Bellied Up Podcast: Escaping The Company Picnic #129 - Detailed Summary
Released on December 5, 2024
Introduction to the Garden Grill and Pub
Miles: "Welcome back to the Bellied up podcast. I'm Miles. You betcha guy with Charlie Berens. Charlie, your hair is looking good today." [00:00]
Charlie: "Thank you, Miles. I'm not wearing a hat. That's how you can know I'm feeling confident." [00:09]
The episode kicks off with Miles and Charlie settling into their favorite spot, the Garden Grill and Pub in Bemidji, Minnesota. They engage in playful banter about the establishment's unique name and nascar-themed décor.
Charlie: "They didn't go Garden Bar and Grill like everyone else. They went grill and pub. GG and P rolls off the tongue instead of GP and G." [00:46]
The hosts admire the pub's wooden bar top and checkered flag motifs, sparking a humorous discussion about potential games they could integrate, such as giant checkers or darts. Their camaraderie sets a lighthearted tone for the episode.
Caller Segment 1: Madison's Husband and the Golf Habit
Caller: "Yellow, this is Madison." [07:20]
Madison calls in from Madison, seeking advice about her husband's burgeoning golf habit. She explains that after picking up golf in January and golfing with her father, her husband has been relentless in promoting the sport. He even purchased a set of clubs for her, expecting her to join him multiple times each weekend.
Charlie: "He's pushing golf on you? He's a golf pusher." [08:09]
The hosts delve into the dynamics of hobbies versus habits within a marriage. They acknowledge that while golf can be a great way for her husband to unwind and bond, Madison feels it's encroaching on their shared time, especially with their newborn daughter.
Charlie: "You have to dig into your hobby, get weird with it too. You know, it could be cooking." [13:20]
They encourage Madison to establish her own interests, such as cooking or sewing, to balance the time her husband spends on the golf course. This advice aims to foster mutual respect for each other's passions while maintaining a healthy relationship.
Notable Quotes:
- Miles: "Why do you want to take away the thing that makes us feel alive?" [18:17]
- Charlie: "Marriage is all about keeping score and having leverage over the other person." [20:37]
Caller Segment 2: La Crosse’s Oktoberfest and Brad’s Antics
Caller: "This is Ian." [24:09]
Ian from La Crosse recounts a wild experience during Oktoberfest involving his friend Brad. While heavily intoxicated, Brad chose to relieve himself behind the bar between dumpsters instead of finding a proper restroom. To compound the situation, Brad left his wallet at the scene, leading to a frantic search.
Charlie: "Brad should be put on a leash, taken to the deuce spot, and put in a cage in the basement." [27:05]
Miles and Charlie navigate the humorous yet exasperating tale, offering playful suggestions for dealing with Brad's reckless behavior. They discuss the importance of handling such friends with a mix of humor and practical solutions.
Notable Quotes:
- Miles: "Brad is the grand equalizer." [31:23]
- Charlie: "This brat guy is a real character." [32:33]
Caller Segment 3: Virginia’s Quest to Escape the Company Picnic
Caller: "This is D." [39:27]
D from Virginia seeks creative excuses to avoid attending a mandatory company picnic featuring a crab boil. Expressing frustration over the lack of genuine appreciation and the impracticality of eating crabs, D is desperate for a believable reason to skip the event.
Charlie: "You just take the lid off the top of the toilet and let it go. That’s how you handle an upper decker." [28:49]
Miles and Charlie provide a mix of serious and comedic advice, suggesting tactics ranging from feigning illness to creating distractions during the event. Their suggestions aim to help D navigate the tricky social obligations with humor and ingenuity.
Notable Quotes:
- Miles: "GPS tracking is tough." [46:11]
- Charlie: "I'll give you free tickets. Where do you live again?" [49:12]
Humorous Interludes and Toasts
Throughout the episode, Miles and Charlie intersperse their conversations with lighthearted jokes and toasts, enhancing the comedic atmosphere.
Toast to the Midwest Winter Shorts Guy:
Miles: "We salute your bravery. Cheers to that. Tip it on back shorts guy." [37:57]
They humorously celebrate the local "shorts guy" who dares to wear cargo shorts during frigid Midwest winters, highlighting regional quirks with good-natured humor.
Closing Remarks and Final Banter
As the episode winds down, Miles and Charlie continue their playful exchange, reflecting on the day's conversations and the colorful characters they've discussed. They wrap up with a reminder to stay safe and enjoy the camaraderie of neighborhood bars.
Miles: "Tip your bartender. We'll see you guys next time. Love you guys." [52:21]
Charlie: "Love you guys." [52:23]
Key Takeaways and Insights
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Balancing Hobbies in Relationships: The discussion with Madison underscores the importance of maintaining personal interests while nurturing marital bonds. Establishing individual hobbies can prevent one partner's passion from overshadowing the relationship.
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Navigating Friendships with Wild Characters: Ian’s story about Brad highlights the challenges of dealing with unpredictable friends. The hosts suggest a blend of humor and practical solutions to manage such relationships effectively.
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Creative Social Escapes: D's predicament offers insights into handling obligatory social events with humor and creativity. Miles and Charlie's advice emphasizes the value of maintaining personal boundaries while navigating workplace dynamics.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Charlie Berens: "He's pushing golf on you? He's a golf pusher." [08:09]
- Miles: "Why do you want to take away the thing that makes us feel alive?" [18:17]
- Charlie Berens: "Brad should be put on a leash, taken to the deuce spot, and put in a cage in the basement." [27:05]
- Miles: "GPS tracking is tough." [46:11]
- Charlie Berens: "We salute your bravery. Cheers to that. Tip it on back shorts guy." [37:57]
Conclusion
In this episode of Bellied Up, Miles and Charlie blend humor with practical advice, engaging with callers facing everyday dilemmas. From navigating marital hobbies to dealing with eccentric friends and escaping mandatory social gatherings, the hosts provide a blend of laughter and thoughtful insights. Their authentic camaraderie and sharp wit make this episode both entertaining and relatable for listeners across the Midwest and beyond.