The Bert Show

Episode: Vault: Listen To This Woman's Divorce Bucket List

Date: March 12, 2026

Overview

This lively and heartfelt episode centers on a listener, Erica, who is at the beginning stages of a divorce and looking for ways to reclaim her joy and sense of self. Inspired by co-host Jen’s own post-divorce adventures, Erica wants help building a "divorce bucket list"—a set of bold, meaningful, and fun activities to kick-start her next chapter. Bert, Jen, and a host of callers weigh in, brainstorming ideas ranging from solo travel to pole dancing parties, with plenty of good-natured teasing and supportive advice along the way.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Erica’s Divorce Story & The Need for a Bucket List

• Erica's Situation:
  • Erica shares she's just begun the divorce process and is feeling stuck and down (01:11).
  • Friends encouraged her to compile a divorce bucket list as a way to shake things up and help her transition.
  • She mentions her love of travel and a wish to get into photography as possible first steps (01:57).

2. Jen's Solo Travel & Personal Challenge Inspiration

• Jen’s Experience:
  • Jen talks about traveling solo to Mexico post-divorce, calling it a “unique challenge” that helped her rediscover herself (02:45).
  • She suggests any self-challenging activity can help: “Or maybe it's hiking… or some sort of challenge like that that would make you feel good once you accomplish it.” (03:17)
• Bert’s Spin:
  • Bert emphasizes using the bucket list to step out of your comfort zone. He encourages Erica to try things that make her nervous, such as initiating conversations with strangers (03:48).

Quote:
"I think mine is probably different than what you needed it for. But it's, like, seven days of just completely and totally being selfish."
— Bert (03:06)

3. Callers Share Their Divorce Bucket List Ideas

a. Karaoke Night & Man-Bashing Songs (Kimber)

• Kimber describes how gathering friends for a karaoke night the day her divorce was finalized brought her joy and release with “man-bashing songs” (04:33).

b. Ceremonial Letting Go

• Bert and Jen joke about burning ex’s photos, but acknowledge it’s not for everyone—Erica says she’s not at the “hating him” stage (05:00).

c. “Adult Toy” & Lingerie House Parties (Maria)

• Maria suggests a light-hearted girls’ night with adult-themed parties involving lingerie, cocktails, and fun, with everyone chipping in for gifts (05:17).

d. At-Home Pole Dancing Parties

• Bert mentions services where dancers bring poles for an in-home class with friends, offering a playful way to try something new in a safe environment (05:48).
• Erica likes the idea, saying, "That would be fun…it keeps me in, but yet still takes me out all at the same time" (06:08–06:13).

e. Resetting Your Dating Life (Michelle)

• Michelle calls in to share her own post-divorce dating adventures: “I went out and dated men of all different types…fireman, policeman, doctor…black, white, and Asian, and let them pay for everything!” (06:39).

Quote:
"The dating checklist. I like it."
— Jen (07:00)

• Michelle notes she was only able to do this a month after her divorce, as emotionally she’d been out of the relationship longer (07:04).
• She also shares that she was celibate for three years post-divorce before dating again, turning the time into a personal rediscovery process (07:18).

f. Professional Pole Dancing Studio Parties (Darcy)

• Darcy, who works at a local pole dancing studio, describes their divorce and birthday private parties. Participants can “pick the music, dress up, and do pin-up style photography” (09:09).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On stepping out of comfort zones:
  "Why not make it like a homework assignment—the next time you’re out… go up to one guy, do something that you normally wouldn’t do."
  — Bert (03:48)

• On transforming pain into joy:
  "We went to a karaoke bar and we all sang man-bashing songs the whole night. That’s awesome."
  — Kimber (04:33)

• On daring new adventures:
  "Everybody contributes and buys you one trip you'll never forget... you and all your girlfriends can learn how to pole dance in the comfort of your own home."
  — Bert (05:48)

• On dating after divorce:
  "I went out and dated men of all different types… and just let them pay for everything. Just go out and have fun."
  — Michelle (06:39)

• On rediscovering the self:
  "Another part of my bucket list was becoming myself… I learned a lot about myself when it was just me."
  — Michelle (07:18)

• On the diversity of bucket list ideas:
  "I love the fact that she starts off with 'I want to be a photographer' and we end it with sex parties and date men of all races."
  — Bert (08:23)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:05: Erica introduces her divorce and desire for a bucket list.
• 01:44–02:45: Jen and Bert share travel and challenge ideas.
• 04:33: Kimber describes the “man-bashing” karaoke night.
• 05:17: Maria pitches the adult novelty party for fun and empowerment.
• 05:48: Bert and Jen riff on in-home pole dancing parties.
• 06:39–07:18: Michelle outlines her post-divorce dating adventures and self-discovery.
• 09:09: Darcy details professional pole dancing studio events and pin-up photography.

Final Thoughts & Tone

The episode is warm, candid, supportive, and consistently laced with the show’s trademark wit and camaraderie. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” way to heal from divorce—the message is to find challenges and joys, big or small, that speak to you personally. From traveling solo or pursuing a new hobby, to light-hearted parties and re-approaching dating, the cast and callers encourage Erica (and listeners) to seek experiences that feel both empowering and fun.

Summary of Bucket List Ideas Gathered

• Solo travel or road-trips
• Take up a new hobby (e.g., photography, classes unrelated to the marriage)
• Host a celebratory girls’ night or karaoke party
• Light-hearted ceremonial actions (with boundaries, e.g., photo burning—if desired)
• Attend or host an adult-themed party or lingerie night
• In-home or studio pole dancing class/party
• Try bold social “homework” (making the first move in conversations)
• Date different types of people, just for fun and new experiences

A heartfelt and funny exploration of reclaiming yourself in the wake of a breakup—packed with listener-powered advice, real talk, and plenty of reasons to laugh in the face of life’s shake-ups.