The Bert Show: "Vault: Did He Land The Job After Lying On His Resume?"

Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Pionaire Podcasting
Main Participants: Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, "Frank" (caller)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a juicy, real-life ethical dilemma: Frank, a caller, got his current job after lying spectacularly on his resume—claiming to have worked at a prestigious company in his industry where he never set foot. The drama escalates when Frank's boss announces that the (fictional) VP from Frank's so-called old company will soon join their team, putting Frank in panic mode. The show hosts and listeners weigh in: Should Frank ride it out, confess, or try to cover his tracks? The episode digs deep into workplace honesty, second chances, employer responsibilities, and the blurred lines on resumes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Frank's Dilemma – The Inciting Incident

• [01:42] Bert and the crew recap Frank’s predicament: to bolster his résumé, Frank falsely claimed he worked at a respected firm in his industry. He justified it, reasoning if caught pre-hire, he simply wouldn't get the job, but if not, he'd land a great position.
• [02:18] The twist: The boss announces that the "VP" of Frank's fake old firm will be joining their (current) company, essentially cornering Frank.

"His logic was, I'm gonna put it on my resume... if they call for a reference, well, I don't have the job now and I won't have it in a week, so no big deal."
— E [02:18]

Listener Call-Ins: Should He Come Clean Or Stick It Out?

• [03:23] Listeners debate:
  • Some suggest Frank should "ride it out"—maybe the new guy won't remember or mention him.
  • Others think he should get ahead of the issue, befriending the VP and asking him to play along.
  • A small business owner calls in and says Frank should be fired immediately, citing trust issues:

"I own a small business and I would fire this guy on the spot... he's bound to do more things down the road."
— Mark (Listener), [06:10]

• Hosts point out the real weight comes from the opinion of those who hire and fire, not just buddies on the radio.

Frank's Decision & The Boss's Test – The Big Reveal

• [07:22] After a tormented weekend, Frank confesses on air that he decided to come clean to his boss.
• [08:20] Frank comes clean to his boss—only to find out his boss already knew. The whole "new VP joining" story was a setup to test Frank’s integrity.

“He said, I know... He had found out two weeks earlier. And that's why he said that thing at the meeting about the guy. So he was trying to see how far I'd take the line.”
— Frank [08:20]

• The result? Because Frank confessed, his boss decides to keep him. The boss liked Frank's work and appreciated his honesty once it surfaced.

"He thanked me for coming clean, and I still have my job."
— Frank [09:16]

Industry Reflections: Lying, Embellishing, and Reality

• [09:49] Hosts share differing takes:
  • Is there a difference between embellishing vs. outright lying?
  • Hasn’t everyone tweaked their resume at least a little? The hosts confess to minor exaggerations in their own radio résumés.
  • Real-world examples brought up: The high-profile case of football coach George O'Leary being fired for résumé lies.

"I challenge anybody to admit that they haven't exaggerated or tweaked information or embellished on their resume."
— C [10:48]

• Frank's story is juxtaposed with more severe industry fraud, like "fake reference" companies.

The Role Of Employers & Reference Checks

• Listeners and hosts discuss:
  • Employers’ responsibility to check resumes (often only check most recent job or listed references).
  • The legalities of giving references—many companies now only confirm employment dates to avoid lawsuit landmines.
  • The possibility that Frank's boss needed to keep Frank after the confession to cover his own lack of due diligence.

“When he came clean, he pretty much had to keep him to save his own butt for not having checked his resume in the first place.”
— Sue (Listener) [15:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Frank the Tank, Frank the Tank, Frank the Tank!"
  — D & C, lightening the mood as Frank calls back [07:03]
• “To me, at least in radio, it just kind of felt like to me that she was just trying to create a break for herself and she got her foot in the door.”
  — D on whether lying for opportunity is ever excusable [09:49]
• “Dude, did you dodge a bullet, man? Wow.”
  — D, after hearing Frank kept his job [10:08]
• “The only lesson we can learn from you, Frank the Tank, is that you are damn lucky.”
  — C [11:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Frank’s original dilemma explained: [01:42]
• The “VP joining the company” twist: [02:18]
• Listener call-in advice: [03:23 – 06:31]
• Frank’s decision to confess: [07:22 – 08:20]
• The boss reveals the loyalty test: [08:20 – 09:16]
• Debate about embellishments vs. fabrications: [09:49 – 11:27]
• Fake reference companies exposed: [13:43 – 14:57]
• Legalities and realities of job references: [16:03 – 16:44]

Tone & Style

As always, the Bert Show mixes high-energy banter, relatable laughs, and a sincere, supportive vibe. They approach Frank’s anxiety with empathy, and their ethical debates are leavened with industry jokes and personal confessions. The episode never gets harsh or punitive, but they don’t shy away from the hard truths about honesty, trust, and consequences at work.

Takeaways

• Sometimes, honesty really can save your skin—especially if you confess before you’re outed.
• Bosses might know more than you think—and sometimes, they're just waiting to see what you’ll do.
• Embellishments are nearly universal, but outright lies are dangerous and risk real consequences.
• Everyone gets by with luck sometimes, but it's best not to count on it.
• Workplace trust is fragile—and once broken, only candor and consistent, good work can begin to mend it.

Final Words

Frank got a wild second chance, thanks to a boss who valued honesty and performance over a spotless resume. But both hosts and listeners agree: It’s a lesson in how slippery the path can be when ambition blurs ethical lines. The episode closes with laughter, relief, and a bit of awe at Frank’s dumb luck—reminding listeners it’s better to be honest from the start.