The Bert Show (Pionaire Podcasting)

Episode: "Vault: She Wants To Expose Her Friend Before Her Wedding"

Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Bert Show dives into a listener-submitted real-life dilemma involving friendship, loyalty, secrets, and the ethics of revealing infidelity. Heather calls in, torn about whether to tell her longtime friend Kyle (the soon-to-be groom) that his fiancée (Karen) has rehired the man she previously cheated on him with—without Kyle’s knowledge. The conversation intensifies as mutual friend Ashley joins the call, revealing rifts, hidden motivations, and conflicting values at the heart of their friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Situation Unveiled (00:08 – 02:40)

• Heather’s Dilemma:
  • Heather explains that she is feuding with Ashley over whether to tell Kyle, her friend, about Karen rehiring her former lover (the man she cheated with), as Karen and Kyle prepare to remarry.
  • Heather feels a moral obligation to Kyle, as “he was my friend before I was friends with Karen” (03:04).
  • Ashley is adamantly opposed, saying it’s not their business.

Moral Debate: To Tell or Stay Silent? (02:40 – 06:55)

• Heather’s Argument:

  • “Why wouldn’t I tell him? If I have this information? He’s my friend. Why wouldn’t I tell him?” (02:48)
  • Believes Kyle would “freak out” if he knew (03:49).
  • Concerned that Karen is pulling the same stunt again while going “all out” for a big wedding (03:56).

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Mixed feelings about getting involved—some relate to the pain for Kyle; others warn of the fallout.

• Caller Demi Accuses Heather of Jealousy (05:06):

  • Suggests Heather’s motives are suspect (“she’s just jealous that they get married again”) and recommends Heather confront Karen, not Kyle (05:36).
  • “If you have the balls to go and talk to the husband, then why don't you have the courage to go and talk to the bride?" (06:05)

Ashley Joins the Conversation — Motives, Loyalty, and Accusations (07:25 – 12:50)

• Ashley’s Perspective:

  • Claims Heather’s true motivation is jealousy and that “she’s always had a thing for Kyle” (08:36).
  • “She just is jealous, so jealous about Karen and Kyle… she doesn’t even want them together.” (08:15)
  • Reiterates the belief that Karen rehiring her former lover isn’t their business: “It’s their business what they want to do.” (09:02)
  • Even without Heather’s feelings for Kyle, “I still don’t think it’s our business to get into their relationship.” (11:28)
  • Advocates, “Go to Karen first. Don’t just go to Kyle because he’s better friends with you.” (16:47)

• Heather’s Retorts:

  • Denies jealousy, accuses Ashley of deflection.
  • “You’re not a friend. It’s, like, sickening to me that… you can’t step to the plate when something like this happens and open your mouth.” (11:45)
  • Insists, “If I had such a huge thing for him, why would I be risking all of our friendship to tell him something like that?” (13:44)

Broader Ethical Considerations (12:50 – 16:33)

• Listener Haley (12:54):

  • Reinforces Heather’s duty as a friend: “You would want somebody to do the same thing for you… it’s so important to tell him and think about his feelings.” (12:57)

• Double Standards:

  • Caller brings up, “If it had all been reversed and Kyle had been the one… would they still be fighting about telling Karen?” (17:05)
  • Heather: “She would tell her in a second, that is the fact of the matter.” (17:18)

• Friends & Fallout:

  • Hosts observe that the friendship between Heather and Ashley is fractured beyond this incident, reflecting deeper issues.
  • “Their friendship… has been degrading for a long time.” (18:20)
  • Ashley says if Heather goes through with telling Kyle, “Definitely. Because I think she completely did the wrong thing. And I wouldn't want a friend like that doing anything to me.” (18:07)
  • Heather confirms her mind is made up despite calls and listener opinions.

Resolution and Next Steps (16:33 – 19:09)

• No Clear Consensus:
  • The group cannot settle on a solution, but most agree Heather should at least talk to Karen before revealing the secret to Kyle. (16:40)
• Planned Confrontation:
  • Heather is considering talking to both Karen and Kyle together before the wedding, which is six weeks away. (17:37, 18:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Heather: “Why wouldn’t I tell him? If I have this information? He’s my friend. Why wouldn’t I tell him?” (02:53)
• Ashley: “It’s not the point that she’s being, like, caring towards Kyle. It’s the fact that she just is jealous. So jealous about Karen and Kyle...” (08:15)
• Demi (Caller): “If you have the balls to go and talk to the husband, then why don't you have the courage to go and talk to the bride?" (06:05)
• Listener Haley: “I just wanted to say that when Heather was talking about how Kyle was her friend first, that is the most important thing. You have to think about him and how he would feel in this situation.” (12:57)
• Ashley (on friendship ending): “Definitely. Because I think she completely did the wrong thing. And I wouldn't want a friend like that doing anything to me.” (18:07)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 00:08 | Heather introduces dilemma | | 02:35 | Heather requests show’s support | | 05:06 | Caller Demi challenges Heather’s motives| | 07:25 | Ashley joins—motivations questioned | | 08:15 | Ashley accuses Heather of jealousy | | 11:45 | Heather calls out Ashley for passivity | | 12:54 | Listener Haley supports Heather | | 13:44 | Heather on risking friendships for truth | | 16:33 | Panel shifts to practical next steps | | 17:05 | Caller questions double standard | | 18:07 | Ashley confirms friendship would end | | 18:46 | Heather plans to have the conversation soon |

Summary

The episode lays bare a tangled web of friendships strained by past betrayals, unresolved emotions, and fiercely held beliefs about loyalty. Heather, driven by a sense of duty (and, some allege, unspoken feelings for Kyle), feels compelled to let her friend know the troubling context behind his reconciliation and upcoming remarriage. Ashley insists Heather’s interference is driven by jealousy and will only cause pain, advocating for boundaries and addressing Karen directly if anyone. Callers and hosts weigh in, oscillating between upholding honesty and cautioning against unnecessary meddling, but ultimately, the debate underscores the complexity of loyalty—when to stand by a friend, and when to stay out of their relationship struggles.

The decision is left unresolved, tensions high, and listeners are promised a follow-up. The episode is a raw, authentic slice of group friendship drama, full of sharp exchanges and no easy answers—classic Bert Show intensity and candor.