Bellied Up Podcast – Episode: "When Asking For a Raise Goes Wrong #128"

Hosts: You Betcha Guy (Myles) & Charlie Berens
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Location: Slims Bar, Bemidji, Minnesota

Introduction: Meeting Narrow at Slims Bar

The episode kicks off with host Charlie Berens welcoming listeners from Slims Bar in Bemidji, Minnesota, situated deep in Vikings territory. Both hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation about meeting Narrow, the original owner of the bar.

• Charlie (00:00): "Folks, welcome, welcome. Here we are at Slims in Bemidji, Minnesota, deep in the Vikings territory."
• Myles (00:11): "We met Narrow. He's a good, good guy."

The playful banter sets a friendly and relaxed tone for the episode, emphasizing the genuine connections the hosts have with local establishments.

Main Discussion: Zoom Camera Etiquette and Multitasking

The conversation shifts to the modern workplace dilemma of Zoom meeting etiquette, specifically the etiquette surrounding camera usage.

• Charlie (01:43): "There's nothing better than, you know, multitasking. Like, you're listening, but you're also walking or you're driving..."
• Myles (02:12): "I actually feel like everyone who has their camera on, and there's one that doesn't, they all secretly wish they were the person without their camera on."

They debate the pros and cons of keeping cameras on during virtual meetings, highlighting the inherent desire for privacy and the practicality of multitasking.

• Charlie (02:58): "Let’s all take a piece of our lives back today. Let's turn off the zoom cameras."

• Myles (04:30): "The worst part about a zoom call is the initial ice breaking. Small talk."

Haircuts and Barber Stories

Transitioning from professional frustrations to personal grooming, the hosts share humorous anecdotes about haircuts and barbers.

• Myles (05:09): "Your hair today. Oh, is looking good. Did you get a new barber?"
• Charlie (05:15): "Let me see... I went back to my old barber."

They delve into the challenges of scheduling haircuts and the importance of finding a reliable barber, with Charlie expressing frustration over the difficulty of securing appointments.

• Charlie (05:44): "Trying to schedule a haircut is a difficult thing. I'm always thinking I should really get a haircut. But it's got to be immediate."

Merch Promotion

A brief interlude features promotion of the podcast's new merchandise, with Charlie showcasing the "I'm bellied up to the bar" shirt.

• Myles (07:23): "Check it out... you can check it out at youbetcha.com."

Listener Call-ins

The heart of the episode lies in the engaging call-ins from listeners, each presenting unique and often humorous dilemmas.

Caller 1: Isaac from Omaha – Apartment with Cousin and Ex-Boyfriend

Isaac shares his predicament of living with his cousin after she reconciled with a cheating boyfriend, leading to tension and uncertainty about his living situation.

• Isaac (08:29): "We were just going to be staying here for a while... but she got back with her boyfriend that had previously cheated on her."

The hosts brainstorm inventive (albeit comedic) business ideas to help Isaac navigate his situation, suggesting creating services to trap or assist those involved in toxic relationships.

• Charlie (10:57): "So you're gonna get a photographer there... boom, Your cousin's paying rent again."

Caller 2: Keith from Lubbock – Troubles with a Guard Dog and Break-In

Keith recounts the woes of having a dog that isn't very effective as a guard, compounded by a recent break-in at his home.

• Keith (21:28): "So I was like, oh, that's what that is. I was like, no way. Someone had jumped over the fence and tried to pry open my back window."

The hosts humorously critique Keith's choice of dog breed for guard duties, and Keith vents about his frustrations with the inefficacy of his dog.

• Charlie (24:35): "You can't roll the dice with a mutt. You got to go full bore and just buy yourself a wolf somewhere."

Caller 3: Hayden from Utah – Asking for a Raise Gone Wrong

Hayden provides an in-depth "bellied update" on his experience attempting to secure a raise at his job, which backfired when he was unexpectedly fired instead.

• Hayden (33:11): "I was completely blindsided by it... he just drops the bomb on me first and tells me, hey, yeah, we're gonna let you go."

The hosts offer both sympathy and tongue-in-cheek advice, leading to a discussion on the concept of "failing upwards." Hayden later shares that after being let go, he secured a better-paying job.

• Charlie (36:42): "That's exactly what you should have asked him for. A raise right there, just to see."

• Myles (40:09): "This great lesson from Hayden here is just quit your job and get a higher paying job instead of asking for a raise."

Hayden humorously concludes his update by affirming his new position and the success of following the hosts' advice.

• Hayden (38:37): "Now I work with an optometrist here, and it pays more, so it's an upgrade."

Community and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in witty banter, making humorous observations about each other's stories and injecting their own comedic flair into the conversations.

• Myles (41:37): "Failed upwards. It happens in all forms."

• Charlie (44:18): "Much easier to have your baby face up there, you know, talking about how you don't like spotted cow."

Conclusion: Embracing Failures and Moving Forward

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the lessons learned from fan call-ins and their own experiences with professional setbacks.

• Charlie (44:48): "Failed upwards, baby."

• Myles (41:24): "That's what it's all about."

They close with encouragement for listeners to embrace their own failures as steps toward eventual success, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of humor and heartfelt advice.

Notable Quotes:

1. Charlie (02:58): "Let’s all take a piece of our lives back today. Let's turn off the zoom cameras."
2. Myles (05:09): "Your hair today. Oh, is looking good. Did you get a new barber?"
3. Charlie (10:57): "So you're gonna get a photographer there... boom, Your cousin's paying rent again."
4. Keith (21:28): "Someone had jumped over the fence and tried to pry open my back window."
5. Charlie (24:35): "You can't roll the dice with a mutt. You got to go full bore and just buy yourself a wolf somewhere."
6. Hayden (33:11): "I was completely blindsided by it... he just drops the bomb on me first and tells me, hey, yeah, we're gonna let you go."
7. Myles (40:09): "This great lesson from Hayden here is just quit your job and get a higher paying job instead of asking for a raise."
8. Charlie (44:48): "Failed upwards, baby."

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Workplace Etiquette: The hosts offer humorous yet insightful commentary on modern workplace challenges, such as Zoom etiquette and the complexities of asking for a raise.
• Community Support: Through listener call-ins, "Bellied Up" provides a platform for sharing real-life dilemmas, receiving both practical and comedic advice from the hosts.
• Embracing Failure: A recurring theme is the notion of "failing upwards," where setbacks are viewed as stepping stones to greater success, exemplified by Hayden’s journey.
• Humor in Everyday Struggles: Whether dealing with pesky guard dogs, break-ins, or professional missteps, the hosts maintain a light-hearted approach, making relatable content entertaining.

Conclusion

Episode #128 of the "Bellied Up" podcast masterfully combines humor with relatable life scenarios, offering listeners both laughter and genuine advice. From the intricacies of virtual meetings to the tumultuous experience of seeking a raise, Charlie and Myles navigate each topic with charm and wit, ensuring that even the most mundane problems are belly-up-worthy moments of comedy and camaraderie.