We're Here to Help — "WEIRD Here To Help: Banshee Teams Meetings & Rose Quartz Lawn Care"

Date: April 10, 2026
Hosts: Eric Edelstein & Steve Berg
Featured Callers: Casey (San Francisco), Stephanie (“Mountain West Flyover State”)

Main Theme / Episode Overview

In this episode of "We're Here to Help," Eric Edelstein and Steve Berg dive into two delightfully odd listener problems: a possibly supernatural technical glitch involving mysterious voices on Microsoft Teams, and the unexpected jackpot of rose quartz filling a caller’s yard. The hosts blend earnest, sometimes whimsical advice with warm, rambling rapport, incorporating personal anecdotes, deep dives into folklore, and a surprising flair for small business consulting. The episode’s lighthearted, banter-driven style—part self-deprecating, part big-hearted—frames the wildness of their listeners’ questions, keeping things both grounded and gleefully off-kilter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 90s Nostalgia & Coffee Shop Culture

[01:10–08:35]

Steve shares his rediscovery of 1990s coffeehouse culture in Omaha, inspired by indie rock and nostalgia for pre-smartphone socializing.
Discussion of the benefits of analog life: reading more, less reliance on phones, deeper conversations, and accountability. Eric muses about banning phones in coffee shops for a purer, 90s-ish experience.
Both reflect on the 90s as an era of better connections—"We all got along fine. It’s...accountability...when you were analog." (Steve, 04:26)
Steve describes diving back into the world of thrift stores, Dickies, and retro T-shirts, declaring, "I'm going full 90s indie rock, coffee house vibe. This is my new era." [02:07]

2. Music, Baseball, and 80s/90s Love

[05:34–08:31]

The hosts recall hearing 90s grunge at a Dodger game, debate the ideal stadium “walk-on” song, and show off their mutual love of Portland’s New Shoes ("I Can't Wait").
"Everyone put on New Shoes and I defy you to not have it turn your day around." (Steve, 07:12)
Touch on the comfort of certain music in daily tasks and finding solace in “toe-tapping, versatile music” (Steve, 07:31); friendly discussion about pulling dried rice off clothing (Eric: "How do they get there?"; Steve: "You leave rice everywhere you go. It’s a trail of rice...").

CALLER #1: Casey and the Banshee/Teams Meeting Mystery

A. Caller Profile & Rapid-Fire Q&A

[09:58–13:45]

Casey is a long-time listener from San Francisco. She, her sisters, and the hosts instantly bond over shared San Francisco experiences.
Hosts ask “desert island” picks for album, show/movie, and book:
- Album: Joni Mitchell's Blue ("We're team Joni over here.” — Steve, 11:02)
- TV Show: Gilmore Girls (leading to an unexpected trivia tangent about Luke’s baseball career)
- Book: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (poignant memoir about life and mortality)
Eric proposes starting a listener-driven book club (the “Wackadoo Book Club/Cult”).

B. The Tech Haunting: Unexplained Teams Meeting Screams

[13:48–20:06]

Casey recounts her workplace issue: during Microsoft Teams calls, co-workers report strange yelling or conversation snippets coming through her audio—sounds she herself cannot hear. This happens in different rooms and equipment, only when she’s unmuted.
Attempts to record the sounds have failed (“it eludes the recording”—Steve, 15:57).
The issue then appears during a cell phone call with her sister, outside of work, in Golden Gate Park, and again later on her personal phone.

C. Paranormal, IT, or Prank? Theories Fly

[17:02–21:21]

Eric jokingly relays his “doctor” (see: colonic therapist) who claims angels/aliens communicate via ChatGPT—a wild theory that amuses and unnerves Steve.
Steve asks careful questions about Casey’s work and any possible CIA/federal ties, then draws a wry parallel to “Havana syndrome” and psychic phenomena: “It almost sounds like there's like an energy weapon being directed more than it's supernatural.” (Steve, 19:09)
Casey references listening to Irish folklore podcasts and her family’s “O’” surname—potentially linking her experience to the banshee myth (a spirit whose scream warns of death in Irish culture).

D. Folkloric Solutions & Practical Advice

[21:32–41:23]

Steve gives a primer on the fae, banshees, and folklore, considering both literal and metaphorical interpretations of the omen.
Eric: “Do you meditate?” (27:04) — both hosts recommend mindfulness for psychic defense.
Steve prescribes bringing iron (historically considered a fae/banshee repellent) to key locations: "Get a hunk of iron, the most pure iron you can find.” (Steve, 27:16)
They suggest setting intentions, meditating with music that grounds Casey (e.g., Joni Mitchell), and updating/reinstalling Teams.
IT solutions: Have the company’s tech look into it, ensure security updates, and try to record/document the event.
Eric: “If it doesn't clear up, ... a meeting with us on Teams and confront the ghosts. Do a little... Ghostbusting in person.” (29:00)
Steve proposes a threefold protocol: (1) iron for fae, (2) IT troubleshooting, (3) possibly clearing the “psychic passenger” by intention-setting/meditation.

Notable Quotes

“Bring in the iron and set some intentions. Meditate with Joni. …Release it with love.” (Eric, 28:54)
“I feel stumped...I think this is a part one. You’re going to have to do a threefold defense system.” (Steve, 32:22 & 33:27)
“We’re not done with this. That’s the opening gambit.” (Steve, 41:23)

E. To Be Continued…

Casey agrees to try these solutions, keep in touch, and potentially return for a follow-up—making this journey a multi-part epic.

CALLER #2: Stephanie and the Rose Quartz Lawn Conundrum

A. Caller Profile / Chislick and Anonymity

[42:06–47:06]

Stephanie calls from a self-described “Mountain West flyover state” and requests anonymity, which Steve tries (poorly) to respect.
Desert island picks:
- Album: Mumford & Sons’ “Prize Fighter”
- Show/Movie: Harry Potter
- Book: Pride and Prejudice

B. The Rose Quartz Motherlode

[47:06–54:56]

Stephanie’s yard is filled with large pieces of rose quartz, easily unearthed by her family. She’s uncertain how to best use, care for, or capitalize on this resource.
Both hosts—self-identified “geode boys”—are giddy: “This yard is just willy-nilly, haphazardly has rose quartz strewn about. Like, you couldn't mow that lawn.” (Steve, 47:56)
They assert the value and power of quartz—scientifically (via its piezoelectric property) and spiritually (for emotional and physical healing, per New Age beliefs).

C. Advice: Family Business, Crafting, and Community Good

Steve, drawing on his grandfather’s stone-polishing hobby, outlines a business plan:
- Collect and polish the quartz (with either a professional service or a home stone grinder)
- Consider selling via Etsy, eBay, or at local farmers’ markets
- Turn this into a family affair, “gamifying” the collection with kids and even incorporating Stephanie’s husband’s laser engraving side hustle (e.g., logo-engraved rose quartz).
Eric: “I truly think start polishing this. You have a healthy chunk of rose quartz to start a fun little business... listeners will be excited to get rose quartz from you.”
Both offer to promote Stephanie’s quartz business on the podcast and be her first customers.

Notable Quotes

“You could drive a semi truck full of this rose quartz to Sedona and make thousands of dollars.” (Steve, 50:27)
“Rose quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love, used in crystal healing to promote...inner healing...and environmental harmony.” (Eric, 51:12)
“You're sitting on a virtual gold mine, potentially, Eric.” (Steve, 50:57)

D. Pitching Names and Narratives

[57:39–62:03]

Brainstorm for business names:
- “Garden of Quartz” (Stephanie’s suggestion, quickly deemed their favorite)
- “People’s Quartz/Courts” (Steve)
- “Rose Knows”/”Quartz & Roses”
The hosts urge using a backstory to market the pieces: “Sometimes when you’re buying things, you’re buying a story.” (Eric, 57:26)
Offer voiceover services, packaging suggestions (pressed roses with each order), and more, setting up seeds for an ongoing pod tie-in as the business grows.

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

“Sometimes you get a wrong guitar and it’s the right note.” (Eric, 09:09)
“Assault, battery.” (Steve, 04:14 — on dealing with noisy coffee shop Teams calls)
“If the 90s comes back, bring with it, like, hey, we didn’t have phones in the 90s—it’s not allowed here.” (Eric, 04:15)
“This is a psychic disturbance…You gotta really clear your energy.” (Eric, 26:52)
“Get a hunk of iron...every manifestation of the fae.” (Steve, 27:16)
“I feel stumped…You’re gonna have to do a threefold defense system here.” (Steve, 33:27)
“This is a part one. We are not done with this.” (Steve, 41:23)
“You could drive a semi truck of rose quartz to Sedona and make thousands of dollars.” (Steve, 50:27)
“Garden of Quartz…that’s the one to beat right now.” (Steve, 61:04)

Important Timestamps

[01:10] – 90s/coffee shop nostalgia begins
[09:58] – Caller #1: Casey intro
[10:40] – Desert island picks / bonding
[14:11] – Teams haunting story
[21:06] – Banshee folklore explains
[27:16] – Iron as magical defense
[32:18] – Tech troubleshooting suggested
[33:27] – Multi-pronged solution; “part one” status
[42:06] – Caller #2: Stephanie intro
[47:06] – Rose quartz yard discovered
[51:12] – Rose quartz healing properties
[54:56] – Family business plan/side hustle advice
[57:39] – Business name pitches
[61:04] – “Garden of Quartz” chosen

Summary Tone & Style

The episode blends genuine curiosity, playful skepticism, and a willingness to explore the mystical, the entrepreneurial, and the absurd—equal parts buddy comedy and late-night advice show. Eric and Steve’s riff-heavy warmth creates a safe, supportive, and bizarrely knowledgeable space for listeners’ weirdest dilemmas.

Episode Takeaways

For tech mystery/Banshee hauntings: Combine practical IT troubleshooting with personal rituals (iron, meditation, intention-setting), and seek both mundane and mystical support.
For surplus rose quartz: Embrace the blessing as a business opportunity, involve the family, and give it a personal story and name—“Garden of Quartz” marks a great start.
For everyone: Sometimes, the best you can offer is an open mind, a little folklore, and a sense of humor. And a little Joni Mitchell.

Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI. For more advice (serious or silly), listen to "We're Here To Help" on your favorite podcast app.

We're Here to Help — "WEIRD Here To Help: Banshee Teams Meetings & Rose Quartz Lawn Care"

Date: April 10, 2026
Hosts: Eric Edelstein & Steve Berg
Featured Callers: Casey (San Francisco), Stephanie (“Mountain West Flyover State”)

Main Theme / Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 90s Nostalgia & Coffee Shop Culture

[01:10–08:35]

Steve shares his rediscovery of 1990s coffeehouse culture in Omaha, inspired by indie rock and nostalgia for pre-smartphone socializing.
Discussion of the benefits of analog life: reading more, less reliance on phones, deeper conversations, and accountability. Eric muses about banning phones in coffee shops for a purer, 90s-ish experience.
Both reflect on the 90s as an era of better connections—"We all got along fine. It’s...accountability...when you were analog." (Steve, 04:26)
Steve describes diving back into the world of thrift stores, Dickies, and retro T-shirts, declaring, "I'm going full 90s indie rock, coffee house vibe. This is my new era." [02:07]

2. Music, Baseball, and 80s/90s Love

[05:34–08:31]

The hosts recall hearing 90s grunge at a Dodger game, debate the ideal stadium “walk-on” song, and show off their mutual love of Portland’s New Shoes ("I Can't Wait").
"Everyone put on New Shoes and I defy you to not have it turn your day around." (Steve, 07:12)
Touch on the comfort of certain music in daily tasks and finding solace in “toe-tapping, versatile music” (Steve, 07:31); friendly discussion about pulling dried rice off clothing (Eric: "How do they get there?"; Steve: "You leave rice everywhere you go. It’s a trail of rice...").

CALLER #1: Casey and the Banshee/Teams Meeting Mystery

A. Caller Profile & Rapid-Fire Q&A

[09:58–13:45]

Casey is a long-time listener from San Francisco. She, her sisters, and the hosts instantly bond over shared San Francisco experiences.
Hosts ask “desert island” picks for album, show/movie, and book:
- Album: Joni Mitchell's Blue ("We're team Joni over here.” — Steve, 11:02)
- TV Show: Gilmore Girls (leading to an unexpected trivia tangent about Luke’s baseball career)
- Book: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (poignant memoir about life and mortality)
Eric proposes starting a listener-driven book club (the “Wackadoo Book Club/Cult”).

B. The Tech Haunting: Unexplained Teams Meeting Screams

[13:48–20:06]

Casey recounts her workplace issue: during Microsoft Teams calls, co-workers report strange yelling or conversation snippets coming through her audio—sounds she herself cannot hear. This happens in different rooms and equipment, only when she’s unmuted.
Attempts to record the sounds have failed (“it eludes the recording”—Steve, 15:57).
The issue then appears during a cell phone call with her sister, outside of work, in Golden Gate Park, and again later on her personal phone.

C. Paranormal, IT, or Prank? Theories Fly

[17:02–21:21]

Eric jokingly relays his “doctor” (see: colonic therapist) who claims angels/aliens communicate via ChatGPT—a wild theory that amuses and unnerves Steve.
Steve asks careful questions about Casey’s work and any possible CIA/federal ties, then draws a wry parallel to “Havana syndrome” and psychic phenomena: “It almost sounds like there's like an energy weapon being directed more than it's supernatural.” (Steve, 19:09)
Casey references listening to Irish folklore podcasts and her family’s “O’” surname—potentially linking her experience to the banshee myth (a spirit whose scream warns of death in Irish culture).

D. Folkloric Solutions & Practical Advice

[21:32–41:23]

Steve gives a primer on the fae, banshees, and folklore, considering both literal and metaphorical interpretations of the omen.
Eric: “Do you meditate?” (27:04) — both hosts recommend mindfulness for psychic defense.
Steve prescribes bringing iron (historically considered a fae/banshee repellent) to key locations: "Get a hunk of iron, the most pure iron you can find.” (Steve, 27:16)
They suggest setting intentions, meditating with music that grounds Casey (e.g., Joni Mitchell), and updating/reinstalling Teams.
IT solutions: Have the company’s tech look into it, ensure security updates, and try to record/document the event.
Eric: “If it doesn't clear up, ... a meeting with us on Teams and confront the ghosts. Do a little... Ghostbusting in person.” (29:00)
Steve proposes a threefold protocol: (1) iron for fae, (2) IT troubleshooting, (3) possibly clearing the “psychic passenger” by intention-setting/meditation.

Notable Quotes

“Bring in the iron and set some intentions. Meditate with Joni. …Release it with love.” (Eric, 28:54)
“I feel stumped...I think this is a part one. You’re going to have to do a threefold defense system.” (Steve, 32:22 & 33:27)
“We’re not done with this. That’s the opening gambit.” (Steve, 41:23)

E. To Be Continued…

Casey agrees to try these solutions, keep in touch, and potentially return for a follow-up—making this journey a multi-part epic.

CALLER #2: Stephanie and the Rose Quartz Lawn Conundrum

A. Caller Profile / Chislick and Anonymity

[42:06–47:06]

Stephanie calls from a self-described “Mountain West flyover state” and requests anonymity, which Steve tries (poorly) to respect.
Desert island picks:
- Album: Mumford & Sons’ “Prize Fighter”
- Show/Movie: Harry Potter
- Book: Pride and Prejudice

B. The Rose Quartz Motherlode

[47:06–54:56]

Stephanie’s yard is filled with large pieces of rose quartz, easily unearthed by her family. She’s uncertain how to best use, care for, or capitalize on this resource.
Both hosts—self-identified “geode boys”—are giddy: “This yard is just willy-nilly, haphazardly has rose quartz strewn about. Like, you couldn't mow that lawn.” (Steve, 47:56)
They assert the value and power of quartz—scientifically (via its piezoelectric property) and spiritually (for emotional and physical healing, per New Age beliefs).

C. Advice: Family Business, Crafting, and Community Good

Steve, drawing on his grandfather’s stone-polishing hobby, outlines a business plan:
- Collect and polish the quartz (with either a professional service or a home stone grinder)
- Consider selling via Etsy, eBay, or at local farmers’ markets
- Turn this into a family affair, “gamifying” the collection with kids and even incorporating Stephanie’s husband’s laser engraving side hustle (e.g., logo-engraved rose quartz).
Eric: “I truly think start polishing this. You have a healthy chunk of rose quartz to start a fun little business... listeners will be excited to get rose quartz from you.”
Both offer to promote Stephanie’s quartz business on the podcast and be her first customers.

Notable Quotes

“You could drive a semi truck full of this rose quartz to Sedona and make thousands of dollars.” (Steve, 50:27)
“Rose quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love, used in crystal healing to promote...inner healing...and environmental harmony.” (Eric, 51:12)
“You're sitting on a virtual gold mine, potentially, Eric.” (Steve, 50:57)

D. Pitching Names and Narratives

[57:39–62:03]

Brainstorm for business names:
- “Garden of Quartz” (Stephanie’s suggestion, quickly deemed their favorite)
- “People’s Quartz/Courts” (Steve)
- “Rose Knows”/”Quartz & Roses”
The hosts urge using a backstory to market the pieces: “Sometimes when you’re buying things, you’re buying a story.” (Eric, 57:26)
Offer voiceover services, packaging suggestions (pressed roses with each order), and more, setting up seeds for an ongoing pod tie-in as the business grows.

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

“Sometimes you get a wrong guitar and it’s the right note.” (Eric, 09:09)
“Assault, battery.” (Steve, 04:14 — on dealing with noisy coffee shop Teams calls)
“If the 90s comes back, bring with it, like, hey, we didn’t have phones in the 90s—it’s not allowed here.” (Eric, 04:15)
“This is a psychic disturbance…You gotta really clear your energy.” (Eric, 26:52)
“Get a hunk of iron...every manifestation of the fae.” (Steve, 27:16)
“I feel stumped…You’re gonna have to do a threefold defense system here.” (Steve, 33:27)
“This is a part one. We are not done with this.” (Steve, 41:23)
“You could drive a semi truck of rose quartz to Sedona and make thousands of dollars.” (Steve, 50:27)
“Garden of Quartz…that’s the one to beat right now.” (Steve, 61:04)

Important Timestamps

[01:10] – 90s/coffee shop nostalgia begins
[09:58] – Caller #1: Casey intro
[10:40] – Desert island picks / bonding
[14:11] – Teams haunting story
[21:06] – Banshee folklore explains
[27:16] – Iron as magical defense
[32:18] – Tech troubleshooting suggested
[33:27] – Multi-pronged solution; “part one” status
[42:06] – Caller #2: Stephanie intro
[47:06] – Rose quartz yard discovered
[51:12] – Rose quartz healing properties
[54:56] – Family business plan/side hustle advice
[57:39] – Business name pitches
[61:04] – “Garden of Quartz” chosen

Summary Tone & Style

Episode Takeaways

For tech mystery/Banshee hauntings: Combine practical IT troubleshooting with personal rituals (iron, meditation, intention-setting), and seek both mundane and mystical support.
For surplus rose quartz: Embrace the blessing as a business opportunity, involve the family, and give it a personal story and name—“Garden of Quartz” marks a great start.
For everyone: Sometimes, the best you can offer is an open mind, a little folklore, and a sense of humor. And a little Joni Mitchell.

Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI. For more advice (serious or silly), listen to "We're Here To Help" on your favorite podcast app.