The Bert Show – Vault: She's Afraid To Drive And Needs Help

Date: January 27, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode centers around listener Shay’s severe fear of driving, the toll it takes on her and her family, and the journey toward overcoming it with specialist support. The cast compassionately explores Shay's background, the origins of her anxiety, and brings in an expert—Beth, a driver rehabilitation specialist—to offer actionable help and hope.

Key Discussion Points and Segments

1. Recap of Shay's Original Call and the Depth of Her Fear

[00:00–01:27]

• Hosts recall Shay’s call from a couple of days earlier, sharing her story about a paralyzing fear of driving stemming from high school trauma after friends died in accidents.
• Shay’s husband drives her daily from Dunwoody to Woodstock, sacrificing his own rest after overnight shifts.
• The cast is deeply touched by his devotion, and Shay’s guilt and gratitude.

2. Shay Details Her Struggles and Family Dynamics

[01:27–06:38]

• Shay recounts how her “paralyzing” anxiety affects her every aspect behind the wheel, especially on highways or when merging lanes.
• She has a learner’s permit but shuts down under pressure, sometimes pulling over and crying.
• Historical context: Grew up with a strict mother who discouraged independence (“I wasn’t allowed to boil water at 18”) and developed “tester’s phobia.”
• Despite her fear, Shay demonstrates work ethic, walking long distances to jobs rather than risking driving.
• Emotional toll and embarrassment: “It’s really embarrassing because… you have transportation and I have a car. I do. But… it’s just the fact that… and my husband, he said he’s so great… He’s been driving me to work…” [04:59, Shay]
• Pressure and concern about being “unfair” to her husband, who risks sleep deprivation.

3. The Cast Expresses Empathy and Seeks Solutions

[06:38–07:39]

• The hosts empathize, noting how Shay’s upbringing has left her with a sense of inadequacy.
• They highlight the importance of confronting the problem—not just for Shay and her husband, but also to avoid passing the anxiety to her future children.

“I do think that it is something that you eventually do have to conquer, because not only for him, but you don’t want to pass this on to your children.”
— Host D [06:38]

4. Everyday Impacts of Shay’s Anxiety

[07:39–08:05]

• Shay gives a relatable anecdote about being unable to make a simple grocery run for chips because of her fear—highlighting the daily limitations.
• She reveals acute anxiety even during the call, pacing and out of breath.

5. Introducing Beth, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist

[08:05–10:50]

• Beth joins as a driver rehabilitation specialist, explaining her role in helping people with physical, cognitive, or emotional driving difficulties.
• She underscores the role of parental influence in fostering insecurity and the unique challenges of psychological barriers.
• Beth’s program includes desensitization and the reassurance of dual control vehicles, setting them apart from a family member teaching.

“Sometimes it’s a difference working with somebody different who’s got no emotional investment... The manner in which you work is different and the ways in which that person can deal with you and get you through the different situations... can make a difference.”
— Beth [10:12]

6. Shay Reflects on Her Independence

[10:50–11:26]

• Shay acknowledges that her decision-making is affected in more areas than just driving, always wanting someone else’s help.
• Hosts and Beth validate these feelings and stress that gaining driving independence is about more than just cars: it’s about adulthood and self-reliance.

7. Arranging Help and Discussing Rehabilitation

[11:26–14:44]

• Beth agrees to work with Shay, describing her process as highly personalized—no fixed timeline, each journey is unique.
• Shay expresses deep gratitude, noting cost barriers in seeking help previously.
• The show offers to cover the cost of this specialist assistance.

“But, you know, again, it’s... an individual process for everybody.”
— Beth [13:28]

8. Lighthearted Moments & Emotional Conclusions

[14:44–15:52]

• The hosts joke warmly about “the pull of the cheddar cheese ruffles”—adding levity.
• Shay promises to check in about her first session, and the group voices their belief in her progress.
• Shay thanks “Melissa” and says, “I love you, Melissa,” closing with gratitude all around.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Shay [01:08]:
  “Like, you just don’t understand, like how, how hard it is and how, you know, you feel like you’re selfish and you. And you try and it doesn’t. No matter how much you try, it doesn’t seem to work.”

• Shay [03:39]:
  “I have tester’s phobia also, where I buckle. I kind of buckle under pressure… I wasn’t allowed to boil water when I was 18 years old.”

• Host D [07:39]:
  “You can tell in your voice that you’re at, like, out of breath and you’re anxious right now even just talking about it.”

• Beth [09:49]:
  “In our vehicles, part of the plus is that there’s, you know, controls on the other side. So, you know, unlike her husband, I can take over if I need to.”

Important Timestamps

• [00:05] – Recap of Shay’s original call and her story
• [01:37] – Shay describes her symptoms and attempts to overcome her fear
• [03:39] – Shay explains the trauma and upbringing that fuel her anxiety
• [07:01] – Discussion about the impact on her independence and daily life
• [08:08] – Introduction to Beth, the driver rehabilitation specialist
• [09:28] – Explanation of desensitization therapy and working with specialists
• [13:23] – How long rehabilitation usually takes
• [14:44] – Hosts confirm they will provide financial support for Shay’s specialist sessions
• [15:31–15:40] – Shay expresses her gratitude and love for the cast

Tone & Style

The episode maintains The Bert Show’s signature mix of heartfelt empathy, candid conversation, and gentle humor. Listeners hear both the struggle of living with a paralyzing phobia and the realistic, hopeful path forward, making the content encouraging for anyone facing similar anxieties.

Summary

This episode is a powerful, relatable look at how deep-seated fears and family dynamics can shape adult life, particularly around something as universal as driving. With empathy, community support, and concrete help from an expert, Shay finds a new opportunity for independence—reflecting both the show's authenticity and its role as a forum for real-life solutions and encouragement.