The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting): "Vault: Father Crunk Insp. Message"

Release Date: November 6, 2025
Featured Guest: Father Ricardo Bailey ("Father Crunk")

Episode Overview

This episode features the beloved and charismatic Father Ricardo Bailey, affectionately known as "Father Crunk," in a signature blend of humor, life wisdom, and inspirational message. The main theme explores the power of vulnerability—specifically, the value and strength found in men expressing emotion and the importance of crying without shame. Father Bailey uses a recent New York Times feature on himself, a lighthearted digression on pop culture, and relatable anecdotes to drive the message home for The Bert Show's morning audience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Morning Hurdles and Humor

• The Struggle Is Real: Father Bailey and the host joke about the pain of early wake-ups for radio. Both commiserate on the "stupid hour" of 3:30 AM, swapping stories of alarms and sleep deprivation.
  • "[W]aiting for the Pope. I mean this is unbelievable, man." – Father Bailey (00:57)
  • "This is just dumb to be this up this early in the morning." – Show Host (01:03)

From Parties to the Pulpit

• Pulling an All-Nighter (Sort Of): Father Bailey recounts leaving a church party early, strategically setting multiple alarms, and knowing he’ll crash by lunchtime.
  • "I set like seven alarms and I set them all over my room... I got up at 3:30 and I could not go back to bed and...this afternoon it's going to be hectic man." – Father Bailey (01:18)
  • "You're going to hit the wall about 3 o'clock." – Show Host (01:58)
  • "Yeah, 12 noon." – Father Bailey (02:01)

New York Times Feature and Action Figures

• Recognition: The hosts highlight Father Bailey’s profile in the New York Times, poking fun about his rising fame and imaginary action figures.
  • "Just as the sun started to burn through the smog on a recent Monday morning. The Reverend Ricardo Xavier Zatwan Bailey...slipped on his headphones and rolled up to a radio studio microphone. Yes, party people, it's Father Ricardo Bailey..." – Host quoting NYT article (02:49)
  • "That's crazy. Did everybody. Action figures coming out. I told y'all that. I told y'all, be on alert." – Father Bailey (02:27)

Faith, Pop Culture, and Lessons from Hollywood

• Bridging Worlds: Father Bailey is celebrated for finding spiritual and moral lessons in popular culture, helping listeners see the overlap between Hollywood's dramas and biblical wisdom.
  • "He takes a look at Hollywood and...tells us...we can learn from [it] and we can apply [it] to the bible." – Show Host (04:15)

Main Message: "Don't Be a Hater If I Cry"

• The Hasselhoff Example: Inspired by David Hasselhoff crying on American Idol, Father Bailey encourages the public, especially men, to embrace their emotions.

  • "So the title of my talk today is don't be a hater if I cry." – Father Bailey (04:43)
  • "[I]f that's what you want to do, God bless him...there are many reasons and circumstances that can touch the emotions that we hold inside." (04:56)

• Biblical Context: Father Bailey references numerous biblical figures, including Jesus, to normalize and elevate the act of crying for men.

  • "If you look in the Bible, I believe you can find numerous passages in which men cry...Jesus...crying several times about, notably the death of his friend Lazarus." – Father Bailey (05:16)

• A Message to Men: He dismantles the "tough it out" stereotype and underscores that showing emotion is human—and attractive.

  • "Fellas, listen to a priest. Women love a sensitive man. I ain't telling you to compromise anything about yourself, but just think about it. Game recognized game player." – Father Bailey (06:17)

Humor Amid Inspiration

• What Makes Father Bailey Cry: In classic Bert Show style, Father Bailey blends comedy with realness, listing everyday nuisances—smelly armpits, bad breath, funky feet—as tongue-in-cheek "reasons to cry."
  • "Smelly armpits...make me cry...People with bad breath make me cry...Funky feet makes me cry. Lord help us all." – Father Bailey (06:38-07:14)

Personal Reflections on Vulnerability

• Ordination Memories: Father Bailey recounts his emotional ordination in 2003, reflecting on tradition, community, and the significance of being the first priest from his parish in 95 years.

  • "It is always an honor for a priest to vest another priest...And I didn't know that in my own parish, I was the first man to become a priest...very emotional event." – Father Bailey (08:10)

• Celebrity Crush Callout: For a final comedic twist, he jokes about crying over missing a chance to meet Mariah Carey.

  • "Mariah Carey, bro. I cried when I couldn't meet her, man. You know, she is so, so fine, bro." – Father Bailey (09:52)

Final Encouragement and Goodbyes

• Stay True, Stay Sensitive: Father Bailey closes with encouragement—reminding listeners there’s no shame in shedding tears and sending shout-outs to his community.
  • "Remember, don't be a hater if you gotta cry...I'm out. Players, play on. Love you all. God bless you." – Father Bailey (10:53)

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Coming up this early reminds me when I'm in Rome, man, waiting for the Pope. I mean this is unbelievable, man."
  — Father Ricardo Bailey (00:57)

• "It reminds us that no matter how much we think that we are totally in control of our emotions, we can face moments and situations that can be at times a little too overwhelming for us to deal with."
  — Father Ricardo Bailey (05:36)

• "Fellas, listen to a priest. Women love a sensitive man. I ain't telling you to compromise anything about yourself, but just think about it. Game recognized game player."
  — Father Ricardo Bailey (06:17)

• "Don't be a hater if I cry. Ah, ah, ah, ah ah, ah, ah, ah..."
  — Father Ricardo Bailey (10:01)

• "Jesus did it. He walked over Jerusalem and over the death of his friend Lazarus. There cannot be any shame in your gizain."
  — Father Ricardo Bailey (10:18)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Early Morning Banter & Sleep Deprivation: (00:47–02:15)
• Discussion about NYT Article / Father Bailey's Fame: (02:15–03:56)
• Faith & Hollywood Segment Intro: (04:15–04:43)
• Main Inspirational Message: 'Don't Be a Hater If I Cry': (04:43–10:53)
• Shout-outs and Final Blessings: (10:53–11:00)

Tone & Style

Father Bailey’s segment mixes inspirational storytelling, biblical reference, and sincere encouragement with his signature brand of humor, high energy, and playful “crunk” persona. His warmth and authenticity come through in honest remembrance and slick comedic asides, making the message both grounded and incredibly entertaining.

Takeaway

This Father Crunk episode is a spirited, heartfelt reminder to embrace vulnerability, humor in hardship, and humanity in faith—delivered in a way only The Bert Show family can, leaving listeners uplifted, entertained, and a little more comfortable with whatever might bring tears to their eyes.