WEIRD Here To Help: A Thin Veil & Her Cat Familiar

Summary

"WEIRD Here to Help: A Thin Veil & Her Cat Familiar"

We're Here to Help Podcast
Hosts: Eric Edelstein & Steve Berg
Date: June 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "We're Here to Help" explores two listener calls that showcase the show’s blend of heartfelt advice, humor, and supernatural curiosity. The main recurring themes are spirituality, the permeability of the “veil” between worlds, the power (and pitfalls) of honest apologies, and the weird, wonderful tangents only Eric Edelstein and Steve Berg can catalyze. Deep dives include connecting with deceased loved ones through dreams, reigniting artistic ambition, community repair (via apology and pie), and how a neighborhood cat drama can turn you into an accidental witch.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Live Show Hype [01:09–09:00]

• Steve’s Fairy Hoax: Steve has been orchestrating a fairy ring hoax as a sociological experiment, with Eric disclaiming any responsibility. The bit generates excitement among listeners—even “taking it to NextDoor”—and frames the show’s fascination with the intersection of folklore and community mischief.
• Upcoming Events: Both discuss upcoming live shows and their love for live music (Bob Dylan, Sierra Ferrell, Kurt Vile), and Steve promotes an Omaha comedy show with Gareth Reynolds, highlighting their comedy style and spontaneous crowd-help bits.
  • “If people have issues, if they need help, We're Here to Help listeners, just yell them at Steve when he walks on stage. The whole thing will stop and we'll help you.” (Eric, [07:05])

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2. Caller One: Cecilia from Maine — "The Thin Veil" [13:48–39:31]

A. Rapid-Fire Favorites & Q&A [13:48–19:29]

• Cecilia's picks:
  • Favorite Album: Sublime’s commercial self-titled (for the “Santoria” track).
  • Book: Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes (a secret college for learning the art of murder).
  • Movie: Talladega Nights — “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” (“You're a fun gal is what you are.” — Steve, [19:07])
• Banter touches on Catholic upbringing, Norwegian black metal, and the universal power of good religious music.

B. Spiritual Dilemmas & Dream Message [19:29–36:08]

• Context: Cecilia had intense spiritual experiences as a child and recently had a vivid dream in which her late grandfather told her, “Stop thinking about it. Just do it.” ([22:28])
• She feels pushed to reignite her tarot practices and creative pursuits, but is seeking interpretation and advice.

C. Hosts’ Insights & Advice [23:43–36:08]

• Eric’s Take: Dreams can be genuine visitations from loved ones; the dream is a clarion call to stop hesitating and pursue art.
  • “I absolutely believe our loved ones can visit us in dreams. ... you already know you want to be focusing ... but you're holding back a little bit.” (Eric, [25:45])
  • Suggests Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way as a roadmap out of creative block ([28:13]).
• Steve’s Take: Dreams can reflect subconscious archetypes.
  • “You projecting, you missing your grandpa, and he is like, kind of just like this archetype in your head that is pushing you forward … the ‘just do it’ message is the most interesting part to me.” (Steve, [26:00])
  • Advises a literal response: buy a fun new pair of shoes as a life-symbol for action.
• Cecilia’s Response: Reveals her grandfather was a chef; hosts encourage weekly cooking of his recipes as direct spiritual connection ([31:01]).
• Consensus: Honor the nudge. Pursue creativity via ritual, symbolism, and “just doing it”—be it through art, artist dates, a bolo tie (instead of shoes), or even another mushroom-fueled spiritual reset.

Notable Quotes

• “Being close to the source … and there's no better way ... than a Catholic upbringing. They're not big on that.” (Eric, [25:01])
• “I think you have to get new shoes tomorrow. ... these are a symbol of me just doing it and pushing forward.” (Steve, [32:24])
• “You need to get a bolo tie. ... go and get a bolo tie with your husband, incorporate a fun lunch in there, and like, have him get one too.” (Steve, [33:54])
• Action items: Get The Artist's Way, cook Grandpa’s recipes, buy a symbolic accessory, and share the journey.

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3. Caller Two: Aaron from Champaign, Illinois — "Her Cat Familiar" [41:57–65:41]

A. Getting to Know Aaron [42:10–45:13]

• Favorites:
  • Book: Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
  • Album: Naturally by JJ Cale.
  • TV: Law & Order SVU (“...so many episodes you forget and can start over with the experience.” — Aaron, [44:13])
• Witty banter on the darkness of SVU and calls for Eric’s return as detective, not just “child in a cage.”

B. The Neighborly Cat Drama Unfolds [45:24–53:46]

• Backstory: Aaron’s neighbor’s outdoor cat instigated a “redirected aggression” incident; Aaron sent a harsh email, resulting in a cooled relationship.
• Twist: A new feral black cat (“Raul”) entered Aaron’s life, became a familiar, had kittens (all black), and is now part of the neighborhood.
• Result: Aaron’s black clothing + constant cat companion = “Witch” vibes; neighbors are now even more distant.
  • “Now they hate me. And they, honestly, I think they're afraid of me. ... I look like a witch.” (Aaron, [52:05])

C. Restoring Neighborhood Harmony (and Witchy Repair) [52:48–59:49]

• Eric: Prescribes a top-tier apology—acknowledge hypocrisy, express desire to move forward, offer a sealed baked good from a trusted bakery.
  • “An apology, a truly great apology, warms people’s souls ... you have to acknowledge what you did wrong and then repair.” ([52:48])
• Steve: Leans into it—if apology fails, escalate theatrics (“burn a pentagram,” play Danzig, lean into the witch aesthetic).
  • “If the apology doesn’t work ... get black robes, giant boombox, Danzig’s ‘Mother’—and you’ll really be sorry then.” (Steve, [56:13])
• Aaron: Willing to apologize and allow neighbor’s cat outside again; considers baked goods from the local Mexican bakery and perhaps a multicolored muu-muu for disarmament.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I think you're going to give an A plus 10 out of 10 apology and I think that's what you start with here.” (Eric, [55:16])
• “A pie. Probably not ... if they're scared of you, it's gonna have to be a sealed bake.” (Steve, [53:49])
• “If they perceive you as a witch, let them enjoy that perception and then disarm them because it’s a bit.” (Steve, [59:19])
• Brilliant riff: “Yuppie Cats” as a punk band name [50:56].

D. Bonus: Central Illinois Paranormal Lore & Phoebe Bridgers [62:13–64:59]

• Aaron asks about Phoebe Bridgers’ “extraterrestrial/cryptid” tour stops.
• Steve launches into a mini-lecture on 1970s UFOlogy in Illinois (“the year of the humanoid ... a salad bar of diversity,” [63:36]), confirming the region’s weird cred and recommending Aaron invite the neighbors to a Phoebe show as reparative fun.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Fairy Ring Hoax & Live Show Banter: [01:09–09:00]
• Cecilia’s Call – Spiritual Dreams/Creative Blocks: [13:48–39:31]
• • “Stop thinking about it. Just do it.” (Cecilia’s dream, [22:28])
• • The Artist’s Way recommendation ([28:13])
• • Symbolic action: new shoes/bolo tie ([32:24–33:54])
• Aaron’s Call – Cat Conflicts & Neighbor Apology: [41:57–65:41]
• • “I look like a witch” ([52:05])
• • The perfect apology blueprint ([52:48])
• • The “burn a pentagram” tangent ([56:13])
• • Local cryptid/UFO chat and Phoebe Bridgers ([62:13–64:59])

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Memorable Quotes

• “Being close to the source, Tara, is scared out of you as someone that's been there than a Catholic upbringing.”
  — Eric, [25:01]

• “If you want to get closest to whatever the great beyond is, talk to a kid ... they have not had it taken out of them yet.”
  — Eric, [25:01]

• “I think start making one of Grandpa’s recipes once a week. ... There's no better way to a spiritual connection.”
  — Steve, [31:01]

• “The apology, a truly great apology, warms people’s souls like never before because there’s so much lying and gaslighting and all this other stuff.”
  — Eric, [52:48]

• “If the apology doesn’t work and the neighbors are rude ... that’s when you get some of your friends together ... and you play Danzig’s ‘Mother’ real loud.”
  — Steve, [56:13]

• “If they perceive you as a witch, let them enjoy that perception and then disarm them because it’s a bit.”
  — Steve, [59:19]

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Tone & Style

Unabashedly conversational, boisterous, encouraging, with lovingly absurd digressions. Both hosts trade philosophical perspectives (Eric: spiritual/woo, Steve: rational/symbolic), often ending on the same practical/empowering advice. The language is casual and peppered with bits, reveals, and callbacks that delight fans.

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Summary Takeaways

• Trust dreams and inner nudges—whether you see them as mystical or psychological, let them inspire real action.
• Repair beats resentment: A great apology can transform a “witchy” neighborhood dynamic into community.
• Symbols matter: Sometimes a bolo tie, a pie, or a new spiritual practice is the bridge from “thinking” to “doing.”
• Everyone should try The Artist’s Way if feeling creatively blocked.
• Lean into the weird: Celebrate the eccentric; dish out help with a pie, a laugh, and maybe a little bit of witchcraft.

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For listeners or the curious: This episode blends heartfelt advice, sharp wit, and spirited celebration of all things “weird”—a perfect sampler of what makes “We’re Here to Help” a consistently hilarious and oddly reassuring listen.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[B]

It's weird here to help.

[A]

Okay, If Jake's willing to take off his judgment hat, we can really move something now. Ladies and gentlemen, friends and relatives, neighbors, welcome back to your weird pocket of the Internet with little Stevie Berg. I'm Eric Edelstein and weird here to help.

[B]

We certainly are, Eric.

[A]

Now, Steve, for the people listening to our last episode, you have decided. I want to make it very clear I'm not a part of this. I am not doing anything with it. You have decided to piss off a fairy ring, fairies, the fae and start a hoax which is exploding online. And there were definitely some Irish people in the comments. I'm very much part Irish saying what I suspect is you should not mess with fairies. You should not mess with a fairy ring. And I want to let the fairies in Illinois. No, any and all issues you have, please take it out of my co host, this guy right here, Steve Berg,

[B]

Patient Eric. Okay, it's not. This is not an aggressive thing. The hoax is a sociological cultural experiment

[A]

which, which people are loving. There's, there's some real buzz to this, buddy.

[B]

It's fun. Like, look, I mean I think like, you know, I, I have a feeling that Yale and some of the Ivy Leagues will come a knocking and help give us funding to study this because this needs to be documented. We're already getting some really good results and I think things are cooking, things are moving and we are watching folklore unravel in real time. You know how rare that is, Eric?

[A]

It's. It's rare and we got some glorious weird here to help listeners. Taking it to next door taking it to citizen and this is what we would Berg really wants Again I'm not involved in this. No.

[B]

No.

[A]

I want the fairies in the fairy ring on my side I need all the help I can get but this. This is going viral Steve. And it's all your genius idea and I think it's very exciting.

[B]

Well you know look I'll take the heat on this one man. Don't you say if you're listening do not come after my boy Eric because this is all my. I instigated this. This is my hoax. Kyma. You are welcome in my yard, in my house. Let's get weird together. Let's get.

[A]

And I think we're going to be respectful to them while hoaxing people we're not messing with the Fae as much as we are messing with people in that. In that town which probably they need some adventure. They need some fun and we're here to provide that glorious.

[B]

Absolutely. We're adding a little mystery into people's lives. We're enchanting their world per se and I think that. I think they'll. They'll thank us later.

[A]

So Steve. Eric as you well know I'm a giant fan of attending live performances We've got a huge week next week. Three possibly four Bob Dylan shows got tickets yesterday Sierra. Where Well Bobby and playing in LA so you have to drive to see the Oracle.

[B]

You know you're not.

[A]

You're not because Santa Barbara we will go to Yamava, we'll go to Palm Springs we'll go to San Diego and only Bob Dylan whatever deal he made with whatever entity can you get a front row ticket in san Diego for 150 bucks are.

[B]

Oh, we love Bob.

[A]

We love Bob. He's excited apparently he's not hiding behind a piano. He has a keyboard but he's. The trade he's made is he's wearing a warm winter coat with a hood even in sunny places but we don't care. Bob can do whatever he wants. I got tickets yesterday to Sierra Farrell Kurt Vile and guess who's opening for Kurt. I didn't even tell you about this yet but I have a ticket with your name on it though.

[B]

Amba.

[A]

Ryan.

[B]

Ryan.

[A]

Ryan.

[B]

Oh Ryan. I now can't remember in the.

[A]

The.

[B]

The. Ryan.

[C]

God.

[B]

What the hell. Give me the name.

[A]

I know. I know. Ryan.

[B]

Ryan.

[C]

You.

[B]

You know why. Yeah. Ryan the guy, the country guy that I love.

[A]

We love him, we love him.

[B]

I can't remember his name.

[A]

No. And I even talked about him in Fish on Film. I think it was the best album of last year for me. That and Broncho.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like it was so Ryan. Oh, it's going to drive me crazy, buddy.

[B]

Yeah. This is amazing. The guy. We love Ryan.

[D]

We love him.

[A]

We love him. We can't remember his name.

[B]

If his name, he should just go by Ryan. Like Cher, Madonna. No, I'm going to.

[A]

He's the closest thing we have to David Berman.

[B]

I agree. He is one of the most clever lyric writers I've heard in eons, eons and eons. Eric, can I. Speaking of live shows, that's why I

[A]

wanted to bring it up.

[B]

Can I mention a very important live show that's gonna be happening in the great state of Nebraska, More specifically, Omaha Emoji.

[A]

It's kind of most important live show going right now. I say it's Farm Aid and then you guys.

[B]

Yeah, well. Stop it. Stop it.

[A]

No, I'm not kidding. There is a magic to seeing Steve Berg and Gareth Reynolds live. And people are going to have a very rare chance. Steve, will you please tell them about the show?

[B]

Oh, I love to, Eric. Thanks for the opportunity. So, folks in Omaha, Nebraska, the the right smack dab in the middle of the Lower 48, home of Marlon Brando, Johnny Carson, Fred Astaire, Malcolm X, Nick Nolte. The list goes on and on. We have Garrett Reynolds doing an hour of red hot comedy. June 27, Omaha, Nebraska, 7 o' clock at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Eric, it's at a Freemason lodge.

[A]

I mean, Mike auditorium. But who's opening? Who's emceeing?

[B]

Steve, I am. Yours truly. I'll be doing some bits and stories. Whatever form of comedy I do, I don't think it's really stand up. I'm not a really what's the deal guy, but, you know, I'll be doing bits and making some guffaws, I hope.

[A]

Oh, you always do. And you're spontaneous and in the moment. And if people have issues, if they need help, we're here to help listeners. Just throw them. Just yell them at Steve when he walks on stage, the whole thing will stop and we'll help you.

[B]

Okay, that's a form of heckling that I accept. But don't be mean because I'm very sensitive.

[A]

No one will be mean to you, Steve. You're just beloved. This is everybody, Steve. How can they get tickets?

[B]

Well, you can get tickets at. I don't know, I looked it up.

[A]

It's at the Scottish Rights Auditorium. There's also a real nice balcony up there. I looked.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, you can get a nice little aisle seat up there. But tickets are going quick, so I would grab them because Gareth and and Steve are a magical combo. And this is going to be an amazing show.

[B]

Well, it's going to be really fun and it'll be super fun, like down the road, hopefully. Fingers crossed to do a live show for, you know, the whole. This, this whole thing, the whole we're here to help world. Oh, I want that. I want this one to go well so we can end up doing a live show here because wouldn't that be a fun way to start and everyone visit Omaha for everyone to come into Omaha.

[A]

Or we could maybe talk to Arlene Van Dyke is now following me on Instagram. We could perhaps do a very special show in the backyard. Advent.

[B]

Oh, my God. I would do this cross.

[A]

We tread lightly. I will not allow a Q A. Also, I did a IMC'd another Q& A recently. I allowed no questions from the crowd because of Vandycam. So true change in this world came from Vanny Cambridge. But true change in the world is going to come right now, friends, because we have a red hot brand new episode of Weird here to help Steve. This was a great one.

[B]

This is a really fun one. I'm excited for people to listen to it. I hope we solve some problems. There is some interesting calls. Challenging as always, but man, I think this is a really fun one.

[A]

Eric, I'm Wendy is bringing the high heat and the thunder with these calls. We've never been on a better run. We're super grateful. So friends, thanks for hanging out and Enjoy weird here.

[B]

June 27 Gareth Rhodes, Omaha Brass.

[E]

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by booking.com booking.com helps you get it ridiculously right so you can find exactly what you're booking for. G man, you're on the road constantly. The hotel you're in, did the show book it or did you book it using booking.com?

[D]

you know what I've been doing, Jake, is I have to switch hotels so often that I started asking the clubs if they'll just give me a buyout and then I'll find a hotel that's in between the places I'll go to. Booking.com, i'll find a place that is kind of equidistant and I get a couple nights in the same hotel. They couldn't make it easier.

[E]

Well, I've got a question for the audience here. June 19, is that the date for the.

[D]

I believe so.

[E]

The live show in Omaha. We got people in the Midwest who are nearby who go, I want to take a little trip and see something. But where would I stay? Well, go to booking.com because it makes it easy to find a hotel or a holiday home. That's just, that's not just generically right or right for somebody, but ridiculously right for you.

[D]

Well, also, Omaha, a fantastic city surrounded by fantastic. I don't know why you said thank you, Steve, but you just live there. But there's. You could get vacation rentals. You could turn it into a few days. I mean, who knows, Steve, if people

[E]

come to Omaha for this little trip and they book on booking.com and they turn it into a three day thing, what are a few things they should do besides see you guys live?

[B]

Well, obviously we have the best zoo in the country. In the world. I think. Maybe find exactly what you're booking for booking.com booking.

[F]

Yeah.

[E]

Book today on the site or in the app. This episode of We're Here to Help is brought to you by Wayfair. I bought a robot vacuum on that cleans itself. It's a self cleaning robot vacuum and I love it. The thing goes around, vacuums the floor, then takes itself home to its little portal. I'm a fan of it. Wayfair's got everything you want. It's got outdoor seating, grills, it's got outdoor furniture. Over 20 million 5 stars reviews.

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[E]

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[B]

Well, my friend, welcome to an episode of we're here to help with my friend Eric Alston and me, little Stevie Berg. How are you? Can you tell us your name and where you are calling from? Hi.

[F]

Oh my gosh, I'm so excited. This is crazy. My name is Cecilia and I'm calling from Maine.

[B]

Oh, lobster rolls. Hello. Oh yeah, pull off the road, grab a. Grab a reasonably priced lobster roll you cannot find anywhere else. Boy, I've been to Maine. Unique place. Gorgeous. The landscape, I could write poetry about it.

[A]

It's really great. I've been to Kenneth, I've been to Kennebunkport. Loved it. It was a lot of fun.

[B]

Home of the didn't that old George Bush senior have a place in Kenneth George Bush senior. I just remember Dana Carvey always saying Kennebunkport, Kennebunkport.

[A]

Got the lobster, Got. Went out on the boat, shucked oysters, did some CIA, cointel, MK Ultra experiments. But I'm back here now.

[B]

We got. It's funny you mentioned.

[F]

I. I work in York, so I am in Kennebunkport all the time.

[B]

Oh, hell yeah. Oh, hell yeah.

[A]

I loved it there. It was truly beautiful.

[B]

I gotta go. I'm probably gonna. I'm probably gonna go tomorrow. Cecilia. You know, we like. We. We like to start these little calls off with a little Q and A with you. Now, I have three questions for you. What is your favorite film? Sl Premium television show. Favorite record, AKA album or and favorite book?

[F]

All right, so I have been waiting for these questions. So I am a very eclectic music taste person. I listen to everything. And I know people sometimes hate it when you say that, but I quite literally listen to everything.

[B]

You listen to gospel? Gotcha.

[F]

Oh, I guess not.

[B]

Gotcha, gotcha, got me.

[A]

Oh, listen to Elvis sing gospel. Listen to the Staple Singers. There's some great stuff out there, Steve,

[B]

you look into Norwegian black metal is good.

[F]

Gospel. I. I grew up pretty Catholic, so I guess I've had my taste of it.

[B]

Me, too.

[A]

That's the thing, though. Growing up Catholic for me was when I heard gospel, like, oh, there's good religious music. No disrespect to Donna Nobis Pachim, but the music we got at Catholic school mass. Then when I heard, like, actual gospel and I've been lucky enough to go to some black churches, I was like, oh, wow, this is. This is better than I got a Catholic mass. So. I know where you're coming from, friend.

[B]

Gotta make your move. Gotta make your move. Okay. With this eclectic taste.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I'm excited to hear what record you're gonna choose.

[F]

Oh, gosh, I think so. I grew up listening to, like, divorced dad music my dad loves, like, God, smack, and you know, that kind of stuff, so. But I would have to say Sublime is one of my favorites. Okay, what I've got Santoria. I think those are classics. Sure.

[B]

40 has to freedom. That's a fun album.

[F]

Yes, absolutely. I used to be a major stoner, so that's probably.

[B]

I've heard about stoners, Steve.

[A]

Sublime, they're like the Long Beach Dub All Stars. Aren't they playing now with Bradley Knowles, Son.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think they sell out big places and they're supposed to be really good.

[B]

They played like Red Rock.

[F]

Yeah. It's my dream to see them live.

[B]

We'll make it happen, Jake. We'll have it done. Check, check. We're in for Jake Johnson for two VIP tickets, meet and greet afterwards. The works.

[A]

The worst.

[B]

Yeah, okay, so. But. But. But you didn't actually say an album, though. I'm not sure. Be a stickler to the rules. Do you want to do 40s to freedom or the third one? The. The popular one with, like, Saneria and shit like that?

[F]

Probably the popular one with Santoria.

[C]

Okay.

[F]

Because I.

[B]

Good choice.

[F]

Grew up on it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In high school. It was so good.

[F]

Oh, so good.

[C]

Favorite book?

[F]

It's Murder your employer.

[A]

Ooh, we like that.

[F]

I can't remember the author's. I can't remember the author's name for the life of me, but it was a book that I read in, like, two weeks. I could not put it down. I would, like, fall asleep eyes, like, closing, reading it, fighting to stay awake to read it. It was such a good book.

[B]

A real page burner. Okay, and how about written by Rupert Holmes?

[D]

Steve.

[A]

It is a 2023 mystery novel about a secret, luxurious college where students learn the art of murder, with a graduation requirement being to successfully delete a deserving victim.

[B]

Well, for two things about that, I've never met a Rupert I didn't like. And two, if you're going to murder, learn the art of it. Do it in an artful fucking way, man.

[A]

And find a good target.

[B]

Just don't be.

[A]

Sounds like this book's encouraging that we're in favor. Done.

[F]

Also, I knew you guys would love it.

[C]

Favorite movie?

[F]

I am super goofy. I grew up on snl, and Talladega Nights is my hands down, number one. Favorite movie.

[B]

Love it.

[C]

Will is my favorite.

[B]

Love it. You're a fun gal is what you are.

[A]

Ricky Bobby.

[B]

Ricky Bobby, yes.

[F]

If you ain't first, you're last.

[A]

That's true, though. That's very true.

[B]

I'm not even sure if I've ever

[A]

seen them except on this podcast.

[B]

Well, Cecilia, you sound like an a. Okay. Person in my book. Just based off your tastes. Now, here's the real question. How can my cohort, Eric J. Edelstein and I help you today?

[A]

Thank you for that.

[F]

Oh, I love it. So it's an interesting one. So growing up. As I prefaced, I did grow up pretty religious, and I have kind of always had spiritual and paranormal events kind of follow me throughout my life.

[B]

Hell, yeah.

[F]

And I. I used to be really into tarot and background on that. I had a tarot reading, and I genuinely, like, freaked out the tarot reader. She's like, I've never seen something like this accurate. And like, the energy that's coming from this reading is really, really intense. And I highly suggest that you get yourself a deck. And so that was kind of like

[C]

a whoa moment for me.

[F]

Yeah, I love that.

[B]

Wait, I love. First off, I just have to comment, like, I love it. Well, your energy is so severe, there's only one thing you could do and that's go out and buy a tarot deck. I have to say right off the bat, that advice, if it's that severe, is questionable. But. No, please, please go on.

[F]

So, yeah, so I guess a little backstory. When I was little, you know, my dad would like catch me like talking to somebody in my room and ask me who I was talking to and I'd be like, oh, I'm talking to Jesus. Or like, I would point out a picture of like Mother Mary on the wall and say I was talking to her. And at that point in my life, I was really young. I don't remember how old I was, but I was like, this was way before any religion was really induced introduced into my life. So, you know, every time my dad tells me that story, it's, you know, it does set me back a little bit. Especially now because I. I do have some like, religious trauma. I won't go into that, but I

[B]

still am not really deconstruct that. I'm just kidding. Was it the taste of the host that you didn't like or.

[F]

Yeah, yeah, those, those wafers, man, they're terrible.

[B]

I've never, I've never tried it. I've always wanted to. They should sell those like an. I'd buy them. They look good for dipping, then crispy. Sorry, go ahead and free.

[A]

You cannot put the body of Christ in a guacamole or tahini, my brother.

[B]

I don't remember reading that in the Old Testament.

[A]

If you don't believe it, you don't want to mess with that. You don't want to mess with that.

[B]

A good dipper is a good dipper as far as I'm concerned.

[A]

I do wonder if, if la. If L A Catholic churches are doing like a gluten free one these days. People can't do gluten locally.

[B]

This is farm to table host wafer and.

[A]

Oh yeah. Oh yeah. And I remember like there's this.

[F]

People would eat that up, quite literally.

[A]

Oh yeah. Where you have to finish the wine. And there were a couple of priests in Catholic school that really did enjoy finishing that bit of wine.

[B]

Yeah, I bet. Oh, Yeah, I bet. It's all about.

[F]

Oh, yeah, yeah. So I recently. The reason I wrote in was because I had, like, this really weird dream. My grandfather, who passed away about five years ago, like, came to me in a dream, and it was like. It was unrelated to the dream itself, but he was. He just came up to me, not, like, aggressive, but, like, firm, and was like. He said, stop thinking about it. Just do it. And he kept saying it to me, like, over and over and over again. And I. I truly don't know what it means, what it's pertaining to. And that experience in itself is just kind of like, made me want to get back into, like, my spiritual practices on doing my tarot daily like I used to and stuff like that. So I guess my question is, I. Can you help me deconstruct that code and. Or give me advice as to kind of how to get back into the swing of things, get back in touch with the spiritual realm?

[B]

Well, the first thing that comes to my mind is that Grandpa said, just do it. And that would say to me, go out and buy a pair of Nikes,

[A]

because he's not selling you stuff in dreams.

[B]

Look, I don't know. I mean, like, he's giving up the popular slogans of all time. I mean, like, you know, was Grandpa. Did he work in Madison Avenue?

[C]

Just.

[B]

Just curious.

[F]

No, he was. He was a chef. He traveled, like, up and down the east coast doing all sorts of stuff.

[A]

We know Grandpa's cool then. And I personally believe, like, you already talking about the stuff as a kid. I believe if you want to get closest to whatever the great beyond is higher power, talk to a kid, talk to a young one, because they have not had it taken out of them yet and told that that's crazy. And, you know, there's. There's a lot of very rational people. Like, my dad's an engineer. But some of the stuff he would say as a kid is jarring. And I think my dad has some extra sensory stuff. So I would, first off, believe you're close to the source. And there's no better way to get that. Being close to the source, Tara, is scared out of you as someone that's been there than a Catholic upbringing. They're not big on that. A lot of places I went to the Jesuits, which are a little more left of center, a little more open to that stuff. But I would certainly say for you, you already know that the veil is thin with you and you're close. And it sounds like from this tarot reading, you had a Good old time. And also got some good advice. And, Steve, I'm just gonna throw this out there. I'm curious your opinion. I absolutely believe our loved ones can visit us in dreams. I have felt visited by dreams. I believe in what David lynch said. If we live inside a dream, and I think that energy is alive and the easiest, best place for them to visit. And it looks like here, giving credible life advice was in a dream.

[B]

Mm. Mm.

[A]

What do you think, Steven?

[B]

I mean, I believe her grandfather talked to her.

[A]

Damn it.

[B]

I mean, like, I. I mean, I'll be. I'll be honest.

[A]

I.

[B]

You know, it's not. I mean, like, I think it's however you wish to interpret it.

[F]

Sure.

[B]

You know, like, I dreams. Like, I've been visited by Steve Malkmus of Pavement in my dreams. But I don't think, you know, it means anything more than I think about him a lot in his music, if I'm being honest. That's my personal interpretation. But Eric might be right. Maybe, like, the dream world is kind of like this, like, third place where, you know, disincarnate or, you know, dead. The. The dead, or how we perceive the dead can commune with people. That is very possible. But I mean, again, it's a. It's just a guess, right? So I'm also not, like, I love Carl Jung, but I'm not into dream interpretation. I think there's a huge margin for error. And sometimes people interpret dreams and take them a little too seriously, kind of removing them from reality. And I think it can be slightly harmful to one's life if they take their dreams a little too seriously. Like, look, Floyd was limited. I mean, you know, like, you know, I don't know how much you've dug into psychoanalysis and dream interpretation, but it's full of holes to me. So I hear you. Maybe it is a way to. If you was literally your grandpa's spirit. Or maybe it's just you. You projecting, you missing your grandpa, and he is, like, kind of just like this archetype in your head that is pushing you forward. However, the just do it message is the most interesting part to me. Is there something in your life that you have been kind of in the middle where you're like, I want to do this, but it's scary, and I could fail. Like, is there something going on in your life that you want to, like, evolve in? Is there a place that you're looking to. To find progression?

[F]

I mean, yes, there's probably too many to count, to be completely honest with you. You know, I'm in the process of trying to build a house with my husband. I, you know, I want to get back into doing my art. I want to, you know, I've pursued stand up a little bit. You know, there's still a lot of things that I want to, like, grow and continue in, but I find myself kind of making excuses all the time. I mean, and I think that's something my grandfather would not stand for.

[A]

Well, you know, right there, whether Steve and I can get a pissing match over whether we believe in Young or Freud. I personally think Freud probably just had an incredibly attractive mom and tried to work from there. Yeah, that's my guess. Also, Steve, you dreaming about Malcolm? I would love to try to get Malcolm on, because he's like, I have no idea why I keep having these dream interactions with this giant guy, and he just wants to talk about pasta. I've never met him, but he's like, I get him there. I'm like, what do you want? What do you seek? And he's like, dude, this lasagna is ridiculous. So I think we, you know, whether Steve's right or I'm right, and perhaps I'm a little more spiritual and Steve comes from another way. Let's focus on that message. Yeah. And it's not like you're sitting here right now saying, oh, well, I don't know what he could have meant. I don't have anything I want to do. You already know you want to be focusing, you want to be doing your art, but you're holding back a little bit, and you're holding back on your standup. The other thing I will recommend, it's cliche, it's trite, but it helped me an incredible amount. Have you ever done the artist's way? The artist, Celia, the artist's way? I think it is made for you, and you will jump in there. It has all this work. Like, you will do morning pages, and it will be like, stuff will come out. And I'll be like, there's. There's nothing. I don't have anything to get out. Then I'll be in my page two at morning pages. Like, I can't believe my high school PE Teacher made me run with a broken foot. That son of a bitch. I was wrong. Now my metatarsal still hurts. And it's from Mr. Binkowski. And I'm like, oh, I guess I did have a wee bit of resentment. And then you will go on artist date, which is, I think, something that Steve already naturally does, but you go by yourself. So when I go to these crazy concerts by myself, or I went this week to watch Shoi Ohtani pitch, I'm like, this is an artist date. I'm watching the greatest artist ever. His easel is a baseball. But get this book, the artist date. It's Julia Cameron. Is her name artist way or the artist dates? Sorry. The artist's way and artist date is part of it. But it is a roadmap to kind of unlocking and unblocking stuff that's keeping you from really pursuing your art. And I think if you get the artist's way, you're gonna. You're gonna make your grandpa happy and. And he'll come to you and dreams in a nice way and share, like, stroganoff recipes instead of. Because, you know, you got to sing your song in this life.

[F]

Yes, absolutely. You know, I have a family cookbook that he's written, and, you know, every time I cook, you know, I. I definitely, like, feel him there with me because I learned everything from him and my dad, who learned from him as well.

[B]

Cecilia, if I. If I'm. If I may take the conch for a moment, I'm going to say something. 1. I would say, start making one of Grandpa's recipes once a week. Wow. I don't think with getting in touch with spiritualism. I oftentimes think tarot cards, divining rods and all these things. These kind of, like, tools of divination are. I don't think there's anything really to them other than, like, getting out of your way and promoting ideas. I don't think you need it. I think going, like, a much more direct way of, like, these were written by my grandpa. I'm going to make these with love and then eat them. But I would also say, and I'm being serious here, I'm big into symbology. He said, just do it. You know what I would do tomorrow? I'm not even joking. I would go out and buy a really fun pair of Nikes. Not like some. Not. Not. I'm not joking. I would go out and buy practice, not practical ones. So maybe like, vintage retro ones. You're like, ooh, this is a little young for me, but I'm going with it. I don't care if they're bright red and people look at me funny. I'm going to wear these. These are a symbol of me just doing it and pushing forward. I would get these Nikes. And first off, when your feet feel good, when you feel comfortable in the shoes you are, you're Unstoppable. I'm. I'm a big believer in spending money on good footwear. It starts with the feet, babe.

[F]

Same.

[B]

It starts with the feet, Eric. Right? I mean, come on.

[A]

I would say New Balance is made in the great Northeast by American craftsmen artisans. I personally, for a large man, prefer New Balance to Nike. But I think take the just do it message and get a pair of New Balance maybe, or get some Nikes. They're made by some super nice 8 and 9 year olds in China. Support them and their work and what they're doing with their tiny fingers. Why not? But, you know, I do. If. Gun to my head, I prefer my shoes made by adults in America that have a free will and a choice.

[D]

Not me.

[B]

I like children making money.

[A]

I love the idea that her grandpa's like, Don Draper coming in a dream. Like, this is what I want you to buy now.

[B]

I swear to God, I. I mean, like, I would take it. I would take it literally, and I would. I would. Look, here's what. Here's where we're saying, I think you have to get new shoes tomorrow. And I think they got to be fun. Fun shoes that are reminder of, hey, those little things I've learned to do in my life. Look down at your shoes and those shoes were reminders. Like, no, I'm going to hop to it with a. With a little.

[F]

I think my version of that. So my. My grandfather was kind of. He was kind of a. Like a northeast cowboy. And.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Yes.

[F]

My junior prom, he. He wore bolo ties. And so I think that I've been wanting a killer bolo tie forever. And I think that's.

[A]

Yes.

[F]

My version is I need to get a bolo tie.

[B]

You. You need to get one. You need to get one yesterday. This is top priority for you tomorrow. And also, like, go and get a bolo tie with your husband. Incorporate a fun lunch in there and, like, have him get one to wear him the rest of the day. I mean, that. That is. That is going to bring you towards a spiritual connection with your grandfather. More than a deck of tarot cards, more than going to see a psychic or anything like that.

[F]

Maybe I have an appointment.

[B]

Maybe this is just my.

[A]

Do you really. I support that. And I also support you getting a bolo tie with a nice old geode on it. Some turquoise, some red coral, some on it. You have earned it. And like, I. All this is great advice. I think if you get that artist's way, it's a first glorious step. And for anyone else listening, it really does we all. I have fears about doing creative stuff. The Artist's Way is a glorious midwife to getting that stuff out of there. And I think you'll be loving it. Yeah, I truly do. I truly do, truly do. But get that bolo tattoo. If you want to get Steve's Nikes, go ahead.

[B]

And if you really want to jump, if none of these work, you can always go take 3.5 grams of dried, you know what, and like brother Terrence McKenna would say, Go to a forest and scream into the void. We all get some answers real fast.

[A]

Former stoner. Wake that up in you.

[F]

Yeah, I know. I. I used to do an annual trip every year, if you know what I mean. So I think I've got to carve out some time this summer to do that.

[A]

Well, there are incredible mushrooms you can find. You don't need to be on all fours and get a tick on your nether regions like poor Stevie Berg did.

[B]

Yeah, well, yeah.

[A]

I don't know. Are you feeling better about this? Like, I think Steve and I maybe have different perspectives on this. I'm more tied in with some of the hippie, dippy spiritual stuff. But I think you're getting the best of both worlds with us on this. But number one for you, I think your grandfather is visiting you, sending a message. Sue me, Steven.

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think the first way for you to just do it, rather than some shoes made by children, get that book the Artist's Way and see where you go from there.

[B]

Yeah, I like it.

[F]

Absolutely.

[B]

And that's a fine book. That's worked for a lot of people I know.

[F]

And I also wanted to say, so I'm a blue collar girly, and I was out today and I got some fresh rhubarb from someone's garden, and I thought you guys would eat that. I'm going to.

[B]

I love a rhubarb pie. I love a rhubarb pie.

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, good.

[B]

Yeah. You know, I am very. And I'm very serious. The thing that I like, my biggest takeaway is start making your grandfather's recipes. I love that he made it. And that was his art. And art is my spiritualism. That, that's, that's. That's the mode of transportation for me to commune with the weird world of the weird. And so I think make, make, make Grandpa's recipes. Invite people over and share these recipes and share this cooking.

[F]

I do. So starting about three years ago, I started hosting a massive friendsgiving. And every year it grows and grows, and that's One of my ways of kind of connecting with my grandfather because I love to cook. I mean, I. Last year we had almost 20 people, and I did everything.

[B]

That's a. That's very impressive.

[A]

This. Friends giving. You're gonna have a bunch of recipes from your grandfather.

[B]

Hold on.

[A]

I'm also hearing a weird transmission.

[D]

This is.

[A]

This is weird coming in. Some voice is telling me to watch the Burrows on Netflix streaming now. So I don't know. I don't know if that's one of your loved ones or one of Steve's, but please watch the television show.

[B]

And it's coming from. Hold on. Wait, wait, wait, wait. My transmission saying the same thing is coming from Charles Manson. Charlie Manson.

[A]

Oh, God. Charles Manson saying, watch the finale of Ghosts starring Steve Bird wearing a wardrobe I will never be cool enough to wear. All right, we're gonna listen to your grandfather, not Manson.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

On this day, we're not listening to Manson. We're not listening to Koresh. We're listening to your grandfather. And please do check back in with us because I. I think this was the first glorious nudge to you singing your song and pursuing this artistic life and it. Making some incredible recipes. And I'm proud of Steve that we didn't go off on a 25 minute tangent on food.

[B]

And your grandfather, I'm trying to get better.

[A]

He cooking in that kitchen. Was there a little bit of eggplant? And what are you doing with this rhubarb? So we thank you, and as you know, you're our friend now. You're stuck with us. So please keep checking in. We want to hear how this goes artist's way.

[F]

Absolutely.

[B]

And also, while Eric's not listening, get yourself a pair of Nikes. Nice retro ones. Ones you don't think are cool enough to wear.

[F]

If you saw the extensive shoe collection I had, you would steer me the complete opposite direction.

[B]

One more pair ain't going to kill you because these have different tensions behind them.

[F]

Husband will die.

[A]

Just a metaphor.

[F]

Avalanche of shoes.

[A]

Yeah, just do something else.

[B]

Give me a call. I'll talk him down. I'll talk him down, whatever his name is. Hey, don't look. She wants some new shoes, she's gonna get some new shoes. Okay. All right, Cecilia. Great. Thanks for calling in, sister. Best of luck. And I can't wait to take some pictures and send some of the recipes you make, would you? So I can. So I can add them to my files. All right, sister. Act Part 2. Have a great one.

[F]

Thank you. You guys, too.

[E]

This Episode of the Pod is brought to you by Quince. If you're wondering who makes the shirt I'm wearing right now, if you're going, Whoa. JKJ's arms and shoulders and chest look slimish, but his arms look bigish and

[A]

his shoulders look thick.

[C]

Ish.

[E]

Oh, it's cuz of quints.

[D]

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[D]

They make it too easy to seem real and professional. That's. That's their problem because we all. Many of our pitches on we're here to help are, hey, we could just make a Squarespace site. Places for merge, places for videos. They help you with the SEO tools. Yes, I know what that's like. Stands for all these things. If you want your website to look legitimate, you want people to take you Seriously, Squarespace. I'll never stop working with and using Squarespace.

[E]

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[A]

Hello, caller. Welcome to Weird. Here to help with the great Steve Berg and myself, Eric Edelstein. What is your name or fake name and where are you calling from, caller?

[C]

My name is Aaron Erdman, and I'm calling from Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.

[A]

Oh, a fellow E. There's magic in those two initials, Aaron.

[C]

Well, I know because you addressed me directly in the live chat recently.

[A]

Oh, my God. It's like you've graduated. You've gone from the live chat. People commenting in live chats.

[E]

We'll.

[A]

We'll bring you in. You can be a caller. Little, little. Just jumping off that diving board. So, Aaron, you know the drill. We would love to get an even better sense of you beyond the live chat. Please give us your favorite music album, your favorite book, and your favorite movie or premium television show, and I will harshly judge all. Okay, well, you will too.

[B]

Just kidding. I won't.

[C]

And that's okay.

[B]

I'm not kidding.

[C]

I'm gonna go in a different order. I'll start with book.

[B]

Love it.

[C]

I would say Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, an incredible Japanese author.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

I've always had him recommended to me. I should. This is a sign I need to finally do it. People have told me I would love him.

[C]

It's just one of those books you'd want to have with you. But additionally, then, for album, I would go with Naturally by JJ Kale as an album.

[A]

I love JJ Kale. So much glory.

[B]

Great pick. Great pick.

[C]

Absolutely.

[A]

Oh, that is awesome.

[C]

And for TV show, I would go with Law and Order. Svu.

[B]

Hell, yeah.

[A]

There you go. Did you see me have a child in a cage?

[C]

Aaron, I did see you have a child in a cage, but I would have picked that regardless.

[B]

Oh, bless your heart.

[C]

There's a reason. There's a reason for this. It's because there's so many episodes per season and there's so many seasons that by the time you get through the end of it, you can start it over and you've forgotten everything and you can just have the experience all over again.

[B]

Now, what is svu? Is that Sex? Sexual Victim Unit? What does that mean?

[A]

Special Victims Unit. But basically.

[B]

Sorry, I thought.

[A]

No, but it is that.

[B]

It is.

[A]

It is. Of the yeah, it is.

[B]

Yeah. Okay.

[F]

It's.

[C]

It's Special Victims Unit. So it's like his elderly children, you know, women, etc.

[B]

God, something dark and scary, man.

[A]

It is. I'll be honest. It's a little. It's a little dark. I prefer. I actually prefer the original Law and Order, and I go way, way back with that with Michael Moriarty. Jerry Orbach was not putting baby in a corner. No, this isn't. This is a pro or box show

[B]

friend of the show. Friend of the show, friend of the show.

[A]

But also, say SVU was a very kind and nice set, and everyone just seems to love Mariska Hargitay. So I think you picked a very good one there. And maybe sometime and come back as a detective, not have a child in a cage. A boy can dream. So, Aaron, what is going on today and how can we help you? We already know we're locked in with Murakami, J.J. kale. Like, this is. We're deeply in the Oklahoma unconscious.

[B]

You're grooving.

[E]

Come on.

[B]

You're batting. You're batting.300 right now.

[C]

So we will start with the actual problem, and then we'll go back in time, please. So the problem is that due to magical, mystical, ethereal reasons, my across the street neighbors have decided that they don't like me. And I'm afraid that they hate me. And maybe they're justified in this.

[F]

What?

[C]

Maybe they are. But we will have to go back in time to kind of evaluate the situation.

[B]

Wait, wait. Before we do that, Eric, do you want to do the back in time noise for us? And now I'm there.

[A]

Now I'm further back in time to the life of Aaron Erdman popping a cork in Champagne, Illinois.

[C]

So I adopted a second cat, Indoor cat.

[B]

Love it.

[C]

And the across the street neighbors have an outdoor cat that's very Voldemortian, so

[A]

to say, darker energy. Okay, yeah. That exists in the cat.

[C]

So that cat came and started banging on the windows. And have you guys heard of redirected aggression before?

[B]

Oh, no, Steve, No. Break that down for me really quick. Is it just like it? We get to learn it's got beef, but it's taking it out on you, even though you're not the person who, like, is causing the problem.

[C]

It's kind of like that. But basically it's like, because there's an outdoor cat that the indoor elderly cat cannot access and fight, it attacks the baby kitten.

[B]

Oh, shit.

[C]

And so I got really upset, and I will fully admit to you guys that I was not very judicious and calm in my response. So I just sent a very kind of aggro email to my across the street neighbors saying that, you know, hey, guys, I don't. I would like for you to keep this cat inside. And so they did, and they gave me very justifiable reasons for why the cat gets outside. And we don't have to go into that. But now we're fast forwarding two years from this moment and a magical black cat appears in our driveway. And I named it Raul because our eldest cat just sits in the window and just goes, raoul.

[B]

Oh, that's cute.

[C]

And we just named the cat Raul. So she didn't really touch me or anything. But then six months later, after feeding her and watering her, she comes to me looking like a full balloon on stilts. And she was fully pregnant. She then disappeared for a period of time and then walked me a month later to the kittens. All five were black. And it was the most magical thing I've ever experienced.

[B]

Oh, we're looking at pity. Oh, my God, I'm dying.

[A]

He wants one. He wants one, Aaron in one of those cats and a trail lasagna. He'll be fine.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[C]

Do you believe that?

[A]

Can you not believe it?

[B]

They're absolutely gorgeous. I. Oh. Oh, okay. Okay. Yes. These guys are wonderful.

[A]

You got them now, Aaron. Anyway, Steve's in, so they're.

[C]

They're. They are wonderful. And so basically we were debating what to do. Like, so we adopted four of them out to our dear friends. We had to keep one. Yes, we had to keep one. But our dear friends have the rest of them, you know, so we can get pictures. We make annual calendars. We have a Steve Berg Raul's children calendar.

[F]

All right.

[B]

By the way, by the way, this is the absolute best scenario for litter kittens. There is potential that you can still have family reunions even. I mean, this is exactly how the best scenario ever, that you give them to friends who you trust and love. Like, this is such a wonderful story. Okay, So I hope there's not like a dark caveat to this. There is, isn't there?

[C]

There is no caveat.

[A]

Oh, thank God. Is that he was worried.

[C]

No, it's okay. Anyway, so we kept one of them, but we then had Raul the mother captured, spayed, and re released. They deemed her too feral to be like, readopted or relocated, right? So they wanted her to be back in our yard. And I can't bring her in because my oldest cat will not accept that

[B]

reality in the home and also a feral cat is not. They're not usually equipped to deal with, like, you know, indoor hospitality because they're wild. I take care of. I take care of an outdoor cat myself. And like, every once in a while, it'll, like, jump at the windows and try to attack my cats through the windows.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I mean, it doesn't know better. It's just trying to play, you know, but it, like, my end of my little. My little yuppie cats are like, all like, oh, God.

[A]

Yuppie Cats is a great punk band name.

[B]

It really is.

[A]

I would watch them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Especially if they're 80s.

[C]

You should start that band.

[B]

Steve, Eric and I are booking studio time. Right.

[A]

Done. Right now. We got an EP coming out by the end of the day. John Densworth, thank you for setting us on this thing. Yeah, John Densworth is playing bongos.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

Yuppie cats. Anyway, so basically, Raul, after getting re. Released, started following me.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I have no freedom. I can't go on long walks. She just is my familiar at this point, you know, and so she has chosen me as a person.

[D]

Right.

[C]

So she just follows me everywhere.

[B]

Lucky.

[C]

Like, the kittens are all fine. Everything is fine. But now the across the street neighbors who I scolded for letting their cat outside, now they hate me. And they, honestly, I think they're afraid of me. They literally. Because I wear black naturally. Like, not gothic clothing, but just regular black clothing.

[B]

It's slimming. It looks good. Everyone wins on a black outfit.

[A]

I get it. I look 15 pounds lighter right now.

[C]

I just want to find a way to become. To find peace with them. Because I don't think it's just that they're mad at me because now I have this outdoor cat that follows me everywhere, and I force them to put their cat inside.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

But now there's this cat that follows me everywhere, and I look like a witch.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Which is cool. Which is one of the best kind of goth. This is why you're one of our listeners and we're happy to have you. I would say out the gate. Steve, Aaron, this is an incredible invitation for you to muster the greatest apology you've ever given.

[B]

That's exactly right.

[A]

And I feel like in this crazy era now, an apology, a truly great apology, warms people's souls like never before because there's so much lying and gaslighting and all this other stuff. And when people give an apology, it's like, well, I'm sorry if you were offended, or I'm sorry If you, you have to acknowledge what you did wrong and then repair, right? And like, otherwise this turns into the Real Housewives of Champaign, Illinois. But like, you know, you can even say, like, I realize what I asked you to do. Now I have an outdoor cat. I feel like a giant hypocrite. I don't feel like a great neighbor. I really want to be friends with you and this is all on me. Even if it. You don't feel like it's all on you, you're going to go leaps and bounds above with apology and like, maybe, and I think Steve will take over a handwritten apology and perhaps a baked good.

[B]

A baked good. A pie. Probably not.

[A]

I hate to say this, Aaron, if they're scared of you, it's gonna have to be a sealed bake.

[B]

It's gonna have to be sealed from a well known.

[A]

From a well known place or like a coffee shop or something like that so they know, like, you're not putting tryptophan or potassium chloride or something in the baked good. But like, I think this is.

[C]

If you just. You're giving me a heart attack. That they're that afraid of me.

[A]

I'm sure they're not. It's a comedy podcast. Don't you worry now. But I think the thing for you is you just because you know, you're clearly such a cool person and you don't want to have your neighbors not cool. But I think it's going to take an over the top apology acknowledging wrongness and know when there should be. I'm sorry if you. If this apology is only about you and you can even acknowledge the elven room. Like, I can't believe I made you bring your cat inside. And now there's this cat. Could you also say it's totally cool if you have your cat outside Now I realize you broke it, you bought it, and we're now cats outside people. Would you feel comfortable with that?

[C]

I would totally feel comfortable with that.

[A]

Oh, you're awesome.

[C]

For the first, for the first time today I saw Voldemort outside today.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Three years.

[A]

Yeah. And like, I'm sure they're like doing a soft. A soft open of Voldemort outside and be like, all these outdoor cats are going to need to learn along. Guess what? Metaphor City, population two. So are the people. Everybody's going to be outside and learn to get along. And I think, Aaron, I know you can give an A plus 10 out of 10 apology and I think that's what you start with here. Steven, my brother, what do you think,

[B]

Eric, I don't have many notes because that's exactly where my head was. Like, if you feel like you're causing disharmony in your neighborhood for a neighbor, it's like, you have to be the one to rectify that. And especially since you recognize that you asked them to bring their cat inside years ago and now you've seen the light and that cats should be able to roam free in the neighborhood if they. If they want to. You know, animals first, human second. We. We. We. We should be. Their needs are much more important, I think. Now there's merch. Let's say. Let's say the apology doesn't work and the neighbors are rude, and they're like, f off, man. Like, you know, you. Blah, blah, then it's time to fight fire with fire. And that's going to mean you get some of your friends together. You get black robes. You have a giant. Like, you have a giant boombox.

[A]

You crank up none of this.

[B]

Danzig's mother. And you play it real loud.

[A]

My friend is mentally ill. Please don't play it real loud.

[B]

And maybe burn a pentagram and middle of their yard and like, hey, man, I tried to apologize to you. I tried to make things right. I brought you a baked good from Little Mary's Pie Shop, and you threw it in my face. Now you're getting the Glenn Danzig treatment, pal, and it's not gonna stop. We'll start with Danzig. Then we'll start getting Norwegian black metal, and you'll really be sorry then.

[A]

Okay? Right now, Aaron, do you feel.

[C]

It's an idea.

[A]

Do you feel this weight you have on each of your shoulders now? An angel and a devil.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I say listen to me. Listen to the angel.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Glenn Danzig also alienated his neighbors in Los Feliz. It's very well known.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I think we're not going to get to pentagrams and Danzig. I think you're going to give an A plus apology, and we're going to begin repair, and you're going to. I think you're going to have a nice relationship with these folks.

[D]

I do, too.

[B]

I think.

[A]

And it's an A. But. But the backup plan, it's solid, right?

[B]

Give me that.

[A]

Isn't it illegal to burn a pentagram in the yard? I mean, not in my America.

[B]

Not in my America, baby.

[A]

No. Champagne, Illinois. I bet it's very illegal to burn a pentagram, Steven.

[B]

Probably not.

[F]

It.

[B]

Look, it's not up to. It's not up to code. That's. That's for sure.

[A]

Should we all be playing a little bit more Glenn, who's now going around crooning Elvis songs?

[B]

Sure. Yeah.

[A]

I have no beef with that part of it. But I apologize going to work because it's not going to be one of those shitty apologies we get where the all the fights on Housewives start is not a good apology. So you're not gonna say I'm sorry. If you're gonna. You're gonna muster an A plus apology. And I think repair is gonna begin. And you're gonna bring an incredible sealed baked good. And you know what? Every so often, leave that house in a fun multicolored moomoo.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It doesn't always have to be black. Get in touch with. We're all in touch with our cosmic, divine, feminine, masculine black colors. You know, just because we're in this new era of repair with you, don't go witch every day. I would also say as slender izing as black is. And I'm wearing it right now and I'll wear it tonight. Black jeans. But I mean, I look. I can get away of eating so many more eggs. I feel great, Steve.

[B]

I feel great. Yeah, you.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You know, look good. Feel good. Eric. And you're feeling the right.

[A]

I'm trying, Aaron. Thank you.

[B]

Do I wish the mustache was back? Yes, but we'll talk about that when

[A]

I'm looking at it now. I miss it a lot. I made a mistake. I apologizing to you.

[F]

Ste.

[A]

Aaron and Wendy, if you want Jake and Garrett, the mustache should still be here.

[B]

It should. It should. We all know that. Now, if you wanted to have a little bit of fun and start the whole, like, overture of apology, like, kind of in a fun, like, misdirect ride over there on a broom, put a broom between your legs and jog over to your neighbors and say, I was just kidding. You must think I'm a witch. Huh? Like, confuse them a little bit and say, sorry, this is a bad joke that my friend Steve Bird told me to do. But it might work. It might.

[A]

Steve, I don't hate. You're leaning into it.

[B]

Yeah, I think, like. Like, let's have fun. If they perceive you as a witch, let them enjoy that perception and then disarm them because it's a bit. And you all start off with a laugh like, God, wasn't that crazy. I was in a weird place two years ago, and I don't think I understood the needs of a true outdoor cat. And boy, have I seen the way I have learned more about the Feline and feline culture and just say like, I love that.

[A]

You know, it really is so good. Steve, what the hell? You could sell like apology letters to people.

[B]

Well, I do.

[C]

Hey, Steve, I have a question for you in terms of culinary advice because we have a wonderful Mexican bakery.

[B]

God, I love. First off, I love. Oh, there it is. This is gonna shock you, but I love a Mexican bakery.

[C]

So they make this incredible, like tres leches, you know?

[B]

I know what you're talking about.

[A]

Oh, yeah, that's three milks, Eric.

[B]

That's three milks.

[A]

Moist inside. I love it.

[C]

You can't have it.

[A]

Oh, I wish I could, but I

[B]

wish I could describe it to them very.

[A]

There is a vegan Mexican bakery that's

[C]

dairy free, so maybe a small little cake. It doesn't have to be big. I don't want to go too big. Medium, right?

[B]

No one needs a lot of cake. You just need a little bit of cake and just.

[C]

He just on a broom.

[B]

I first, I think if you bring over a small trace lashes case. Right. Cake. Riding a broom. You're. You just became my hero sister. Like, I mean, that is like if some, if my neighbor who I. Look, I've had beef with neighbors before. Never. And honestly, like, I'm a great neighbor, man. I'm a Midwest kid. I'm always so fucking sweet. But like, I've had neighbors who are just rude. Like awful, awful people playing like Red Hot Chili Peppers really loud. Like, come on. Like, I don't need to hear Anthony fucking Kiedis through my window at night. Like, give me a break.

[A]

No, no, that's.

[F]

That's.

[A]

You can throw hands if someone's blasting Kiedis. I'm sorry, yeah.

[B]

Like, no offense, you read our chili pepper fans, but I don't need to hear that. But I do think leaning into like whatever their perception of you is, disarming them with that perception, I think is such a fun way to start off this apology.

[C]

To be joke, to be joking.

[A]

I think. Wait on the broom. I know it's funny. I would wait on the broom and I would go over there earnest in a multicolored moomoo and a tres leches cake and an incredible handwritten apology note. I know you can summit. Take some of what Steve just said because that was perfect. And it's. It's not going to be anything on them any. But you did do this.

[C]

I have three mumu's.

[A]

Oh, see?

[C]

Three.

[A]

See my wife and her, she's like, what should I wear to this event? I'm Like a moomoo. Yeah, she's got.

[B]

It always works.

[A]

She's like the. She's like Mrs. Furley on Three's Company. And it's a classic, iconic look, especially if I'm dressed in black. It's the cosmic counter.

[F]

I feel.

[C]

I feel very grateful for this advice, and I will certainly get back to you guys, but I do have one question for Steve, if that's okay.

[B]

Please shoot away. Go for it, sister.

[C]

I owned a coffee shop here in town for the last 10 years. I just closed it.

[B]

But that's a good run, though.

[C]

Yeah, a poster just showed up for a Phoebe Bridgers show.

[B]

Yeah, I love Phoebe Bridgers.

[C]

And when I did the deep dive on it, it said that she was only going to locations that there was extraterrestrial or cryptid history.

[A]

What?

[B]

That's wonderful.

[C]

So I was just wondering if you had any insight about the extraterrestrial cryptid history of, like, Central Illinois.

[A]

What?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes, you should ask. Here we go. I'm going to go put a lasagna in the oven. I'll be 30 minutes, so come back

[B]

in about two and a half hours. Eric, I'm going to be talking for a little while, but I didn't know

[A]

Phoebe was cool like that. And I'm a fan, so I'm on her side against Ryan Adams, by the way.

[C]

She started in New Mexico, obviously.

[B]

Look, look, look, look. As we all know, in 1973, it was the year of the humanoid, and Central Illinois was having a lot of ufological activity. And we're not just talking about little gray aliens, purple fuzzballs floating off a saucer. Little, like, tiny blue people. Like, I mean, like, it was a. Just a salad bar of diversity, which is. It was such a fun time.

[A]

70s UFOs, salad bar of diversity.

[B]

It was. It was.

[A]

So many people say, no, I think. I think it's. That's merch. I think that's outstanding.

[B]

I love.

[A]

Long story medium. Yes, there was some paranormal activity in Illinois. That's why Phoebe's dialed in. And also, Aaron, you should go see Phoebe and perhaps invite your neighbors, because I think you're about to have a couple new friends. I really believe that. You know, as always, we want to hear where this goes next. We'll see you in the live chats.

[B]

But.

[A]

And we would also love to see a copy of the apology letter, if that's cool. And you know what? I'd also say, since part of who you are is coffee with that baked good. Give them a pound of beans. Yeah, give Them a pound of. Everybody loves that feeling of a pound of beans. And we're going to start to have repair and friends. And all these cats are getting along. All these humans are getting along. And we're really glad you called in today, Aaron.

[B]

Yeah, we are. We are. And I see Phoebe Bridgers is in Omaha, AKA Emoja, quite a bit because she's really good friends with Connor Oberst, and he lives in my neighborhood, and, you know, they make great albums together. And I think, you know, he kind of brought Phoebe to the forefront. I believe he somewhat discovered her. So she's got an Omaha connection. So of course, she's okay in my book. And of course, she's a UFO cryptid head. This all checks out well.

[C]

Hey, I'm gonna. I'm gonna let you guys. I'm gonna let you guys go. And, hey, Eric, you ruled as a bad guy, so. Steve, you're the best person ever. You inspired my calendar for the cats of Raul.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

And I will check back in with you guys after I make peace with my neighbors.

[A]

I love it. And on behalf of the Burger Burroughs, I want to apologize for the Phoebe Bridgers joke that the great Dennis o' Hare makes in there. Phoebe catches a stray, but it's only because his character's catty like that. Everybody at the boroughs loves Phoebe Bridgers. Aliens. We love you, Aaron. And let us see the draft of that apology as soon as it's done. But I believe repair starts today.

[B]

And do me. Do me one favor, Aaron. Have the best weekend of your life.

[A]

Please do.

[C]

You, too.

[A]

Yes. Weird Here to Help is hosted by Eric Edelstein and Steve Berg. If you'd like to be on the show, please email us your question at weird heretohelpmail.com.

[F]

hey, everyone, this is Whitney and Alexaan, aka the Popcorn Queen and King.

[E]

Hey, guys.

[A]

We just wanted to thank you so much for all the love and support

[B]

you've shown our family.

[A]

As many of you know from episodes 224 and 231, we're navigating Alexa's second kidney transplant journey. And that journey has really inspired us to create the Arana Kidney Recovery Foundation.

[F]

That's right.

[A]

The foundation helps transplant families with everyday expenses during recovery so they could focus

[F]

on what's most important. Healing.

[A]

Now, whether it's lodging, transportation, groceries, or other essential expenses, we're here to help lighten the load. If you'd like to support our mission,

[F]

you can learn more or donate at a R a n a krf.org that's aranakrf.org thank you so much for being

[C]

such an incredible community.

[A]

And thank you for always being there to help. Hi, I am Mandy Moore.

[B]

Sterling K. Brown.

[A]

And I'm Chris Sullivan. And we host the podcast that was us now on Headgum. Each episode we're gonna go into a deep dive from our show.

[D]

This is us.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

We're gonna go episode by episode. We're also gonna episodes with different guest

[F]

stars and writers and casting directors.

[A]

Are we gonna cry? Yes, a little bit. Are we gonna laugh a lot?

[C]

A whole lot.

[B]

That's what I'm hoping, man. Listen to that. Was us on your favorite podcast app. Or watch full video episodes on YouTube or Spotify. New episodes every Tuesday.

[A]

Hello, I'm Johnny Knoxville.

[B]

And I'm Jeff Tremaine.

[A]

Welcome to Jackass the Podcast, a new show coming to, coming to.

[B]

That's what it is.

[A]

Hello, I'm Johnny Knoxville.

[B]

And I'm Jeff Tremaine.

[A]

Welcome to Jackass the Podcast, a new show now on Headgum.

[B]

Woo hoo.

[E]

Woo.

[B]

I've learned a Jackass movie has to be really 90 minutes.

[A]

Every minute over is a minute to go. Apparently, there's only so much butthole you can take. We're gonna take you behind the scenes of our entire history. All the best bits, best bad behavior, and even worse decisions. All of it. Sometimes we don't make the right decisions.

[F]

Jeff.

[B]

I've noticed that every every so often

[A]

with guests like Spike Jones.

[B]

I think let's commit to Jackass the Podcast. What was it going to be called? The Jackass Podcast. Jackass Podcast. Without you, the IQ drops significantly.

[F]

Steve O.

[A]

There's a strong chance that were it

[C]

not for Jackass, that I would be

[A]

in clown makeup right this minute. Chris Pontius, that shot of your butt just cruising up, I'm like, yeah, I

[B]

got that on tv.

[A]

God bless Dave England.

[B]

Yeah, when you come in and you're being really nice, like, damn it, something bad's gonna happen to me.

[A]

Wee Man Jeff grabbed me from the back of the head and threw a punch.

[B]

The whole bar just stopped and wanted

[A]

to kill me and some of the crew that's been with us from the beginning.

[B]

I had to share a room with this guy, and I left a nice surprise in the toilet for him every time.

[A]

Apparently, he hates to flush. Subscribe to Jackass the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Cast, or wherever the hell you get podcasts.

[B]

Our new episodes drop on June 18th. Look out for new episodes in your feed every Thursday.

[A]

Watch video episodes on YouTube and follow along with us on Instagram and tick tock@jackassthepodcast. What were we just talking about?

[B]

Probably buttholes.