Episode Summary: The Art of Friend Zoning #127

In episode #127 of the Bellied Up podcast titled "The Art of Friend Zoning," hosts Myles "You Betcha Guy" and Charlie Berens dive into a mix of nostalgic banter, listener rants, and heartfelt advice. Recorded at Old Slim's Bar and Grill in Bemidji, Minnesota, this episode blends humor with genuine discussions, offering listeners both laughs and relatable insights.

1. Nostalgic Beginnings: Revisiting Bemidji Memories

The episode kicks off with Myles and Charlie reminiscing about their past in Bemidji, Minnesota. Myles pulls out his yearbook, sparking a playful conversation about their high school football days.

• Myles [00:34]: "I'm ready to go. Get me a grouse or a partridge or a pheasant."

• Charlie [01:03]: "Long flowing hair. What position were you, Miles?"

Their discussion unearths memories of the Bemidji Beavers rivalry and the coveted Battle Axe trophy, a storied prize in college football.

• Myles [02:20]: "The Battle Axe is cooler than the Minnesota Wisconsin one, okay?"

The hosts share laughs over photos and anecdotes, setting a warm and engaging tone for the episode.

2. Listener Rants and Real-Life Bar Stories

a. Grant’s Golf Grievances

The first caller, Grant, vents about golfers neglecting to fix their divots and ball marks, a common annoyance for someone working at a golf course.

• Grant [05:17]: "I'm sick of these golfers not fixing their divots and their ball marks on the green."

Charlie empathizes with Grant, sharing his experience as a former caddy, while Myles humorously suggests integrating divot maintenance into the greens fee.

• Myles [06:22]: "You have to replace your divots. I feel like that should be in your greens fee."

The conversation evolves into a playful debate about enforcing rules on the golf course, with both hosts offering tongue-in-cheek solutions to Grant's frustrations.

b. Lauren’s Bar Management Challenges

Next, Lauren, an employee at Old Slim's Bar, shares her struggles with a manager who leaves her notes calling her "dumb" as a joke. She seeks advice on how to address this without damaging their professional relationship.

• Lauren [15:56]: "Every day he leaves me notes around the bar telling me how dumb I am as a joke."

Charlie and Myles discuss the delicate balance between humor and respect in the workplace. Charlie suggests taking on a more assertive role in managing the situation.

• Charlie [17:27]: "You are every. As a bartender, you are everybody else's therapist."

The hosts delve into broader bar management issues, from handling difficult patrons to maintaining a positive work environment, offering both practical tips and comedic relief.

c. Cara’s Quest: Mastering the Midwest-Friendly Friend Zone

In the focal segment of the episode, Cara reaches out for advice on friend-zoning a guy in a "Midwest nice" manner. She describes her frustration with male friends who overstep boundaries despite her clear lack of romantic interest.

• Cara [30:04]: "I would like to know if you have any advice on how to friend zone a guy in the most Midwest nice way possible."

Myles suggests a gentle approach by emphasizing brotherly affection to create distance without outright rejection.

• Myles [31:17]: "Have you tried the technique of just being like, 'God, man, you're just like a brother to me.'"

Charlie adds his own strategies, recommending honesty tempered with tact to maintain the friendship without encouraging further romantic pursuits.

• Charlie [34:19]: "What do you really have to do is just start lying to their face."

The discussion highlights the challenges of setting boundaries while preserving longstanding friendships, blending sincere advice with the hosts' signature humor.

3. Light-Hearted Moments and Closing Banter

As the episode progresses, Myles and Charlie engage in playful banter about cookies, bar traditions, and Thanksgiving preparations. They sample cookies paired with Tippy Cow vanilla soft serve, adding a personal touch to their conversation.

• Charlie [27:24]: "Pretty good."

The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming shows and encouraging listeners to engage via voicemail, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for future content.

• Myles [28:58]: "If you want to be on the show, call 218-303-5095."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Friend Zoning with Empathy: The episode emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries in friendships to prevent misunderstandings and preserve relationships.

• Workplace Dynamics: Lauren's story sheds light on maintaining professionalism and respect in a bar setting, highlighting the delicate balance between humor and authority.

• Listener Engagement: Through callers like Grant and Cara, the hosts demonstrate their commitment to addressing real-life issues faced by their audience, fostering an interactive and supportive community.

Notable Quotes:

• Myles [06:22]: "You have to replace your divots. I feel like that should be in your greens fee."

• Lauren [15:56]: "Every day he leaves me notes around the bar telling me how dumb I am as a joke."

• Cara [30:04]: "I would like to know if you have any advice on how to friend zone a guy in the most Midwest nice way possible."

• Charlie [34:19]: "What do you really have to do is just start lying to their face."

Conclusion

The Art of Friend Zoning #127 offers a blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt advice, making it a quintessential episode of the Bellied Up podcast. Whether discussing the intricacies of maintaining friendships or sharing the everyday challenges of bar management, Myles and Charlie create an engaging and relatable listening experience for their audience.