The Bert Show

Episode Title: Vault: These Are Some Wild Nanny Horror Stories
Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, The Bert Show dives deep into the reality of being a nanny by sharing candid, sometimes shocking “nanny horror stories.” Featuring live calls from nannies, the cast explores inappropriate employer behavior, family drama, outrageous job demands, and the hidden dynamics of private childcare. With both funny and jaw-dropping tales, the episode sheds light on what nannies endure and why these untold stories deserve more attention.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Living the Nanny Experience: Boundaries and Betrayals

• Amanda, a seasoned nanny (10 years' experience, voice-disguised), recounts how nannies frequently encounter blurred boundaries—especially when parents forget “there is another person in their home” [03:23].
• Affairs and Secrecy: Amanda describes witnessing extramarital affairs and being threatened to stay silent:
  • “I caught one father with his hand in the cookie jar. I mean, red handed. And later he approached me and told me if I breathed a word of it to his wife, I would be fired on the spot with no severance pay.” – Amanda [04:05]
• Attachment to Kids vs. Toxic Households: Amanda emphasizes the emotional toll—while caring for the children, she’s forced to navigate the fallout of adult secrets.

2. Parental Blindspots & Gender Dynamics

• The hosts and Amanda discuss how many moms act “oblivious” to inappropriate behavior from their husbands, especially in affluent families.
  • “The more wealthy the people were, the worse this would be. Generally, the dads would just look at you like you’re a piece of meat or you’re there to do more than take care of kids.” – Amanda [05:32]

3. Interview Tactics and Lessons Learned

• Amanda describes the importance of meeting both parents before accepting a job: “Those are things you learn from experience—definitely what to look for and what not to” [06:33].

4. Listener Call-Ins: More Shocking Stories

A. Accusations Leading to Court (Custody Case)

• Caller’s Story: Worked for a single dad; ex-wife accused them of an affair, violating custody agreement. She was taken to court and lost a month of work while custody issues were resolved.
  • “His ex-wife … decided she was gonna take us to court because she assumed we were sleeping together.” – Caller [07:07]

B. Nanny from New Zealand: Grimy and Degrading Chores

• Caller (from New Zealand): Came to the US after a phone interview, only to become a combination nanny, housekeeper, and general cleaner. Describes disgusting chores and false promises.
  • “The father actually had his own private bathroom because the wife wouldn’t use it after him … He would put his nose contents on the wall in the bathroom.” – Caller [08:21]
  • Promised a car for mobility: “I did not get a car to use. So basically, I was … imprisoned. It was just horrible.” – Caller [08:58]

C. False Job Advertising & Living Conditions

• Amanda adds her own travel-for-nannying horror: Family lied over the phone, then offered her no private bedroom and terrible working/living conditions [09:18].

5. The "Nanny Stealing" Phenomenon

• Amanda explains that good nannies often get poached by other families—especially at the neighborhood pool.
  • “The moms ... they’re always so interested to know, like, if you like your job, if you like the family, what’s going on with them. It pays to be nice to your nanny … if she doesn’t like you, she will air out all your dirty laundry.” – Amanda [10:36]

6. Nanny Salaries & Negotiation

• Earnings Discussion: Pay varies widely, but Atlanta nannies can make $40,000–$50,000/year plus room, board, and travel [11:13].
  • “No matter how much your nanny tells you that she loves you and she loves your children, at the end of the day, it’s a job. And generally … a lot of them can be bought.” – Amanda [10:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You have to find that line. But it happens, like, in your neighborhood. It's not just with movie stars.” – Amanda [03:23]
• “It can only get worse. The worst part is … you’re attached to the children because they’re the reason that you’re there.” – Amanda [05:00]
• “They promised me a vehicle … I did not get a car to use. So basically, I … felt like I was imprisoned.” – Nanny caller from New Zealand [08:58]
• “If she doesn’t like you, she will air out all your dirty laundry. I’ve heard it a lot.” – Amanda [10:36]
• On negotiations: “The nanny stealers are a good thing. It puts you in demand, your cost goes up.” – Host [11:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:09] Introduction to Amanda, the voice-disguised nanny guest
• [03:23] Amanda’s perspective: boundaries, betrayals, and parental misbehavior
• [04:05] First-person account: caught a dad having an affair, threatened for silence
• [06:41] Listener calls open; first caller with legal drama
• [07:47] Nanny from New Zealand's story: disgusting chores and false job promises
• [09:18] Amanda: Families lie about job perks and housing
• [10:10] “Nanny poaching” explained
• [11:13] Nanny salary discussion and lifestyle
• [11:43] Conclusion of the segment, with laughs and negotiation advice

Episode Tone & Final Thoughts

The tone is a signature Bert Show blend: candid, witty, sometimes irreverent, but grounded in empathy for nannies’ predicaments. While the show delivers laughs and light-hearted banter, it also lays out serious issues—power imbalance, emotional labor, exploitation, and the high stakes of childcare work. Both hosts and callers underscore a need for better understanding and respect for nannies’ emotional and practical realities.