Vault: She ended up on vacation with her boyfriend's ex

Summary

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The Bert Show – Vault: She Ended Up On Vacation With Her Boyfriend's Ex (June 25, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, The Bert Show crew reunites with listener Callie to follow up on a previously discussed dilemma: joining her boyfriend’s family vacation, only to discover his ex (and her boyfriend’s sister’s close friend) would be along for the trip. The episode unpacks Callie’s discomfort, the family dynamics, and how she managed the awkward situation, while hosts and listeners weigh in with advice, empathy, and a dash of signature Bert Show humor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Recap: The Setup (01:08–01:54)

• Callie explains that her boyfriend’s family planned a trip to Tampa. Originally, the sister was to bring her boyfriend, but after their breakup, she opted to invite Valerie—the ex-girlfriend, who had dated Callie’s boyfriend all through high school.
• There’s debate among the hosts about whether the sister’s invitation was innocent or mischievous.
  • Melissa (01:58): "I just don’t trust that the sister invited the ex because... I feel like the sister knew what she was doing."

Callie’s Pre-Trip Approach (02:32–03:07)

• Callie chose to take the "high road" and didn’t raise the situation with her boyfriend before the trip, hoping for minimal drama.
  • Callie (02:53): "I just kind of took the high road and didn’t say anything and was hoping that everything would work out okay."
• Jen counsels that communicating discomfort is important, but she understands wanting to avoid being "whiny" or "high maintenance."

On Vacation: The Awkward Dynamics Begin (03:51–06:12)

• The group traveled in separate cars and maintained civility initially.
• Callie was made to room with the sister and Valerie due to the parents’ traditional views, intensifying discomfort.
• Valerie began slyly asserting her history with Callie’s boyfriend, asking pointed, personal questions and referencing things "he used to do," giving off territorial vibes.
  • Callie (05:13): "It just seemed really territorial to me... it made it seem like she knew him better than I did."
• Hosts riff on the ex "marking her territory," with Jen joking (05:36): "He was the hydrant and she was the dog... marking her territory."

Escalation: Flirting and Sibling Schemes (06:13–07:28)

• Valerie’s behavior became more openly flirty—touching the boyfriend’s arm and laughing, sitting close during group activities.
• The sister at times seemed neutral, but Callie began to suspect she was complicit—especially after being asked to leave the house, only to return and find Valerie freshly made up, suggesting a setup.

The Breaking Point (08:02–10:10)

• Callie describes the "turning point": During a movie, Valerie sat on the floor, pressing her back against the boyfriend’s legs while Callie sat beside him.
  • Callie (09:15): "He just, I mean, he got kind of stiff... he touched my arm, you know, and sort of, you know, seemed stiff about it."
• Callie finally told her boyfriend she felt deeply uncomfortable, and they decided to cut the trip short, leaving Saturday night.
  • Callie (09:35): "I finally told him… I just feel like I just can’t handle this. And so we actually left."

Fallout and Reflection (10:10–13:16)

• The boyfriend assumed Callie was overreacting but supported her decision to leave. He protected her by shouldering the blame with his family.
• The hosts debate the boyfriend’s awareness and intent, acknowledging men often underestimate the undercurrents in such situations.
  • Host (10:45): "80% of guys… always think that our women are overreacting… Most guys don’t see the clues that women see."
• Jen (11:38): "He could, he should have probably hopped up and said, 'Hey, why don’t you just take my seat?'... but I also know this is probably not right."
• The group speculates about potential continued interference from the ex and the sister, with Melissa warning this might not be the last time Callie faces such drama.

Listener Reactions and Advice (13:32–15:24)

• Tracy (Caller) (13:32): "Men smell other sharks circling in the water, so why don’t they trust us when we smell other barracuda in the water?"
  • The crew laughs; Callie agrees her instincts were on point, and more communication with her boyfriend is recommended.
• Listeners and hosts suggest navigating the family dynamic thoughtfully.
  • Melissa (15:07): "I always say, when in doubt, charm the mom... Thank you note to the mom..."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Melissa (01:58): "I just don’t trust that the sister invited the ex because... I just think the sister knew what she was doing."
• Callie (05:13): "It just seemed really territorial to me, like, when she did that."
• Jen (05:36): "He was the hydrant and she was the dog, and she was like, yeah, mark her territory."
• Callie (09:15): "He got kind of stiff... he touched my arm, you know... but I was just... I can’t do this anymore."
• Host (10:45): "80% of guys… always think that our women are overreacting…"
• Tracy (Caller) (13:32): "Men smell other sharks circling in the water, so why don’t they trust us when we smell other barracuda in the water?"
• Melissa (15:07): "When in doubt, charm the mom... send a thank you note."

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:31–01:08: Background/setup; Callie’s boyfriend’s ex to join the vacation.
• 02:53: Callie decides not to address the issue before the trip.
• 04:27–05:31: First interactions with ex; noticeable territorial behavior.
• 06:13–07:28: Analysis of sister’s role and setups.
• 08:44–09:35: “Turning point”—Valerie’s physical flirtation during movie night.
• 09:35–10:10: Callie tells boyfriend and leaves early.
• 13:32–13:56: Caller Tracy’s analogy of "sharks vs. barracuda."
• 15:07: "Charm the mother" advice.

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Summary: Tone and Takeaways

The episode, blending empathy with lighthearted ribbing, highlights the subtleties of young adult relationships mixed with family politics. The show offers support to Callie, acknowledges the awkwardness and lack of easy answers, and delivers practical advice for handling similar relationship landmines. The big takeaways: trust your instincts, communicate (even if it feels awkward), and, if all else fails, charm the mom.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Before Legally Blonde, before law school, Elle woods was in high school. Set in 1995, this Gemini vegetarian knows exactly who she is until her family moves from Bel Air to Seattle and turns her world upside down. Watch Elle navigate a new city, a new school, frenemies and crushes, all while staying true to herself. Packed with iconic fashion, 90s nostalgia, and a throwback soundtrack, Elle proves one Law school was hard. High school was harder. From the world of Legally Blonde, watch Elle, a new original series only on Prime Video July 1st.

[Host]

Este cuatro de Julio and loaves ahoras ta cuarrentay cinco porciento en electro domestico Selectos ademas ahoro centadola parria gas selecta char broil performance series. Ahora dos sientos noventa y nueve dolares Nuestra mejor selection esta que Lowe's Los Nosotros 2 Ahoras. The Burt Show. All right, so let's just get you all caught up with Callie. You remember her from when we left, right before we left for Burt's big adventure.

[Callie]

The whole family is going to go on vacation, and I'm really excited to go with them. Their aunt has a house in Tampa, and the younger sister is. Was supposed to be bringing her boyfriend, but they broke up. So she's like, I'm going to bring my son. Valerie. My boyfriend came up to me, and he's like, I just want you to know. He goes, I don't want this to be weird, but Valerie and I dated all throughout high school.

[Host]

All right, so that was right before we left for Burt's big adventure. So she got a whole bunch of different advice.

[Jen]

Well, yeah, because the ex girlfriend was really best, you know, close friends with the sister, so the sister had invited her. So it wasn't the boyfriend that invited her, and it wasn't the parents that invited her. It was the sister. So we. We were wondering, was she gonna say anything at all? Was she gonna go? If. I don't know.

[Host]

And, Melissa, I think you were the one that thought that this was really more about the sister.

[Melissa]

Well, I just didn't trust the fact. Yeah, I just didn't trust that the sister invited the ex because I'm. I mean, are they best friends? I don't know, but I just feel like if my sister, for instance, was. Had dated this guy for all through high school, and then later on, we were on the Carter family vacation, bring in Melanie's new boyfriend. There is no way in my mind, I think, you know what I'm Gonna bring the ex boyfriend on the trip too, because he' I don't know. I just think the sister knew what she was doing.

[Host]

If you're close to your family, then you're sensitive to that situation and you don't invite. Here's Callie. She's back. Hey, Callie.

[Caller]

Hey, guys.

[Callie]

How's it going?

[Host]

Good. How are you?

[Callie]

I'm good.

[Host]

Did you actually go on this vacation?

[Callie]

We did.

[Narrator]

You did.

[Callie]

And we left on Thursday.

[Host]

All right, so how did you handle it beforehand? Because some people were saying you should talk to your boyfriend about it. Others were saying, just take the high road and don't say anything at all. So how did you handle it even before you took off?

[Callie]

Before we took off? I didn't. I just decided to take the high road. You know, listen to what everybody was saying about. I didn't really want to be. Seem weird or, like, high maintenance, so I just kind of took the high road and didn't say anything and was hoping that everything would work out okay.

[Host]

Okay. And that was. That was against your advice, right, Jen? You said you have to at least sit the dude down and talk to him about it.

[Jen]

Yeah, My advice was, was to definitely tell your boyfriend and just, you know, I'm just a little uncomfortable with this. You don't have to do anything about it, but I just want you to be aware of it to me, because I thought that opened up some sort of line of communication between the two of you, because it's not just about him and the relationship. Like, you have to set your own boundaries. Well, what's okay with you, too? So that's what I thought would have happened, but I also understood the perspective of people thinking, well, if she does that, then she's whiny or she's a diva or whatever else, you know?

[Host]

And once again, they've only been dating since, what, October or November?

[Callie]

August.

[Host]

August. Okay. All right.

[Jen]

That's a good bit of time.

[Host]

Yeah. Okay. So you don't. You decide not to say anything to him whatsoever. All right.

[Callie]

Mm. And, you know, at first, like, everything was really cool. We actually all drove down in different cars. His family was in one car, and then his sister and Valerie were in another car, and then we were in another car. So, you know, everything was really cool. And when we got there, we were all having a great time. And then I just. I was kind of bummed because then we had to. We couldn't stay in the same room because his parents don't like that. They're, you know, they're really old fashioned so they actually put me in the room with the girls.

[Host]

It went from bad to worse.

[Melissa]

Fantastic.

[Host]

Okay.

[Callie]

Did you guys interact at all? I'm sorry? Did you guys interact, get along at all? Well, we did it just. That's actually when things really started to get weird. Okay. You know, I've. She seemed really nice and really cool and stuff. And then, you know, that's when things kind of started taking a weird turn. And she was asking me questions that I felt like, had a really specific point to him. Like, she would say stuff like, well, like, does he still do this? And this? And I told him he would do this. So it made it seem like that she knew him better than I did. She's trying to just get her point across that it was that she really did know him. And she does know him.

[Host]

Yeah. I mean, they went out all through high school, right?

[Callie]

Yeah. But it just seemed really territorial to me, like, when she did that.

[Jen]

Yeah, that sucks that you had to hear.

[Callie]

I would never do that to someone, you know what I mean, If I were in that situation. Because it definitely seems like you're kind of staking that, you know, that you've got a higher claim.

[Host]

Is that a calculated move on her part, or is it.

[Narrator]

Yes, it was.

[Jen]

He was the hydrant and she was the dog, and she was like, yeah, mark her territory.

[Melissa]

Yeah, she. And that's why I don't trust that sister.

[Callie]

Yeah. Like, okay, did you.

[Melissa]

Did you and the sister get along? How did the sister treat you?

[Callie]

The sister, I mean, she was just very neutral. You know, she was really nice. She didn't. Didn't seem weird or anything, you know, so that, you know, it just mostly was coming up at that point. It seemed like it was really mostly just coming from her side.

[Host]

No, she was loving it because she was sitting back and watching this thing explode, like, just, like, the way she wanted it to. I mean, she set you up.

[Melissa]

Yeah.

[Callie]

Yeah. And then, you know, like, I said, that's kind of when things started turning. Because then, like, the rest of the time that we were there, she was very flirty with him. Like, a couple times she actually, like, touched his arm and, like, laughed. Yeah. And that's not cool. I was just like, oh, my gosh.

[Caller]

And he didn't.

[Callie]

You know, he's not reading anything into it, but I, as a girl, I totally knew, so. And then here's the part where I said the sister was really cool, but then at one point, his sister asked me to go to the store with her to grab things for some groceries and I was like, okay. And she's like, oh, do you mind coming with me? She's like, you know, Valerie's, you know, still asleep and stuff. I'm like, no, you know, I'll probably go with you. And so we got back from the store and Valerie was supposedly sleeping, but she was totally up and fully made up. And at every point in the trip, it took her, like, a long time to get. Like, she would do her hair and her makeup, so it should have taken her a really long time. Like, that meant that she was already up and ready. But when I got back from the store, you know, it was clear that she had already been up. So I think her sister kind of worked together with her on that point of getting out of the house.

[Melissa]

I knew it. I knew it. Well, because if you were trying to get back with anybody, then you go through their siblings to not to be indirect. And if her sister. And if they were in high school together and the sister and her got close in school, then they totally had a conversation about this, and that's why the sister brought her.

[Host]

Oh, so was this. Was this late enough in the trip that it didn't bother you the rest of the. I mean. Cause if this happens on the first day, your whole vacation is ruined. Did this happen at least late enough in the trip where it didn't matter all that much?

[Callie]

This was towards the beginning. I was really trying to keep it together. And you know, his parents. I really don't believe his parents have an agenda at all anymore. You know, we're all just kids to them, but they were doing stuff like pictures of him and Valerie and being like, oh, my gosh, you guys are so funny, you know, and then one time, this is the part where I really just. This was a big turning point for me. We were watching movies and me and my boyfriend were, like, sitting in side by side recliners, and Valerie came in and was like, oh, my gosh. What are y' all watching? And then she sat down in front of my boyfriend on the floor and put her back up again.

[Melissa]

No, wait a second. What did your boyfriend do?

[Jen]

Yeah, what's. Yeah, what's his role in all this?

[Callie]

I mean, he just. He seemed a little, like, he was a little stiff, you know, when she did that. So I don't think he was, like, overly, like, receptive. He might have made him uncomfortable, but I was just like, you know what that is, that is it. She's already been touching his arm, and now she's, like, leaning up against him while we're watching a movie together.

[Melissa]

How long did she sit there? Well, my question is, what did your boyfriend do physically when she did that?

[Callie]

He just, I mean, he got kind of stiff, you know, sort of like he didn't move, but he just kind of kept looking over to me and like at one point he touched my arm. So he was, he. I felt like he was being reassuring for me to touch my arm, you know, and sort of, you know, seemed stiff about it. But I just, I really could not. I was like, I can't do this anymore.

[Host]

Sure.

[Callie]

Did you see Saturday Night? I just was like, you know what? I finally told them. I was like, I really feel uncomfortable with, you know, Valerie. I said, I'm so sorry if it seems weird, but I just feel like I just can't handle this. And so we actually left on Saturday night and my boyfriend actually, he thought I was like overreacting, but not in a bad way. He was like, well, I think you're kind of taking this the wrong way or, you know, you're making a big deal, but it's totally fine. If you're not comfortable, then we can leave. So we left on Saturday night. So I just, I couldn't handle it anymore.

[Jen]

Did you have to come up with an excuse on why you were leaving or did you just tell the parents exactly why or.

[Callie]

No, we didn't tell the parents anything. You know, the boyfriend just kind of was like, yeah, we're just. I think we're going to head on out and you know, just get back. There's a lot of stuff that I need to do. So he kind of like took the hit for me. He said there was a lot of stuff that he needed to do, which was nice.

[Host]

There's too much protecting of this girl going on, you know.

[Melissa]

How serious are you about this guy?

[Callie]

I really, I mean, I really, I really love him. I've gotten to the point where I really think I'm completely in love with him.

[Host]

I don't know that he's over this girl. I don't know. Well, I've got two schools of thought on it. I would say this, like 80% of guys would never would. We always think that our women are overreacting to the situation that's right in front of us. Cuz we don't think it's a big deal now when she sat like in between, you know, like right next to him and started touching on him, that probably should have been the red flag, but most guys don't see the clues that women see.

[Jen]

Yeah, I don't think he's acting any sort of maliciously or he has feelings for her at all. I think he's probably, probably trying to keep the peace. Like he didn't want to have a big reaction when she sat on the. And leaned on the. Did she sit on the floor and lean on the recliner?

[Callie]

Did she what? Sorry.

[Host]

Yeah, she was on the floor.

[Jen]

So she sat on the floor and just leaned on the recliner. Like where his legs were.

[Callie]

Right where his legs were.

[Caller]

Yeah.

[Callie]

Her back was on his shin.

[Caller]

Okay.

[Host]

Okay.

[Jen]

Yeah, he could, he should have probably hopped up and said, hey, why don't you just take my seat? I'll sit on the floor and sat on the floor in front of you. But like, he might not have been thinking. And then like, like you said, get stiff and uncomfortable and ugh, what do I do? I don't want to cause a scene, but I also know this is probably not right. Like, I don't think that it's completely 100% his fault or reflects his feelings. I think he's probably way over this girl. She's been friends with the family a long time. He's totally moved on with you and obviously brought you and you were the priority because when you said you were uncomfortable, he left.

[Host]

Don't you think that eventually, like, it's probably either today or tomorrow, if it hasn't happened already, that the follow up text from the ex is coming? Like now all of a sudden they're in the same room together, they're spending time. She obviously still has feelings for him. Don't you think she's going to act on those and call them?

[Callie]

I do. I mean, she totally, she totally made it clear that, I mean, she was flirting with them. And the bad thing is, is that like, I feel like, I mean, obviously his sister has chosen her out. So.

[Melissa]

Yes. Yeah. The reason I asked how, you know, good luck to end your relationship. But I just think that this is, this is not the first time that you're gonna have to deal with this. And, and the fact that you like. I'm trying to think of my parents. If somebody left in the middle of a vacation, regardless of what is going on, they were left there confused and asked questions. And the only people left behind to answer those questions were the sister and the ex girlfriend.

[Host]

And his mom probably saw what was going on. I doubt his dad did, but I bet had he come forward with the mom, she would have said, I understand

[Melissa]

it or she doesn't. She thinks you were rude and she likes the ex girlfriend better too.

[Host]

When is the next time you're supposed to hang out with his family? Is there anything on this?

[Callie]

There's nothing, like, on the agenda. Really?

[Host]

That's a tough spot.

[Callie]

Yeah, I don't know that sister.

[Host]

That's a tough spot. Here is Tracy. Good morning. You are on Q100. What's up, Tracy?

[Caller]

It's more a message for, like, men out there. It's just always so funny. Men smell other sharks circling in the water, so why don't they trust us when we smell other barracuda in the water?

[Host]

That's a really good point.

[Callie]

Yes.

[Caller]

Men are. You are oblivious, God love you. At times. But she was totally right on her instincts. And, I mean, I think she needs to still kind of just talk to him. Especially if the texts and the phone calls come, because I'll bet the farm they are.

[Host]

I think for me it comes from, like, a lack of ego thing. It would be more like, there's no way that that girl. There's no way she's interested in me. You're making things up right there.

[Melissa]

But flip it around. If you were a guy and your girlfriend was taking you on vacation with her family and her ex boyfriend was coming, would you be okay with that?

[Callie]

No.

[Melissa]

Then why is this any different?

[Host]

Hey, good morning, Karen. You're on the Burt Show. What's up?

[Caller]

Hey, I just wanted to comment. I think the ex girlfriend is totally playing the sister here too. I don't know if the sisters really, you know that. Guilty. She is. But I think the girlfriend, ex girlfriend, is playing the sister, getting close to her so she can get close to the brother.

[Host]

So what does she do now, though? She's obviously in this nasty situation where she doesn't have a whole bunch of allies in the family. So what do you do?

[Jen]

I think you just keep moving on with your life. They don't live in town, right? I mean, the next time she's gonna see him is maybe over the summer, maybe 4th of July picnic or something, or.

[Host]

But the ex girlfriend's in town.

[Callie]

The ex girlfriend lives here.

[Jen]

Well, I just. I don't think that you need to. I don't think you need to focus that much attention on it. I think you just let her go. And if it comes up again where she's gonna be around the family, then bring it up and have a conversation with him. But now I say, just let her drift away.

[Melissa]

I always say, when in doubt, charm the mom. And I always think that you should probably send a thank you note to the mom. Thank you so much for allowing me to be on vacation with you guys. I had such a good time. I'm sorry I had to leave early, but look forward to seeing you again. Charm the mother and you have the son.

[Jen]

Great idea.

[Callie]

Yeah, that is a good idea.

[Host]

All right, Callie, let's check back with you in a couple of weeks. I'd love to see how this thing unfolds, you know?

[Callie]

Okay.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Host]

Good luck. You're in a tight spot. That is a really tight spot right there.

[Melissa]

But get the parents on your side and everything's good.

[Callie]

Okay, that's got a five. Thank you.

[Host]

All right, we'll talk to you in a couple weeks. Kay.

[Callie]

Okay, thanks.

[Host]

Bye. Bye. The bird Show.

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