Sasquatch Chronicles - Episode SC EP:1240: Special Guest Bentley St. John

Release Date: March 22, 2026
Host: Wes
Special Guests: Bentley St. John (12-year-old fan, recent accident survivor), Alex (Bentley’s father)

Episode Overview

This special episode of Sasquatch Chronicles diverges from the usual tale of Bigfoot encounters to focus on the remarkable story of Bentley St. John, a young fan who survived a hit-and-run while heading to school in Calgary. Host Wes honors Bentley’s courage and resilience, shares supportive words, and spends the bulk of the episode in heartfelt conversation with Bentley and his father Alex. Alongside touching personal exchanges, the discussion touches on Bigfoot lore, listener favorite episodes, and community compassion in difficult times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bentley’s Hit-and-Run Incident & Recovery

• Bentley's Accident: Bentley was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk, suffering three breaks in his left leg. The driver fled, and several vehicles passed Bentley as he struggled to safety ([03:42]-[06:10]).
• Family’s Response: The family expresses gratitude for Bentley’s survival but is disturbed by the indifference of other drivers. Alex shares his complex emotions about justice and gratitude ([24:06]-[36:09]).
• Bentley's Mindset: Despite pain and frustration, Bentley maintains a strong and optimistic outlook ([08:09], [08:55]).
  • "I'm like pretty mad about it." – Bentley ([04:26])
  • "I hope this doesn't like happen again." – Bentley ([05:51])
  • "I think talking to you right now [is the best gift]." – Bentley to Wes ([18:38])

2. Listener Shout-Out and Community Support

• Wes Receives Alex’s Email: Alex reached out to Wes hoping for a shout-out for his injured son, leading to this dedicated episode ([01:44]-[07:57]).
• Direct Conversation: Wes speaks with Bentley, offering praise and encouragement:
  • "You know, pain heals, chicks dig scars, and courage lasts forever. Plus, it's on video... When you're in Trouble, you call 911. When I'm in trouble, I am 911. I'll rescue myself.” – Wes ([08:09])
• Get Well Gift: Wes commits to sending Bentley a personal gift package as a show of support ([19:23]-[19:29]).

3. Bigfoot, Compassion, and Favorite Sasquatch Episodes

• Bentley's Bigfoot Curiosity: Bentley asks about the presence of Sasquatch in Canada and shares his drawings ([10:51], [11:15]).
  • "Is there Sasquatches, like, in, like, Canada?" – Bentley ([10:51])
  • "Yeah, Sasquatch kind of has a long history in Canada. I would say it even has a longer history than what we have in the States.” – Wes ([10:57])
• Favored Episodes: Bentley and Alex recall favorite compassionate Sasquatch stories, such as the “Curious George” story and the “Gold Mine” episode ([12:26]-[13:03]).
  • “The Curious George, the boy that was going camping and he got lost. He told his parents that Curious George picked him up and brought him back to camp.” – Alex ([12:39])
• Sasquatch as Compassionate Beings: Discussion reflects on the idea that Sasquatch sometimes display empathy and kindness toward humans ([13:03]).

4. Personal Insights, Philosophy, and Humor

• Bentley’s Resilience: Wes celebrates Bentley’s “warrior DNA.”
• Favorite Subjects and School Experiences: Lighthearted chat about school, dislikes (math!), and funny stories about calculator watches ([21:39]-[22:36]).
• Outlook on Life and Adversity: Both Wes and Alex encourage focusing on gratitude and resilience over bitterness ([35:07]-[36:09]).
  • “I would stay positive and obviously be there for Bentley… You can easily be consumed by rage and revenge… I would stay positive as best you can.” – Wes ([36:09])

5. Deeper Discussion: Bigfoot Theories and Podcasting

• Origins of Sasquatch: Alex speculates Sasquatch may have originated from the land bridge, diverging as a branch of the human family tree ([47:49]).
  • “Humans are one branch…maybe there was another branch… and maybe that's where Sasquatch is.” – Alex ([47:49])
• Wes’ Podcast Journey: Wes reflects on 13+ years of hosting, the value of avoiding excessive advertisements, and the development of new multimedia projects ([51:01]-[56:35]).
  • “If I added commercials to my show, I would probably make at least 10 times as much as I'm making now. But the show just means too much to me to do that.” – Wes ([51:01])
  • “I'll keep doing the show as long as people want to listen and as long as encounters keep coming in.” – Wes ([55:34])

6. Memorable Tributes and Community Spirit

• Remembering John Barnagle: Wes shares the influence of a valued friend and mentor who modeled compassion and class, and Alex expresses gratitude for Wes’s role as host ([42:03]-[46:56]).
  • “He always wanted to know how you were doing. He just taught me to be a better man.” – Wes on John ([42:03])
  • “You were the conduit…You might not have been the one that, you know, brought all the science to it, but you're definitely a big part of bringing him…his voice…to people.” – Alex ([44:49])

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• The accident and aftermath
  • "I'm like pretty mad about it." – Bentley ([04:26])
  • "When I got like into the middle, I got like my leg got ran over and I. And I broke three bones." – Bentley ([04:31])
• On community apathy
  • "He almost has to crawl and roll out of there before anybody even acknowledges the fact that he was hit by a vehicle." – Wes ([04:49])
• On courage and recovery
  • "You know, pain heals, chicks dig scars, and courage lasts forever...when you're in Trouble, you call 911. When I'm in trouble, I am 911." – Wes ([08:09])
• On sasquatches and compassion
  • "Sometimes they show up with compassion, and it kind of throws you off...most of the time, I don't think that they attack people as much as some people might think." – Wes ([13:03])
  • "I just want there to be more compassion. You know, the first, first driver that went by, they made decision, the decision to do that...You know, Sasquatch have more compassion than people do." – Alex ([39:52])
• Heartfelt Appreciation
  • "I think talking to you right now [is the best gift]." – Bentley ([18:38])
  • "You actually are the best gift." – Bentley ([18:46])
• On Podcasting Values
  • "If I added commercials to my show, I would probably make at least 10 times as much as I'm making now. But the show just means too much to me to do that." – Wes ([51:01])
  • "I'll keep doing the show as long as people want to listen and as long as encounters keep coming in." – Wes ([55:34])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:18] – CTV News coverage of Bentley’s accident.
• [06:36] – Wes calls Alex and Bentley for a personal chat.
• [08:55] – Bentley reflects on his recovery and feelings.
• [10:51] – Bentley asks about Sasquatches in Canada.
• [12:26] – Bentley and Alex discuss favorite Sasquatch episodes.
• [16:42] – Bentley shares his own ideas about Sasquatch.
• [18:38] – Bentley expresses talking to Wes is the best gift.
• [24:06] – Alex discusses the challenges of moving forward after tragedy.
• [29:23] – Reflections on driver culture and societal compassion.
• [42:03] – Wes remembers mentor John Barnagle and lessons learned.
• [47:49] – Alex shares his theory on Sasquatch origins.
• [51:01] – Wes reflects on podcast longevity and his approach.
• [55:34] – Wes commits to continuing the show as long as listeners engage.

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is marked by warmth, empathy, humor, and moments of candor. Wes deftly moves between encouragement, lighthearted banter (jokes about "feeling squatchy" and school stories), and earnest discussion about hardship and compassion. The exchange between Wes, Bentley, and Alex is tender and uplifting, highlighting the healing power of community and kindness within the Sasquatch Chronicles family.

Summary Takeaway

This episode stands out as a testimony to resilience, familial love, and compassionate fandom. While Bigfoot encounters and mysteries form the backdrop, the heart of the episode is the way adversity is faced with humor, strength, and the comfort of shared community—reminding listeners that sometimes, the best monsters are the real heroes among us.