Podcast Summary: Bigfoot Collectors Club

Episode: "Weird Here to Help: L-Files" w/ Steve Berg & Eric Edelstein
Date: February 25, 2026
Host: Michael McMillan & Riley Bray
Guests: Steve Berg & Eric Edelstein
Podcast Theme: Discussion of personal paranormal histories and stories of high strangeness, focusing on listener-submitted paranormal encounters (the "L-Files") with special guests from the new podcast "Weird Here to Help".

Overview

This episode of Bigfoot Collectors Club is a rollicking roundtable featuring returning favorites Steve Berg and Eric Edelstein (of the "Weird Here to Help" podcast) diving into listener-submitted paranormal stories—the famed "L-Files." The group sets a playful, curious tone, mixing skepticism, genuine wonder, and sharp wit as they tackle current UFO news, deep-dive listener encounters, and cryptid folklore. Between stories and insightful asides, the hosts and guests riff on their personal interests—ranging from baseball cards and music to sandwich shops and acting tales.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Obama "Disclosure" and Presidential UFO Admissions

• Discussion Segment: [06:15]–[15:00]
• Recent comments by Barack Obama about aliens being "real" spark debate. The hosts analyze the media's handling, note the comedian-like walkback of Obama's statement, and the missed opportunity for follow-up questions.
  • Quote: "Obama said, 'They're real, but I haven't seen them. They're not being kept at Area 51. Unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hide it from the President.'" —Michael McMillan [06:58]
  • The group reflects on how politicians frame disclosure and control narratives—touching on Hillary Clinton's push of the term "UAP" and suspicion around government and military sources.
  • They highlight the short news cycle and how high-profile comments lose traction quickly.
  • Memorable Moment: The group jokes about conspiracy theorists, with Eric Edelstein adding, "Nobody better to put a happy face on some very nasty stuff than Obama, whether it be disclosure or drones." [14:00]

2. Introduction: "Weird Here To Help" Podcast

• Discussion Segment: [22:28]–[23:59]
• Steve and Eric discuss their spin-off podcast, which embraces the esoteric, high-strangeness questions ignored by their more skeptical co-hosts. Recent cases include haunted Christmas trees, energy vampires, and practical advice for the paranormally befuddled.
  • Quote: "That's where Steve and I thrive, and that's where Seabiscuit just kind of starts running around the track." —Eric Edelstein [22:53]

3. Listener L-Files: Paranormal Stories & Analysis

• Format: The team reads and reacts to several in-depth listener-submitted experiences, offering possible explanations, advice, and connections to regional cryptid lore.

a) Tolkien Archives & Dahmer’s “Residual Energy” in Milwaukee

• Segment: [30:41]–[39:28]
• A listener recounts a trip to see Tolkien artifacts, only to experience oppressive negative feelings after visiting the former site of Jeffrey Dahmer’s apartment. The "stain" of traumatic events and need for spiritual protection are highlighted.
  • Quote: "I tried to shake it off, but it was something primal and instinctual...like a panicked evolutionary response in prey animals." [34:16]
• The team discusses "psychic stains" and whether notorious sites accumulate energy or if folklore/expectation amplifies paranormal feelings.
• Advice: Eric suggests building something positive, like a park, on the site. Steve questions if any land is ever “clean” of tragedy, citing the weight of layered human history. [39:28]

b) Dogman/Bigfoot Encounter in Michigan

• Segment: [47:17]–[52:22]
• A detailed account of primal howls, predator-on-predator violence, and silent woods in Michigan’s Dogman territory.
  • Quote: "We heard what can only be described as a cross between a yell and a howl. Human, but not human." —Letter by Giano [48:08]
• Steve identifies the region as classic Dogman country; discussion includes regional lore of Dogman, Bigfoot, and other cryptids.
• All agree: Get out if you encounter something like this!
• Memorable Moment: Jokes about running to Detroit’s casinos as a survival strategy. [54:54]

c) “Deer Man” Pursuit on a Rural Farm

• Segment: [55:48]–[68:39]
• A listener describes being chased by a vaguely deer-like form that stands upright and pursues them across a field.
  • Quote: "The silhouette changed again...the only way I can describe it is that it looked like the silhouette of a very tall man with his hands straight up in the air." [59:24]
• Theories: Chronic wasting disease, a Wendigo, S-walker, or shape-shifting entity. Classic "high-strange" trickster behavior is mentioned, especially as the witness's father saw nothing.
  • Quote: "There just is, like, a trickster thing going on when you hear these stories." —Steve Berg [65:33]
• Advice: Steve jokes about negotiating with "deer man" by offering grass; group emphasizes the uniquely terrifying nature of the encounter.

d) Southern Indiana “Daytime Moon” & Thunderbird/Pterosaur Sighting

• Segment: [70:03]–[77:47]
• Listener Kayana describes seeing a sudden moon-like orb and, weeks later, a massive bird-shaped shadow "with a spaded tail" over their car—though nothing was visible in the sky.
  • Quote: "The closest thing I could think was that some debris entered the atmosphere...but it just seemed too large to burn up that fast." [72:34]
• Steve connects the shadow to regional thunderbird and pterosaur legends, specifically referencing the Van Meter Visitor (Iowa, 1913).
• Riley points out both events occurred at the same hill, suggesting a "paranormal primer" phenomenon leading to more incidents.
• All urge listeners to report the specific timing and place for possible pattern research.
• Advice: Eric humorously prescribes the song "When the Word Was Thunderbird" by Billy Joe Shaver for the experience.

4. Collectors’ Corner: Personal Recommendations

• Segment: [80:41]–[89:57]
• The hosts and guests recommend things they’re obsessed with, from Japanese baseball YouTube channels and card collecting (Eric), local LA diner spots, to My Bloody Valentine albums and concerts (Steve).
  • Steve shares about a friend who went from scientist to appearing as a dictator in My Bloody Valentine’s live show, underscoring the club’s “follow your weird dreams” ethos.

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "I have a switchblade. There you go. And nicotine lozenge. I'm a boy. I'm not ready..." —Eric Edelstein [03:23]
• “Time is precious, and so are our pets.” —Opening out-of-context ad, immediately undercut with jokes [00:16]
• "If you're just joining Bigfoot Collectors Club, the show where we talk to amazing guests about their personal paranormal history..." —Michael McMillan, self-aware intro [02:35]
• "I would say, what if they put up something wonderful, like a nice, beautiful park... with a wonderful exotic gym set?" —Steve Berg on "clearing" the Dahmer lot [42:19]

Notable Timestamps

• [06:58] – Obama’s “aliens are real” Time Magazine interview segment
• [09:33] – Hillary Clinton, UAPs, and media rebranding discussion
• [15:25] – US drone flap in New Jersey and Palantir surveillance speculation
• [22:43] – "Weird Here to Help" podcast intro & cases
• [30:41] [34:16] [39:28] – Tolkien/Dahmer energy story and psychological aftereffects analysis
• [47:17] [50:46] – Michigan Dogman encounter read and breakdown
• [55:48] [59:24] [65:33] – Deer Man encounter, reaction, and high strangeness theories
• [70:03] [74:50] – Southern Indiana "daytime moon" and thunderbird sighting
• [80:41] – Collectors Corner: personal obsessions
• [85:05]–[89:57] – My Bloody Valentine and Dinosaur Jr. music appreciation, LA scene recommendations

Original Language & Tone

• The episode is both comedic and inquisitive, characterized by affectionate jabs, pop culture references, and a playful ease around oddball topics.
• Steve and Eric’s real-life buddy chemistry shines, echoing the show’s recurring focus on genuine friendships and off-beat storytelling.
• The hosts mix skepticism and credulity, always emphasizing a love of the weird and a respect for good storytelling.

Conclusion

In this standout installment, Bigfoot Collectors Club delivers a mix of fascinating listener encounters, insightful banter about paranormal and conspiracy culture, and a showcase for the synergy between old friends with a shared love of high strangeness. For fans craving firsthand accounts, cryptid lore, and a “clubhouse” atmosphere—this episode is essential listening.

Want to submit your own story?
Email: bigfootcollectorsclubmail.com ("under five minutes" for voicemails/voice memos!)
Listen to Steve & Eric’s show: “Weird Here to Help” (every other Friday in the "We're Here to Help" feed)

Buddy vibes, weird advice, and a hearty dose of wonderment—all on display in this episode.