Waiter, There’s a Fly in My Tea! - Christmas Cards From The Shop: Episode 1

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Waiter, There’s a Fly in My Tea! - Christmas Cards From The Shop: Episode 1"

Podcast Information:

• Title: For Love and Chocolate
• Hosts: Tommy and Tara Gallop
• Description: A delightful exploration of love and chocolate, where hosts Tommy and Tara Gallop, purveyors of fine Swiss chocolate in Beverly Hills, delve into the intricacies of relationships and share enchanting romantic stories from fabulous couples.
• Produced by: Tara Gallop, Tommy Gallop, Adam Haagen
• Episode: Waiter, There’s a Fly in My Tea! - Christmas Cards From The Shop: Episode 1
• Release Date: December 4, 2024

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Introduction and Setting the Holiday Mood (00:04 – 01:18)

The episode opens with an enchanting introduction by Tommy (A) and Tara (B), setting a festive tone for the holiday season. Tommy likens their opening to classic show hosts Johnny Carson or Jack Paar, highlighting their anticipation for the season’s festivities.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (00:42): "Christmas cards from the shop. I don't know about you, but I feel like Johnny Carson or Jack Parr. Just one of those great openings to a show."

The hosts express gratitude towards their producer, Adam Haagen, praising his contribution to their cheerful atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

Tara (00:40): "Adam's a genius. Hello."

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A Fly in the Tea: An Unexpected Dining Experience (01:24 – 04:33)

Tommy shares a recent frustrating experience at a new restaurant, where he discovered a small fly in his iced tea. The incident escalated when he was mistakenly overcharged for an extra iced tea, exacerbating his irritation.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (02:17): "I couldn't sleep last night."

Tara (02:06): "You couldn't sleep last night. That's all you want to talk about?"

The conversation humorously oscillates between the triviality of the incident and its impact on Tommy’s mood, showcasing the couple's dynamic interplay.

Notable Quote:

Tara (03:29): "Was it one of those Bill Gates GMO flies?"

Tommy (03:56): "I was a little torqued. I was a little twisted."

Ultimately, Tommy decides to bring up the incident on the podcast as a form of venting, finding relief in sharing his experience.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (04:19): "I was going to say something. Should I say something? Is that petty?"

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Embracing the Holiday Season at the Chocolate Shop (04:33 – 07:26)

Transitioning from the restaurant tale, Tommy and Tara discuss the bustling holiday season at their Swiss chocolate shop. They emphasize the significance of Christmas, not just as a time for celebrations but also as a period demanding long hours and meticulous preparations.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (05:18): "We celebrate everything."

The hosts highlight their upcoming large chocolate delivery and the increased workload they anticipate, illustrating the behind-the-scenes efforts required to create a memorable holiday experience for their customers.

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Thanksgiving Celebrations and Love Stories (05:14 – 07:26)

Reflecting on their recent Thanksgiving, Tommy and Tara share heartwarming stories about their family gatherings. They mention Marley and her new love interest, Leland, underscoring the theme of love that permeates their podcast.

Notable Quote:

Tara (06:01): "I want to talk about Thanksgiving. We had such a lovely Thanksgiving."

They recount the familial warmth, delicious homemade dishes like the next-level green bean casserole, and the joy of spending quality time with loved ones.

Notable Quote:

Tara (07:26): "It's a nice, nice celebration, wasn't it?"

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The Impact of Sharing Love Stories on the Podcast (07:26 – 09:35)

Tommy and Tara delve into the profound impact their podcast has had on both them and their guests. They express gratitude for the opportunity to meet and connect with incredible couples, fostering deep and meaningful relationships.

Notable Quote:

Tara (07:42): "Everyone we've met and brought on the show, they love telling it. They kind of go away."

The hosts reflect on the emotional connections formed through sharing intimate love stories, often finding themselves moved and teary-eyed by the vulnerability and beauty of their guests' experiences.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (08:44): "We got teary eyed because it was so beautiful."

They highlight how these interactions serve as a vehicle for genuine connection, enhancing both their personal and professional lives.

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Holiday Preparations and Staff Love Stories at the Shop (09:35 – 12:03)

As the holiday season peaks, Tommy and Tara discuss the operational aspects of their chocolate shop. They introduce new hires—Jacob, Zachary, and Shahar—each bringing their own unique talents and love stories to the team.

Notable Quote:

Tara (10:37): "Beautiful voice and a beautiful soul."

Shahar, the newest hire, shares her affection for her boyfriend, inspiring the couple to recognize the pervasive love within their team. This collective atmosphere of love and camaraderie enhances the warm and inviting environment of their shop.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (11:35): "Everybody's got someone really special in their lives."

The hosts express their hope that this love permeates their customer interactions, ensuring that each visitor experiences the same warmth and affection that defines their business.

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A Special Holiday Surprise: Recording "Silent Night" (12:42 – 16:11)

In a heartfelt finale, Tommy surprises Tara with a recorded rendition of "Silent Night," showcasing the couple's personal touch and festive spirit.

Notable Quote:

Tommy (12:42): "I have a little surprise for you, sweetheart."

Tara is deeply moved by the gesture, appreciating the effort and love invested in the performance.

Notable Quote:

Tara (15:04): "That was so beautiful, you guys."

The episode concludes with festive cheer, well-wishes for the holiday season, and a promise of continued heartfelt content despite the busy period.

Notable Quote:

Tara (15:57): "Yeah. This show is brought to you by Beverly Hills Toy Chocolates of Switzerland, home of the world's first and finest champagne truck."

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Conclusion:

In this inaugural episode of "Christmas Cards From The Shop," Tommy and Tara Gallop blend personal anecdotes, heartfelt reflections on love, and festive cheer to create an engaging and warm holiday narrative. From humorous tales of dining mishaps to the heartfelt sharing of love stories, the hosts exemplify the spirit of the season, inviting listeners to celebrate love and chocolate alongside them.

Transcript

[A]

Oh, Mr. And Mrs. Truffles have a gift to unwrap a card full of magic in a holiday wrap with cheer each note and the festive drop. It's Christmas parts from the shop. All right. This is Truffles.

[B]

Well, welcome to Christmas time, Mr. Troubles.

[A]

Christmas cards from the shop. I don't know about you, but I feel like Johnny Carson or Jack Parr. Just one of those great openings to a show. And I'm just in the wings waiting for the curtains to open. That, by the way, that was produced by our producer extraordinaire, Mr. Adam Hagen. Adam. Can we give a little applause to Adam?

[B]

Yeah. Adam's a genius. Hello.

[A]

Fantastic.

[B]

We figured that out months ago.

[A]

I know. It just put us in such a good mood, you know?

[B]

Yeah. It's so uplifting.

[A]

Why wouldn't we be in a good mood?

[B]

It's always a good mood when you're with Adam.

[A]

It really is.

[B]

It is. It's the best.

[A]

I mean, there was one thing recently that put me in a bit of a sour mood, but I don't want to talk about it.

[B]

This is really the time that you should talk about it. This is for love and chocolate and working through Mr. Truffles trifles.

[A]

Okay, well, if you insist.

[B]

So.

[A]

I think I'm pretty easy going, right? I'm pretty easy breezy.

[B]

You're so easy going.

[A]

Easy breezy. Light and squeezy usually. Okay, so we went to a restaurant last night, didn't we? And we love this new place. It is fantastic. But something happened during the meal and we kind of talked about it.

[B]

I really. I'm so excited that you're bringing this up. This seems like something we should definitely talk about.

[A]

Well, we're talking about it, sweetheart. Don't shake your head.

[B]

It's astounding to me that you. What Are so upset about this.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

You couldn't sleep last night.

[A]

I couldn't.

[B]

That's all you want to talk about?

[A]

That's it.

[B]

Before we got to the studio.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

There's. What is wrong with you?

[A]

Well, a lot of things. But anyway, so we're having a really nice meal and it's a brand new restaurant. It's fantastic. And you were drinking your cocktail and we were having little delicious. The place is beautiful. And had my iced tea. Right. And they little teetotally totaling. And they. They asked for, you know, do I want more iced tea? Give me a little bit more iced tea. I'm drinking the iced tea and there's a little fly in the tea.

[B]

Okay, well, when you have fruit and you have open air. That happens.

[A]

I don't know why. You're on the other side. I don't know why.

[B]

It was a tiny little fruit fly. It wasn't like a big old house fly.

[A]

It was a. It was a tarantula hanging from the ed. Just. Anyway, not a big deal, right? I'm making it a big deal.

[B]

You are making such a big deal about. I'm not really sure this is even going anywhere.

[A]

Oh, no, this is going somewhere in my suite. Anyway, so I just brought it to their attention. I was like, hey, not a big deal, but there's a little fly in my iced tea. And of course. Oh, I'm so sorry. They brought it to the manager. The manager, look, came over and said, sorry about the fly, but it is organic. It's like, okay, I'm not really in the mood for your little jokes.

[B]

Was it one of those Bill Gates GMO flies?

[A]

It was not. It was not a robotic fly. Anyway, they brought me a fresh iced tea, and I would think, you know what?

[B]

So lovely, right?

[A]

Lovely. I was just as a.

[B]

It's a delightful tea, isn't it? Like a really lovely blend.

[A]

Lovely blend, yeah. But when the check came, I kind of thought, okay, listen, we're gonna take care of the tea. Nope, Got charged for two iced teas. Yeah, that's right. Not one, but two. And then a little extra $2 for the fly. Okay, that didn't happen, but I was a little torqued. I was a little twisted. And I said to you, you know what? I'm going to say something. Should I say something? Is that petty? And you're like, yeah, that's Betty. Don't say anything. I was like, okay, I'll bring it up on the podcast. So here we are. I feel so much better. By the way, how are you, sweetie?

[B]

I'm feeling about as happy right now that you brought this up as you are that they charge you $4 for extra iced tea.

[A]

But enough about me and my tea.

[B]

I don't know what this has to do with Christmas or cards or the chocolate shop, but I'm glad you feel better.

[A]

I do. It's just been a real purging, which.

[B]

Is what this show's for.

[A]

You're funny. You're pretty and sweet and charming and brilliant and funny. You're.

[B]

And at the moment, a little annoyed.

[A]

You're a little annoyed with Mr. Truffles. But enough about that silly show.

[B]

No, no, let's keep talking about it.

[A]

You're funny. Okay? So let's Talk a little bit about what's happening in the shop and in our neighborhood and the fact that Christmas is right around the corner, and it means a lot of things to a lot of people. For us, it means long hours.

[B]

It means putting up a Christmas tree and a menorah because we celebrate everything.

[A]

We do. Yeah, we do. We do. But the shop is really. It's quite something this time of year. In fact, today we are getting one of our giant chocolate deliveries, and the store is going to be.

[B]

But you know what? Before we talk about the store and all the hard work that you want me to do.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I want to talk about Thanksgiving. We had such a lovely Thanksgiving.

[A]

We did.

[B]

And one of the really lovely things is we've talked a couple times on the show about Marley and her new love interest, Leland. And I'm pretty happy to report that she was invited to family Thanksgiving at his house.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

She brought my delicious green bean casserole, which I make with this garlic, lemon butter, toasted almonds. Yeah, it's next level green beans casserole. Yeah. And she brought that, and it was a big hit.

[A]

It was fly free.

[B]

And you gotta keep bringing up the fly because we can go back down that road if you want.

[A]

I don't. I don't. I don't.

[B]

All right. All right. Are you sure?

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Okay. They had a lovely, lovely evening with Leland's parents.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The good time was had by all. And then on Friday night, we did a second Thanksgiving at our place.

[A]

We did.

[B]

Yeah. Because our youngest, she was with her dad for the night on Thursday.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And Marley was with Leland's family. And then my oldest daughter, Honey, has moved back to Los Angeles.

[A]

Honey bear.

[B]

But she was busy working. She's a busy lawyer. Yeah. So she had to work on Thursday. So we all enjoyed a beautiful dinner together on Friday. We did.

[A]

So good.

[B]

And the best part of it was, is that we didn't cook most of it. We did cook a couple of dishes, which made it feel very homemade, but we let Bristol Farms do most of the hard lifting.

[A]

Yes. Yes.

[B]

She drank a lot of wine, and we all gave thanks, and there's just so much to be thankful for.

[A]

Yeah. It was a nice, nice celebration, wasn't it?

[B]

Yeah. And I am really thankful for this whole year that we. We got to explore this podcast. We got to meet and work with the amazing Adam Hagin.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And we really met some incredible couples.

[A]

I mean, not only couples that we've known, but also new friends that we've made that I'm sure will last a lifetime, you know.

[B]

Oh my gosh. Yes. Just such. It's interesting when you share the most important story of someone's life with them. You become friends on an intimate level that you ordinarily don't get to connect with people on.

[A]

Oh yeah. It's a great, it's a great vehicle.

[B]

For really getting into someone's heart.

[A]

It is. It's a great icebreaker, you know, because as you've said before, people love telling their origin story. We love telling it. Everyone we've met and brought on the show, they love telling it. They kind of go away.

[B]

Well, it's really just so fun too to hear the feedback afterwards from their friends and their family. On numerous occasions we had people tell us that their daughter cried when she listened or their dad cried a little. And it was just a wonderful experience to relive these beautiful memories with people but also be part of beautiful new memories they're making by reliving it.

[A]

Yeah. And I think for both of us, when we were sitting talking to these couples, listening to them relive those moments, they got caught up in it, which got us caught up in it. And on more than a few occasions we got teary eyed because it was so beautiful. Because what's more vulnerable than talking about the moment that you saw the love of your life?

[B]

You know, it's like in that moment that they first met, like their children began to crystallize, like their whole future. And the little magical hints that a lot of them get right away that this is happening, it just lets you know there are greater forces, universe at play here.

[A]

How everything has to align. The stars have to align, the planets have to align.

[B]

Some things are just meant to be.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Like you and me.

[A]

Like you and me, Mrs. Truffles.

[B]

Like our chocolate shop.

[A]

Like our chocolate shop.

[B]

Yeah. So this is the crazy season for our chocolate shop. So we won't be bringing you probably any more interviews this month because we're just, we're overwhelmed in the shop with work and big orders.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And happy Christmas shoppers. And trying to have a little holiday cheer of our own on the side. Yeah. So this is probably going to be just a month of little check ins with you. What we call Christmas cards from the shop.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

And you know, there's always a lot to talk about. And with Christmas comes extra hires. Right. We have our Christmas help.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

And I was just realizing something yesterday.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

When I was in the shop, so we had Jacob in The shop with us yesterday. He's our most longest time most valuable player, our mvp. Yeah, he's been with us the longest.

[A]

Also featured as one of the for Loving chocolate singers.

[B]

He has repeatedly joined us.

[A]

Beautiful voice.

[B]

Yeah, beautiful voice and a beautiful soul. And so we had him in yesterday working, and we had our newer hire, Zachary, and Zachary is also just lovely. And it turns out he can sing, too.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So we will be bringing him on the show to sing. And then we had our newest hire, Shahar. Lovely young lady, senior in high school. So sweet, so smart.

[A]

Boy, can she tie a bow.

[B]

She is like a duck to water.

[A]

Forget it.

[B]

So Shahar started yesterday and I told her about our podcast. She said, oh, you should have me and my boyfriend on. So cute. So clearly, like, really crazy about her boyfriend. And I just realized that everyone who works in our shop right now is really crazy in love.

[A]

Deeply in love.

[B]

Yeah. Everybody's got someone really special in their lives. And I thought, isn't that nice? I think this is maybe the first time we've ever been able to say that.

[A]

I think so.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. But it's nice. Makes a really warm feeling in the shop.

[B]

It's really cute. You know, it's just cute. Everybody's just kind of head over heels.

[A]

It's very sweet. Yeah. And so we hope that we bring that love to all of our customers when they come to the shop. And we hope we bring that love to you guys, our listeners, because we feel it all the time, don't we?

[B]

Oh, yeah. It's definitely going to be there in the shop and there in the chocolates.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And, you know, so I think it makes it lucky, right? For lucky. For love, when you come to Twitcher.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. And so even though we're not going to be doing interviews, we still love to hear people's love stories. So if you want to come into our store or drop us a note online and tell us about your love story, maybe we can find a way to feature that in our Christmas cards.

[A]

That would be fun. Yeah, I like it.

[B]

Maybe we could bring in our staff and have them share their little love stories.

[A]

Sure. With all our downtime, bring our staff in. Well, speaking about all the love in the shop, I have a little surprise for you, sweetheart.

[B]

You have a surprise for me?

[A]

I do. Adam and I got together and we put together what I think is quite possibly your favorite Christmas song.

[B]

You know what my favorite Christmas song is?

[A]

I do, yeah. So here it is.

[B]

You recorded it for me.

[A]

I did. Silent Night, Holy Night, Holiday. Come all is bright crown young virgin Mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night Holy night Shepherds quake at the sight glory stream from heaven the fo sing hallelujah Christ the savior is born Christ the savior is born.

[B]

That was so beautiful, you guys.

[A]

I'm glad you liked it, sweetie.

[B]

That was amazing.

[A]

Really? Yeah. It was really fun to do, and I'm glad you loved it.

[B]

Well, you know, that is going to get you put onto Santa's good list.

[A]

Oh, I'm so happy to hear you.

[B]

And Adam both are going to get lots of points with Santa for doing such a beautiful song.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

And don't forget, he's making a list.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And he's checking it twice. That's right.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And you guys. You guys are the best. This is going to be such an amazing holiday season, and I'm so glad I get to spend it with you guys. And I'm so glad we get to spend it with all of our friends who tune in every week.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And our lovely customers. And our shop full of lovebirds and elves. Love elves.

[A]

Love elves. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, guys, thanks again so much for joining us. And guess what? We're gonna do it again next week. But until then, say goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[B]

Goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[A]

This show is brought to you by Beverly Hills Toy Chocolates of Switzerland, home of the world's first and finest champagne truck. Join us next week for more adventures in everlasting love.