The Bert Show – "Vault: We're About To Expose A Dead Beat Mom"

Date: January 14, 2026
Podcast: The Bert Show
Host: Bert and Cast (Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, et al.)

Overview

This episode breaks from The Bert Show’s usual "Deadbeat Dad Patrol" segment to focus on a rare and controversial case: a “Deadbeat Mom.” The team investigates the story of Brian, a divorced father caring for his two young daughters, whose ex-wife has shirked her court-ordered child support payments. The episode dives into the emotional toll, the history behind the family’s split, and confronts the mother about her financial and parental responsibilities, all live on air. The tone is a mix of serious advocacy for children and frustrated humor characteristic of The Bert Show.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to Deadbeat Dad Patrol

• [01:04–02:02] The show typically exposes fathers dodging child support, but this episode targets a mother.
  • Quote: “There is no worse insult to call somebody than a deadbeat dad...” (Jen, 01:20)
  • Process: The show carefully vets stories before action to ensure fairness and legitimacy.

2. Brian’s Story: The Deadbeat Mom Case

• [02:02–06:43]
  • Brian divorced his wife four years prior; their two daughters now live with him full-time.
  • The ex-wife, Beth (not her real name), was initially career-driven and paid minimal support, which then stopped.
  • Brian works limited shifts to prioritize fatherhood, resulting in financial strain.
  • The court ordered Beth to pay $1,100/month, but she has missed four months, accruing $4,400 in arrears.
  • Brian promised his daughters (and their friends) a summer vacation, contingent on child support funds. Without the money, he feels he will let them down.
    • Quote:
      "I had to pay for that with my money. And when she told me she'd give me the $2,000, I promised the girls a vacation... I can't afford to take her to court again..." (Brian, 05:20)
  • Emotional Impact: Brian fears further legal action might risk losing his kids and can't afford court fees.

3. Deadbeat Mom Confrontation: Send Phil!

• [06:43–09:45]
  • Phil, the show’s “enforcer,” goes to Beth’s house, describes the comfortable setting—a sign of her financial stability versus Brian’s struggles.
    • Humor interjects, e.g. “Tailgating for Deadbeat Dads,” bringing levity to tense moments.
    • The team jokes about Phil’s trepidation and makes light of the “sting” set-up.
  • Phil cannot reach Beth; the house appears empty.

4. The Office Insider: “Bea”

• [10:41–12:01]
  • A disguised coworker, “Bea,” calls in, revealing Beth is actually in Miami with a new boyfriend and openly brags at work about dodging child support to “make her ex go broke.”
    • Quote:
      "I'm just really sick and tired of her being at the office bragging about how she's not paying child support... She wants her ex husband to go broke so that he'll just hand the kids over to her." (Bea, 11:07)
  • The team is shocked at the deliberate sabotage.

5. Calling Out Beth, Live on Air

• [12:02–17:19]
  • The show calls Beth in Miami; she’s defensive, unapologetic, and dismissive of the on-air shaming.
  • Beth claims she is now interested in reclaiming custody, citing her improved mental health after years of depression and therapy.
  • She justifies withholding child support as a tactic to "prove" Brian can't afford the kids and thus should give them back to her—despite her history of emotional distance.
    • Notable Exchanges:
      • Bert: "I would pay for my children." (13:25)
      • Beth: "My ex, Brian, cannot afford to take care of these kids on his own... Maybe I should just take them back, which is what I'm trying to do." (13:29)
  • When pressed about her children’s feelings, Beth insists they’d want to return to her.
  • Beth shares more vulnerably about mental health struggles during and after pregnancies as the reason she initially distanced herself.
    • Quote:
      "I had a very difficult time with the pregnancies... I went through years [of] therapy, and now I'm on medication... At the time, I did not feel fit..." (15:00)
  • Show hosts express empathy for mental health struggles but criticize her approach, especially using finances as leverage.
  • After heated back-and-forth, Beth hangs up, standing by her actions.

6. Aftermath and Reflection with Brian

• [17:21–17:41]
  • The hosts take Brian back on-air, expressing disbelief at Beth’s lack of accountability.
    • Bert: "Can you believe that you are capable of marrying a woman that handles her business like that?" (17:37)
    • Brian: "No, actually. I actually feel like an idiot every time I listen to her talk." (17:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "She brags about it every single day. And she's doing it because she wants her ex-husband to go broke..."
  —Bea the coworker, revealing a calculated motive (11:18).
• "I can't afford to take her to court again, you know, and she's hinting that maybe she can take care of the kids now herself..."
  —Brian, voicing his fear and exhaustion (05:20).
• "The point is that my ex, Brian, cannot afford to take care of these kids on his own... so maybe I should just take them back."
  —Beth, justifying her actions (13:29)
• "At the time, I did not feel fit, and I didn't think it was appropriate for me to be around my girls. But that is what is going on. Of course, nobody talks about that."
  —Beth, referencing years of depression and therapy (15:00)
• "You have no idea emotionally what you've done to your kids. You have no idea."
  —Host to Beth, highlighting the show’s stance (15:57)

Timeline & Timestamps

| Time | Segment / Key Moment | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:04 | Deadbeat Dad Patrol explained, twist for this episode | | 02:02 | Brian’s backstory and struggles as a single dad | | 06:43 | Phil’s “Deadbeat Mom” stakeout at Beth’s house — unsuccessful attempt | | 10:41 | Anonymous coworker exposes Beth’s Miami trip and her calculated avoidance | | 12:02 | Live confrontation with Beth, who admits her strategy and discusses mental health | | 15:07 | Beth explains mental health challenges and her renewed desire for custody | | 17:21 | Call with Brian post-confrontation; show and Brian reflect in disbelief |

Overall Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: A blend of outrage, dark humor, and emotional honesty. The hosts switch between levity and serious advocacy, especially in defense of the children involved.
• Main Takeaway:
  The show provokes discussion about parental responsibility regardless of gender. While exposing "deadbeat dads" is common, this segment underlines that mothers, too, must be held accountable for both emotional and financial parenting duties. There’s also a secondary layer of empathy regarding mental health but little patience for using it as an excuse for strategic withholding of support.

This episode is gripping for its role-reversal, candid on-air confrontation, and insight into the challenges faced by primary caregivers up against indifferent or manipulative co-parents. It's a must-listen for those interested in real talk about families, the justice system, and the complicated lives behind headlines.