The Bert Show: Full Show PT 1 – Thursday, March 5 [Vault]

Episode Date: March 5, 2026
Featured Guests: Bert Show cast: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, et al. | Guest: Divorce Attorney Evan Summerstein

Episode Overview

This episode of The Bert Show centers around two main topics:

1. Divorce and legal advice for listeners in tough situations, featuring live Q&A with divorce attorney Evan Summerstein.
2. Social frustrations and ethics—especially misuse of handicap parking spaces—with contributions from both the Bert Show team and listeners.

In between, the show also touches on real-life family drama about navigating opposing political views during family gatherings.

The episode stays true to the show’s trademark style—authentic, funny, and deeply empathetic, blending real talk, expert insight, and listener stories.

Key Segment 1: Divorce Advice Live with Evan Summerstein

Opening Discussion – The Economic Impact on Divorce

[01:06–02:20]

• Bert and co-hosts introduce Evan Summerstein, emphasizing how daunting divorce can feel, especially when finances make people hesitate to split even if unhappy.
• Bert reflects: “I read yesterday that most people at this point, like with the economy so bad … even if they have the thought of getting into divorce, they're holding out right now.”
  (Bert, 01:40)
• Evan: “It’s one of the great things about my job. It’s economy proof ... People don’t like each other when they have money or when they don’t have money.”
  (Evan Summerstein, 01:53)

Listener Q&A with Attorney Evan Summerstein

1. Restraining Orders for Non-Physical Abuse

Caller: Michelle
[02:30–04:33]

• Michelle shares her experience: her husband threatened to take their kids, withdrew money, and harasses her without physical violence.
• Evan confirms she can file for a restraining order if there's serious harassment:
  • “You can definitely request a restraining order ... go to the magistrate court in whatever county you live in ... apply for a restraining order.” (Evan, 03:20)
• Michelle describes emotional abuse and her child’s distress:
  • “He wants to make me mad. He wants me to fight with him ... My son looked at me, he goes, ‘Mommy, please don’t fight with Daddy.’” (Michelle, 04:12)

2. Child Support Disputes for Unmarried Parents

Caller: [Name Disguised]
[05:11–07:04]

• Caller receives fluctuating voluntary payments from ex, who now refuses to pay after remarrying.
• Evan advises:
  • “File for child support through a private attorney or the Child Support Enforcement Office … courts will enter an order based on the Georgia Child Support Guidelines.” (Evan, 05:57, 06:12)
• On back child support:
  • “They will not do a retroactive child support order … But if you can come to court with expenses he hasn't helped contribute to, they will make him contribute to those.” (Evan, 06:37)
• Notable caller reaction: all-business tone is observed by Bert and co-hosts, who note the dichotomy of emotional vs. transactional cases.

3. Paying Legal Fees When Money Runs Out

Caller: Rebecca
[07:36–09:08]

• Caller in a drawn-out, costly divorce against better-resourced spouse.
• Evan:
  • “The court can make him pay your attorney's fees … common in situations where only one spouse has money.” (Evan, 08:17)
  • Recommends requesting a temporary hearing during the proceedings.

4. Divorce Timelines and Prolonged Cases

[09:41–10:11]

• Evan shares: a year and a half is average for a contested divorce; the longest case he saw lasted two and a half years.

5. House Ownership After Divorce

Caller: Rhonda
[10:14–11:34]

• Rhonda’s ex-husband was awarded the house, but her name is still on the deed.
• Evan:
  • “If he has a court order that gives him the house, yes, the house is his. You're a renter who’s not having to pay rent.” (Evan, 10:58)
  • On proceeds if the house is sold: “If [the court order] just says he gets the house, then … the money would be his.” (Evan, 11:21)

6. Changing Lawyers Mid-Divorce

Caller: Jerrell
[12:07–13:49]

• Jerrell’s divorce is entangled in legal delays; wants to know if she can switch attorneys.
• Evan:
  • “You always have the right to get a new attorney … But it’s expensive. Try to have a heart-to-heart with your current attorney before making the jump.” (Evan, 13:18–13:49)

Key Quotes from the Divorce Segment

• “People don’t like each other when they have money or when they don’t have money.”
  – Evan Summerstein (01:53)
• “He wants to make me mad. He wants me to fight with him.”
  – Michelle (04:12)
• “Some people five years later still have exactly as much anger as they had at the start of it.”
  – Evan Summerstein (07:28)
• “You’re a renter who’s not having to pay rent.”
  – Evan Summerstein (11:02)
• “Try to have a heart-to-heart talk with [your attorney] … But if not, you may want to consider changing attorneys.”
  – Evan Summerstein (13:18–13:49)

Key Segment 2: Handicap Parking Pet Peeves & Social Ethics

Confessions and Outrage about Misusing Handicap Spots

[15:24–24:35]

• Bert admits to once using his mother-in-law's handicap sticker during knee rehab:
  • “I borrowed my mother-in-law’s handicap [placard]. I was driving her truck because it had more leg room … I justified it by saying, ‘There are fifteen handicap spots here and they’re not going to miss one. Plus, I got a bum knee.’”
    (Bert, 16:01–17:16)
• Co-hosts debate the gray areas; some admit constant temptation but refuse because of “karma.” Humor interspersed.

CBS 46 Sting on Handicap Spot Abusers

[17:36–19:55]

• Discussion about a news segment busting people who abuse handicap spots, includes an audio clip of an aggressive confrontation:
  • “Well, you were doing the wrong thing.” (CBS 46 reporter, 18:31)
  • “That’s my dad’s sticker… Well, I see people park here all the time without a handicap sticker at all.”
    (Confronted Parkers, 19:26 & 19:29)
  • “Do you think it’s fair to use someone else’s sticker?”
    (CBS 46, 19:27)

Listener Contributions and Online Shaming

[20:43–21:43]

• Discussion of website handicappedfraud.org where people can post offenders’ photos.
• Listener “Desiree” complains: “My aunt is constantly stealing my grandmother’s handicap parking spot … It really irks me.”
  (Desiree, 21:03-21:18)

Police and Handicap Parking Loopholes

[21:29–22:38]

• Co-hosts debate whether police should be called out for parking illegally (in access lanes); mixed opinions:
  • “He might have rushed in for official business and gets a pass.” (Bert, 22:02)
  • “But this guy was running an errand to the post office and parked right there.” (Co-host Male, 22:17)

“My Kids Aren’t a Handicap, They’re a Gift”: Daycare Story

Caller: Patty
[22:57–24:03]

• Patty recounts confronting a daycare parent abusing a handicap spot:
  • “My children are not a handicap. They're a gift.” (Patty, 23:25)
• She ensures the parent gets a ticket after being cussed out.

On Punishments for Offenders (Jokingly)

[24:09–24:29]

• “They should cut off one of your legs if you park in a handicap spot. … But then they don’t give you a sticker. That’s your punishment.”
  (Co-host Male, 24:09)

Key Segment 3: Family Drama – Politics and Dinner Tables

Election-Eve Family Tensions

[25:41–33:02]

• Erica, a listener, seeks advice: her parents (McCain supporters) and her boyfriend’s parents (Obama supporters) are meeting for the first time.
• She tries to avoid political talk, but her father confronts her boyfriend’s parents after dinner:
  • “So I hear you guys are Obama supporters.” (Erica’s dad, recounted at 28:12)
  • Boyfriend’s parents try to avoid the topic; Erica’s dad presses: “Why don’t you want to talk about it? You don’t know enough about it?” (Paraphrased, 28:50–28:57)
• Erica and her boyfriend cut the evening short. She’s frustrated:
  • “My dad, like, totally disrespected my boyfriend's family. … That was totally disrespectful.” (Erica, 32:06)
• Hosts discuss how political conversations are often avoided in families to sidestep conflict. They recommend laying low until after the election.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You’re a renter who’s not having to pay rent. So I guess that’s a good situation for you.”
  – Evan Summerstein (11:02)
• “My children are not a handicap. They’re a gift.”
  – Patty (23:25)
• “I think they should cut off one of your legs if you park in a handicap spot. … But then they don’t give you a sticker.”
  – Co-host Male (24:09)
• “There’s so much at stake. I mean, if you’re passionate about your candidate ... you really feel like the country will be going in the right direction if your candidate is elected.”
  – Bert (31:52)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Divorce Advice with Evan Summerstein: 01:06–14:01
• Handicap Parking Pet Peeves: 15:24–24:35
• Family Political Drama (Erica’s Story): 25:41–33:02

Episode Takeaways

• The Bert Show’s blend of empathy, legal expertise, and humor shines as callers get practical advice and emotional support for fraught divorce situations.
• The cast and listeners get candid (and comedic) about pet peeves—especially around handicap parking—offering a modern twist on citizen accountability.
• The episode closes with a vivid slice of life: families navigating the minefield of politics at the dinner table, showcasing emotional honesty and the struggle to maintain peace amid deep disagreements.