Bigfoot Collectors Club — “The Val Johnson UFO Incident”

Date: December 17, 2025
Hosts: Michael McMillian & Riley Bray
Episode Type: Declassified from premium “The Other Side” feed
Theme: A deep dive into the 1979 Val Johnson UFO incident—an official police encounter with a UFO that left physical evidence—and a review of recent Bigfoot sightings. Expect the show’s trademark blend of light-hearted camaraderie and genuine fascination with “high strangeness.”

Episode Overview

The episode features hosts Michael McMillian and Riley Bray exploring the legendary Val Johnson UFO incident, a landmark 1979 case where a deputy’s patrol car was physically damaged following a bizarre encounter with a mysterious light. Before going in-depth on the UFO story, the pair catch up, review recent Bigfoot sightings, riff on Discord antics, and discuss the joys and struggles of podcast production.

Michael’s Note: The episode was unlocked early due to personal circumstances, as Michael shares (01:06) that his father recently passed away, explaining why new content is briefly on hold. He expresses gratitude to fans for their support and looks forward to new projects in 2026.

Key Discussion Segments & Insights

Clubhouse Catch-up & Discord Shenanigans

[05:24–11:19]

• Michael and Riley settle in, bantering about hot weather, Spindrift beverages, and the many “corners” of their Discord community (“If this was a room, it would have so many corners.” – Michael, 08:49).
• They riff on Discord channel names, listener suggestions, and BCC in-jokes (e.g., the mysterious “apple crust” character).

Listener Feedback, Podcast Process & Roadtrips

[12:39–18:08]

• The pair read fan comments, especially praise for their Ghost Quest YouTube special.
• Riley and Michael express joy at making video content and tease more on-location adventures.
• Briefly joke about “cheese dreams” (nightmares after eating cheese), food quirks, and perfect bites.

Where in the World is Bigfoot?

[22:50–36:32]

• Segment reviewing a recent Missouri trail camera sighting allegedly capturing Bigfoot (complete with a scale photo).
  • Description: “I loaded up the live view... the creature was already gone.” (Michael reading the witness, 24:18)
  • The figure is several feet taller than a 6ft human; the area—Poplar Bluff, MO—is rich in local Bigfoot lore.
• Both hosts examine possible natural explanations vs. hoax, with Riley expressing skepticism at a different, dubious ‘footprint’ video.
• Michael notes, “The first story is pretty awesome. The photo, I’m compelled by. I like the guy’s telling—he seems earnest and honest.” (33:54)
• They examine shadows and reflections in the trail cam photo, debating possible flaws and calling for “image forensics.”
  • “Let’s not look at it too much longer and spoil the fun.” – Michael, 36:27

Main Feature: The Val Johnson UFO Incident

Case Introduction & Background

[37:35–40:15]

• In August 1979 in rural Marshall County, Minnesota, Deputy Val Johnson observed a brilliant light 3–4 feet off the ground. As he approached, the light accelerated toward his car, entered through the windshield, and struck him “like a 200-pound pillow.”
  • “[He] noticed very bright brilliant light, 8 to 12 inches in diameter, 3 to 4ft off the ground. The edges were very defined.” – Michael, paraphrasing police interview (39:05)
  • “This object flew through the windshield, hitting Johnson in the chest like a 200 pound pillow.” – Michael, 40:15

The Encounter & Physical Evidence

[40:15–45:28]

• Johnson was knocked unconscious. He awoke 30 minutes later with the following:
  • Shattered windshield (intact, but with a focused hole/damage)
  • Both car antennas bent—one 90°, one sharply back—consistent with a “high velocity air blast”
  • One headlight (aligned with impact) blown out, dent in roof
  • Physical injuries: burning in eyes (“as if from welding”), broken teeth at the gum line
  • Both his watch and car clock 14 minutes behind (43:39)
    • “Matching… 14 minutes behind. So there’s 14 minutes of missing time…” – Michael, 43:53
    • Riley: “I just got the chills on my arms.” (43:55)
• Forensic experts from Honeywell and Ford found the car damage “puzzling”—cracks went inward and outward “almost simultaneously,” all damage fell in a one-foot-wide line.

Sheriff’s Department & Later Life

[47:41–52:49]

• The car was preserved and can be viewed today in a Minnesota museum.
• Sheriff Dennis Brecky, Johnson’s boss, strongly supported his deputy’s story and insisted on preserving the evidence.
• Johnson gained national fame (appearing on Good Morning America and That’s Incredible) but expressed discomfort with his notoriety and receded from public life.
  • “I saw a ball of light, I drove toward it, and suddenly it was in the car with me. It’s unexplainable and will remain so. I’m happy with my mental stability.” – Val Johnson, 2015 interview (50:23, as read by Michael)
  • Michael: “He basically got another job… Then he got fired… and this kind of took a toll on him. It kind of knocked his career trajectory off course, for sure.” (52:19)
• Ufologist Jerome Clark championed the legitimacy of the case.

Skeptical Theories & Unresolved Mysteries

[46:21–47:02, 47:02–47:30]

• Riley wonders if “ball lightning” could explain the incident, but both agree the timeline and “missing time” don’t fit.
• The missing time, physical evidence, and Johnson’s lack of interest in ufology uniquely distinguish this case.
  • “I think Brecky realized this was something special.” – Michael (48:49)
  • “That’s my favorite witness—the person who’s like ‘oh, boy…’” – Riley (51:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Discord zaniness:

  • “If this was a room, it would have so many corners.” – Michael (08:49)

• On Bigfoot trail cam photo:

  • “The first story is pretty awesome. The photo—I’m compelled by. I like the guy’s telling of it. He seems earnest and honest, and I buy it.” – Michael (33:54)

• On the Val Johnson incident:

  • “The windshield also broke in a very strange way… cracks caused by unknown inward and outward facing forces acting almost simultaneously.” – Michael (44:49)
  • “All the damage to the car… was within a straight line, only one foot wide.” – Michael (45:06)
  • “Matching… 14 minutes behind. So there’s 14 minutes of missing time on the car clock and on his wristwatch.” – Michael (43:53)
  • “I saw a ball of light, I drove toward it, and suddenly it was in the car with me. It’s unexplainable and will remain so. I’m happy with my mental stability.” – Val Johnson, via Michael (50:23)

• On preserving the car:

  • “I love that they preserved the car. That’s so cool.” – Riley (55:05)

• Band joke:

  • “Their sound will hit you in the chest like a 200-pound pillow… And they have a song called ‘Pillow Fight.’” – Michael, on the fictional Val Johnson UFO Incident band (40:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Personal update / Declassified intro: 01:06–05:24
• Discord banter & naming Riley: 07:24–09:29
• Listener feedback: 12:39–18:13
• Bigfoot trailcam segment: 22:52–36:32
• Val Johnson UFO Incident main story: 37:35–55:05

Tone & Style

The episode mixes comedy, nostalgia, and sincere curiosity about paranormal mysteries. Michael and Riley frequently riff, employ improvisational humor, and gently poke fun at both themselves and supernatural phenomena, while also expressing genuine wonder at the unknown.

Summary

This “declassified” episode of Bigfoot Collectors Club offers a charming, in-depth look at the Val Johnson UFO Case—a rare instance where a law enforcement encounter left striking physical evidence. Michael and Riley’s discussions traverse trailcam Bigfoot mystery, Discord community musings, logistical podcast challenges, and the enduring allure of classic cases of “high strangeness,” all while fostering a sense of playful camaraderie with their “Club Scout” audience. The Val Johnson story serves as a springboard for themes of skepticism, belief, and the lasting human impact of brushes with the unexplained.