Vault: Their Family Took One Financial Hit After Another

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The Bert Show

Episode: Vault: Their Family Took One Financial Hit After Another
Date: June 1, 2026

---

Overview

This heartfelt episode of The Bert Show centers on the struggles faced by families hit hard by economic downturns. The show's hosts connect with Mandy, a listener, who wants to help her friend Lauren—an inspiring example of resilience amid financial hardship. Through an on-air surprise, The Bert Show and its partners offer much-needed support just in time for the holidays.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Mandy and Lauren's Story

• [00:45] Bert introduces Mandy, who reached out to the show to advocate for Lauren.
• Mandy only knows Lauren from work at a small art studio, describing her as "so sweet" and deserving of support despite only having known her for six months.
• Mandy shares: "My heart goes out there and I just want to do something sweet for her." (Mandy, 01:14)

2. Lauren’s Financial Struggles

• [01:28] Mandy details the series of financial blows Lauren's family faced:
  • After moving in with Lauren’s parents to save money, her mother unexpectedly lost her job.
  • Lauren’s husband found a new job but with a substantial pay cut, requiring him to live in Nashville during the week.
  • Lauren works three part-time jobs while caring for two young children.
  • Childcare for the two-year-old became unaffordable, meaning he can’t attend daycare.
  • The family has to choose between essential bills: "She’s like, yeah, our mortgage is not going to get paid this month and I don’t know what other bill is not going to get paid." (Mandy, 02:46)
  • They’ve even foregone Christmas gifts: "The only present my son wants is a red truck and I can’t get that for him. He’s getting a potato head that I got at a consignment shop." (Mandy, 02:46)

3. Light Moments Amid Serious Topics

• [03:47-04:43] The hosts sprinkle moments of levity—banter about phone calls, jobs, and teaching kids—to keep the tone light despite the heavy subject matter.
• Example exchange:
  • "She doesn’t need help from Chipper Jones. She just needs like one of those lazy boys. She needs a mattress and some Ambien right now." (Bert, 03:47)

4. Live Call with Lauren

• [06:20] After technical difficulties, the show finally connects with Lauren.
• Bert: "Lauren, Mandy was telling us...the recession in this economy has just sort of crushed the family right now." (Bert, 06:37)
• Lauren describes the daily struggle: "It’s been a lot of juggling. Like, our phones are about to be shut off, too. So I'm glad you made it through." (Lauren, 07:17)
• Lauren confirms her husband is in Nashville, and finances are dire—choosing between a mortgage and utilities.

5. The On-Air Surprise: Community Support

• [07:44] Bert shares that The Bert Show, with support from the Chipper Jones Family Foundation and Georgia's Own, will be giving Lauren’s family $2,000.
  • "If you were nervous about not even being able to get a truck for your son or...worrying about bills, both those guys are going to help you out and they’re going to give you $2,000." (Bert, 07:44)
• Lauren reacts with gratitude and emotion:
  • "Oh my God. You don’t even know, like, what that’s gonna do." (Lauren, 07:57)
  • "Yeah, we weren’t—I mean, like, we were just trying to figure out how to do our mortgage this month." (Lauren, 08:44)

6. Reflections and Closing

• Mandy expresses joy and gratitude: "Oh, my gosh. That is amazing." (Mandy, 08:03)
• Bert reassures that now Lauren’s family can cover essentials and enjoy the holidays: "You can get decorations for the home and really make it feel like Christmas...and also to pay some bills." (Bert, 08:20)
• Bert and Mandy wish the family a Merry Christmas as the call wraps up.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hardship:
  • "She works three part-time jobs as well as a mommy, you know, so she’s tired all the time." (Mandy, 03:39)
• On the toll of financial stress:
  • "Our phones are about to be shut off, too. So I’m glad you made it through." (Lauren, 07:17)
• Reaction to support:
  • "You don’t even know, like, what that’s gonna do." (Lauren, 07:57)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:45]— Mandy introduced; shares Lauren’s situation
• [01:28]— Specifics of Lauren’s family’s financial troubles
• [03:39]— Discussion of Lauren’s multiple jobs and fatigue
• [06:20]— Connection with Lauren on air
• [07:44]— Bert announces $2,000 gift to Lauren’s family
• [08:44]— Lauren describes immediate relief and needs
• [09:00]— Call wraps with well wishes and gratitude

---

Tone and Style

True to The Bert Show’s ethos, the segment blends authenticity, empathy, and light humor even while tackling a sobering subject. The hosts’ camaraderie and genuine concern shine through, making the surprise support especially meaningful.

---

Summary

This episode is a testament to The Bert Show’s commitment to uplifting listeners and their communities. Through heartfelt storytelling, candid discussion of financial hardship, and tangible support, the show delivers both comfort and laughter—reminding listeners of the importance of kindness, even in difficult times.

---

Transcript

[Radio Announcer]

If you, your parent or spouse served in the military, you could join our family. Our members saved an average of $70 a month on auto insurance when they switched. Tap the banner or visit usaa.com join today to check your eligibility restrictions apply.

[Commercial Narrator]

Are you looking for the best deal on a new home? Discover the Dr. Horton home of the Week. With new construction homes now selling in ellensburg from the mid-3002, Dr. Horton has the right home at the best value for you, offering one and two story homes near Central Washing. Your new home is within reach. So what are you waiting for? Learn more about the Dr. Horton Home of the Week. Visit drhorton.com and schedule a tour today. Dr. Horton, America's builder and equal housing opportunity builder.

[Bert]

The Birch show let's get Mandy on. Hey, Mandy.

[Mandy]

Hey. How are you?

[Radio Announcer]

Good, good.

[Bert]

How are you today?

[Mandy]

Good. I am so excited.

[Bert]

Well, we got your email about a week ago or so and we want to help your friend Lauren out here.

[Mandy]

Oh, that is so fabulous. I'm so excited for her.

[Bert]

So you don't really know her all that well. And I read the email last night, man, and this one has like, if you're looking for an example of how the recession or the economy has really hurt one family, your friend is like the shining, unfortunate example.

[Mandy]

I know. And it just, it breaks my heart. And you know, we work at a small art studio and I only see her part time and I've only known her six months and you know, she's just so sweet and I just, I just wanted, my heart goes out there and I just want to do something sweet for her.

[Bert]

So, like, things got so bad where she had to like, move back in with her parents or something. Then her mom lost her job. Tell us the story.

[Mandy]

Yeah, they had their own house. You know, they were married and they had their own house. And then they decided to move back in with their mom and the grandmother to save money. And so as soon as they moved in, they were like, okay, this is gonna work out great. All of a sudden, her mom lost her job. So they are paying the mortgage solely by themselves and you know, they're feeling the, the brunt of it. And it's just, you know, it's hard for her because she, you know, she works three part time jobs and, you know, he just got a new job, which that's a blessing in itself. But it was a major pay cut. And he lives in Nashville Monday through Friday and comes home on the weekends to see his kids.

[Bert]

Wow. So he took a pay cut. Plus he doesn't get to see the family. Yeah, this is just.

[Mandy]

And I was asking her, I was like, you know, is this job okay, even though it's a pay cut? And she said, well, in the long run it will be very good. We just have to make it through the hard times. And I'm like, oh my gosh. You know.

[Bert]

Yeah, I think people, they're just taking anything they can right now to get some kind of money going in the house. And you said they've got a couple of kids also, right?

[Mandy]

Yes, they have one 10 month old girl and one 2 year old boy.

[Bert]

And at this point, I think you wrote in the email that they don't even know how they're gonna pay their electricity bill. So you can forget about presents. Right?

[Mandy]

Yeah, I mean she, I mean I just spoke to her last night and we, you know, we talked for a while and she actually just told me that. And I didn't know this or I would have read it in a letter, but she said that the 2 year old can't go to daycare anymore because they don't have the money to pay for it. And so he just, you know, cries and dismisses it. And so she's like, yeah, our mortgage is not going to get paid this month and I don't know what other bill is not going to get paid. She's just like, me and my husband, we're not doing Christmas this year. And she was like, the only present my son wants is a red truck and I can't get that for him. He's, he's getting a potato head that I got at a consignment shop. She, and she's just like, you know, she's like, you know, we're just making it and you know, and she, she, you know, I was trying, obviously I was like quizzing her last night because, you know, I was trying to, you know, gear up for today, but you know, it's just, my heart just goes out for her.

[Bert]

And she's got like a crazy amount of jobs too.

[Mandy]

Yes. You know, me and her, you know, we both work, you know, quite a few jobs, but she, she works three part time jobs as well as a

[Bert]

mommy, you know, so she's tired all the time. Oh yeah, she doesn't need help from Chipper Jones. She just needs like one of those lazy boys. I know she needs a mattress and some Ambien right now. Okay, let's give her a call. Is she in the office with you or do we need to call somewhere?

[Mandy]

She's at home.

[Radio Announcer]

Okay.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Mandy]

We have that because I'm at school. I'm a teacher.

[Radio Announcer]

Okay.

[Bert]

Gotcha. And her name is Lauren.

[Mandy]

Her name is Lauren.

[Co-host/Producer]

You want me to be a top or a bottom? Right now burp.

[Bert]

I'm sorry?

[Co-host/Producer]

Through the phone lines with you, I'm

[Bert]

definitely gonna be on top.

[Co-host/Producer]

That means you want me on the bottom.

[Bert]

Yes. Yes. It's the only way either one of us are gonna survive this.

[Co-host/Producer]

I don't understand why that was funny.

[Mandy]

The kids are listening and they're so sweet. They're being so quiet.

[Radio Announcer]

Oh, great. That's fantastic.

[Bert]

Super, Jeff.

[Radio Announcer]

Okay. What grade do you teach?

[Mandy]

Kind.

[Radio Announcer]

Fantastic.

[Bert]

Great, Jeff. Nice way to pay it forward.

[Radio Announcer]

I'm so embarrassed.

[Commercial Narrator]

You know what?

[Co-host/Producer]

Maybe you should.

[Radio Announcer]

That seals that deal.

[Lauren]

Jeff.

[Radio Announcer]

Oh, no.

[Bert]

I think we got our first voicemail. No.

[Mandy]

Oh, no. Oh, hold on.

[Bert]

I've got another number she could run across. Phillips Arena.

[Lauren]

Hey, you've reached Lauren. Leave me a message.

[Mandy]

Oh, call. That was her cell phone. Call her home.

[Co-host/Producer]

All right, calm down. CTFD fifth grader.

[Radio Announcer]

I mean, a kindergartner, say, I don't know, five. Five year olds.

[Mandy]

Your call has been properly delivered, but the party you are trying to reach is not accepting calls from.

[Bert]

All right, star 86 to star 82. We're working hard for you here, Mandy.

[Radio Announcer]

Yeah, her class has already gone on to finger paint.

[Bert]

They're in the second grade now, playing ashtrays for mom.

[Radio Announcer]

I don't think they make ashtrays.

[Mandy]

I don't think so either. Hello?

[Bert]

Hey, is this Lauren?

[Lauren]

Yes.

[Bert]

Hey, Lauren, It's Bert and Q100, and we're on the radio right now.

[Lauren]

Hi. Hey.

[Bert]

How are you?

[Mandy]

Good. I love you guys.

[Radio Announcer]

Oh, thanks.

[Bert]

You listen?

[Mandy]

Oh, yeah.

[Bert]

Oh, good. This is going to make this even more fun for us. We really are. Good. We have your friend Mandy on right now.

[Lauren]

Hi, Mandy.

[Bert]

And Lauren, Mandy was. Was telling us. She wrote us an email a couple of days ago, and she said this recession in this economy has just sort of crushed the family right now. Yeah, like, your mom lost her job. You're, like, working three jobs.

[Lauren]

Yeah, it's been hard.

[Bert]

Hey, Mandy, I'm going to turn you down because I hate the sound of my own voice.

[Mandy]

Can you turn it down? Okay. Sorry.

[Bert]

There we go. So, Lauren, you've got a couple of kids here, and Mandy was telling us that you're having, like, you're making tough decisions, like, do I pay the electricity this month or do I go with the water?

[Lauren]

And, yeah, it's been a lot of juggling. Like, our phones are about to be shut off, too. So I'm glad you made it through.

[Bert]

Yeah. We called today. Right. And she was telling us too, that your. Your husband is in Nashville. It's just been a really tough time for you.

[Mandy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

So we've got some good friends. If you listen to, you know that the Chipper Jones family foundation and Georgia's own help us out each year. And we looked at your email and you're one of those families that they would like to help out this year.

[Lauren]

Oh, my God.

[Bert]

All right, so if you were nervous about not even being able to get a truck for your son or no presence or worrying about bills, both those guys are going to help you out and they're going to give you $2,000.

[Lauren]

Oh, my God. You don't even know, like, what that's gonna do.

[Mandy]

Oh, my gosh. That is amazing.

[Bert]

I'm sure that's gonna alleviate some stress for you.

[Mandy]

Yeah.

[Co-host/Producer]

The cool thing, it was only 650 bucks until you started the call with I love your show.

[Bert]

So I don't know what, what you had in mind as far as the two year old goes to get for Christmas, but everything's gonna be taken care of. And at this point, if you really wanted to, you could go out, you can get decorations for the home and really make it feel like Christmas. And I think that gives you some extra for you and your husband and also to pay some bills.

[Lauren]

Yeah, it does. Thank you so much.

[Bert]

Keep those phones on, right? Yeah.

[Lauren]

Yeah, we weren't. I mean, like, we were just trying to figure out how to do our mortgage this month.

[Bert]

Well, with any luck, this helps a little bit.

[Lauren]

Thank you so much.

[Bert]

You are welcome. Have a great holiday. And you could thank Mandy because she's the one that told us about you.

[Mandy]

Definitely.

[Lauren]

Thank you so much.

[Mandy]

Oh, you're welcome.

[Bert]

All right, you guys, I'll put both of you on hold and have a merry Christmas and happy holidays, guys.

[Lauren]

Thank you.

[Mandy]

You too.

[Bert]

Okay, bye. Merry Christmas.

[Lauren]

Thanks. Merry Christmas. Bye.

[Bert]

The bird show.

[Lady Luck]

Hey, guys, lady luck here. Are you going on any road trips this summer? I know I'm going to be going on a bunch of road trips. And being that I'm going to be passenger princess, I Love playing on Spinquest.com Spinquest has all of my favorite slot games. Live blackjack, live craps. Head on over to Spinquest right now and get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Commercial Narrator]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Commercial Narrator 2]

With the new Myloes pro rewards American Express Card earn 3 points per dollar spent on Lowe's qualifying purchases for the first 6 months after card account opening. Plus save 5% every day on eligible purchases at Lowe's and earn points on eligible purchases else Amex is accepted. Card members get more at Lowe's, subject to credit approval. 5% can't be combined with any other offer. Exclusions and restrictions apply when subject to loyalty terms@lowe's.com terms and credit reward [e-mail] MLPRA terms visit lowe's.com businesscredit.