Bonus #106 - Live Call Show Vol. 19 w/ Alex English [PATREON PREVIEW]

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stavvy's World – Bonus #106: Live Call Show Vol. 19 w/ Alex English [PATREON PREVIEW]

Release Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Stavros Halkias
Guest: Alex English
Episode Title: Bonus #106 - Live Call Show Vol. 19 w/ Alex English [PATREON PREVIEW]

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Introduction

In this bonus episode of Stavvy's World, host Stavros Halkias invites his friend Alex English to tackle a live call from a listener named Smitty. The central issue revolves around Smitty’s ex-boyfriend withholding his expensive bike, leading to a tense and humorous exchange filled with advice, camaraderie, and plenty of laughter.

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Listener's Dilemma: Smitty's Struggle with His Ex

[00:14] Smitty
Smitty from Seattle shares his predicament: after a breakup, he's managed to sort out most issues with his ex, except for the return of his $1,000 bike—a graduation gift. Despite multiple attempts to retrieve it, his ex has blocked him on all platforms and refuses to return the bike.

Key Points:

• Ownership Dispute: Smitty’s ex initially withheld the bike lock, which led to the current situation where the bike itself is being withheld.
• Communication Barriers: Attempts to contact the ex have been unsuccessful as he has blocked Smitty across all channels.
• Landlord Involvement: The landlord has declined to intervene, further complicating the retrieval process.

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Hosts’ Reactions and Initial Thoughts

[01:05] Eldest
Eldest immediately expresses frustration, questioning the ex’s motives and highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

[01:13] Alex
Alex commends Smitty's resilience, saying, "Smitty, you sound like you a bad bitch." He further dissects the dynamics of the breakup, suggesting the ex might have moved on to someone else.

Notable Quote:

“Smitty, you sound like you a bad bitch.” – Alex [01:13]

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Advice and Legal Considerations

[05:15] Eldest
Eldest shifts the conversation towards potential legal actions, recommending that Smitty explores small claims court as a viable option to reclaim his bike.

[05:27] Alex
Alex supports the idea of legal recourse, humorously suggesting, "Take his ass to court. Small claims."

[07:54] Eldest
Emphasizes the importance of documentation and formal communication, advising Smitty to send a certified letter to his ex as a formal request for the bike's return.

Notable Quote:

“What are your legal protections here? And what can you do?” – Alex [05:27]

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Emotional Support and Practical Solutions

[09:01] Eldest
Encourages Smitty to consider both legal and direct approaches, including leveraging mutual friends or friends acting as mediators to facilitate the bike's return.

[12:35] Alex
Brings light-heartedness to the conversation by joking about extreme measures, while still underscoring the seriousness of retrieving the bike.

Notable Quote:

“You better go to judge as a sort of lawyer about what do you do here to get this shit back?” – Eldest [05:29]

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Humorous Interjections and Group Dynamics

Throughout the discussion, the hosts infuse humor to keep the conversation engaging:

• Eldest mocks potential retaliatory actions humorously, like slashing tires or other antics, to highlight the absurdity of some reactions.
• Elizabeth adds to the humor by suggesting outrageous solutions, such as throwing bricks through windows.

Notable Quote:

“Get your ass on Craigslist and find it for, like, 600 bucks or something.” – Elizabeth [15:44]

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Final Advice and Takeaways

[14:07] Alex
Summarizes the situation by reinforcing that Smitty is handling the bike issue appropriately and acknowledges her efforts to seek help.

[15:16] Alex
Concludes with a blend of humor and seriousness, emphasizing the importance of either reclaiming the bike through rightful means or considering moving on for personal peace.

Notable Quote:

“Either get your bike back or do $1,000 worth of harm to him.” – Eldest [15:07]

Final Recommendations:

1. Legal Action: Proceed with small claims court, ensuring all communications are documented.
2. Mediated Communication: Utilize mutual friends or trusted acquaintances to facilitate the bike’s return.
3. Emotional Resolution: Weigh the cost and emotional investment against the value of the bike to decide the best course of action.

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Conclusion

In this engaging and humorous episode, Stavvy's World delivers a blend of practical advice and entertainment as the hosts navigate Smitty’s frustrating situation. Through a mix of legal guidance, emotional support, and comedic relief, Stavros and his friends provide a multifaceted approach to resolving conflicts post-breakup, all while keeping listeners thoroughly entertained.

Notable Closing Quote:

“What are you gonna do? Get high and play NHL fucking three on three with my roommates instead of trying to get my thousand dollars back?” – Eldest [11:25]

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Key Takeaways:

• Persistence is Key: Don't give up on retrieving what’s rightfully yours.
• Legal Recourse is Viable: Small claims court can be an effective tool for resolving disputes.
• Leverage Your Network: Utilize friends and mutual acquaintances to mediate and facilitate difficult conversations.
• Balance Humor with Seriousness: Maintaining a sense of humor can alleviate stress in challenging situations.

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Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Pemco Mutual Insurance: Though the episode begins and ends with Pemco advertisements about water damage insurance, these segments are non-essential to the main discussion and were omitted from the summary.

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For More Episodes and Advice: Join Stavvy's World weekly to hang out with Stav and his friends, share your problems, and receive personalized advice. Want to be part of the show? Call 904-800-STAV, leave a voicemail, and get some expert guidance from the hosts!

Transcript

[Pemco Insurance Representative]

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[Smitty]

Seattle, WA and basically, since getting back, I've pretty much squared away everything with my ex. It hasn't been too bad. The only thing that I'm really struggling with is to get my bike back.

[Alex]

Oh, wow.

[Smitty]

Yeah, so that's kind of my. My ex had watched my stuff over the summer and he's returned pretty much everything except an expensive bike that I bought as a graduation.

[Alex]

He been riding that bike?

[Eldest]

Yeah.

[Smitty]

Initially it was just that he wasn't giving my lock back, which I needed to store my bike. But now I've replaced the lock and he just won't give me my bike. And he's blocked me on everything, so I can't contact him. And I tried asking the landlord for help, but he told me he didn't want to get involved. And then he also asked me out to coffee.

[Eldest]

No. Not only will I not get to your bike, but can I have some pussy?

[Alex]

Smitty, you sound like you a bad bitch.

[Eldest]

I heard about three different motherfuckers in this story already.

[Alex]

You don't waste no time. You broke up, Found a new one. Landlord trying to smash.

[Eldest]

Wow.

[Alex]

I don't know what your problem is actually.

[Eldest]

That's so hilarious.

[Alex]

Sounds like he really got attached to this bike.

[Eldest]

Yeah, this is interesting.

[Alex]

He really loves this bike.

[Elizabeth]

Like he's messy now, bitch.

[Eldest]

Damn.

[Alex]

How far is the distance between where you live and your ex?

[Smitty]

Like a 10 minute walk.

[Alex]

What the fuck?

[Smitty]

So, okay, yeah, we're still in the same city.

[Alex]

That's crazy.

[Eldest]

So he probably see him passing by on your bike, you getting your coffee or whatever.

[Elizabeth]

Does he leave that shit outside, right?

[Smitty]

No. No. So there was like an entryway in front of our apartment and it used to get left there, but when I went back to grab it this last time and I texted him before I was coming, he had moved it inside his apartment and locked the door.

[Eldest]

Wow. What the fuck?

[Alex]

Do you think this is his? I mean, y'all ended. Was the breakup sour? Was it like bad?

[Smitty]

It wasn't. As far as breakups go, I'd say it went pretty well. The main issue is that we were living together. So he was really clear that he wanted to get back and I was just frazzled because I was trying to do law school finals, and I was living with my ex, so I just couldn't give him a straight answer. But over the summer, I told him I didn't want to get back together, and he told me he wanted to stay friends. But then, like, two weeks ago, he blocked me on everything. So I don't buy now he took.

[Alex]

Full custody of the bike.

[Eldest]

So this is interesting because, like, the options are he's just. So he blocks you on every. Okay. All of a sudden he doesn't want to get back together, probably dating somebody else. That's. You know what I mean? Like a guy like this, who. Who, like, is. So even him saying he wanted to stay friends, that's clearly he's trying to smash again.

[Alex]

Like, keep.

[Eldest]

Yeah, keep, like. And so to go from that, to go from trying to get back together to blocking on everything, probably dating somebody or something.

[Alex]

This bike seems like a way for you to communicate with him too.

[Eldest]

Well, that's the other thing. If he was. It's also the last thing. It's kind of like the last final. The only reason you'll ever need this fucking guy ever again is to get this bike. I also, like, I can't help but think of more sinister reasons. Like, did he sell the bike?

[Alex]

Did he sell the bike?

[Eldest]

Like, if it's an expensive.

[Smitty]

I know it's like, in $1,000 bike. It's not a cheap bike.

[Eldest]

Yeah. How much is it for real? Like, if. So I guess the question then is. I mean, this landlord saying he doesn't want to get involved. This hysterical. Especially if he's trying to go out. It's like. Like, I'm almost like, it's a thousand dol dollar bike. Like, is it worth a horrible latte to fucking get this landlord to let you in the apartment? Like, is that. Is that worth it?

[Alex]

But yeah.

[Eldest]

Also, do you. So do you have any. Here's the classic in a situation like this, though, is mutual friends. Like, I also. I almost feel like sometimes in breakups that I've had, it's like, just to be safe, I don't go back and get my stuff. I just send a friend or, you know, whatever. So she would send a friend, whatever. It's easier that way. So is there someone that can act as a mediary? Like, does that. Is that even a possibility? Do you guys have any mutual friends?

[Smitty]

I did reach out to a couple of our neighbor friends that we had met as a couple while we were dating, and they were all just kind of like. We haven't talked to him since Y'all broke up? Like, we're not sure that reaching out for this reason would work. Yeah, it kind of just seemed like they didn't really want to be involved. And then my one friend from law school who knew him while we were dating, he apparently had super paper liked her on Tinder, so she's a little hesitant to call him.

[Eldest]

This guy's awesome.

[Alex]

This guy is more.

[Smitty]

Yeah. It's been a long. A long few months, but.

[Eldest]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Wow.

[Smitty]

So kind of. But not really. I thought about calling him from someone else's phone. I just don't know that he would pick up.

[Eldest]

Right.

[Smitty]

So.

[Alex]

Because I don't be answering calls for numbers. I don't know.

[Eldest]

I mean. Okay, you're in law school, right?

[Smitty]

Yeah.

[Eldest]

What's the league? I mean, I was gonna tell you to see a lawyer, but then I was like, wait a second.

[Alex]

Take his ass to court. Small claims.

[Eldest]

Like, what is the. I mean, legit. You should know this. Like, this. This is a homework assignment for you is like, what are your legal, like, protections here? And what can you do? And. And who can you contact? No, legit, legit.

[Alex]

Like, can you say, like, batman has my bike.

[Eldest]

Do you have to, like, send a letter and prove that you tried to make. You know what I mean? Like, is there certain steps you have to say to like. Because, look, if it was a cheaper. If it was something cheaper, I would just tell you to cut your losses. But this is a sick bike. It seems like you really like it. You. You know, and it's also just the principle of the thing is this guy's being a. So like.

[Alex]

And if he sold it, run him. Run you your money.

[Eldest]

Yeah, definitely. If he sold it, then he owes you the money for it. So it's like, literally, my next advice is going to be talk to a lawyer, but as a.

[Alex]

You better go to judge as a.

[Eldest]

Sort of lawyer as about to be lawyer. What are. Like, what do you do here to get to get this shit back?

[Smitty]

Yeah. So I did think about slapping him with a small claims thing, which I thought might be. I wasn't sure if that was too extreme.

[Eldest]

Like, I mean. Okay, let me ask.

[Smitty]

Oh, I'll hit him with a lawsuit. And that was actually unreasonable.

[Eldest]

How many times have you tried to talk. How many times have you tried to get this bike right?

[Alex]

Numerous.

[Smitty]

I have gone three times since the semester started. I got back in, like, September.

[Eldest]

Yeah, it's fucking. Yeah, it's been months.

[Smitty]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Yeah.

[Smitty]

He and I sit in probably five times. I haven't tried calling and Then he's now blocked me, so I can't.

[Eldest]

Yeah, I mean, that's fucking crazy. And like, I guess, you know.

[Alex]

Yeah, be like, I thought you wanted to be friends. Why you. Why you want my block?

[Eldest]

This is crazy. And so, I don't know, I mean, you can try calling, you know, maybe you're blocked, whatever. But at this point, at this point, legitimately, I would start looking at it as like laying the ground. Like, hopefully he gives it back, but if he does it, I think you have to legitimately be prepared for to, you know, to, to, to like the small claims thing that you said.

[Alex]

Because maybe before you even do the small claims thing actively, like, say that you will. So that it'll maybe drive him to be like, all right, come get the damn.

[Eldest]

Or whatever it is. Like, I don't. Yeah, maybe. But I also don't know the legal thing of like, my guess is it would probably be good to have some documentation. Send him an email.

[Alex]

Yeah.

[Eldest]

Send him some, like, some literal postage. Like, you know, like send a certified letter so that they know that he got it type of thing. Like, and, and yeah, look, if it was a thousand dollar bike, that's nuts to try and steal or be petty about. If it's a dvd, if it's even something with like, it's just like a shitty thing to do. And so, like, that is what I would do personally if I was in a, If I was in a breakup and someone was being this fucking level of petty over something that, you know, when you're a law student, $1,000 bike, that's probably the, your biggest asset in the world. You know what I mean?

[Alex]

Like, you better than me. I don't know no bike that I would buy for $1,000. I'm going to tell you that right now. Y'all got that, y'all got money.

[Eldest]

So. Yeah, I think it was a. You said it was a gift, right?

[Smitty]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Okay, there you go. It would have to be a gift because.

[Eldest]

Of course. So, yeah, that's. Honestly, I don't think you're being extreme. I think he's being a. Yeah, he's.

[Alex]

Being weird and dumb and difficult when it should just be so easy, like, get your own bike.

[Eldest]

Especially if you don't have any actual mutual friends. Or like. Or if you could have a friend. The other option, if you don't have any, like, mutual friends is go between. Just like, do you have a very good friend that doesn't mind making it awkward? Right? Like, because that can be useful in a situation like this. To someone who's like, look, you're not going to see her. But I'm going to fucking. I'm going to be here for a fucking week. Like, I'm just going to be outside your fucking apartment.

[Alex]

So you don't got. You got a. You don't got a big brother? You don't got, like, a big brother that I can, like, just go up there and, like, you know, threaten them with a little.

[Smitty]

I'm the oldest, unfortunately, so I'm supposed to be the big brother.

[Alex]

You, big bro.

[Eldest]

So, yeah, those. That is honestly what I would do. And I'm. I'm kind of pissed. Elis, you're over there.

[Alex]

I'm mad, too.

[Eldest]

You got something. He.

[Alex]

On some.

[Elizabeth]

I. I think. God, all this talk about small claims, this and that. This reminds me of when we get calls that are like, oh, my landlord owes me like, $550, and I'm so.

[Eldest]

This is just on the line to take it. And $1,000 bike is not 500 bucks cash either.

[Elizabeth]

I. I know, but it's like.

[Alex]

But it seems like he's being deliberate, though, too.

[Elizabeth]

He is being deliberate.

[Eldest]

Let him be.

[Elizabeth]

He is being deliberate, but, like, everything he's doing is, like, so malicious. And this is a motherfucker you're, like, crying about like, you really wanted to break up with him a few months ago. Do you really want to drag this shit out? Or is this just a thousand dollar life lesson of, like, ok, I'm out this shit.

[Eldest]

What, to let dickheads take your bike? I almost want to say it as. Yeah, I guess Aldous is right. I guess it's Elizabeth in some sense where it's like, think about the money and the effort. It'll take you. Now, I'm a spiteful person. I would do it just to fuck his life up a little bit. And you're probably right, Eldest. In some world, spite is not useful. It's not good. But to me, $1,000 is right on the line of where it's worth it. Especially at her age. She's not fucking. You know what I mean? Like, and she's a fucking law student. This is. She'd get extra credit for this. You know what I mean? Like.

[Elizabeth]

No, I know that.

[Smitty]

Yeah. I was gonna say I'm worth, like, negative money right now with loans.

[Eldest]

Yeah, dude, like, when we were. When we were. How old are you, Smitty?

[Smitty]

I am 23.

[Eldest]

When you were 23, somebody takes $1,000 from you, you're not doing everything in your power to get it back.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, I just hear small claim score when. When it gets to that point, like, I get that. It's like, you know, it's a lot of money to you. I'm not trying to downplay that, but, like, God, that just sounds like such a headache. It's gonna.

[Eldest]

She's 23. Time is what she has. And, I mean, it's also up to you, right, Schmitty? Like, we're just giving you. We're giving you opposing views here, and you have to make up your mind. But when I was 23, and all I had to do was some of my. Whoa, what was I gonna do? Get high and play NHL fucking three on three with my roommates instead of trying to get my thousand dollars back? That's all. I mean, now Schmitty sounds like a more industrious person than I was at 23. But still, you know what I mean? Like, to me. To me, it's in your. In. In your shoes. It would be worth it for me to try and do whatever it takes to get the bike back. I eldest does bring up a. An interesting point of, like, Schmitty, here's what I think.

[Elizabeth]

I think you have one or two hardcore blitzes left in you. Yes. Maybe a date with the landlord. That's fun to try to. Try to let you in and be like, oh, he's at work right now. Could I just run in there and get my bike real quick?

[Alex]

She gives me not answering my.

[Eldest]

That to me, is fucking worse than the fucking lawsuit, you know? You got this fucking weirdo who's trying to contact you.

[Elizabeth]

It's just an afternoon or early evening.

[Eldest]

Yeah, you're out of your mind. If you tell her to let go and let God. And then you're like, oh, but maybe try and fucking lead on this weird landlord.

[Elizabeth]

Especially if this motherfucker lives, like, an hour away. There has to be, like, think of something.

[Eldest]

He lives 10 minutes early. No, no.

[Elizabeth]

10 minutes away. That's what I meant. Just think of something like, you know, think of a little plan to get him to leave that bike in the hallway one night and just buzz someone else in the building.

[Eldest]

James Bond hygiene.

[Elizabeth]

I feel like there's just a quicker way to get your bike that's 10 minutes away than fucking dragging shit out through, like, court.

[Eldest]

This guy's being a fucking cunt eldest. Like, there's no way. You know what I mean? He's being a fucking asshole. He's gonna make it as difficult as possible. You're right. You could try some hijinks, but I just Think, like, you know, I'm on team. Do whatever it takes to get the bike back. You know, that's me. And also, I'm pissed. If I were you, I would just be so annoyed at this fucking guy for not giving my bike back. I would just make his life annoying. And it would make me smile even though I was doing annoying shit. Thinking about this guy won't even fucking throw away takeout containers. You think he wants to go to small claims court? You know how much he's gonna hate having to do a fucking errand. I would love to put him through that personally, but that makes them.

[Alex]

You make. That makes a lot of sense.

[Eldest]

Thank you, Alex.

[Alex]

You know. You know what's a good takeaway, too? From what, Smitty? What you said before when you asked the neighbor friends, like, to help out a neighbor. Like, we haven't talked to them since the takeaway there is that you are the vibes 100%.

[Eldest]

She is 100%.

[Alex]

Y'all breaking up mean he lost friends, you know, of course. Yeah. They're like, we stopped fucking with him when you left.

[Eldest]

Yeah.

[Alex]

We were in it for you.

[Eldest]

We all know those couples that, like. Everyone's like, why is she dating?

[Alex]

She got men chasing after her, and she make friends with the neighbors. Smitty, you are au. In law school. Oh, yeah. You are the prize.

[Eldest]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Elizabeth]

You know what might feel more awesome than getting your bike back? Fuck the bike and throw a brick through his window. That was so fucking awesome.

[Alex]

But my brain, like, two minutes ago.

[Eldest]

Do you know how good that would be?

[Elizabeth]

You think that guy wants to go through fixing a fucking window?

[Eldest]

And then she's. What if. I mean, what. I agree with you.

[Alex]

Do.

[Eldest]

Do a thousand. Yeah. Either get your bike back or do $1,000 worth of harm to him. That's sort of where we.

[Alex]

That's.

[Eldest]

That's where we kind of end up.

[Alex]

I was trying not to go full Tyler Perry black woman. I wasn't trying to be Marie.

[Eldest]

Slash all his fucking tires. Yeah. In the dead of night, Slash all his tires. You probably see his car parked around.

[Alex]

Still funny.

[Eldest]

And you know what I mean?

[Alex]

And then.

[Eldest]

Yeah, then, like, now you have a reason to ride the bike.

[Alex]

Doesn't seem nearly angry.

[Eldest]

But as for behavior. And she does literally want her bike. We're all missing the fact that she loves this bike and wants it back.

[Elizabeth]

Get your ass on Craigslist and find it for, like, 600 bucks or something.

[Alex]

We're, like, one step away from hiring Hitman. Pick his ass off.

[Smitty]

I will say I can't really commit any crimes. I'd have to report it to the bar.

[Eldest]

Exactly.

[Smitty]

That's a little out for me, but I like the spirit.

[Elizabeth]

Well, be smart about it.

[Eldest]

Wear a mask. No, no, she is being smart. She's refuting us on the but now, who knows what's gonna happen to this fucking guy's car?

[Pemco Insurance Representative]

Water damage is no joke. Did you know that water damage makes up more than 25% of all home insurance claims? And the average claim costs over $13,000. Don't let a small leak turn into a big expense. Learn [e-mail] Nojoke Pemco Mutual Insurance Company, Seattle, Washington.