Press & Media

Featured articles, podcast appearances, and media coverage of David J. Hardie's cryptid artwork and books.

From Atlas Obscura features to paranormal podcasts, David shares his passion for American folklore and the creatures that haunt our imagination.

Press Features

Feature

October 2024

Atlas Obscura

Appalachia's Ugliest Cryptid Drowns In Its Own Tears

David J. Hardie's original Squonk artwork was featured in Atlas Obscura's coverage of Pennsylvania's ugliest cryptid and the festival celebrating it.

"Creeping in the dark woods is a hideous beast—but don't say that to its face."

Celebrity Fans

Hollywood actors who stopped by the Cryptid Empire booth and picked up some merch.

John Rhys-Davies

Gimli in Lord of the Rings

Sallah in Indiana Jones

The legendary actor stopped by the Cryptid Empire booth to check out the cryptid artwork and books.

📍 Steel City Con

Randy Quaid

Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Vacation

Independence Day

Hollywood legend Randy Quaid visited the booth and showed love for the cryptid merchandise.

Nick Swardson

Reno 911!

Grandma's Boy

Just Go With It

Comedian and actor Nick Swardson showed off his appreciation for cryptid culture.

2 photos

Joel David Moore

Avatar (Norm Spellman)

Bones

Dodgeball

The Avatar star stopped by twice to browse the cryptid artwork and chat about folklore.

2 photos

Shia LaBeouf

Transformers

Even Stevens

Holes

Shia LaBeouf picked up some cryptid gear and showed enthusiasm for the Appalachian folklore artwork.

Luis Guzmán

Wednesday (Gomez Addams)

Boogie Nights

Carlito's Way

The iconic character actor grabbed some Cryptid Empire shirts at Steel City Con.

📍 Steel City Con

Danny Trejo

Machete

Spy Kids

Con Air

Hollywood legend Danny Trejo showed off a Cryptid Empire Mothman shirt at the convention.

Tom Savini

Friday the 13th

Dawn of the Dead

From Dusk Till Dawn

Horror makeup legend Tom Savini picked up a Mothman shirt at the Cryptid Empire booth.

Podcast & Media Appearances

Podcast

January 15, 2025

Cryptids of the Corn

Return Guest Appearance

David returns to Cryptids of the Corn for another wide-ranging conversation, diving further into cryptid stories, creative work, and the ways folklore continues to shape modern imagination. His return as a guest reflects both the strength of the first conversation and the ongoing interest in his perspective.

Podcast

October 20, 2024

Cryptids of the Corn

Featured Guest Appearance

David appears on the popular Cryptids of the Corn podcast to talk cryptid lore, personal experiences, and the culture surrounding modern mythmaking. The conversation moves easily between humor, curiosity, and deeper reflections on why these stories continue to matter.

Podcast

May 10, 2024

Paranormal Odyssey

The Cryptid T-Shirt Dude

David J. Hardie joins Paranormal Odyssey for a conversation that blends cryptid culture, creativity, and personal story. David shares how his love for myth, monsters, and storytelling led to the creation of his cryptid-inspired artwork and apparel, along with the strange and meaningful moments that shaped his path.

Podcast

April 15, 2023

Strategic Ministry Podcast

Featured Conversation with David J. Hardie

David explores the intersection of creativity, faith, leadership, and storytelling. The conversation highlights how imagination and narrative can be powerful tools for connection, communication, and spiritual reflection.

Media Inquiries

Interested in featuring David J. Hardie's work or booking an interview? Get in touch for press kits, high-resolution artwork, and interview requests.

Contact for Media Inquiries