SO EP: 676 Dr. Jeff Meldrum

In this special remastered episode of Sasquatch Odyssey, we honor the late Dr. Jeff Meldrum — a man whose dedication, kindness, and scientific curiosity forever changed the way the world views Sasquatch research.There are some people who leave a mark so deep, so genuine, that their absence feels almost impossible to comprehend. For me, one of those people was Dr. Jeff Meldrum.

I first met Jeff back in March of 2021, when I was just a fledgling podcaster trying to find my footing. He didn’t have to say yes to being on my show — but he did. Graciously. Humbly. From that moment on, he set the tone for the kind of person I’d come to know him to be.

Just a few short years later, I found myself standing beside him on stage, sharing the spotlight with Jeff, Cliff Barackman, and Michael Freeman at a conference in Idaho. It was surreal — the same man I had admired for years was now a colleague, a friend, and a mentor. The last time I saw Jeff was back at the end of July, at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

We had just finished setting up our booths when I noticed Jeff sitting quietly off to the side. I carried over the plaster casts of the footprints from our property — as I’d done before — hoping to get his thoughts.

We sat and talked for a while — about his upcoming retirement, about life, and about the things that still fascinated him most. He joked about trying to convince his wife, Lauren, that he needed more space at home to store his growing collection of casts since he’d be losing his massive lab space at the university.I laughed, but something felt different. Jeff still had that kindness in his eyes, that thoughtful way about him — but there was a quiet heaviness there too.

Still, as always, he was generous with his time and his spirit.I had no idea it would be the last time I’d see him.Since his passing, I’ve watched as countless people have shared their memories and tributes — from students and colleagues to lifelong fans around the world.

I didn’t rush to do the same, because I needed time. Time to sit with the loss. Time to reflect on what Jeff meant to me, and to this community.

So tonight, I want to honor him in the most fitting way I can think of — by going back to where it all began.What you’re about to hear is our very first conversation — fully remastered from the original Sasquatch Odyssey interview that aired back in March of 2021.

This is my way of saying thank you, Jeff.

For your kindness.
For your brilliance.
And for the legacy you’ve left behind in the study of Sasquatch — and in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know you.

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