Otherworld Podcast Episode 113: The Michigan Dogman Pt. 1

Host: Jack Wagner
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Description: In this episode, Jack Wagner delves into the enigmatic legend of the Michigan Dogman, exploring firsthand accounts, the origin of the myth, and its impact on those who have encountered the mysterious creature.

1. Introduction to the Michigan Dogman Legend

Timestamp: [01:03]

Jack Wagner introduces the episode by sharing his encounter with Emerson, a self-proclaimed skeptic from Bloomingdale, Michigan. Despite Emerson's strong skeptical stance and active participation in the online skeptic community, he experienced an unsettling encounter in the woods that defied his rational explanations.

2. Emerson’s Harrowing Encounter

Timestamp: [02:13]

Emerson recounts a chilling experience from 2012 when he and his ex-girlfriend were walking through the dense woods near Bloomingdale, Michigan. While seeking solitude, they unexpectedly encountered a large wolf-like creature approximately 30-40 feet away.

Emerson: "It was standing really comfortably. I was just transfixed... It stood up and kept running."

The creature's unnerving behavior included moving on its hind legs and maintaining pace with the couple as they attempted to retreat. The situation escalated as the wolf began to run upright, heightening Emerson's fear.

3. Immediate Aftermath and Initial Reactions

Timestamp: [05:00]

Upon reaching safety, Emerson tried to share his experience with his girlfriend and family. However, the reaction was mixed—his girlfriend initially dismissed the event as a mere wolf sighting, leading to feelings of isolation and disbelief.

Emerson: "She laughed at me. It was just crushing because I realized she had been just ahead of me the entire time."

Emerson struggled with the incident for years, only finding solace when he discovered similar accounts in paranormal literature, notably in "Midwestern Strange" by BJ Hollers and "I Know What I Saw" by Linda Godfrey.

4. Discovery of Shared Experiences

Timestamp: [23:38]

Emerson's research revealed that he was not alone in his encounter. The Michigan Dogman, also known as the Beast of Bray Road in Wisconsin, has been reported by multiple individuals over the years, primarily in the Midwest. These sightings typically describe a large, upright wolf-like creature exhibiting both canine and human characteristics.

Emerson: "I was blown away because... there were people who had seen something very similar."

5. Interview with Steve Cook: The Origin of the Dogman Myth

Timestamp: [34:21]

Jack Wagner interviews Steve Cook, the creator of the Michigan Dogman legend, who initially intended his creation as an April Fool's joke. Cook, a former radio production director, composed a song titled "The Legend of the Michigan Dogman" in 1987, depicting a half-man, half-dog creature.

Steve Cook: "I put together... a mythical mystery, mystical creature for Northern Michigan."

The song was inadvertently taken seriously by listeners, sparking a series of real-life sightings and stories that Cook had not anticipated.

6. The Unintended Consequences of the Hoax

Timestamp: [37:12]

After the song debuted without any explanation, listeners began sharing their own encounters with similar creatures. One notable call from Robert Fortney described an encounter where a dog-like creature stood upright, defying typical animal behavior.

Steve Cook: "We received calls from people who were convinced it was real... It turned out there were a lot of people who believed that it was real."

The hoax gained traction when a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer reported unusual animal tracks near a hunting cabin, reigniting public interest and media coverage.

7. Expanding the Myth: Media Involvement and Public Perception

Timestamp: [42:28]

Media attention exploded following the DNR report, with local and national outlets covering the story. The History Channel featured an episode on the Dogman, further cementing its place in folklore.

Jack Wagner: "It's like a JFK conspiracy after a while."

Despite revelations that the initial footage was a hoax, many remained unconvinced, leading to enduring debates and the formation of dedicated online communities.

8. Steve Cook’s Evolving Perspective

Timestamp: [55:22]

Over time, Cook encountered individuals with genuine experiences, challenging his initial skepticism. One poignant account involved a set photographer who witnessed a massive dog-like creature standing on its hind legs by a lakeshore.

Steve Cook: "He had never seen anything like it in his life... It terrified him."

These testimonies broadened Cook's understanding, prompting him to acknowledge that while he began the legend as a prank, the experiences of others suggested a deeper, possibly unexplained phenomenon.

9. Host’s Reflections and Conclusion

Timestamp: [58:27]

Jack Wagner reflects on the complexities of the Michigan Dogman myth, recognizing the thin line between hoax and genuine unexplained phenomena. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining critical thinking while remaining open to possibilities beyond conventional explanations.

Jack Wagner: "It's natural to want to put a binary label on things like this. But unfortunately, when it comes to the paranormal, I just don't think that's how this works."

Wagner teases the upcoming episode, which will feature another Michigan Dogman encounter, promising listeners a deeper exploration into the mysterious legend.

Key Takeaways:

• Emerson's Experience: A skeptical individual encounters a large, upright wolf-like creature, challenging his rational beliefs.

• Steve Cook's Hoax: Originated as an April Fool's joke, the Michigan Dogman song unintentionally spawned a widespread legend, leading to numerous real-life sightings and media attention.

• Public Reaction: The blend of hoax origins and genuine accounts created a complex folklore, with persistent debates about the creature's existence.

• Evolving Understanding: Both Cook and listeners grapple with distinguishing between fabricated stories and authentic paranormal experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Emerson on the Encounter:
  "[05:00] Emerson: 'It stood up and kept running... I couldn't stop looking at it.'"

• Steve Cook on the Hoax:
  "[35:10] Steve Cook: 'We were trying to play a prank that we thought would amuse people. But we were getting calls from people who... had zero expectation that we were going to be hearing anything like this.'"

• Jack Wagner on Belief:
  "[32:12] Jack Wagner: 'It's entirely possible that 95% of all paranormal experiences could have a rational explanation. But even if 5% of those are real, that's a huge number.'"

This episode of Otherworld masterfully intertwines personal testimony with the intriguing backstory of a modern myth, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the enduring mystery of the Michigan Dogman.