The Bert Show: Vault — Katie Jo’s NASCAR Trivia Game

Original Air Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Katie (possibly Katie Birch)
Guests/Participants: Melissa, Jen, Jeff, others
Episode Focus: NASCAR Trivia Challenge

Episode Overview

This episode features a spirited and humorous NASCAR trivia challenge dubbed the "Katie Jo Trivia Game." The segment blends competitive fun, friendly ribbing, and classic Bert Show banter as Melissa tests her knowledge against ten NASCAR questions crafted by the host, Katie. Stakes are set: if Melissa gets three or more answers wrong, she's spared from "boot camp" but must do an extended on-air monologue the next day, making for an entertaining high-wire act of sports trivia, personality, and camaraderie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stakes and Setup of the Game ([01:53] – [03:06])

• Melissa’s Preparation:
  • Melissa admits to moderate study, but not all night, for this NASCAR quiz.
  • The host sets the playful tone, predicting Melissa won’t get all answers correct but some should be within reach, given her fandom.
    • "You've been studying your whole life. I mean, you're a big NASCAR fan. So these questions ... I think some of them are going to be easy. I think some of them are going to be more challenging." — Host [02:11]
• Game Mechanics:
  • If Melissa misses 3 or more, she avoids "boot camp" but earns a minute and a half of required monologue time per miss.
  • Light-hearted pressure from co-hosts, especially Jeff and Jen.

2. The Trivia Contest: Questions and Answers ([03:06] – [05:36])

• Katie Jo is asked a series of 10 NASCAR-related questions, covering terminology, history, figures, and pop culture intersections.
• Notable exchange:
  • "I would predict that you're not going to get all 10 right." — Host [02:17]
  • "Okay, well, we’ll see." — Melissa [02:26]

Selected Questions and Melissa's Responses:

• Q1: What is the definition of “marbles” in NASCAR?
  Melissa: "A reference to the driver's bravery or cojones in making a pass."

• Q2: What’s the longest race of the NASCAR season?
  Melissa: "The Pepsi 600."

• Q3: How many points does the last car earn?
  Melissa: "30."

• Q4: Sterling Marlin’s post-wreck superstition?
  Melissa: "He runs around the track."

• Q5: Average sponsor pays in the Cup Series?
  Melissa: "$10 million."

• Q6: Driver appearance fee per hour?
  Melissa: "$100,000."

• Q7: First woman to qualify for Daytona 500?
  Melissa: "Janet Green."

• Q8: What North Carolina city does Dale Jr. reside in?
  Melissa: "Charlotte."

• Q9: Worst traffic jam in NASCAR?
  Melissa: "Talladega."

• Q10: Driver who endorses Halston 714 Cologne?
  Melissa: "Dale Jr."

• The playful anxiety builds up as the answers are quickly delivered.

3. The Reveal: Correcting the Record ([05:36] – [12:27])

• The host runs through the answers, often with group commentary, teasing, and good-natured sarcasm.
  • "Katie Jo, the first question was, in NASCAR, what is the definition of marbles? And you were referring to a man's testicles, which a lesbian should never do." — Host [06:15]
  • "Marbles refers to ... excess rubber tire found at the edge of the racetrack." — Host [06:27]
• Tallying up the monologue penalty time with Jen and Jeff keeping score.
• Multiple wrong answers spark jabs and support:
  • "Wrong soft drink." — Jeff, as Melissa says "Pepsi 600" instead of "Coca Cola 600" [07:18]
  • "Stay lazy, pony girl." — Jeff [07:38]

Score Breakdown:

• Correct Answers:

  • Sponsor payout ($10 million)

• Partial/Overturned:

  • Dale Jr.'s city: Melissa says "Charlotte," judges eventually concede Mooresville's proximity.

• Mistakes/Incorrects:

  • Most other answers were incorrect, punctuated by humorous disbelief or sympathy.

• On her answer about "marbles," the group jokes:

  • "Let the record show, Katie, Jo got the question about testicles wrong." — Jeff [06:44]

• Jokes, commiseration, and trivia facts pepper the segment as the minutes accrue for Melissa’s upcoming monologue.

4. Final Tally and “Monologue Time” ([12:27] – [13:25])

• Result: Melissa gets 2 answers correct (1 outright, 1 on a technicality); she's assigned four minutes of monologue.
• The group discusses how long on-air minutes feel, referencing a prior karaoke segment.
  • "Do you remember how long 60 seconds felt when we had to karaoke?" — Jen [12:48]
  • They attempt an awkward, silent 30 seconds on air to demonstrate time.
    • "Let's just all be silent for just 30 seconds ... here's 30 seconds right now." — Host [12:53]

5. Notable Quotes & Moments

Confidence, Humor, and Sarcasm:

• "You were referring to a man's testicles, which a lesbian should never do." — Host, on the 'marbles' confusion [06:15]
• "Stay lazy, pony girl." — Jeff, urging Melissa to focus on the silver lining of not facing boot camp [07:38]
• "Melissa has gone from a natural smile to the kind of like fake smile to the 'Good God, this is gonna be the longest four minutes of my life.'" — Host, describing Melissa's mood as penalty time racks up [11:46]
• "At least I don't have to do boot camp ever. At least you got that going for you." — Host [12:39]

Pop Culture/Trivia Observations:

• Confusion about NASCAR facts demonstrates the challenge even for self-professed fans.
• Jokes about soft drink sponsors, geography ("Is Mooresville like the Marietta of Charlotte?" — Jeff [10:31]), and celebrity driver perks.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:53 – Introduction of trivia challenge, stakes explained
• 03:06 – Trivia questioning begins
• 05:36 – Start of answer reveal and scoring
• 08:37 – Melissa’s first correct answer (sponsorship payout)
• 09:33 – Janet Guthrie question and correction
• 10:24 – Dale Jr.’s city debated
• 12:09 – Cologne endorsement correction
• 12:27 – Final tally, penalty confirmed
• 12:53 – "30 seconds of silence" comedic moment
• 13:25 – End of segment, lighthearted wrap-up

Tone & Style

The entire episode exudes classic Bert Show warmth: genuinely funny, a little snarky, always inclusive, and great at creating a sense of community among listeners. The hosts maintain a breezy, teasing rapport—never mean-spirited, always supportive—even as they rib each other about trivia mishaps and impending on-air dares.

Takeaway

Katie Jo’s NASCAR Trivia Game is a testament to the lively, unvarnished camaraderie that defines The Bert Show. While the trivia accuracy may be spotty, the quick wit, supportive teasing, and shared embarrassment make for a highly entertaining listen—reminding fans that it’s not always about what you know, but how much fun you have trying.