The Wampus Cat: The Southern Cryptid That Still Stalks the Woods

About this episode

This episode explores the legend of the Wampus Cat, a mystical creature from Southern folklore, while featuring the Ben Holladay 1856 Original bourbon.

🎙️ Show Me Spirits — Episode: The Wampus Cat This week on Show Me Spirits, we dive into the dark forests of American folklore to explore the legend of the Wampus Cat — a fearsome and mystical creature rooted in Southern Appalachian and Cherokee traditions. Often described as a hybrid between a woman and a mountain lion, the Wampus Cat has haunted imaginations for generations with glowing eyes, a piercing scream, and a mysterious past. 🔮 Spirit of the Week: Ben Holladay 1856 Original Our featured spirit this episode comes from the legendary Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri. Founded in 1856 and now operated by McCormick Distilling Company, Holladay has a rich history of crafting bold bourbon. We’re sipping on their Ben Holladay 1856 Original — aged 6 years, 100 proof, and Bottled-in-Bond. This smooth, complex bourbon is the perfect companion for tonight’s tale. Learn more at: https://holladaybourbon.com/ben-holladay-bourbon/ 👕 Grab Some Show Me Spirits Merch Looking for our official Show Me Spirits T-shirt? Check it out — along with other hand-picked paranormal and spirit-themed designs — at our TeePublic store: https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/79902478-show-me-spirits…

Topics covered

• Wampus Cat
• American folklore
• Southern Appalachian traditions
• Cherokee traditions
• cryptids

Keywords

• cryptid
• mythology
• bourbon
• spirits

Mentioned in this episode

Products: the Wampus Cat, Ben Holladay 1856 Original

Books & works: Show Me Spirits, showmespirits, Catch a Wampus Cat, The Wampus Cat

Places: Weston, Missouri

More episodes of Show-Me Spirits

• Fearsome Critters: The Gumberoo of the Pacific Northwest · January 13, 2026 · 21 min
• The Ghosts of the Bird Cage Theatre: Tombstone’s Most Haunted Showroom · November 4, 2025 · 39 min
• Earnestine & Hazel’s: Memphis’ Most Haunted Bar · September 23, 2025 · 22 min
• Haunted Trails · May 28, 2024 · 36 min
• The Rougarou · September 26, 2023 · 33 min
• The Ghost of Elvis Presley · August 16, 2023 · 50 min