Podcast Summary: Call It What It Is – "Short & Sweet: Grandma's Gifts Gone Wild"
Episode Title: Short & Sweet: Grandma's Gifts Gone Wild
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Podcast Series: Call It What It Is
Hosts: Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington
Introduction
In this festive episode of Call It What It Is, titled "Short & Sweet: Grandma's Gifts Gone Wild," hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington delve into the hilariously awkward and downright bizarre world of holiday gift-giving. Centered around the theme of unusual presents, especially those from beloved grandmothers, the episode invites listeners to share their most memorable and unexpected gifts. The hosts aim to create a relatable and entertaining conversation for anyone who's ever received a gift that left them scratching their heads.
Setting the Stage
The episode kicks off with Jessica and Camilla acknowledging the chaotic nature of the holiday season. Jessica humorously remarks, "I think I'm gonna have to really speak very eloquently" at [04:23], setting a playful and candid tone. Both hosts express their excitement to dive into the topic, emphasizing the collective experience of receiving odd gifts during the holidays.
Hosts Share Their Stories
Jessica Capshaw's Awkward Jewelry Gift ([05:47] – [07:03])
Jessica shares a particularly cringe-worthy experience from her past:
"I had an ex-boyfriend give me the most hideous piece of jewelry ever. It looked like a relic, perhaps even possessed. It was more like... something your grandma would see and say, 'Ew.'"
— Jessica Capshaw, [05:47]
She laments about the garish design, likening it to something that might turn into a transformer:
"I don't need it to look like it could turn into a transformer. That's... one of my Achilles' heels."
— Jessica Capshaw, [06:46]
Camilla Luddington's Light-Hearted Banter ([04:09] – [05:26])
Camilla engages in humorous back-and-forths with Jessica, joking about sounding intoxicated in previous episodes and contemplating speaking in a British accent:
"Maybe you should just do one in your English accent?"
— Camilla Luddington, [04:40]
Listener Submissions: Grandma's Gift Gone Wild
The heart of the episode revolves around listener-submitted stories of unusual and often humorous gifts received from family members, predominantly grandmothers. Jessica and Camilla read and react to each submission, providing commentary and shared laughter.
1. Oven Mitt from an Ex-Husband ([10:30] – [11:13])
"The worst gift I've ever received is an oven mitt from QVC from my husband on Valentine's Day. He's now my ex."
— Goodwin, [10:30]
Jessica and Camilla joke about the untimeliness of the gift:
"An oven mitt on Valentine's Day? That's the double whammy – bad gift on the wrong holiday."
— Camilla Luddington, [10:44]
2. Meat Thermometer for a Vegetarian ([17:18] – [17:36])
"Ella said my mom gave me a meat thermometer. I'm vegetarian."
— Ella, [17:18]
The hosts empathize and laugh, highlighting the mismatch between the gift and the recipient's lifestyle:
"I don't know why people forget these things. It seems very on purpose though, as a gift."
— Camilla Luddington, [17:30]
3. Bidet as a Gift ([30:14] – [31:33])
"Thelma got a bidet last year. Thought it was weird, but ended up loving it."
— Thelma, [30:14]
Jessica explains what a bidet is for listeners unfamiliar with the concept:
"It's like a toilet without a seat or a back, with an adjustable fountain in the middle. You sit on it and wash what you need to."
— Jessica Capshaw, [31:02]
4. Penis-Shaped Candle ([31:55] – [32:27])
"Mariska got a penis-shaped candle from her then-boyfriend."
— Mariska, [31:55]
The hosts react with a mix of humor and bewilderment:
"A dildo and lube from Grandma? They say she's trying to be hip, but... it's kind of gross."
— Jessica Capshaw, [32:12]
5. Cardboard Cutout of The Rock ([25:32] – [26:35])
"Summer's cousins gave her a cardboard cutout of The Rock."
— Summer, [25:32]
Jessica humorously imitates a British accent while describing the awkwardness of such a gift:
"Cardboard cutout. It's just harder in an American accent. Of The Rock. So weird."
— Jessica Capshaw, [25:44]
6. Hijinks with Grandmas ([27:02] – [34:07])
Multiple stories revolve around grandmas giving unconventional gifts, prompting the hosts to collectively chuckle and commiserate:
"My grandma gave me a dildo and lube last year for Christmas. I am not gay. It was so awkward."
— Jeffrey, [27:13]
Discussion and Insights
Throughout the episode, Jessica and Camilla explore the underlying reasons behind such odd gift choices. They touch upon generational differences, attempts at humor, or perhaps a genuine but misguided attempt to connect.
Handling Awkward Gifts:
Jessica advises that it's okay not to like a gift but emphasizes the importance of handling the situation with grace:
"It's okay to not like it, right? You're like 'please don't judge me. Don't think I would have chosen this for myself.'"
— Jessica Capshaw, [07:40]
Repurposing Unwanted Gifts:
The conversation also touches on what to do with unwanted gifts, contemplating donation versus keeping them hidden:
"They do have to go. But you can't hawk them while you're in the relationship... You gotta break up."
— Jessica Capshaw, [07:24]
Humorous Banter and Relatability
Jessica and Camilla intersperse the episode with light-hearted jokes and relatable anecdotes, making the discussion both entertaining and empathetic. They highlight the shared experience of navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of gift-giving, especially within family dynamics.
"We have to talk about that at some point. Bethany, I got men's boxers. My mother-in-law assumed all lesbians wear them."
— Bethany, [29:32]
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Jessica and Camilla reflect on the surprises and unexpectedness of gift-giving. They conclude that while some gifts may be odd or unwelcome, they often come from a place of love and thoughtfulness, even if misdirected.
"We continue to get surprised. There are people out there that are ready to surprise you."
— Jessica Capshaw, [34:33]
They leave listeners with a sense of camaraderie and laughter, acknowledging that everyone has their own stories of unusual gifts, and these stories help us bond and navigate future gift exchanges with a bit more grace and humor.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"I had an ex-boyfriend give me the most hideous piece of jewelry ever. It looked like a relic, perhaps even possessed."
— Jessica Capshaw, [05:47] -
"The worst gift I've ever received is an oven mitt from QVC from my husband on Valentine's Day. He's now my ex."
— Goodwin, [10:30] -
"You know, you're like micro minis."
— Camilla Luddington, [19:31] -
"A dildo and lube from Grandma? They're spicy."
— Jessica Capshaw, [32:12] -
"It's okay to not like it, right? You're like 'please don't judge me.'
— Jessica Capshaw, [07:40] -
"We have to talk about that at some point. Bethany, I got men's boxers."
— Bethany, [29:32] -
"We continue to get surprised. There are people out there that are ready to surprise you."
— Jessica Capshaw, [34:33]
Final Thoughts
"Short & Sweet: Grandma's Gifts Gone Wild" offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of the quirks and wonders of holiday gift-giving. Through shared stories, laughter, and genuine reflections, Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington create a space where listeners can laugh at their own experiences and find solace in the universal hilarity of receiving unexpected gifts. This episode is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and family, even amidst the occasional gifting missteps.