The Bert Show: Vault: Is It Wrong To Accept A Gift From Your Ex?

Date: March 10, 2026
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The episode revolves around a listener, Nicole, who is caught in a sticky situation after her ex-boyfriend, a Georgia fan, gave her two tickets to the national championship game as a birthday present—then broke up with her when Florida beat Georgia. Now, her ex is asking for one of the tickets back, and the Bert Show crew (with callers) debates whether Nicole has any obligation to return the ticket or to feel guilty about keeping both. The show combines humor, listener experiences, and spirited debate to explore the ethics of gifts between exes and handling post-breakup awkwardness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Nicole’s Sports Ticket Dilemma

• [00:40–01:29] Nicole reveals her ex-boyfriend gifted her two championship game tickets for her birthday, prior to the decisive Florida vs. Georgia game.
• Bert clarifies the details: the tickets were her birthday gift, and her ex is a Georgia fan while Nicole is a lifelong Florida fan.
• The relationship ended right after the Florida-Georgia game—her ex broke up with her because Florida’s win was “too much for him.”

The Post-Breakup Ask

• [02:25–03:03] Nicole’s ex requests she drop off "his" ticket at his place, implying he is entitled to one despite the breakup.
• "He called me yesterday telling me that just to leave his ticket in his mailbox today when I drive home from work because he was wanting to use it." — Nicole [02:32]

The Hosts’ Reactions: Humor, Outrage, and Solidarity

• [03:06–04:44] The studio unanimously agrees Nicole owes him nothing:
  • “He’s not entitled to those at all.” — Bert [03:16]
  • “It was a gift.” — Caller 1 [03:17]
  • Multiple hosts suggest she be honest and blunt or even ignore him entirely.
• Several suggest ways Nicole could be spiteful or playful if she wishes:
  • “I'm going with my new friend Wendy.” — Caller 2 [03:32]

Ethical Considerations & Nuance

• [04:44–05:21] Discussion about whether things would be different if it was his team going to the championship, and if the gift-giving scenario was reversed.
• Some empathy expressed—if the roles were reversed and Georgia had won, the ex might have a stronger case for wanting to use the ticket.

Listeners Call In: Similar Stories & Creative Revenge

• [05:33–07:14] Caller “Candace” shares her own story about a birthday concert ticket, using the situation as final closure on a bad relationship.
• Another caller, “Katie,” suggests sending a fake ticket or a note reading "In your dreams" to the ex’s mailbox to drive the point home.
  • “Put in your dreams. Seriously?” — Caller 3 [07:32]

Best Revenge: Go, Enjoy, and Publicly Thank Him

• [08:01–08:34] A caller suggests Nicole take a friend, make a big poster that says, “Thanks for the tickets!” and hope she gets on TV during the game—adding humor and public closure.
  • “Hope like hell that the TV scans in front of her.” — Caller 3 [08:15]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He broke up with me after the game ended. He said he just couldn’t take it any longer.” — Nicole [02:49]
• “Why do you have to be nice about it at all? Why don’t you just call him back and say, ‘Are you kidding me? Those were a gift, you’re not getting anything!’” — Bert [03:27]
• “This is a slam dunk here. You have no obligation to him whatsoever.” — Bert [03:44]
• “I think you should do what every mature adult would do and text him. Or just not say anything at all.” — Caller 1 [03:36]
• “I would feel more sympathy for him if he gave her the tickets and then it was his team that ended up going…” — Caller 1 [04:27]
• “What she needs to do is invite someone else to the game with her, make a big poster that says, ‘Thanks for the tickets!’” — Caller 3 [08:09]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:40 — Nicole introduces her dilemma and the ticket-giving backstory
• 02:25 — Ex requests the ticket back post-breakup
• 03:06 — Show's initial reactions (support, advice, and humor)
• 04:44 — Nuanced perspectives: Is it different if the roles were reversed?
• 05:33 — Listener “Candace” shares her own gift-and-breakup story
• 07:20 — Caller offers creative revenge tactics
• 08:01 — Suggestion to publicly thank the ex on TV as playful closure

Summary & Resolution

The Bert Show firmly sides with Nicole: a gift is a gift, even after a breakup. The consensus is that once something is given—especially as a birthday present—the giver loses entitlement, regardless of relationship status. Suggestions range from blunt honesty to playful revenge (like making a TV sign), but most agree the best route is to enjoy the game with a friend and not feel guilty.

As Nicole wraps up, camaraderie and good nature prevail, with the cast offering solidarity, possible plus-ones, and a final reminder: "Do what you want with the tickets. You got no obligation to this guy." [08:34]