Episode 2: The Jersey Devil: America's Most Enduring Demon

The second episode examines the Jersey Devil, a creature that has terrorized New Jersey's Pine Barrens for over 300 years. Wade investigates the legend's historical connections to the Leeds family, their conflicts with Benjamin Franklin, and how these real events transformed into supernatural lore. The episode details the remarkable 1909 "flap" when thousands of sightings caused widespread panic, explores the unique ecology and history of the Pine Barrens, and analyzes how the Jersey Devil evolved from feared monster to beloved cultural mascot. Wade reveals how this cryptid has maintained remarkable consistency across three centuries while adapting to changing cultural contexts, making it America's longest-continuously-reported monster.