Mysterious Universe, a popular podcast now in its 32nd season, continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of paranormal investigation and humorous commentary. Hosted by Benjamin Grundy and Aaron Wright, the show explores everything from Bigfoot encounters to unexplained electromagnetic phenomena. Their engaging dynamic creates an inviting atmosphere for listeners interested in the stranger side of life.

In episode 11, the hosts delve into the remarkable story of Dr. Matthew Johnson, a psychologist whose 2000 encounter with Bigfoot in Oregon allegedly led to a series of extraordinary experiences. Johnson's account stands out even among the numerous Bigfoot stories covered by Mysterious Universe over the years, as it extends beyond a simple sighting to include claims of paranormal healing abilities and electromagnetic interactions. What begins as a family outing to Oregon Caves National Monument Reserve evolves into a decades-spanning journey into the unexplained.

Key Takeaways

Mysterious Universe blends paranormal investigation with humor while exploring extraordinary claims about creatures like Bigfoot.
Dr. Matthew Johnson's encounter represents more than a typical sighting, involving ongoing interactions and alleged healing abilities.
The podcast examines how initial supernatural encounters often lead to cascading paranormal experiences and electromagnetic phenomena.

Hosts and Their Sasquatch Commentary

Aaron Wright's Perspective on Sasquatch Healing

Aaron Wright shares his thoughts on the unusual claims about Sasquatch's healing abilities, particularly noting the awkward implications of a Bigfoot performing medical procedures. He jokes about the creature's supposed energy healing capabilities, referencing its enormous hands making any conventional examination uncomfortable.

Wright reflects on the many Sasquatch stories covered over the years, categorizing some as serious investigations while others were more humorous or bizarre. He points out that after hearing extreme tales—like those involving alien hybrid pregnancies or UFO encounters—simple forest sightings seem almost mundane by comparison.

Benjamin Grundy's Insights

Benjamin Grundy introduces Dr. Matthew Johnson's Bigfoot account from 2017, expressing surprise that they hadn't covered it previously. He explains that Johnson, a psychologist, had his initial encounter around 2000 with his family in Oregon.

Grundy distinguishes between ordinary Bigfoot sightings and what he calls "the wild side" of Sasquatch encounters—cases where the initial sighting triggers a series of strange events. He cites examples like the Russian woman who received telepathic messages directing her to nighttime forest meetings where the creature never appeared.

What caught Grundy's attention about Johnson's story wasn't just the sighting itself but the unexpected claims about healing abilities. The encounter occurred shortly after Johnson relocated to Grants Pass, Oregon in December 1999 to establish his psychology practice. Johnson's family joined him months later, and they decided to visit Oregon Caves National Monument Reserve for a family outing in July 2000.

Sasquatch Encounter Overview

Past Observations

Bigfoot sightings have fascinated people for decades, creating a rich tapestry of reports ranging from credible observations to more fantastical claims. These accounts have varied widely in their nature and believability. Some reports describe simple forest encounters, while others involve complex interactions including supposed telepathic communication or even extraterrestrial connections.

The documented history shows a pattern of initial straightforward sightings that sometimes evolve into more elaborate narratives. Many experiencers report being led on what might be described as "wild goose chases" - receiving messages or feeling compelled to return to specific locations repeatedly, often with no resolution.

The Experience of Dr. Matthew Johnson

In July 2000, Dr. Matthew Johnson, a practicing psychologist, had a significant Sasquatch encounter that would dramatically alter his life trajectory. After relocating his psychology practice from Alaska to Grants Pass, Oregon in December 1999, Johnson had spent months establishing his new business. His family finally joined him in June 2000 after a challenging period of separation.

The following month, seeking relaxation after his intense work schedule, Dr. Johnson took his family to the Oregon Caves National Monument Reserve for a nature outing. This decision would prove pivotal, setting him on an unexpected path of Sasquatch research and alleged interactions.

Dr. Johnson's professional background as a psychologist adds a distinctive element to his account. Unlike many Bigfoot witnesses, his clinical training provided him with a structured observational framework, though this hasn't prevented his experiences from including some of the more unusual aspects found in Sasquatch encounter reports.

Sasquatch Analysis

Sasquatch Personality Depictions

Sasquatch (commonly known as Bigfoot) has developed a distinctive character profile in popular accounts and eyewitness testimonies. These mysterious forest dwellers are frequently characterized with surprisingly human-like traits - sometimes portrayed as playful tricksters or curious observers with a hint of mischief. Many accounts describe them as somewhat bumbling or awkward, yet possessing an undeniable charm that captures public imagination.

The evolution of Sasquatch narratives has taken increasingly elaborate forms over time. While traditional sightings typically involve brief forest encounters, more complex accounts have emerged featuring details like telepathic communication, UFO connections, and even star-pointing pregnant Sasquatch. This dramatic expansion from simple woodland sightings to fantastical cosmic connections represents a significant shift in how these beings are conceptualized in contemporary folklore.

Mental Health Aspects of Sasquatch Encounters

Encounters with Sasquatch often serve as gateway experiences that lead witnesses down unexpected psychological paths. Dr. Matthew Johnson, a psychologist who had his own Sasquatch encounter in Oregon during 2000, represents an interesting case study. His professional background provides a unique perspective on the psychological dimensions of such experiences.

Many witnesses report profound psychological after-effects following their initial encounters. These effects commonly include:

Persistent preoccupation with the experience
Seeking validation through further research
Development of ongoing "relationships" with the entities
Dramatic lifestyle changes or belief system shifts

The psychological impact often extends beyond the initial shock of the sighting itself. Witnesses frequently describe being drawn into elaborate follow-up activities - what might be termed "wild goose chases" - where they receive supposed communications directing them to specific locations at specific times. These continued interactions can become deeply integrated into the witness's psychological framework and daily life, creating complex belief systems that revolve around their Sasquatch experiences.

Some witnesses even attribute healing abilities to these entities, claiming they can address various health issues through unconventional means. This therapeutic dimension adds another layer to the psychological complexity of Sasquatch encounters and how witnesses interpret them within their personal narratives.

Unexplained Phenomena

Sicilian Mysterious Fires and Aerial Anomalies

In the early 2000s, a puzzling series of events unfolded in a Sicilian town where approximately 15 homes experienced unexplained fires that ignited spontaneously in what witnesses described as "poltergeist-like" incidents. These mysterious combustions weren't isolated occurrences but coincided with reports of strange aerial phenomena observed by local residents. The affected homeowners reported unusual activity in the skies above their properties during the same period the fires occurred.

What made these incidents particularly intriguing was the detection of electromagnetic anomalies in the vicinity. Witnesses described what appeared to be directed beams of electromagnetic energy targeting specific areas, suggesting something more complex than conventional fire causes. Technical measurements taken during the events indicated unusual electromagnetic patterns that defied standard explanations.

The case bears similarities to an Australian incident from the early 1900s where homes seemingly exploded without clear cause. Researchers at the time attributed these occurrences to unidentified meteoric activity, but the explanation failed to account for all aspects of the phenomena.

Electro Animals Hypothesis

The Sicilian fires and similar historical cases connect to a fascinating theory developed by researcher Vincent Gaddis in his 1967 publication "Mysterious Fires and Lights." Gaddis proposed the existence of what he termed "electro animals" - plasma-based entities that interact with our physical environment in various ways.

These hypothetical entities typically manifest as luminous orbs or balls of light during initial encounters. However, their appearances can reportedly evolve into more complex forms through apparent shape-shifting capabilities. The basic characteristics of these phenomena include:

Luminous appearance, often described as fiery or electrical
Ability to change form or appearance
Strong electromagnetic effects on surroundings
Tendency to interact with specific locations or individuals

Perhaps most disturbing are the accounts of people who, after encountering these phenomena, report ongoing electromagnetic disturbances. These include:

Electrical devices malfunctioning in their presence
Television sets and other electronics spontaneously failing
Increased likelihood of lightning strikes near or directly affecting them
Poltergeist-like activity in their homes

Rather than attributing these phenomena to conventional paranormal causes, the electro animals hypothesis suggests they represent a natural force or entity type that operates according to currently unrecognized physical principles. The theory remains speculative but offers an interesting framework for understanding seemingly disparate unexplained incidents involving fires, electrical anomalies, and aerial phenomena.

Electromagnetic Anomalies and Their Effects

Unexplained Energy Disturbances

In the early 2000s, a Sicilian town experienced a series of baffling incidents where approximately 15 homes spontaneously caught fire without apparent cause. These weren't typical house fires—they manifested in ways reminiscent of poltergeist activity, with items igniting suddenly and without clear ignition sources. What made these incidents particularly noteworthy was the concurrent observation of unusual aerial phenomena reported by local residents.

Witnesses described strange lights and objects hovering in the vicinity during the same timeframe as the fires. Even more disturbing were reports of what appeared to be directed energy beams tracking across certain areas, as if someone—or something—was targeting these homes with an electromagnetic weapon.

The pattern of fires defied conventional explanation. Electronics malfunctioned, televisions exploded, and household items combusted spontaneously. These manifestations created significant distress among residents who could neither predict nor prevent these occurrences.

Vincent Gattis' Research

In the mid-1960s, researcher Vincent Gattis documented similar phenomena in his groundbreaking book "Mysterious Fires and Lights." His work explored the possibility that certain unexplained events might be attributed to what he termed "electro animals"—plasma-based entities that interact with our physical environment.

Gattis proposed that these entities typically manifest as flaming balls of light during initial encounters. However, his research suggested more complex interactions could develop over time, with these energy forms seemingly able to:

Alter their appearance or "shape-shift"
Disrupt electronic equipment
Create localized electromagnetic disturbances
Maintain a persistent connection with individuals they've "tagged"

Key Patterns Identified by Gattis:

Repeated electromagnetic disturbances in specific locations
Individuals experiencing multiple encounters over time
Unusual lightning activity following initial contact
Persistent electronic malfunctions in affected households

Gattis documented numerous cases where people who had interactions with these phenomena subsequently experienced abnormal electrical events, including an increased likelihood of lightning strikes. His work suggests these entities might represent a natural force or energy form that science has yet to properly classify or understand.

Johnson's Personal Journey

Dr. Matthew Johnson's story begins not with Bigfoot but with a significant life transition. His experience demonstrates how ordinary life changes can lead to extraordinary encounters, setting the stage for what would become a decades-long journey into unexplained phenomena.

A Psychologist's New Start in Oregon

In December 1999, Dr. Johnson relocated to Grant's Pass, Oregon, to establish his psychology practice. This period proved challenging as his family initially remained behind due to financial constraints. For several months, he worked diligently to build his practice from the ground up, focusing on client acquisition and establishing his professional reputation. The separation from his family added personal strain during this professional transition. By June 2000, his persistence paid off when his wife and children were finally able to join him in their new Oregon home.

Family Excursion to Oregon Caves

In July 2000, after months of intense work establishing his practice, Dr. Johnson decided his family deserved a relaxing outing. Seeking to explore the natural beauty of southern Oregon, they planned a visit to Oregon Caves National Monument Reserve. This popular destination features impressive limestone caverns and walking trails through pristine wilderness areas. The family viewed this as a perfect opportunity to bond after their period of separation while experiencing one of the region's natural wonders.

What began as a simple family outing would soon transform into something much more significant - an encounter that would alter the course of Dr. Johnson's life and beliefs about the natural world.

Oregon Bigfoot Encounters: Hell Portals, Mind Speak & Paranormal Healings Revealed on Mysterious Universe Podcast