In this episode, we’re joined by the crew from Dark Docent as we dive into some of the strangest secret projects ever attempted by the United States government—experiments where animals were considered as tools of espionage and warfare.

To kick things off, we crack open Penguins in Space Hazy Pale Ale from KCBC (Kings County Brewers Collective) in Brooklyn, New York. The can artwork features penguins suited up with futuristic weapons and spacecraft—an absurd concept at first glance, but one that oddly mirrors the kinds of ideas we explore in today’s episode.

From there, Corey presents two bizarre and very real government experiments that attempted to use animals in unconventional ways.

First, we look at Project Acoustic Kitty, a Cold War–era CIA operation that tried to turn a house cat into a mobile listening device for espionage purposes.

Next, we examine Project X-Ray, a World War II plan that involved attaching incendiary devices to bats with the idea of releasing them over enemy territory.

As Corey walks through each project, the conversation turns into a lively discussion about the creativity, desperation, and sometimes unbelievable thinking behind these secret government programs. What sounds like satire or science fiction turns out to be real history.

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Helltown wasn't always known as Helltown. At one point it was a prosperous town along the Cuyahoga River. It was growing and busy. But like many other places, with the introduction of the railroad, the town began to suffer.

The government saw this as a perfect opportunity. They swooped in and bought out all the homes, turning into a giant state park. But with this came the birth of dozens of urban legends.

From satanic churches to haunted buses. Even mutated animals (Ever hear of the peninsula python?) An absolute paranormal hotspot.

Oh, and don't worry we found a perfect beer pair. Join us as we have Voodoo Ranger (Imperial) from New Belgium Brewing. Crack a cold one and join us for this wild tale.

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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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In 1944, the town of Mattoon, Illinois was gripped by fear. Residents reported a strange sweet odor drifting through their windows, followed by nausea, paralysis, and the feeling that someone was watching from the darkness. Witnesses described a tall figure in dark clothing lurking outside homes, earning chilling nicknames like The Anesthetic Prowler and The Phantom Anesthetist.

As reports piled up, panic spread. Police searches came up empty. The FBI got involved. Armed posses formed. And then—just as suddenly as it began—the attacks stopped. Was the Mad Gasser a real person, a wartime experiment, or fear taking on a life of its own?

For this episode, we paired the story with Tribulations, a 9% Imperial IPA from Ever Grain Brewing Co. out of Camp Hill, PA. The name fits—because tribulations aren’t just suffering… they’re fear that lingers over time.

Some mysteries don’t end.

They just fade into legend.

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In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive into the chilling legend of The Owlman, a terrifying winged cryptid said to haunt Mawnan Smith Church in Cornwall, England. First reported in the 1970s, Owlman sightings describe a massive humanoid owl creature with glowing red eyes perched atop the church tower—often compared to Mothman and other flying humanoids.

We break down the original eyewitness accounts and theories ranging from cryptids and ancient guardians to hoaxes and misidentified wildlife. While cracking open a cold beer, we ask the big question: Is the Owlman a real cryptid, folklore gone viral, or something darker lurking in Cornwall’s past?

Pairing this episode with a Storm King from Victory Brewing, we drink a stout as dark as the night where the Owlman Flies. Grab a cold one and settle in.

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We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, and this time we’re bringing in a familiar (and fearless) voice.

Joining us is Jenni Lynn, who you may remember from our Pennhurst Asylum Part 2 episode last year. Jenni is a seasoned paranormal investigator who actively works at Pennhurst Asylum and has visited Trans-Allegheny on four separate occasions.

In this episode, Jenni shares her firsthand experiences inside the asylum — the activity she’s encountered, the energy of the building, and what makes Trans-Allegheny one of the most intense locations she’s investigated. From unsettling moments to unforgettable encounters, we dig into what really happens when the lights go out in one of America’s most notorious asylums.

If you love real experiences, credible investigators, and places that refuse to stay quiet… this one’s for you.

👉 Follow Jenni Lynn on Facebook:

@Jenni Lynn, Pennhurst & Paranormal Investigator

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