Go Doc Yourself

This week the Erins broadcast "John Was Trying to Contact Aliens," available on Netflix. John Shepherd turned childhood introversion into self-taught electronics engineering as a grown ass man. He sent the sweet sounds of gamelan jams into space to see if anyone was listening. Will aliens ping back? We're still keeping our ears open.

This week the Erins ponder "Mister Organ," available on Netflix. Journalist David Farrier investigates an enigmatic man shaking people down in an antiques shop parking lot. Operating just outside the law, Michael Organ gets a lot of unwanted attention, thanks to David's article. Mr. Organ turns out to have a long history of being horrible to people and Davis has landed straight in his sights.

This week the Erins discuss in amazement "The Mission," available on Hulu. The end of John Chau's story is tragic. It is also a story of misplaced heroics. He dreamed of converting the Sentinelese, an indigenous trine of the Andaman islands, despite their documented preference to remain uncontacted. He felt God's message would prevail. Instead, he lost his life.

The Erins kick off 2024 with "Time Bomb Y2K," available on HBO Max. This is a feast of archival footage about buildup and speculation surrounding the millennium bug. Societal fears rush to the surface as the experts fret over computers resetting to 1900 as 1999 turns over to 2000. You get to relive late 90's fashion! Mass hysteria?! What more do you need?

Need a break from the merriment? Ther Erins ponder "What Would Jesus Buy," available on Amazon Prime. Rev. Billy Talen leads the Church of Stop Shopping in performative protests outside America's most recognizable money traps. Using satirized Christmas songs, the Stop Shopping Choir encourages people to pause and consider their spending. The chain stores are not big fans of reflection.

This week the Erins exercise curiosity with "The Rocket on the Roof," found on YouTube. Filmmakers Ryan Maxey and Josh Polin, along with Wesley Francis, didn't need a long time to relay the mystery of a visible rocket on the roof of a nearby apartment building. A bit of investigation yields an answer in this quick and entertaining watch.

This week the Erins dial it up for "Telemarketers," available on HBO Max. Contributing to charities can be a rewarding experience. Being solicited over the phone by pushy telemarketers less so. Finding out your money just lined the pockets of corporate douches is a complete ruiner. Thankfully, Sam and Pat are of the same mind and set out to use their years in the call center to topple the industry...

This week the Erins jump into the fire with “Satan Wants You,” available on Amazon Prime. The Satanic Panic of the 80s/90s has deep roots in the revelations told in the book “Michelle Remembers.” The recovered memories of Michelle Smith disturbed suburban America and had neighbors eyeballing each other for signs of satanic activity. Save the children! Also, maybe ask some q...

This week the Erins blame it on everyone else with “Milli Vanilli,” available on Paramount Plus. Rob and Fab came from humble beginnings and made it to 80's pop music icons. Their meteoric rise to worldwide fame came with a price. These two fell from media darlings to villains after the disclosure that they didn't sing their hit songs. Why not focus the public outcry on the music indus...

This week the Erins discuss “Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe,” available on Prime Video. The way people find love has changed, but the desire to be half of a whole remains. Jeff and Shaleia desire to lighten your wallet, then maybe your heart. They come across as modern gurus with guarantees of finding your ‘twin flame' if you follow their plan. They'r...

This week the Erins tackle “BS High,” available on Max. Few docs blend sports and true crime. Fewer still keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what con(ish) man Roy Johnson will do next. This manages to do both while playing with your emotions. Prepare for ager and empathy in equal doses!

This week the Erins wrap up spooky season 2023 with “Hell House,” available on Prime video. Trinity Church ruins haunted houses in big Texas style by making it evangelical. Large numbers of paying customers come to see grisly skits designed to impart Christisn morals on the youths. Hell and damnation will surely follow those that choose homosexuality, abortion, drugs, and alcohol, etc....

This week the Erins gush over “King on Screen,” available on Prime Video. Prolific author, Stephen King, continues to influence pop culture with film adaptations of his works. While the horror genre may come to mind first, him impact is witnessed in all media. With a 40+ year career, Mr. King deserves a nod or two. See if we mention your favorite work!

This week the Erins cover a classic cryptid with “On the Trail of Bigfoot: Land of the Missing,” available on Amazon Prime. Small Town Monsters is at it again, questioning why so many freaking people go missing in Alaska. The crew goes north to explore tribal lore and first hand experiences of those who've had run ins with aggressive Bigfoots. Can these stories help explain the missing

This week the Erins dabble with “Demon House,” available on Prime Video. Zak Bagans, famed paranormal investigator, buys a house in Gary, Indiana after a publicized possession. This doc describes the story of the Ammons family and the experiences of Zak's crew during their investigation. Join the Erins as they dive into Demon House and spooky season 2023!

This week the Erins treat you to “American Movie,” available on Amazon Prime. Aspiring film maker, Mark Borchardt, assembles a kooky collection of Milwaukeeans to create movie magic. Mark proves to be incredibly resourceful with limited funds, absorbing the people around him to complete his vision. With the royalties from sinister flick “Coven,” Mark plans to bankroll his n...

This week the Erins ponder “Just. One. Mile.” found on Amazon Prime. The ultra marathon crown continues to dazzle as they gather in Tennessee for running a continuous loop of 1.1 miles until only one soul is still standing. The Mid State Mile has no definitive end, which is both alluring and dissuading to competitors. What drives someone to run for hours on end?!

This week the Erins delve into “Misha and the Wolves,” on Netflix. Misha Defonseca gained world wide notoriety as a Holocaust survivor and the author of the memoir depicting her tale. After a falling out with her publisher, Misha's story begins to unravel. She's ultimately disgraced and now infamous.

This week the Erins ponder “The Parking Lot Movie,” available on Tubi. As colleges begin session, students showcase their bad behavior in the Corner Parking Lot, located near the University of Virginia. Parking Lot Attendants pit themselves against cheap patrons and vandals while discussing the existential. Take a peak into this endearing work culture of lovable weirdos.

This week the Erins discuss “Tiny Shoulders, Rethinking Barbie,” available on Hulu. When Barbie came on the scene in the 50's she was truly a revolutionary toy for girls. Moms initially loved the concept of a grown up doll for their daughters. Over time, Barbie has become a polarizing icon of fashion, independence, and materialism. Can she regain relevance after fading from the spotlig...

This week the Erins dust off their cobalt goggles for “A-Bombs Over Nevada,” on Paramount. Atomic testing was downright common in the 1950's and 60's while America was experimenting with its newest weapon. The regular site of mushroom clouds from Vegas hotels led to a romanticized view of the new atomic age. Reality catches up and people learn there are consequences playing with these...

The Erins discuss Amish youths on Rumspringa in “Devil's Playground,” found only on YouTube. It's a fascinating look at this rite of passage taken by those born into the Amish life. Will they return to their roots and vow to join the church? Or will they cast it all away and live among the English and modern amenities? Each has to decide for themselves.

The Erins sing praises to Lord of the Wiens: A Dachumentary. All pups are great sports at the annual Wiener Dog Races in Buda, TX. They'll tolerate costumes, parades, and strollers for a chance to dominate the field. One Wien to rule them all!

The Erins treat you this week with “Hobbyhorse Revolution,” available on Tubi. Finnish teens find acceptance and cardio by competing as hobbyhorseists. There are thousands of girls galloping onto this scene worldwide! From designing the rides to coaching the contenders, these girls work together to hold each other up. This documentary is a fascinating look at kids making something trul...

The Erins want you to ‘come on down' this week for “Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much.” Superfan Ted Slauson spent scads of time documenting and memorizing prize prices offered on beloved game show The Price Is Right. This was a years long project to help Ted score big when he got called to Contestant Row. While Ted didn't clean up as a contestant, he did help others...