The Bert Show: "Vault: Listeners Share The Ridiculous Things They Gave Up For Lent"

Date: March 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and humorous episode, The Bert Show team invites listeners to share the truly unusual and sometimes ridiculous things they're giving up for Lent. The hosts discuss their own experiences with giving things up, the challenges that come with it, and the motivations behind these personal sacrifices. The episode blends candid conversation, playful banter, and some memorable listener confessions that go well beyond the usual chocolate or alcohol.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unusual Lent Commitments Among Listeners

• Alcohol & Coffee Drive-Thrus (00:59–02:05)

  • The team kicks off by noting plenty of people give up things like chocolate or carbs, but "the more unusual ones" are what's interesting.
  • One host shares that his wife is giving up alcohol and all coffee shop drive-thrus, not walk-ins—she can enter the shop but not hit the drive-thru.
    • "She gave up going through the drive-through. So if she's out, if she wants to walk to the Starbucks near her house, that's cool... But as far as going through the drive-through, not gonna do it." – [D], (01:47)

• Giving Up Sex (02:10–02:54)

  • A listener calls in to say she and her boyfriend are abstaining from sex for Lent due to their Catholic faith, but admit they've struggled each year.
    • "We decided it'd be best if we gave it up. But it hasn't worked yet." – [F], (02:28)
    • "Last year? It went two weeks. This year it's been the whole time, so I think it's a week and a half." – [F], (02:45)

• Wearing Underwear (08:10–08:56)

  • Another listener vows to wear underwear for 40 days—as a challenge, since she normally avoids it.
    • "I don't like to wear underwear, so I'm going to wear underwear." – [F], (08:10)
    • The cast jokes about the spiritual significance of this “pilgrimage.”

• Giving Up Trashy Reality TV (09:00–10:42)

  • Chelsea shares she's giving up addictive reality shows, elaborating on how much time she spends watching them—up to 20 evening hours a week.
    • "I just put my mind to it, and I'm giving up those shows, and hopefully when it's finished, I will not have the need to start watching them again." – [F], (10:01)
    • The cast jokes about TV shows finding them rather than the other way around.

2. Hosts Reflect on Their Own Attempts & Struggles

• Alcohol Moderation vs. Abstinence (03:05–07:57)

  • One host considers giving up alcohol for 30 days, rationalizing that while it coincides with Lent, it’s more about wanting to curb hangovers and unhealthy habits.
    • "I'm giving up drink for the next 30 days, and it just happens to fall during Lent, so. I could call it that." – [C], (03:05)
    • The group discusses whether it's harder to stop drinking entirely or limit oneself to two drinks, and joke about previous failed attempts.
    • “Two drinks a night. That was way cutting back. Do most people just have two drinks a night?” – [C], (04:35)
    • “30 days, I think, is going to be very difficult for you to do.” – [E], (05:50)

• The Challenge of Social Drinking Habits

  • Honest discussion about whether the true feat is abstaining or learning moderation, with different hosts weighing in.
    • “I think the bigger challenge really would be...because I could give up alcohol... but I have to learn how to socially drink.” – [C], (06:50)
    • “You’ve shown your self-discipline with workouts and diets... you’re able to stick to it.” – [G], (07:07)
    • “I think the tougher challenge would be to try to socially drink than it would be to give it up at all.” – [C], (07:51)

3. Playful Banter & Group Dynamics

• The episode is full of teasing, encouragement, and lighthearted judgment between hosts.

  • “She hates you.” – [C], (05:37)
  • “I know you don’t. I’m asking you for honesty.” – [C], (05:40)
  • The group pokes fun at the idea of self-imposed challenges, noting how small actions like limiting drinks can feel massive in practice.

• The cast gleefully discusses the invented reality show "Tool Academy" and marvels at how such TV concepts get greenlit.

  • “My favorite part about those shows is...somebody went into a boardroom and said, 'Here’s my idea: Tool Academy.' And then ten other...at least seven of them had to say, that's a money maker.” – [D], (11:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On drive-thru deprivation:

  • "She gave up going through the drive-thru...If she wants to walk...that's cool. But as far as going through the drive-thru, not gonna do it." – [D], (01:47)

• On relationship challenges and Lent:

  • "We gave it up every year, and it hasn’t worked." – [F], (02:36)

• On reality TV confessions:

  • "They just track me down and I find them on the television, and I can't..." – [F], (10:40)
  • "That’s like...It is a hard time job." – [E], (10:40)

• On self-discipline and skepticism:

  • "30 Days is a tough...That's tough for you to do. I'm being honest." – [E], (05:50)
  • "I think that you’ve shown your self discipline...you’re able to stick to it." – [G], (07:07)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Unusual Lent Sacrifices Introduced: (00:59)
• Listener: Giving Up Sex: (02:10)
• Host: Abstaining from Alcohol – Motivation & Struggles: (03:05–07:57)
• Listener: Wearing Underwear for Lent: (08:10)
• Listener: Quitting Trashy Reality TV: (09:00)
• Debate: Are Moderation Goals Harder Than Total Abstinence?: (05:50–07:51)
• Reality TV and Tool Academy Discussion: (10:42–11:51)

Summary & Takeaways

This episode delivers on the show's promise of authenticity, laughs, and a touch of irreverence. The conversation is a reminder that Lenten sacrifices come in all forms—from the deeply personal to the hilariously trivial—and that support systems (and a sense of humor) can be crucial in seeing any tough commitment through. The hosts and listeners alike acknowledge that sometimes giving something up is less about proving anything to anyone but yourself—and that even the silliest sacrifices can make you think about your habits in a new way.