The Bert Show – Vault: Fool Proof Way To Meet New People

Date: October 27, 2025

Overview

In this lively blast-from-the-past episode of The Bert Show, the cast resurrects their legendary “Fool Proof Embarrassment-Free Way to Meet New People” — the secret “Chiclets and Banaka” code. The segment blends personal anecdotes, playful banter, and an inspiring real-life love story from a listener whose romance (and recent engagement) all began with the show’s quirky, tongue-in-cheek method for breaking the ice with strangers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Origin of the "Chiclets and Banaka" Method

[01:44-04:12]

• Hosts Bert and Jeff reminisce about their days as single guys, seeking ways to meet new people without facing outright rejection.
• The method originated during a lunch in Buckhead, when, as Jeff dramatically recounts:

  “We were touched by an angel...and that's when Bert and I came up with the humiliation-free way to meet that significant other.” (E, 02:39)

• The heart of the system: Instead of a direct come-on, approach someone and ask, “Do you have any Chiclets?”
  If the person says, “No, but I do have Banaka”—that’s the signal both are in on the joke and possibly share mutual interest.

  “Because nobody ever has Chiclets...and on top of that, nobody ever has Banaka.” (E, 03:54)

• This playful exchange provides an easy “out” (no embarrassment if declined) and acts as a gentle ice-breaker for fellow listeners.

2. Listener Summer’s Love Story

[04:12-06:44]

• Caller Summer shares her experience using "Chiclets and Banaka":

  “I saw this guy who was really, really...it’s not just that he was really attractive, but he had a sense about him....I never would have gone up to him ...but I thought, you know, all right, I can do this.” (D, 05:17)

• She nervously approached the stranger and delivered the code line:

  “Excuse me, do you have any Chiclets?” (D, 05:23)

• After a suspenseful pause, the man responded:

  “‘No,’ really slowly. And I thought, ‘oh no, I’ve blown it.’ And then he said, ‘but I do have some Banaka.’ Bam. And we just laughed.” (D, 05:31)

• The shared joke broke the ice; Summer and the man have been together since, leading up to a romantic birthday engagement where he presented her a Chiclets box—containing an engagement ring.

  “Across the table he had a Chiclets box. And he handed it to me...Open the box. And I did. And there was an engagement ring. And I’m happy to marry him.” (D, 06:15)

3. Hosts' Reflections and Signature Humor

[06:25-07:46]

• The hosts and Summer celebrate the story’s happy ending with bursts of laughter and mock-seriousness, marveling at the success of their once-mocked method:

  “You guys have helped me find the love of my life right on! Thank you so much.” (D, 06:25) “Shouldn't we be invited to the wedding now?” (E, 06:40)

• Summer promises front-row seats for Bert and Jeff.
• Bert asserts:

  “Chiclets and Banaka equals love. It’s our first Chiclets and Banaka wedding!” (C, 06:53; E, 06:55)

• The hosts joke about Nobel Peace Prizes and imagine future kids named “Banaka, Jeff, and Chiclets.”

  “The first kid's name is gonna be Banaka....Jeff and Chiclets.” (C & E, 07:36-07:40)

4. Bringing Back the Chiclets and Banaka Challenge

[07:43-07:46]

• Bert teases the idea of a show event—“Banaka and Chiclets night”—to revive the icebreaker technique and encourage more listeners to make connections.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On inventing the method:
  “We were touched by an angel...and that's when Bert and I came up with the humiliation-free way to meet that significant other.” (E, 02:39)
• Explaining its brilliance:
  “Because nobody ever has Chiclets...and on top of that, nobody ever has Banaka.” (E, 03:54)
• The magic in action:
  “Excuse me, do you have any Chiclets? ... ‘No, but I do have some Banaka.’ Bam. And we just laughed. And that broke the ice...” (D, 05:23 & 05:31)
• Celebrating love:
  “You guys have helped me find the love of my life right on! Thank you so much.” (D, 06:25)
• Hosts’ tongue-in-cheek:
  “They all laughed at us when we...submitted the forms for the Nobel Peace Prize. What did they do? They thumbed their noses at us.” (E, 07:05-07:11)
• Affirming the code:
  “Chiclets plus Banaka equals love.” (E, 04:53)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:44] – Show pivots to “Chiclets and Banaka” method origins
• [02:20 – 04:12] – Detailed explanation and demonstration
• [04:12] – Listener Summer’s call and story begins
• [06:01] – Summer describes her engagement
• [06:25] – Hosts and Summer celebrate, gratitude exchanged
• [07:11] – Hosts joke about their “Nobel-worthy” achievement
• [07:43] – Hosts suggest reviving the “Chiclets and Banaka” challenge/event

Summary Conclusion

This episode is a joyful ode to creative connection, confidence, and the little inside jokes that can change lives. With its signature blend of humor and heart, The Bert Show proves why it’s a morning staple—and even offers an ingenious, lighthearted way to meet someone new, as told by a true listener love story.