian.