Not Today, Pal: "Tanner Vs The Homeless"

Hosts: Jamie-Lynn Sigler & Robert Iler
Guest Panelists: Chris, Heather, Tanner
Date: October 2, 2025
Producer: YMH Studios

Episode Overview

This episode of "Not Today, Pal" brings Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler together for another hilarious and candid look at life, jobs, mental health, and the everyday things that irk or delight them. Mixing in their signature blend of warmth and curmudgeonly humor, the conversation centers on unconventional jobs (with a highlight on school bus drivers and strippers), the ethics and economics of homelessness, and a deep dive into psychological testing—along with some classic self-deprecating showbiz tales.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. School Bus Drivers, Strip Clubs, and Regular Jobs

• Kicking off with Robbie’s observation: He noticed a school bus parked at a strip club in the afternoon, sparking debate about what bus drivers do between shifts.
  • "Is there a school bus driver who drops the kids off at school? And then he's like, you know what? Now it's my turn to have a little fun." – Robbie [00:10]
• Jamie’s surprisingly relaxed stance: As long as they're sober and doing their job, what drivers do in their off-time is their business.
  • "I'm not gonna judge what she does with her free time. As long as my kids get home safely." – Jamie [04:47]
• Role Reversal: What if it's a female stripper who moonlights as a bus driver? Jamie is all-in: "Make that money, honey, you respect the hustle." [04:41]
• Robbie and Chris pitch ‘Robbie Regular Jobs’: Imagining Robbie in various “normal” jobs (retail, Starbucks barista, plumber, museum tour guide). Everyone agrees he’d hate school bus driving most.

2. Strip Club Culture and Local Vibes

• The gang delves into the difference between strip clubs in Austin, LA, New Orleans, and Vegas, with Chris sharing some particularly bleak observations from Austin’s Red Rose club:
  • "They just look sad, Zola. You know, they just…" – Chris [06:31]
  • Jamie and Robbie joke about the expectation to "put on that act, baby" for patrons. [06:42]
• Robbie shares a New Orleans story involving a pregnant stripper and reflects on how alcohol changes his perception of the city:
  • "There’s a pregnant stripper standing outside smoking a cigarette. And I was like–this is really bad… But then two nights later, I got drunk and I was like, this place is pretty cool." – Robbie [07:32]

3. Psychology Tests at YMH Studios

• The team did recent psychological evaluations, leading to revelations—especially about Tanner (the episode’s titular reference).
  • "That I'm borderline schizo and psycho...traits of a combat vet." – Tanner [16:10]
• The crew jokes about whether the test truly captured everyone, and most admit they made no lifestyle changes as a result.
• Discussion of psych meds, side effects ("the brain was nice, but I got really numb"), and why Tanner fears homelessness:
  • "I will work so hard to not be homeless. That’s a big fear of mine." – Tanner [20:21]

4. Homelessness: Ethics, Frustrations & Rackets

• Tanner’s hot take: He expresses open disdain for homeless people, which triggers debate.
  • "I just think they’re losers, honestly…Go get a job, you bum." – Tanner [20:40]
• Robbie and Jamie add nuance, noting scams and “organized begging,” as well as stories from New York of “homeless” people with apartments:
  • "There were homeless women who were sitting there with children. And you could tell this was not like a real homeless thing. It was a racket." – Robbie [21:35]
• They watch a news clip about a “homeless” man who clears $60–100k/year by pretending to be disabled:
  • "I'm really good at it. I clear about $100,000 a year doing this." – Homeless Actor [23:24]
• Jamie’s compassion stands out: "I can’t help but ever just feel compassion for anybody who’s living on the streets or begging for money, because it’s just...that’s..." – Jamie [25:37]

5. Showbiz Flashbacks and Social Embarrassment

• Robbie shares an embarrassing childhood story: being ostracized at a pool because his legs were covered in mosquito bites.
  • "They thought you had some kind of disease because I had so many mosquito bites on my legs." – Robbie [32:19]
• Jamie recounts a live "Beauty and the Beast" theater mishap with a stuck boot on stage that ended in laughter and applause.
  • "Every time there was an opening where people are dancing, I would just run to the middle...the audience is like laughing and…applauding." – Jamie [38:28]
• Robbie’s distaste for acting emerges again, "I find everything about acting embarrassing and horrible." [39:08]

6. Dreaming Up ‘Robbie Regular Jobs’

• They brainstorm ideal “regular jobs” for Robbie:
  • Doorman: "I'd be a fucking great doorman." – Robbie [40:36]
  • Carnival worker, parking garage ticket guy, Best Buy employee.
• Anecdotes: Robbie’s relationship with his NYC doormen, including late-night cocaine sessions and a phone-based misunderstanding.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On teachers and showbiz:
  • "You basically danced like you had mosquito bites all over your legs." – Robbie [35:27]
• On homelessness and society:
  • "If you’re really good at being homeless, you end up with a crib." – Robbie [25:24]
• Jamie’s persistent empathy:
  • "Anybody that goes up and tries something in front of people...they will always get a round of applause from me because I think that’s a brave thing to do." – Jamie [35:52]
• Robbie’s personal limit:
  • "This is actually why I don’t do anything anymore. I’m maxed out. I’ve had too many experiences. I’m done." – Robbie [29:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Strip Club & Bus Driver Debate: [00:10] – [05:30]
• Austin/LA/NO Strip Club Culture: [06:07] – [08:31]
• Psychological Testing Discussion: [15:22] – [20:21]
• Homelessness, Begging, and Scam Artists: [20:31] – [25:37]
• Showbiz Flashbacks and Embarrassment Stories: [32:19] – [39:08]
• Regular Jobs Ideation & Doorman Stories: [39:40] – [41:52]

Episode Tone & Language

The hosts keep a relaxed, conversational, and irreverent vibe—frequently busting each other's chops while exploring personal and social issues. Jamie blends sweetness and optimism, counterbalancing Rob’s “Oscar the Grouch” skepticism. The supporting cast (Tanner, Chris, Heather) contribute with moments of both raw honesty and comedic absurdity, giving the episode a layered comic depth while not shying from heavier themes like mental health and societal judgment.

Takeaway

“Tanner Vs The Homeless” is a classic Not Today, Pal episode: meandering, sharp-witted, and full of compassionate (and not-so-compassionate) reflections about modern life’s absurdities, as seen through the lens of two best friends who could not be more different. Whether talking about school bus drivers at strip clubs, scamming panhandlers, or humiliating stage moments, Jamie and Robbie—and their rotating YMH crew—continue to find humor, empathy, and a little existential dread in the everyday.