Bellied Up Podcast Episode Summary: "We Invent a New Sport" (#138)
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Introduction: Historic Setting at Holler House
The episode begins with hosts Charlie Berens and Miles (You Betcha Guy) welcoming listeners from the Holler House in Milwaukee, proudly proclaiming it as the oldest bowling alley in the continental United States. Charlie humorously remarks on the venue's rich history, mentioning that the movie Chump Change was filmed there:
“Jack White has been here, okay? They filmed the movie Chump Change here...” [00:00]
Exploring Holler House’s Unique Features
The hosts delve into the unique aspects of Holler House, highlighting its authentic woodwork and nostalgic pinball machines. Miles shares an interesting tidbit about Brunswick bars:
“The bar here is actually a Brunswick bar. And Brunswick used to make bars before they made pool tables.” [00:50]
Charlie expresses admiration for the bar’s craftsmanship, contrasting it with modern establishments:
“They just don't make bars like this anymore with the fine woodwork...” [01:04]
Humorous Banter on Bar Decor and Traditions
The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as they notice bras hung up behind them, leading to jokes about “unmentionables” and traditional bar customs:
“What do the fellas do? Maybe they have a banana hammock section somewhere.” [01:53]
They chuckle over the idea of male-only sections, playfully discussing their attire:
“Mine's riding pretty high right now.” [02:01]
Vintage Drink Menus and Pricing
Charlie showcases the bar's vintage drink menus, humorously listing outdated prices:
“Gin buck 15 cents. Whiskey sours 15 cents...” [02:40]
Miles points out the economical half-gallon beer offer, sparking ideas about measuring drinks:
“They also have a sign that says half gallon beer for 25 cents.” [03:20]
They discuss the practicality of deposit systems for beer mugs, comparing it to beer gardens:
“The deposit is for the mug that they served it in...” [03:31]
Holiday Decorations and Nostalgic Decor
Amidst the bar tour, Charlie highlights quirky Christmas decorations, including a 20-year-old plastic bathtub used by Santa Claus:
“We think it's Mrs. Claus. We can't confirm whether or not it's Mrs. Claus...” [05:24]
This leads to playful speculation about the characters in the bathtub, maintaining a family-friendly vibe:
“But I'm telling you, my laundry has cut down substantially... [06:05]
"Kinky Laundry" System to Reduce Chores
Charlie introduces his innovative "kinky laundry" system, a humorous take on reducing laundry frequency by reusing shirts for workouts:
“It's not called dirty laundry. It's called kinky laundry.” [07:09]
Miles engages with the idea, sharing his own unconventional approach to clothing maintenance:
“I haven't washed some jeans in a year, dude.” [08:07]
Listener Call-In: Debbie from Minnesota – Ice House vs. Food Truck
The first caller, Debbie from Lee Sewer, Minnesota, seeks advice on whether to sell her family’s ice house or repurpose it into a food truck business on the lakes.
Debbie explains her dilemma:
“I have this ice house that my husband and father decided to do one winter... They haven't taken it out on the ice the last two years.” [16:30]
Charlie and Miles brainstorm creative business ideas, including “Snow Low,” a new sport combining snow machines and gender reveal parties:
“Snow Low has been taken.” [17:58]
They envision innovative concepts like perch tacos and shaved ice drinks to complement the food truck offerings, infusing humor and practicality into the discussion.
Listener Call-In: Connor from Montana – Snow Machine vs. Hospital Bills
Connor, an electrician and foreman from Missoula, Montana, calls in about balancing the purchase of a snow machine against impending hospital bills due to a pregnancy.
Connor details his predicament:
“We're safe in the truck... I'm an electrician in Missoula, Montana.” [27:22]
The hosts offer humorous yet supportive advice, suggesting home births and creative transportation solutions involving snow machines:
“All you need is a nutrition name.” [22:00]
They humorously discuss the practicality and safety of snow machines, blending comedic elements with Connor’s real-life concerns.
Listener Call-In: David – Dairy Farmer Dating a Vegetarian
David, a dairy and crop farmer, shares his challenges of dating a vegetarian, aiming to reintroduce meat into their relationship.
David explains:
“I'm trying to get her back into eating me. It's not working too well...” [52:01]
The hosts humorously suggest tactics such as introducing Indian cuisine and trading dietary habits to bridge the gap, emphasizing the fun and awkwardness of such adjustments:
“You could go vegetarian for a week and she goes keto for a week.” [63:09]
They playfully discuss the dynamics of their relationship and potential solutions to accommodate both preferences.
Safety Tips and Personal Stories on Electrical Accidents
Throughout the episode, Charlie and Miles share personal anecdotes about electrical mishaps, emphasizing the importance of safety and caution when handling live wires:
“If you are standing on the ground, you are the ground.” [47:57]
They recount near-miss incidents, offering humorous yet cautionary tales to educate listeners on DIY electrical work:
“Y if you're gonna, you're gonna DIY ELECTRICITY, YouTube it twice.” [48:25]
Conclusion: Preparing for the Big Game with Humor and Merchandise Promotion
As the episode wraps up, Charlie and Miles shift focus to the upcoming big game, promoting their unique “tippy cow” drink and branded merchandise available at youbetcha.com:
“Tip it on back with a little tippy cow.” [48:36]
They encourage listeners to purchase their humorous, branded shirts and participate in fun, game-day traditions, blending promotional segments seamlessly into their comedic narrative.
Notable Quotes:
- “They just don't make bars like this anymore with the fine woodwork...” – Charlie Berens [01:04]
- “It's not called dirty laundry. It's called kinky laundry.” – Charlie Berens [07:09]
- “Snow Low has been taken.” – Charlie Berens [17:58]
- “If you are standing on the ground, you are the ground.” – Miles [47:57]
- “Tip it on back with a little tippy cow.” – Charlie Berens [48:36]
This episode of Bellied Up masterfully blends humor with engaging discussions on innovative ideas, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions, all set against the backdrop of a historic Milwaukee bar. Whether brainstorming new business ventures or navigating personal relationship challenges, Charlie and Miles deliver an entertaining and relatable experience for their audience.