Podcast Summary: Bellied Up – “Lost in Midwest Translation #134”
Episode Overview In episode #134 of "Bellied Up," released on January 9, 2025, hosts Charlie Berens and You Betcha Guy (Myles) dive into a blend of comedic banter, engaging debates, and interactive listener calls. This episode, titled “Lost in Midwest Translation,” highlights the unique linguistic quirks of the Midwest, relationship dynamics, and the humorous intricacies of daily life in small-town America.
1. Introduction of New Podcast Features (00:00 – 02:00)
The episode opens with Myles announcing exciting new features for the "Bellied Up" community. Recognizing listener frustrations with long wait times for live calls, the hosts introduce a 24/7 voicemail line (218-303-5095) designed to ensure every listener has a chance to be featured. Myles emphasizes the importance of energy and interesting topics to increase the likelihood of being on the show. Additionally, they accept video messages via Instagram (@bellieduppod), encouraging listeners to share visuals alongside their stories or questions.
Notable Quote:
- Myles (00:00): “...the more interesting your topic and the more energy that you bring increases your chances of being featured on the show.”
2. Comedic Banter: Frozen Custard Shirt (01:21 – 02:18)
Shortly after introducing the new features, Charlie and Miles engage in light-hearted teasing about a frozen custard shirt Charlie received. The shirt resembles the logo of Baron's Frozen Custard, leading to playful speculation about whether Charlie has plans to start his own frozen custard business.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie (01:21): “Yeah, dude. First of all, look at that. I can move my boobs.”
- Myles (01:24): “Are you starting a frozen custard store?”
3. Debate: Is Skiing an Extreme Sport? (02:18 – 08:07)
The conversation shifts to a spirited debate between Charlie and Miles about whether skiing qualifies as an extreme sport. Miles argues that the inherent risks, such as high speeds and steep grades, make skiing extreme, especially given instances where people die from extreme skiing maneuvers. Charlie counters by suggesting that while extreme skiing exists, skiing itself is not inherently extreme unless pushed to such limits.
Notable Quotes:
- Myles (02:49): “...skiing is crazy.”
- Charlie (03:34): “Well, maybe you are, because...”
The debate further extends to comparisons with other activities like figure skating and rollerblading, highlighting the subjective nature of what constitutes an extreme sport.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie (05:08): “Yes, it is.”
- Myles (07:02): “Yeah. Especially if you're hunting by someone's private land and they come storming up to you in a pickup with a gun out the window.”
The discussion also touches on personal experiences, such as Charlie’s brief stint with skydiving and Miles recounting a tobogganing near-accident scenario, reinforcing their playful rivalry and contrasting viewpoints.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie (07:32): “I’ve been on an airplane where the turbulence has gotten bad that I thought it might crash. No fear, zero fear.”
- Miles (35:31): “Right as I thought I was gonna hit that tree, I just flashed 1-855-NICOLETTE.”
4. Listener Call: Paige’s Birthday Conundrum (12:34 – 34:05)
A pivotal segment of the episode features a call from Paige, who shares her frustration with her husband Drew's indifference towards celebrating her birthday. Raised in a large family where her own birthday was often overlooked, Paige finds herself in a similar predicament with her husband preferring solitude on her special day.
Key Points:
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Paige’s Background: Grew up as one of five kids, often making her own birthday cakes due to lack of attention (13:24 – 13:30).
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Relationship Dynamics: Despite loving her husband, Paige feels undervalued on her birthday, leading to a desire for more recognition and celebration (15:04 – 15:23).
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Therapeutic Advice: Charlie and Miles adopt a mock-therapy role, offering humorous yet insightful advice. They suggest practical solutions like Drew getting a meaningful necklace with their daughter’s birthstone or Paige employing creative tactics to communicate her needs effectively.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie (16:17): “How much work would you say? Did you have a son? Did you have a daughter?”
- Paige (15:47): “Well, because I'm a good wife. Okay. I deserve. Birthday.”
- Myles (21:18): “Drew, if you're listening, you now know the game plan...”
The segment culminates with the hosts providing specific recommendations to Drew, such as purchasing a double Peridot necklace for Paige, blending heartfelt advice with their signature humor.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie (23:30): “Okay, so a double peridot necklace. Boy. Both in August.”
- Myles (26:00): “Drew, you need to get her a necklace with your daughter's name on it.”
5. Hot Wheels Collection: A Hobby Gone Awry (37:07 – 54:05)
As the call progresses, Paige shifts focus to another personal challenge: her burgeoning collection of Hot Wheels cars. Starting as a hobby before her commitment, Paige now finds herself overwhelmed with thousands of toy cars, seeking advice on how to manage or sell her collection.
Key Points:
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Collection Details: Paige has amassed several thousand Hot Wheels, including rare editions valued up to $120 each (49:25 – 49:42).
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Monetary Aspects: Despite the large number, Paige acknowledges the investment is financially manageable but seeks ways to declutter or monetize her collection (53:15 – 53:23).
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Selling Strategy: The hosts humorously strategize on how Paige can sell her collections, suggesting trades for items like an old Dodge truck, emphasizing their comedic approach to problem-solving.
Notable Quotes:
- Paige (48:44): “I need to get them gone.”
- Charlie (49:43): “I mean, you're married with a couple thousand Hot Wheels.”
- Myles (52:43): “How much for the whole thing?”
The exchange highlights the often absurd lengths to which hobbies can escalate, blending personal anecdotes with comedic relief.
6. Midwest Language Quirks: Navigating Regional Terms (39:04 – 47:27)
Another engaging topic emerges as Paige discusses the language barriers between her Iowa roots and her Minnesota wife. The conversation uncovers various regional terms that perplex outsiders, such as "quick trip" vs. "quick star," and unique phrases like “gray duck” in the game of duck, duck, goose.
Key Points:
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Terminology Differences: Paige shares frustrations with her wife’s use of specific words that differ between Iowa and Minnesota, leading to misunderstandings and playful teasing from the hosts (39:04 – 43:07).
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Implications for Children: Concern is voiced over how these linguistic differences might affect their daughters' social interactions and adaptability (43:07 – 44:09).
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Cultural Integration: The hosts and Paige explore the challenges and humorous aspects of blending different regional dialects within a family setting.
Notable Quotes:
- Paige (40:45): “I might be the minority on that one, because down here we call them quick Stars.”
- Charlie (42:51): “Well, there’s the same company, same church, different pew.”
This segment underscores the podcast’s ability to blend light-hearted humor with relatable regional experiences, fostering a sense of community among listeners from similar backgrounds.
7. Closing Comedy and Merchandise Promotion (54:05 – End)
As the episode wraps up, Charlie and Miles continue their comedic exchanges, promoting their exclusive "Tippy Cow" merchandise and encouraging listeners to engage with the show’s social media platforms. They also humorously reference their earlier discussions, maintaining the episode’s entertaining tone.
Notable Quotes:
- Myles (36:30): “I like to get sunlight in a glass. Oh, you know what I call that? Tippy cow.”
- Charlie (53:50): “If you're interested in this classic Hot Wheels collection, DM the orange track farmer on Tik Tok before Tik Tok.”
The hosts conclude by thanking their listeners, promoting upcoming giveaways, and leaving the audience with a final burst of humor that encapsulates the show's unique charm.
Conclusion
Episode #134 of "Bellied Up" masterfully combines humor, personal storytelling, and regional charm to create an engaging listening experience. From introducing new podcast features to navigating relationship challenges and regional language quirks, Charlie and Miles offer a blend of comedy and relatable content that resonates with their Midwest audience. Notable moments include the heartfelt advice session with Paige, the playful debate on extreme sports, and the lighthearted merchandise promotions, all underscored by the hosts' chemistry and comedic timing.
Final Notable Quote:
- Charlie (56:00): “Fear the beard.”
- Myles (56:01): “See you. Next one.”