The Bert Show: Vault – Consumer Tips From Bert Show Listeners

Date: January 16, 2026
Host(s): Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, and listeners
Episode Theme:
This special "Vault" episode compiles everyday consumer tips, industry secrets, and profession-based hacks from Bert Show listeners and the show's own crew. The episode’s core purpose: share insider knowledge from various fields—travel, automotive, education, real estate, and more—to help listeners save time, money, and frustration in daily life. The tone remains light, authentic, playful, and packed with real-life advice.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Contest and Call-In Tips from Radio Pros

• Industry Secret: To win radio call-in contests, don’t call early! Wait until the exact “call now” cue.
  • Quote:

    “Don't call in early, because whenever you call in early, you have no chance of winning. So you wait until we say call now, then you start calling.” (B, 00:21)

• This quick hack improves your chance of getting through and winning prizes.

2. Gas Station and Refueling Hacks

• Best Day to Fill Up: Wednesdays.
  • Gas prices tend to rise on Mondays and Thursdays before 10 a.m.; fill up midweek for the best price.
  • Quote:

    “Wednesdays are the best days to fill up your tank because prices...go up on Mondays and Thursdays before 10 o’clock.” (C, 01:38)

• Location Matters:
  • Avoid stations near highways, interstates, or airports—they’re always pricier.
  • Especially ahead of holidays, fill up the Wednesday before travel begins.
  • Quote:

    “Avoid gas stations near the airport because people returning rental cars, we don't have a choice there.” (A, 01:29)

3. Score the Big Screen at Sporting Events

• Braves Vision Tip:
  • Only fans wearing Braves gear (or gear of the opponent) will be featured on the stadium screen. No unrelated apparel!
  • Want to participate in on-screen contests? Dress accordingly.
  • Quote:

    “Don’t be upset that you’re not on Braves Vision if you’re not wearing apparel for the Braves or the team they're playing...Wear the hat, wear a T-shirt...” (A, 02:38 & 03:12)

• Bonus: Being an attractive person “guzzling beer with big boobs” can also get you screen time. (C, 03:22—light-hearted, slightly cheeky)

4. Doctor and DMV Appointment Shortcuts

• Minimize Wait Time:
  • Book the first appointment of the day or first after lunch—no one before you, so minimal waiting.
  • Quote:

    “If you make your appointments at those times, then you don’t have to wait. You don’t have anybody in front of you.” (D, 03:32)

  • Simply ask what time their lunch ends or mornings begin; book for then.
• DMV Line Tip:
  • At closing, if you get in line ~15 mins before close, you’ll be among the last served and might face a capped wait time (varies by office).
  • Quote:

    “They used to say if the DMV...closed at 5 o’clock, show up at 4:45...the amount of time in line is kind of capped out...” (B, 04:08)

  • Larger DMVs may cut off lines earlier—works best at smaller locations.

5. Airline and Travel Hacks (from Industry Insiders)

• Cheapest Airfares:
  • Book flights on or travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for best deals.
  • Quote:

    “The best time to buy those lower fares are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.” (D, 04:59)

• Travel Timing:
  • Avoid highest fares on Fridays and Sundays.
  • For Least-Delayed Flights:
    • Early-morning flights are safest, especially in summer—afternoon thunderstorms commonly cause delays, notably at major airports like Atlanta.
    • Quote:

      “Try to travel during the morning because all of the afternoon thunderstorms make a lot of ground delays…” (E, 11:37)

• Booking Tip Clarified:
  • Tuesday/Wednesday are best travel days for price; booking timing varies.

6. Communicating with Teachers

• Best Way to Reach Teachers:
  • Email beats phone—teachers don’t have classroom phones & limited break time.
  • Quote:

    “The best way to get in touch with a teacher is always through email.” (D, 06:19)

7. Buying Cars: Avoiding the Rip-Offs

• Be an Informed Buyer:
  • Always check dealership and manufacturer websites for latest deals and inventory—the advertised lot price is often higher than online.
  • Get Your Credit:
    • Check your credit score before shopping; the better your score, the better loan and less chance of getting “ripped off.”
    • Use official credit bureaus: experian.com, transunion.com, equifax.com.
  • Quote:

    “The pricing on the website is far less than when you go by the dealership and see the pricing across the window.” (E, 06:59) “The higher your score, the better your chances are financing and the lessens your chances of getting ripped off.” (E, 07:41)

• Dealership Insider Tip:
  • Invoice pricing isn’t the dealer’s bottom line; they also collect undisclosed manufacturer rebates, meaning dealerships can profit even below “invoice.”
  • Quote:

    “The dealership is not only making $100 on that car...Ford will send that dealership like a $3,000 rebate for selling that car.” (A, 08:35)

8. Closing Costs When Buying a Home

• Title Insurance Savings:
  • When purchasing both owner’s and lender’s title insurance, ask for a “simultaneous issue"—lender’s policy drops to $50, saving several hundred dollars.
  • Quote:

    “If you get owner’s and lender’s at the same time...they will only charge you $50 for your lender’s title policy…that'll save you a couple hundred dollars.” (D, 09:49)

9. Venue Seating Upgrades

• Arena Secret:
  • Many stadiums/arenas set aside seats for “patron complaints.” If you’re uncomfortable due to legitimate medical issues (afraid of heights, anxiety), staff can often relocate you to better seats via the first aid room.
  • Quote:

    “They have a block of seats they save for patron complaints. If you’re afraid of heights and your seats are very high...they will relocate you…” (D, 10:23)

  • Note: Hosts humorously caution about legitimacy and not gaming the system.

10. Making Your Gas Last (Fuel Additive Advice)

• Fuel Treatment Tip:
  • 99-cent bottles of fuel treatment/octane boost can improve economy when using lower-grade gas. Key is consistent use for ongoing effect.
  • Quote:

    “A 99 cent bottle of fuel treatment...will up the rating of whatever gas you actually put into your vehicle.” (D, 12:08)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Be a hot chick guzzling beer with big boobs…that’ll get you on [the stadium screen] also.” (C, 03:22)
• “Go in there educated and go to the websites because then you’ll know exactly what you could be paying.” (B, 07:58)
• “If the DMV...closed at 5 o’clock, show up at 4:45...the amount of time in line is kind of capped out.” (B, 04:08)
• “Talking about the auto industry...you can actually legally go into a dealership [and ask] how much they paid for that car…that doesn't matter.” (C & A, 08:16–08:34)
• “Try to travel during the morning because all of the afternoon thunderstorms make a lot of ground delays…” (E, 11:37)
• “The key to it is making sure you keep it up...keep your system running as clean as it possibly can.” (D, 12:48)

Notable Listener “Pro Tips” With Timestamps (Quick List)

• Best time to win radio contests: After “call now” cue – [00:21]
• Cheapest gas: Wednesdays – [01:38 & 13:28]
• Avoid highest gas prices: Near highways, airports – [01:29]
• Get on stadium screen: Wear proper team gear – [02:38, 03:12]
• No-wait doctor appointments: First of day/after lunch – [03:32]
• DMV trick: Arrive just before close (small offices) – [04:08]
• Cheapest airfares: Fly or book on Tues/Wed, travel mornings to avoid delays – [04:59, 11:37]
• Easiest way to contact teachers: Email only – [06:19]
• Car buying: Do homework online, check your credit – [06:59–07:41]
• Homebuyer savings: Ask for simultaneous issue on title insurance – [09:49]
• Stadium seat upgrades: Medical reasons may get you better seats – [10:23]
• Better gas mileage: Use consistent fuel additives – [12:08]

Episode Takeaway

This Bert Show “Vault” episode delivers a crowd-sourced guide to everyday hacks—insider knowledge straight from pros, revealing how to save money, time, and irritation in daily scenarios. The mood stays authentic, playful, and practical as listeners and crew share their best “life upgrades”—from beating the pump at the gas station to scoring on stadium screens, hacking your travel, or acing your next big-ticket purchase.

“These are from gas price watchers who say the best day to fill up your tank is on Wednesdays...for Labor Day travel, on Wednesday, August 31st. That's the day to fill up your tank and you will save a lot of money.” (C, 13:28)

Listeners walk away with immediately actionable tips, knowing “the best morning radio show around” really does have their backs.