He Killed a Government Dogman (And They Came for Him)

Joe Barger's encounters don’t just blur the line between myth and reality; they obliterate it. In this episode, he recounts the night he came face-to-face with a Dogman and made a split-second decision that ended the creature’s life, an act that still follows him years later. But that moment was only one chapter in a much larger pattern that includes repeated Bigfoot encounters, territorial aggression in the woods, and intelligent creatures that seemed to understand weapons, intent, and fear. Joe describes behavior that goes far beyond animals, strategic movements, government intimidation displays, and moments that felt deliberately personal. As the stories stack up, a disturbing question emerges: what happens after you cross the line from witness to participant? This conversation explores the cost of survival, the reality of predatory entities in the wilderness, and why some encounters don’t end when you leave the woods; they follow you home.

Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference!

If you’re able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890

Stream "Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief" Series Here: https://merkelfilms.com/programs/bigfoot-the-journey-to-belief

???? Join Our Exclusive Community
???? Get early access to exclusive content: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheConfessionalsPodcast/join

???? Tony's Recommended Reads: https://slingshotlibrary.com

If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: https://www.theconfessionalspodcast.com/gospel

▶️ Subscribe to My New YouTube Channel
Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL
My First Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r6jDWvlyuw&t=1160s

???? Sponsors:
Merkel Media Apparel: https://merkmerch.com/
Merkel Films: https://merkelfilms.com/
SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/confessionals
GhostBed: https://www.ghostbed.com/pages/tony?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=tony
Uncommon Goods: https://www.uncommongoods.com/podcast/tony

???? Affiliates You Can Trust:
???? Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – These legendary headphones have been Tony’s go-to since 2019, delivering studio-quality sound with unbeatable clarity. Whether he’s deep in the mix or on the go, they never miss a beat!
???? Shure SM7B is the gold standard for podcasting! Every episode at Merkel Media runs through this powerhouse mic, which captures every word with precision and warmth. If it's good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for you!

???? Subscribe for More Content
???? https://www.youtube.com/@TheConfessionalsPodcast

???? Leave a Comment!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Connect With Us:
???? Website: https://www.theconfessionalspodcast.com/
???? Email: [email protected]

???? FOLLOW US:
???? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconfessionalspodcast
❌ X: https://x.com/TConfessionals
???? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcast
???? Website: https://www.theconfessionalspodcast.com
???? Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/
???? Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h

???? Mailing Address:
Merkel Media
257 N. Calderwood St., #301
Alcoa, TN 37701

#818