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Jake Grez
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Bert
Dear virt, so I always have this feeling, man, I don't know anything about cars whatsoever.
Caller/Listener 1
So.
Bert
So whenever I take my car into a mechanic, I mean, they can jack me for as much as they want. And I always feel that vulnerability, you
Jen
know, I think everybody does. Unless you are well schooled in auto mechanics, then feel like, you know, they could pull out some words, some technical terminology or whatever and you're gonna be snowed.
Bert
Jiffy Lube is the one that used to get me all the time. You know, you just go in there for an oil change and before you know it, you need a fan belt, a new air filter. I'm walking out of there with 120 bucks worth of stuff and all I went in there for was a 1999 oil change, you know. Yeah.
Katie
It's funny that you say that because CBS 46 had done this study and what you just described seems to be what's going on a lot with mechanics in Atlanta. And you don't need those upgrades. You just needed that oil change. And they're trying to sell you up a lot of other items.
Bert
They did this in a two part segment, right? And Wendy Saltzman from CBS Atlanta decided that she was going to go ahead and she was going to bring, I think it's different cars to different mechanics, Right. And it's the same car. Same car, same car, same car, totally
Jen
in working order, totally in healthy shape,
Bert
nothing wrong with it whatsoever.
Katie
And taking it for an oil change.
Bert
Okay. And the piece also had like hidden cameras Inside the car, correct?
Katie
Yes. The car had hidden cameras in the hood so that they could actually see what the mechanics, if they did any work, if they said they were going to do some work and they ordered it to see if they actually did it at all or if they just, you know, lied and said, yeah, we're going to charge you for it, but sat back there and, you know. You know, didn't even touch the car.
Bert
All right, this is cbs atlanta walking into express lube on ponce.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
CBS atlanta news took this car to be inspected by our station mechanic at wt standard. Then we rigged the car with three hidden cameras before we put it back on the road. We mounted one here in the front, one here underneath the bumper in back. The final one was hidden here in the hood up front. Our producers then took the car into 10 repair shops to get an oil change.
Bert
What's really necessary today?
CBS Atlanta Reporter
And we were. Were upsold at five of the ten stores we visited. Everything is necessary at express lube en ponce, we were sold an air filter power steering flush and a coolant flush that our mechanic said we didn't need. And a rear differential service that express lube said was needed based on mileage. The differential is the set of gears that transfers the power from the transmission to the tires. The total bill was $275.
Caller/Listener 1
So actually, technically, I'm trying to save you as much money as I.
Bert
What'd he say? I was trying to save you money.
Caller/Listener 2
Save you money.
Katie
Because you think about it, when you go into a mechanic and they have all these services, they always kind of say, oh, well, guess what? You know, we'll just cut. We'll just knock this 50 bucks off because you're such a good customer. So you think you're getting a deal when, no, they're just cutting off money that they were overcharging you anyway.
Bert
And it's a time issue, too, because there's nothing more inconvenient than your car breaking down, right? You know, being pulled over on the side of the road. So you'll spend that extra money, not even question it, right? So listen to what she said in the very beginning. She said half of them upcharged, right?
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Our next stop, express lube and dunwoody. They sold us a rear and front differential and a transfer case. Service fluids need to be changed out, okay? Drained and fluid fitting. They should have been able to inspect the rear differential fluid to see that it was clean. We had just had it changed at their atlanta store the day before, and they never did. Some of the Work they charged us for. Our cameras showed they never flushed the rear differential. All the technician did was fill it with more fluid until it overflowed. And in the front, it just looks dirty. Our hidden cameras and an inspection by our mechanic showed express lube never flushed it. They left dirty fluid in the front differential. Our total charge was $135.
Bert
Now, the good part's going to come up here in a couple of minutes When I play you the confrontations, when they actually talk to the ones.
Katie
That's awesome.
Bert
When they talk to the mechanics, because I'm assuming this isn't going to be great.
Katie
Right?
Caller/Listener 1
Right.
Bert
All right. So this is the jiffy lube indicator.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Now, at jiffy lube indicator, we were again sold a rear differential service as well as a transmission service and a radiator fluid exchange. And our mechanics advice, well, that's where it looks new.
Caller/Listener 1
And then I would say, we don't need services.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Remember, our fluid was clean and had already been serviced twice. And again, like express lube, they didn't do a flush like they said they would. They just added more fluid and charged us for work that was never done. Back at our mechanic. So this was an upsell.
Caller/Listener 1
Yeah, it was.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Upsell mechanic could have also inspected the coolant, which was flush the day before, but they upsold us on that service, too, for another $89.
Bert
When you think of all the times that you've brought your car into the mechanic now.
Katie
Yes.
Bert
I mean, don't you wish you knew how many times you got upcharged and how much it would cost you?
Katie
Because I'm trying to think of any time I've taken my car in for an oil change, and that's all I got. You know what I mean? I don't think I've ever gone anywhere. I did an oil change. They're like, okay, we'll do it. And this is the charge. Okay, thanks. No, it's always. There's always something else wrong with the car.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
The most disturbing upsell was back at jiffy lube, where they sold us a TTEC transmission service for $119.
Caller/Listener 1
Fluid need to be replaced in it, and the fluid is really dark.
Glenda
Dark and bad. What happens if you leave it in?
Caller/Listener 1
I need to call that transmission.
Glenda
So you have to get a new transmission.
Caller/Listener 3
But I didn't do this.
Caller/Listener 1
Definitely don't want to do that.
Betsy
Okay.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
The mechanic moved the machine over to the car, but our hidden camera showed they never hooked it up. And an inspection by our own mechanic confirmed they never did the work you
Caller/Listener 1
would have into these Lines right here, so I don't see where they get flush on it.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
The total bill at Jiffy Lube was $300, I don't think.
Jen
Doing nothing.
Caller/Listener 2
Yeah. I don't know what makes me more mad up, charging or not doing the work at all. Yeah, both are equally as bad. But not doing the work. At least give me what I paid for.
Bert
Wasted money, man. Plus, you think that it's already taken care of, so you don't think to go and get it done again because you're like, I just got it done the last time.
Katie
Right.
Bert
I don't need to check on all that.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
And Decatur Goodyear off Clermont was our most expensive stop, with recommended repairs totaling more than $1,100.
Betsy
Okay.
Glenda
But nothing urgent that needs to be.
Caller/Listener 1
I mean, all of it's urgent.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Again, we were recommended to do a front and rear differential service and a transmission flush and spark plugs.
Bert
Definitely start getting some of it done
Oneita Bobbitt
before you have a catastrophe.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
And when we return to confirm we absolutely needed the repairs, Goodyear tacked on another recommendation. A brake fluid flush on top of the transmission flush.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
Transmission is the one that concerns me. The. I mean, dirty transmission fluid is supposed to be, like a red fluid, and this is almost black.
Caller/Listener 3
Oh, okay.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
And brake fluid. Same way brake fluid is supposed to be clear, and it's almost flat.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Again, our mechanic said it was completely unnecessary.
Bert
There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Oneita Bobbitt
Okay.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Fluid's clear.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
It is clear.
Katie
Wow.
Jen
Unreal.
Katie
Because you don't know. That's the thing is they play. They. They know. You don't know anything about a car, so you don't know if your fluid's clear or black or whatever.
Bert
They've even brought me out, like, that air filter before, and it looked pretty good to me. I mean, it's like, hardly any dirt on it, but he says it's dirty, so I'm like, go ahead, put another one in there.
Katie
But you don't know what's your air filter either.
Bert
I have no idea.
Katie
You know, they could have bring a dirty one out and just say it was yours.
Bert
Hey, Don. Good Morning. You're on Q100.
Glenda
Hey. I just. I know I don't condone what the mechanics do are doing, but I'm a mechanic's wife. That's actually how they make their extra money. These little oil changes, I think they make 1/10 of an hour off of that oil change. So, like, my husband makes 22 an hour, so he doesn't even get, like, that full amount. I know, like, you may not need it or whatever. But a lot of times, like last week, My husband made nine hours, and he was there longer than 40 hours. And a lot of times it's the service riders that upsell. And that's really how we make our money. I mean, it's not a good thing. But when you go out to a restaurant and they offer you dessert, you know, it's. That's kind of like it is. They should offer it. A lot of those little places, they don't offer it, they just do it. The shop that my husband does, they offer it, and if you don't need it, then they won't do it.
Bert
It's so different than dessert.
Katie
No offense. That's not my fault that, you know, your husband only, you know, doesn't make more. But I mean, with a dessert, at least I'm educated. I know what a dessert is. And whether put in my mouth, it's not gonna cause me to have a wreck on the road or my car to go bad. And I think that it's so such a dangerous policy to pay bonuses based on service because of course then everybody's gonna try to charge you something you didn't do so they can make money. And that's not what it's about. It's supposed to, you know, to be about making the car a better car.
Bert
Now here is the follow up from CBS Atlanta. This is when they confront the mechanics and they're like, dude, this is a perfectly good car. What do you gotta say for yourself?
CBS Atlanta Reporter
CBS Atlanta News is asking the tough questions after our hidden camera investigation exposed questionable tactics used by some repair shops to make a buck. Are you guys overcharging customers?
Jen
No, we are not.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
For repairs they don't need. I mean, these are things that we
Katie
didn't do that are based on mileage.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
The cooling system says.
Glenda
Going to need to speak with my
Jen
district manager on this.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Are you guys overcharging customers for services they don't need?
Caller/Listener 1
We upsold you for a service you didn't need.
Caller/Listener 3
Yep.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
We had dirty fluid in the front differential. You guys claimed you did. You didn't do the work.
Caller/Listener 1
Well, I'm pretty sure that I'm. I can guarantee that service was performed.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
I do not tolerate nor condone that type of service. And the manager and the tech involved have been suspended and demoted, but he
CBS Atlanta Reporter
still defends some of the services they sold us as being required by mileage. You guys charged us for services that you didn't.
Glenda
Oh, don't put me on the camera, baby.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
But you guys didn't fly, ma'.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
Am. If we charge you for it, we did the service. Yes, ma'.
Glenda
Am.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
You charged us for a transmission service that you didn't do either.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
It's the case, and it was done. Then we'll take care of the employees that have done this. Our company does not condone it. That's all there is to it.
Oneita Bobbitt
Yeah, everything that.
Bert
The technicians over here, they're pretty concerned. I am actually not at liberty to discuss that.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
The manager passed off our tough questions to their corporate media reps. We're talking about $103 worth of stuff that you're recommending, and you can't show us. But you can't show us where these things are wrong. I mean, you're telling us these things need to be done.
Bert
I'm sorry. I can't discuss anything.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
Transmission is the one that concerns me the most.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
And the most expensive repairs totaling more than $1,100.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
And brake fluid, Same way. Brake fluid's supposed to be clear. And it's almost black.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Back at our mechanic.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Oneita Bobbitt
Okay, Lou.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
It's clear.
Mechanic/Shop Manager
It is clear.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
You guys wrote here was dirty.
Oneita Bobbitt
Mm.
CBS Atlanta Reporter
Does that look dirty to you?
Mechanic/Shop Manager
It's not exactly clear, no.
Katie
You know, we always tease about the phrase, you know, what I meant was or, you know, what happened. Was is always leading into a lie. Another one is I'm not at liberty to say that means I'm guilty to discuss.
Bert
You know, the. You know, management is always going to put it on the mechanic. But I wonder if we got mechanics on, like on the voice disguiser, if they would confess to us that the managers demand.
Jen
We did on Friday when you were out sick, we talked to a few that said absolutely. Until they make money, it's how they're bonused.
Bert
Let the manager say, look, go ahead and tell them what you need to.
Caller/Listener 2
We need the extra cash.
Bert
It's required.
Caller/Listener 2
Some of them are required to upsell anything.
Katie
Yeah.
Caller/Listener 2
And everybody.
Katie
And like Jen said, that's why the mechanic's wife came on. That's how they make their bonus. That's how they make their extra money over something you don't need.
Bert
Some suggestions coming in. Carly wanted to say that you should always have the mechanic show you the problem. Like show you the fluid or show you the air filter. But again, how do you know it's really yours?
Katie
How do you know it's your fluid and your air filter? They can get around that.
Bert
And Debbie wanted to say you should establish a relationship with your mechanic.
Caller/Listener 2
Well, yeah, I Had an email from a woman who actually puts nail polish on all of her, like, belts and things in her engine. So if it needs work, she can actually see if they actually took the old one out and put a new one in.
Katie
That's smart.
Bert
That's really smart. All right, you want to go check all this stuff out yourself? You can go ahead and check out cbsatlanta.com or we'll have a link over from our site@q100atlanta.com here. Birch Show. It's the virt show. All right, so I missed this on Friday because I was out, but Betsy here has got herself into a pretty
Jen
tight situation, and we didn't actually talk to her on Friday. We just read it. Melissa read her email, and she was
Bert
just trying to impress some friends. Some new friends.
Jen
Yeah, she joined a church group.
Katie
Right, right, exactly. Yeah. And she's trying to impress them because
Caller/Listener 2
they're all doctors and lawyers, but she works at a tanning bed, so she wanted to up them up a little bit.
Bert
I don't think I caught that in the replay. So she works at a tanning salon?
Jen
Yes.
Bert
Hey, Betsy.
Glenda
Hi. Hi.
Bert
How are you?
Betsy
I'm good. Thanks so much for having me on. It's a real thrill.
Bert
Well, thank you for being on. So you work at a tanning salon. I just. I'm really curious because we didn't get to talk to you on Friday how you got so caught up so quickly in this lie and where marketing came from.
Betsy
I was just sort of thinking on my feet. I felt silly because all of these women had successful careers, and I, as you said, work at a tanning salon, and that just felt sort of weird to me. So I said marketing and pr. It was the first thing that came to mind.
Bert
And when you said that, did, like, all the heads turn, like, oh, you're gonna be a real asset to this group.
Betsy
You know, they looked at me in a certain way, and I didn't know what that meant then, but now I do.
Jen
So they didn't ask you for your help right away. It just came up a little while later. After you met them.
Betsy
Right. And now I know them, and I like them, and they seem to really like me, and I've actually pulled off, you know, kind of this Persona, at least until now.
Bert
All right, so going into. Going into the weekend, you were. Was the event this weekend, or was this just a conversation?
Katie
Just a meeting.
Bert
Okay.
Betsy
Meeting was Friday. Yeah. And actually, the meeting went really well.
Katie
Really?
Betsy
Yeah. Actually, one of your listeners called in after you guys read my Letter online. And she actually works for a marketing and PR firm. So you guys put me in touch with her, and she told me what to ask, you know, So I went in and she gave me a game plan. I even used, like, fancy words, you know, demographic and target audience and stuff like that.
Caller/Listener 2
That's funny.
Betsy
Yeah. So, I mean, and it was pretty short, but I just asked them the right questions. And then I'm supposed to talk to your listener again this week, and then she's going to give me sort of a game plan for them. I'm supposed to have another meeting with them on Friday.
Jake Grez
Okay.
Betsy
The meeting is. Or the game plan is supposed to be very hands off for me.
Bert
All right. So I'm just wondering if we're walking into a danger zone here, because this is a nonprofit event, right?
Betsy
Yeah.
Bert
But basically our listener is really doing all the work, and you're just going to be the mouthpiece for this person. So it will be done. Well, you're not going to mess up the. The event, correct?
Betsy
Yeah. And they were just asking for my advice. I'm not really doing all of their pr. They're doing it, but they just wanted my advice.
Katie
But Katie and I talked this weekend about how that our listener here in Atlanta, that's helping you out. How brilliant is that? Because if they take, you know, if you get like a referral fee, let's say in the future. Just saying that if this is not only the only case you take and you consult, but you actually are decide that you want to be PR rep, that our listener is actually the rep that's kind of your associate. You get the referral fee, and they get the business in New Jersey to
Bert
win, win, win, win.
Katie
It's destiny.
Betsy
That would be amazing. But I think I'd be too nervous
Oneita Bobbitt
to try to turn it into something.
Bert
So there really is no danger. There's no danger here, right?
Jen
I don't think so. Did you really think that they bought it, like hook line and they didn't give you any weird looks? Like nobody suspected that you didn't do this for a living.
Betsy
I really don't think so. I mean, after this, I really need to come up with another lie to so that it doesn't happen again.
Katie
I think you could become an actor because it sounds like you're doing a really good job.
Bert
Well, the thing is here, too, when you're around a whole bunch of people that know nothing about your industry, anything you say seems credible because you're in the industry. Why would I question that?
Katie
You're like A mechanic that CBS Atlanta investigates.
Bert
Well, it seems like it's working out fine, then.
Betsy
Oh, I hope so.
Bert
Just so long as you don't get carried away.
Betsy
I'm in the meeting, and then I should be in the clearing.
Katie
Yeah.
Bert
If it's just advice and she's not the one that's actually planning the event and she's the one there that night that's putting the whole thing together. What's the.
Katie
If she gets.
Caller/Listener 2
What if they keep asking her for help? Event after event? Because I'm sure this isn't going to be the only one that's true.
Betsy
I'm worried about. I don't know how to get out of it. Like, say that I got let go or. I don't know. Well, it's your thing. I'm not sure.
Katie
Was it. Is it you working for somebody? Did you say it was your company?
Betsy
Well, I said it was my own.
Katie
Yeah.
Caller/Listener 2
Yeah. You need to say you sold it.
Bert
I had to change a heart. I had to get rid of that thing. Good morning, Kelly. You're on Q100.
Glenda
Hey, good morning. Love you guys.
Bert
Thank you. Good morning.
Glenda
I just wanted to know how she honestly felt about this whole big lie and it being in a church group.
Bert
The church group you lied to?
Betsy
Yeah. I feel really weird about that. I don't really. That's why I just want to be done with it. I definitely don't want to carry on the lie anymore. You know, I don't want to start giving them more advice. I just want to be done with it because I feel horrible, and I really like these women now.
Caller/Listener 2
Well, at least you're helping out a charity.
Jen
See?
Caller/Listener 2
Church charity. She's doing it for the good of somebody else.
Betsy
And it is a nonprofit, so.
Glenda
Church.
Betsy
So I don't think they're going to be any sort of God will still love you or anything like that.
Bert
Hey, Caleb. Good Morning. You're on Q100.
Caller/Listener 1
Yeah. I was wondering what happens if someone from her group. Cesar working at her tennis lawn.
Bert
Oh, that's gonna be uncomfortable. Yeah, I think maybe they. The next wave of lies has to be that the company wasn't making any money and you just went belly up. Times are tough right now, and I've just ended up in a tanning salon. What else is there?
Katie
It's her own company.
Bert
My belly up. It's a recession.
Caller/Listener 2
She had to sell it because she wanted to work at a tanning salon.
Bert
She needs to get out of the line now.
Caller/Listener 3
Yes.
Jen
Yeah, she's definitely got to get out of it. Because like Wendy said, it will keep happening.
Bert
Like maybe in the actual group. She says, you know, this is going to be the last time I can do this because times are so tough right now. I've had to give up the company.
Katie
That bridge when we come to it at this point.
Bert
Yeah, it's over.
Jen
Good job pulling it off.
Katie
Yeah. Because our Atlanta listener heard Katie, my idea about this whole referral fee thing. And so the listeners are going to say, no, no, no, continue with the lie so I can get more business up there.
Bert
You're in the clear at this point. I put it pretty much. So don't. Don't add too much. Don't volunteer for any more. Get in and get out and get off of this thing.
Betsy
I will. That's what I plan on doing.
Bert
Okay. Thank you for the update.
Caller/Listener 1
Thanks.
Bert
Okay, bye.
Caller/Listener 2
Bye.
Katie
That's funny.
Bert
I don't see what the harm in that is.
Caller/Listener 2
Well, just. It's going to be a bad situation for her because they're just going to keep asking.
Katie
Yeah.
Jen
I mean, I think long term, it
Bert
could be she needs to say that the company went belly up. And I'm so sore about the whole thing. I don't even want to talk about marketing for the rest of my life.
Katie
Or it could just be a case of, you know what? We're friends. I don't want to mix business and pleasure. We're in church. I just want to kind of get
Oneita Bobbitt
away from work here.
Bert
Bird show. This is the Birch show. I saw Rihanna here on Friday night. I sat through this whole thing on 2020, and I was really expecting her to duck a lot of questions because those were the Internet rumors that she just doesn't want to talk about it. Yes, she's willing to help others that were in the same situation, but as far as getting into specifics, we heard Rihanna was not going to talk about it. We were all wrong.
Jen
Yeah. Absolutely wrong. She first explains what led up to the place where Chris got violent.
Katie
She says she and Brown were in the car on the way home from that Grammy party. He was driving. And over the next 30 minutes, here's what happened. She saw a text message on his cell phone from an old girlfriend. She got angry.
Caller/Listener 3
I caught him in a lie, and he wouldn't. He wouldn't tell the truth. So I wouldn't drop it. I wouldn't drop it. I kept saying I couldn't take that. He kept lying to me, and he couldn't take that. I wouldn't drop it because obviously his back was up against the wall. It's the truth is right here in the text message. So it escalated into him being violent towards me, and it was ugly.
Bert
Hey, Glenda.
Glenda
Hey, Bert. How are you?
Bert
Okay. How are you?
Glenda
I'm good. I'm actually in a abusive relationship right now, and I can't tell you how many times that I've left and come back and lay up and come back. And, you know, I keep telling myself, when the things are good, they're really, really good, but when they're bad, let me tell you, they're really, really bad. And I tell myself, you know, that he's going to change, things are going to get better, but, you know, they don't get better and he doesn't change. And, you know, when you love somebody, you just, you know, you want that person to change and things to be great because you do love that person. But, you know, in Rihanna's case, I, you know, I just can't speak for her, but, you know, she'll go back.
Bert
Is he physically abusive with you?
Glenda
Yeah, he's physically and mentally abusive to me.
Bert
So when he walks in the door tonight, anything can happen. He can knock you around.
Glenda
Anything can happen. It just depends, you know, it's like, you know, I walk in my front door and I walk on eggshells every day because I, you know, I don't know what to expect.
Jen
Do you want to leave?
Glenda
I don't know if it's been a good day for him and things are going to be great when I get home or if, you know, he's had a bad day at work and I'm going to be the one that he takes out on.
Jen
Do you want to leave him?
Glenda
Yeah, and I have, many times. And it's just like, you know, you kind of get brainwashed, you know, he says, oh, it's going to be different this time. It's going to be different this time. And he has been to jail for it, and, you know, he's on probation and going to counseling for it. But that's not going to happen. You know, that's not going to help him because he doesn't think he has a problem.
Bert
So, Lynn, how do you. I mean, you know all this, and you're speaking so realistically about it all. How do you think this is going to end?
Glenda
I have no idea.
Jen
Do you have children with him?
Glenda
No, my children are grown and they live in different states.
Jen
And what excuses do you tell people when you have bruises and cuts and broken bones?
Glenda
I just don't talk about it. I'm kind of. I've kind of built a brick wall around myself, and I just stay to myself.
Jen
Well, Bert and I worked with an organization over the weekend that can help you get out. It's called Jaden's Ladder, and they help women for two years continually. But you have to leave your abuser and vow to never go back.
Bert
And these are women that, when they first started with Jayden's Ladder, were talking the exact same way you are. I mean, you're certainly not alone, you know, and they can help you out of this whole situation because you know in your heart, this can't end well. This guy today is not going to be a great guy, and he's not putting his abusive ways away. You know how this is going to end, right?
Glenda
I do know.
Katie
It sounds like you just. You're tired.
Glenda
I am. And, you know, calling the police, that's no help. The last time an incident happened, I called the county in which I lived in, and I was told that. And the house that I live in, we rent, and it's in my name. And I was told that I was the one that had to leave. And I could only get one change of clothes. What can you do with one change of clothing? You know, And I was like, forget it. You know, don't even bother.
Oneita Bobbitt
Right.
Bert
Hey, Glenda, we were just talking about this event that we were at over the weekend that Jen and I hosted for Jaden's Ladder. And this is an organization specifically set up for women just like you. And the founder of it is Oneita Bobbitt. And she's been in your place before, totally in your place before. And she's on the phone with us right now. Hey, Oneita.
Oneita Bobbitt
Hi, guys.
Bert
How are you?
Oneita Bobbitt
I'm good. Just recovering.
Bert
Yeah, it was a fun night on Saturday night, but we got some pretty serious stuff going on today. Glenda called us up. We were talking about Rihanna, and we're talking about Chris Brown, and Glenda called us up, and she's in the exact same situation.
Oneita Bobbitt
Wow. What's going on? What just happened, Glenda?
Glenda
I'm sorry, what did you say she
Oneita Bobbitt
just happened with you?
Glenda
Yeah, I mean, it is like when I said, when it's good, it's really good, but when it's bad, it's really, really bad. And the thing is, you know, you never know what you're walking into when
Oneita Bobbitt
you walk through the front door. Have you started to isolate you from your family and friends?
Glenda
I mean, I don't have, you know, I have friends at work when I'm at work, that when I Clock out at five. It's like there's no communication. There's no, you know, I don't talk on my cell phone. I don't communicate with my family.
Oneita Bobbitt
It's just me and him. Yeah. These are the immediate signs, obviously. And what I want you to start to do is to start to prepare for an exit plan, because I'm not sure how ready you are to leave. And so what I need for you to do is start to get any important paperwork, start putting some money aside, give it to somebody that you trust, and just for the day that when you are ready and when you're fed up and you're ready to go, that you're not left with nothing.
Bert
Onita, when is that day? Normally, because Glenda sort of painted this picture of, like, she doesn't know he could come home today. He's having a bad day, he just starts knocking around. So when is gonna be her day of definition? That, okay, today is the last day. I really gotta go.
Oneita Bobbitt
You know, for me, it was seven times when Aaron came back and kept beating me up. And then I was just done when I realized it affected another family member. Most of the time, Bert, it's not about us. I mean, we feel we can take it. But when you start to see it might affect your mother, the safety of your mother, that the guy can go off on your child, that's when they hit rock bottom or they really, really get. It's too late. And so I hope for you that you decide that this is a dangerous situation, that you need to get out and you need to start preparing for when you feel strong enough to leave. I know it's difficult. I've been there. But, girlfriend, I really, really want you to start to prepare and really realize the value of your life and that it's not right for what this guy's doing to you, that, you know, when he comes home, that he could just batter you. It's not the right thing. That's not a normal household. I want you to get ready and prepare to leave. And if that point, if you're not ready right now and when he comes home one day and you're just get that strength and walk out the door and you call me. Bert will give you my cell phone number. You call me, and I'll help you out of the situation. You will have me to, you know, in Jaden's ladder, to cover your back and to make sure that you're financially and emotionally okay.
Bert
Glenda?
Oneita Bobbitt
Yeah.
Bert
I'm sorry, are you saying in your head right Now, Glenda, it's really not that bad. Are you accepting that it's as bad as it really is?
Glenda
No, I'm accepting that it's as bad
Oneita Bobbitt
as it really is.
Glenda
That's.
Oneita Bobbitt
That's an incredible step. Glenda, I want you, when you get off the phone, to get my phone number. And when you're ready to leave, call me. We will be there for you. There's no reason for a man to push you, to punch you, to verbally abuse you. This is wrong. And I want you to get out before it gets really bad. Most people can't make this phone call because it's too late. And you are. You're in a great position to get out of a situation that can potentially kill you. It's that serious. Okay? So I want you to get prepared. Get your paperwork ready. Get all your very important documents. Give it away to a friend. Get some money, whatever money you have, just put it away. And when you're ready, get out of the situation immediately. It's dangerous. I know you feel how dangerous this is, and I want you to know that I'm here. I understand it. I want you to get out of the situation as soon as possible. That was.
Glenda
That would be great. Just knowing that I have somebody to turn to is just. It's wonderful.
Oneita Bobbitt
Do you have children?
Glenda
I've learned that, you know, you can't turn to the police or any of the domestic violence shelters or anything like that. I've tried that. And unless you go in and you've got, you know, a broken bone or a black eye or something like that, they'll turn you away and they won't help you.
Oneita Bobbitt
Well, I want you to call me. And, you know, the shelters and the police officers, they do their job, and when it's. When it's time to do their job, but I want you to do. To do it for yourself. Don't depend on anybody right now. Just get out. And then also call me, and we will help you to get to where you need to be.
Bert
Hey, Glenda, don't go anywhere yet, because we want to get that phone number in your hands for sure, okay?
Glenda
Oh, definitely. Thank you.
Jen
And Oneida, I'm sure there are more women listening who don't have the courage to call in and admit to what's going on with them, but they may be able to be helped by Glenda's story or Rihanna's story, and they may need the help of Jayden's letter. Can they call you? Is there a number where they can call?
Oneita Bobbitt
Yes, I'M going to. You know, this is unusual, but I'm going to give you my cell phone. Our 800 number is 888-430-1118. That's my office, but if anybody's in need right now and you just want to talk and I can get you through this, my cell phone number is 603-205-4746. You know, it's worth giving out a cell phone number in order to save a life or to make sure that you guys feel that you have a safe place to go. And please give me a call and we'll work it out, and we'll get you the steps to get out of a very violent, volatile situation.
Bert
That is really amazing of you to give your cell phone out and. Or out like that. You're going to be busy today.
Oneita Bobbitt
No problem.
Bert
Unfortunately, you're gonna be busy.
Oneita Bobbitt
This is why we're here.
Bert
All right? Again, the name of the organization is Jaden's Ladder. And Oneita, I'm gonna put you on hold for a second also, okay?
Oneita Bobbitt
Okay.
Bert
And I just want to put one more call on with you because Andrea is ready to come pick you up right now. Hey, Andrea.
Glenda
Hi.
Bert
Hi. Go ahead. You're on with Glenda.
Glenda
Glenda, I'll come pick you up right now. There's no reason. Just call me and I will come get you. Thank you so much.
Bert
Has this happened to you, too?
Glenda
No, I just know friends that are dead because of it, and I don't want to see anybody else die.
Bert
I mean, it's that serious. Glenda, you know this. You're in it. But, I mean, hearing that, I mean, she's had friends that have died. You got to get out of this thing. You got to get out today. You know,
Glenda
I do know that. And, I mean, I've left so many times and went back thinking, you know, that it's going to change and it's going to get better, and. And I know in my heart that it's not.
Jen
Do your children know what's going on?
Glenda
My oldest son does, and he has totally removed himself from the situation. He doesn't talk to me because he says, mom, why don't you leave? And until you've walked in my shoes, you know, I keep saying, don't judge me because it's not that easy.
Bert
Let me put you on somebody that at least we can end on a positive note. This is somebody that's gotten out of the same situation you're in. Hey, Dawn.
Betsy
Hi.
Bert
Hi. Can you give Glenda some hope here?
Glenda
I'm sorry. Can you say again?
Bert
Can you give Glenda some hope here?
Glenda
Yes. I just wanted to let her know that I went through it. I thought I was nothing. That man had just brought me down. And I got out, and there is somebody who will love you. Even though he says there's nobody that will take you. It is the best thing that could ever happen to you. You're gonna be free. Just believe him, and you'll be free. Oh, I'm trying to get there.
Bert
All right, well, we're gonna. We're gonna put you in touch with Jaden's ladder here and Oneida, and she's gonna get you the help. If you really want it today, we're gonna get you out of there.
Glenda
Thank you, Bert. I appreciate it.
Bert
Glenda, don't hang up, okay? I'm gonna put you on hold.
Jen
Glenda, you had the courage enough to call, so that means you have the courage enough to admit it and to leave. So make this be the last time you ever make a call like this, okay?
Glenda
Thank you.
Bert
This is the bird show. Listen, it's the bird show. You know, generally, it's pretty light stuff on a Monday morning because we're all just trying to get back into the week. But some things can't be ignored, you know? And if you're a new listener to the show, we try to keep it as light for you as we can. But sometimes things are so serious that we got to go off on a path we didn't see coming. And this morning, we were talking about Rihanna and her interview on. On Friday night with Diane Sawyer and domestic violence. And about 15 minutes ago, we got a call from a Birch show listener, Glenda, who was saying she was going through the exact same thing, and she had nowhere to turn. Every time she walks into the house, she has no idea what her. Is it boyfriend or husband?
Katie
Husband.
Bert
Husband is gonna do. He's been knocking her around. She still goes back time and time again. So she called us up this morning, and it just started this firestorm of calls. And we got Jayden's ladder on that specifically works with cases just like this.
Jen
Yeah, we worked with Jayden's letter this weekend. They help survivors of domestic violence get out and stay out, and they support them for two years following, leaving their abuser.
Bert
Here's Preston. Good Morning. You're on Q100.
Caller/Listener 1
Hey, good morning. How are you?
Bert
Okay. How are you?
Caller/Listener 1
I'm well. I'm well. Thank you for answering my call.
Bert
Sure. What's going on?
Caller/Listener 1
Well, I was listening to the story. And you know, it touched me. It made me want to call in because sometimes men get a bad rap, you know. And what about those men who. Being abused by the woman? It is true that interviews a relationship. My wife is, I just feel like she's the most angry, hateful woman in the world. I love her to death. Don't get me wrong. I love her. But what made me want to call in was the point where Glenda said that she's not well. Someone asked her if she was able to contact her family and talk to her with her family or was there a point where, you know, she lost contact with the family. And that struck me. I was like, wow. Because I've always been close with my family and I've always had the feeling that this woman is angry and she just abusing, you know, she's mentally abusive to me. But then when I heard the point, the part when she said, have you been disconnected from your family? I was like, wow, this is, you know, it was a light bulb went off. I'm really, I really am in abusive relationship because I'm at the point where I'm disconnected from my family now, you
Bert
know, and it's, I think it's a, you know, we'll get Oneita back on here from Jaden's Ladder. But. And I don't have any experience in this area, but I know as a guy, it does have a different texture to it because you can't go to your guy friends about it because you're, you're a man. That's not. You don't go to other guys for help because your girlfriend or your wife is abusive to you. It's just not something you do. We got, you know, stupid guy pride.
Caller/Listener 1
You know, it sounds funny. It's like, haha, you're a wimp, you know, Right. Like, what kind of man am I then if, if I'm willing to be, be you know, subtle and patient and, and not, you know, beat my wife, but I allow it to happen to me. I mean, I questioned myself at that point.
Bert
Hey, Oneita.
Glenda
Yes.
Bert
Did you hear Preston here?
Oneita Bobbitt
Yeah, I did. And you know what, Preston? You're a great man. First of all, it doesn't make you weak because you don't hit a woman or you don't verbally abuse a woman. But you know what, I get a lot of calls from men like you, so don't feel that you're alone. They do not come out as often. But I do get a lot of calls that there is that situation for the man also. And because it's that same situation, it doesn't mean it's less dangerous for you. You've heard of the wife that runs the guy over, or you know, the wife that, you know. You hear it on the news. The wife that stabs the man and they find, you know, the family dead. This is serious stuff, whether you're a female or a male. So the same situation, you need to get out. You need to find actually for men, I asked them to find a codependency group because there's men and women in that group, and so you don't feel that you're so alone because there aren't many agencies that directly deal with men. You're also able to call me if you'd like, and I can talk you through this. However, look for a codependency group. Go in there, talk about. That's what you. That's what's starting all of this. Right now, you're feeling codependent upon your. Your partner, and she's being very abusive and taking advantage of you. And it can become a very serious situation. It doesn't mean you're weak, Preston, because you know that you don't. You don't react back to her. It just means you're a great guy and you have heart and you don't want to hurt another person the way they've hurt you. So the same situation, Preston. Get out of the situation. I've heard of men that. The wife takes the financial control. So take. Get some money put aside, get all your financial documents, get all your passports, birth certificates, put it in a safe deposit box, give it to a friend, and get out.
Caller/Listener 1
And I heard you mention that to Glenda, heard you say to do that. You. Here's the thing. I left my wife over. I left about five times. About five times. And I've come back each time. She's always begged me to come back, and I always come back mainly for my children. We have two children together.
Oneita Bobbitt
Exactly. Yeah, I hear you. That's what I did. That's what a lot of women do. But you know what, What I tell men. Do you want. Do you have a boy or a little girl?
Caller/Listener 1
I have two girls.
Oneita Bobbitt
Okay, now, do you want. Where it's the same situation. Think about it. What advice you'd give to your child. You know, if you're. If your daughter came to you at 18 years old because she saw that you were. You were being abused, and. And she allows that to happen to herself because she sees this in the household. So, you know, do you. What do you think your child, at that point, don't you know you have children? I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Caller/Listener 1
No, I mean, that's. That's one of the issues that we have. She likes to attack me in front of the children. And I tell her. I asked her. Well, I do tell her, because I get a little upset myself, but I asked her not to do that. But she does it constantly.
Bert
Preston, if this was your baby girl and she was calling you, you would drive down to her house and you would pull her as a father, you would pull her out of her situation. So why aren't you doing that for yourself?
Caller/Listener 1
Pull my children out of the situation?
Bert
Yeah, pull yourself out yourself and your children.
Caller/Listener 1
That's what I want to do, but I don't know how to do that. I don't have. I don't have. I don't know how.
Oneita Bobbitt
Okay. Again, call me, Preston. My number is 60320. I will help you and give you the tools to get out of that relationship. If it's financial, we'll help you to, you know, emotional. We'll find a group for you. We will try to get you into temporary housing until we can get you into our group, possibly. But I need for you to find that strength, because if she. Imagine that the mental abuse she's giving to you and possibly physical abuse, Preston, your kids are seeing that, and they think that, okay, in that household. And I'm telling you, 10 years from now, you're going to be in therapy with your child because your child's been being beaten, your child is being in an abusive situation. And it's. And it stems from this day, this phone call, as to why that they're in that situation. So I need for you to understand this is the cycle. This is what they talk about. And if you can break the cycle now, you are actually helping your child, your daughters in the future, not to get caught up in the cycle, not to be the abuser and not to be the abuse.
Bert
And, you know, Preston, I need you to get it. I've said this before on the show also, that as a parent, you not only have a responsibility for your own kids, but you're also forming attitudes for every generation after you also. So if this is what your kids are learning, that's the way they're gonna parent, and that's what their kids are gonna see also. Somebody's gotta stop it, man.
Caller/Listener 1
Right.
Oneita Bobbitt
Exactly.
Caller/Listener 1
Exactly. I would love some. Some type of gateway. I just need help. I need help. I really do, because I don't know what. I don't know how to do it myself.
Oneita Bobbitt
Call me. Call me. But if you. If you don't want to call me, go on the Internet, find a codependency program in your area. Go in there. And that's the start of. Start of your healing process, is to find out why this is happening to you, why you're allowing this. You might have experienced abuse. Just settle abuse like this. Not. Not like this. I'm saying, like subtle abuse where you saw your. Your mom attack your dad in this way, and you think it's okay. So it's been a cycle in your life, and this is the reason why I need you to break the cycle with your kids.
Bert
Let me put you on hold. Okay, Preston? And we'll get. We'll get her phone number into your hands. Okay?
Oneita Bobbitt
Thank you.
Bert
Hold on.
Jen
He's really brave for coming forward.
Bert
I mean, that goes against. I mean, it goes against what we're taught as you dudes, you know, like, take care of it yourself. You can't go to your other friends. You can't go to your guy friends and say that your wife is beating you up because they'll ridicule you.
Jen
And it's the same. He was feeling the exact same way that Glenda was, you know, that she didn't know how to leave. She kept going back. She, you know, didn't put herself first in that situation.
Bert
Hey, Michelle. Good Morning. You're on Q100.
Glenda
Hi. I just want to say that you guys, I've been battling this for five years now, and it's like every time I turn around, there's something hitting me in the face to say, this is you. This is you. Because you really. I have to defend these people. You have. You question it. You think it's you, and. And I don't know how to leave. I think it's me. I. I mean, I can't even make new friends. Every person I make friends with, he calls them and tells them never to call, call me back. And all I have is him, besides my kids, and they're not his kids, but I have nobody else, you know, so I. He makes it to where I have to depend on him, and that's. That's what they do.
Jen
You allow that abuse to happen in front of your kids?
Glenda
I don't allow it. I don't have a choice because I'm not financially able to take my four children out of this home and provide for them.
Bert
Where can she turn these? Now you're talking to women.
Oneita Bobbitt
Jaden's the latter, Call us. We can help. And the other problem is that what you have to think about is if you're not financially independent right now and he comes home and he hurts you where you don't recoup from it, your kids are not. They have nobody to go to, you know, so think of the big picture. I really want you to realize the importance. It's not a choice between getting abused and keeping a safe home for your kids. You're not safe. And if you die, your kids have that person to live with for the rest of their lives. Bye. Bye, Gary. Okay, so you know what? It's okay to feel that and get out. And we'll try to find some financial help for you so that you can be safe and your kids can be safe. And you need to get out of the situation. I understand that everybody's issue out there right now is about financial, you know, it's the money. I can't get out because I don't have a job. We can help you to get a job. You can work, you can be independent, you can go back to school. We can get you there. Or some organization that I can work with can get you there. We can do this together. Don't feel that you're alone out there, but you will be. Your kids, Kids will be alone. If you continue this path and something happens to you, they have nobody.
Bert
Onita, I can almost hear, like this desperation in your voice. Is this the kind of situation where every second counts?
Oneita Bobbitt
It really is. I think that we get used to being in a home where abusive and volatile and you don't realize how dangerous it is because you live it day to day. I understand how you're feeling, so. And I didn't realize it until I was fighting for my life. So, you know, let's not make it that to that situation where it's too late and we read about you in the papers or we hear about you on the Burton, you know, get out and be that success story. Be a survivor. I want all you guys out there that are listening, you can become a survivor. I've done it. I've gone back. I've been beaten. And now I'm, you know, we started this organization and you can do this. If I can do it, you can do it. You really can. And there is support out there. Just, you know, by you calling and reaching out, this is your first step. It's not going to be scary from this point on. We can help.
Jen
I think it really is amazing that, Oneita, you've been through this yourself. And so, you know, and that's where your emotion lies, to help everyone because you know where they've been.
Oneita Bobbitt
Oh, I know my family told me to leave numerous amount of times and I wouldn't because I felt that they need, you know, Aaron would call me and every time I left and he'd say he loved me. You know, we don't meet these guys and immediately they hit us and we're like, oh, I love you. We fall in love with these guys. So that's why it's so hard because we fell in love with this person and we don't understand who this other person is that's coming forth and we think we can save them. We cannot save these people. They have to save themselves. You know, and if they do get the help, that's all good. But for the ones that don't, and that's the majority of them, they're dangerous people. So that's where I, you know, it. It became a dangerous situation for me. This is a guy that I loved, you know, and cared about and he almost killed me. And I know your position girls out there and gentlemen. So that's why I'm saying you're used to it. You think you can handle it. But it's a bigger situation than what you can handle. So just come and seek help.
Bert
Oneita, what's the website again?
Oneita Bobbitt
Www.jaden with an S jaden gladder.org 800 number is 866-430-1118 or myself. Everybody's calling me. I'm taking the call. 603-205-4746. I will help you and all that
Bert
information is going to be up on our website. You are awesome to give out your cell phone number. You really.
Oneita Bobbitt
No problem. This is what we're here for.
Bert
You aren't expecting this today where you thought you know what the big party was Saturday night. I'll relax on Monday. No problem. We're not going to have any of that. All right. Don't even. Thanks for all your help.
Oneita Bobbitt
You know what? Thank you guys. You guys did a fabulous job. Thanks for keeping the word out. You're saving lives. God bless you guys.
Bert
Thanks Anita, again and all that information. You do have a place to turn. That's Jaden's ladder. This is the bird show.
Date: May 12, 2026
Duration covered: [00:54]–[48:47]
Main Hosts: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, various listeners, special guest Oneita Bobbitt
This episode of The Bert Show delivers their signature real talk and humor, but pivots into serious territory as they address several themes:
The show balances light and heavy: listeners are drawn in by entertaining banter but leave with profound, potentially life-saving information.
“Whenever I take my car into a mechanic, I mean, they can jack me for as much as they want. And I always feel that vulnerability.” (Bert, [00:59])
“We were upsold at five of the ten stores we visited.” (CBS Atlanta Reporter, [02:51]) “They just added more fluid and charged us for work that was never done.” ([05:04])
“With a dessert, at least I'm educated. Whether I put in my mouth, it's not gonna cause me to have a wreck...” (Katie, [08:57])
“I was just sort of thinking on my feet. I felt silly because all of these women had successful careers, and I...work at a tanning salon...So I said marketing and PR.” (Betsy, [13:46])
“I really like these women now. I definitely don't want to carry on the lie anymore.” (Betsy, [18:00])
“You're like a mechanic that CBS Atlanta investigates.” ([17:01])
Begins with a recap of Rihanna's candid interview about her abuse by Chris Brown ([20:41]); her reluctance to “drop it” after catching him in a lie is cited as a trigger for the violence.
“I caught him in a lie, and he wouldn't tell the truth. So I wouldn't drop it...It escalated into him being violent towards me.” (Rihanna [audio], [21:00])
Listener “Glenda” Calls In:
“When the things are good, they're really, really good, but when they're bad...they're really, really bad.” (Glenda, [21:39]) “I walk on eggshells every day...I don't know what to expect.” ([22:40])
Immediate Support:
“Start to get any important paperwork, start putting some money aside, give it to somebody that you trust, and just for the day that when you are ready...you're not left with nothing.” (Oneita, [26:40])
Male Victims Addressed:
“I really am in [an] abusive relationship because I'm at the point where I'm disconnected from my family now.” (Preston, [36:54])
“As a guy, it does have a different texture to it because you can't go to your guy friends about it...” (Bert, [36:54])
“For men, I ask them to find a codependency group because there's men and women in that group...You’re not alone.” (Oneita, [37:44])
“If you can break the cycle now, you are actually helping your child, your daughters in the future, not to get caught up in the cycle, not to be the abuser and not to be the abused.” ([42:00])
Additional Listener Calls:
“It’s not a choice between getting abused and keeping a safe home for your kids. You’re not safe.” (Oneita, [45:10])
Emotional Impact and Call to Action:
“If I can do it, you can do it. You really can. And there is support out there. Just, you know, by you calling and reaching out, this is your first step.” (Oneita, [47:02])
On Mechanic Rip-Offs:
On Social Lies:
On Domestic Violence:
The Bert Show’s second show segment for May 12, 2026, moved from consumer protection and self-advocacy to a compassionate focus on breaking cycles of abuse—emphasizing practical advice, emotional support, and the importance of seeking help. Listener stories and expert intervention showcased the power of community radio to bring laughter, connection, and life-saving resources into listeners’ daily lives.