The BOB & TOM Show Free Podcast

Episode: BT Extra: Smokey Bear & a Stupid World Record

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network

Overview

This Bob & Tom Extra episode dives into a blend of comedic banter and quirky news, focusing on:

• The theft of a Smokey Bear sign and the debate over "Smokey Bear" vs. "Smokey the Bear"
• An amusing discussion about the oldest living person
• Analysis and light-hearted ridicule of a world record for wine glasses balanced on a head
• An impromptu riff on boxed wine and creative wine accessories

As always, the cast’s signature humor and camaraderie lead the way, making for an energetic and engaging listen.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Smokey Bear vs. Smokey the Bear

Time: 02:11–07:25, 11:25–13:33

• News Item: A wooden Smokey Bear sign was stolen from a Pennsylvania fire station (02:33).
  • Christy shares details of the theft, noting the sign was "sawed off at its wooden post."
• The Name Debate:
  • Tom asks: "Is it Smokey Bear or Smokey the Bear?" (03:13).
  • Bob: "I thought we put this to rest at one point." (03:13)
  • Tom: "U.S. forest Service introduced the fire prevention mascot in 1944. He was introduced as Smokey Bear. No, the." (03:20)
  • The group discusses the 1952 Gene Autry song “Smokey the Bear,” which popularized the “the” in the name for poetic reasons (03:32–03:44).
  • Tom clarifies: “So technically, Smokey Bear is correct. But as it’s described here, culturally common, Smokey the Bear.” (03:51)
• Song Sample:
  • They play a clip of the Gene Autry song, appreciating its clarity given its age (04:06–04:52).
  • Josh: "It's unbelievably clear being a thousand years old." (04:52)
  • Christy and Bob banter about the song's sound and instrumentation (04:57–06:04).
• Ad Campaign Memories:
  • Bob recalls a "cripplingly sexy" Joanna Cassidy PSA where Smokey Bear is revealed in disguise (06:10–06:44).
  • Christy: "Are you responsible?" joking about the theft occurring near her hometown (07:10).

Notable Quote

• Tom: “So technically, Smokey Bear is correct. But...culturally common, Smokey the Bear.” (03:51)

2. Stupid World Record: Oldest Living Person

Time: 07:25–11:20

• World Record: The oldest living person, Ethel Caterham of Surrey, UK, turned 116 (07:37).
  • Bob: “The world’s oldest person celebrated her 116th birthday last week.” (07:37)
  • Tom pokes fun at her vitality: “If you call it living, I bet.” (07:57)
  • Bob jokes: “She’s a tad manish.” (09:11)
• Her Advice:
  • “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Never give up. And have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.” (09:40)
  • The group riff on British food and share (good-natured) jokes about her appearance and dentures.
• Musical Tribute:
  • Kristi sings a playful “tribute to our old lady” referencing her age and imagined TV tastes (10:09–11:05).

Notable Quote

• Ethel Caterham’s advice: “Say yes to every opportunity... Never give up. And have everything in moderation.” (09:40)

3. Musical Trivia, Smoking Bear Memories & Old PSA Campaigns

Time: 11:25–13:33

• Gene Autry's "Smokey the Bear" revisited: Clip replayed, noting how pristine the old recording is (12:10–12:34).
• Old PSAs:
  • Bob shares details about the Joanna Cassidy PSA from 1973: “If you knew it was me, would you have listened? Smokey Bear selling sex." (13:04)
  • Bob and Christy reminisce about public service campaign mascots like Smokey and “Woodsy Owl” (14:16).

4. Stupid World Record: Most Wine Glasses Balanced on a Head

Time: 15:06–16:51

• Record Details: A Cypriot man stacked 511 wine glasses (139 pounds) on his head for 15 seconds (15:07).
  • Bob: “The glasses were stacked layer by layer on sheets of plywood before the tower was raised onto his head via a forklift. You see, that seems cheating.” (15:53)
  • Debate on whether this feat actually counts since the glasses weren't free-stacked but assembled with assistance.
  • Joking that there was no wine in the glasses, Christy quips: “No need for you to attend.” (16:39)
• Wine Quantity Banter:
  • Josh wonders: “Can you imagine the weight if there had been wine in each glass?” (16:45)
  • Bob: “In Christy's defense, he didn't call you a wino.” (16:48)
• Boxed Wine Tangent: (16:51–18:25)
  • Banter about boxed wine brands, with Christy noting, “The Kirkland brand, they make a nice box.” (17:40)
  • Ms. Hooker shares: “When my kids see box wine, they call it Grandma Juice.” (17:48)
  • Discussion of boxed-wine-related party antics: "slap the bag" (18:20).

Notable Quote

• Bob: “The glasses were stacked layer by layer on sheets of plywood before the tower was raised onto his head via a forklift. You see, that seems cheating.” (15:53)
• Ms. Hooker: “When my kids see box wine, they call it Grandma Juice.” (17:48)

5. Wine Accessories and Vintage Tools

Time: 18:25–20:07

• Gold Toothpaste Key Story:
  • Tom recounts a rich aunt who used a solid gold key to squeeze toothpaste tubes: “The cost of that key would have purchased hundreds of cases.” (19:24)
  • Bob and Ms. Hooker share that similar tools still exist.
  • Christy: “I sold too soon.” (19:42), joking about gold prices.

Notable Quote

• Tom: “The cost of that key would have purchased hundreds of cases [of wine].” (19:24)

Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Debate Settled: “So technically, Smokey Bear is correct. But...culturally common, Smokey the Bear.” (03:51)
• On the Song’s Quality: “It's unbelievably clear being a thousand years old.” – Josh (04:52)
• PSA Nostalgia: “Smokey Bear selling sex.” – Bob (13:04)
• Oldest Person’s Secret: “Say yes to every opportunity... Never give up. And have everything in moderation.” – Ethel Caterham (09:40)
• Record Skepticism: “Seems cheating.” – Bob (15:53)
• Family Wine Code: “Grandma Juice.” – Ms. Hooker (17:48)
• Vintage Gadget Value: “The cost of that key would have purchased hundreds of cases.” – Tom (19:24)

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain a quick-witted, sarcastic, and playfully irreverent tone throughout. They freely riff and roast on each other, the quirks of world records, old ad jingles, and their own familial habits with a warm, comedic lens.

Segment Timestamps

| Topic | Time Range | |-----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Smokey Bear sign theft & name debate | 02:11–07:25 | | Oldest person world record discussion | 07:25–11:20 | | Smokey vs. Smokey The Bear (song & PSAs) | 11:25–13:33 | | Wine glasses on the head world record | 15:06–16:51 | | Boxed wine & accessories tangent | 16:51–18:25 | | Gold toothpaste key and vintage tools | 18:25–20:07 |

Summary

This BOB & TOM Extra episode serves up entertaining slices of Americana—melding public service mascots, aging advice, and world record skepticism—infused with the show’s trademark banter and well-timed musical throwbacks. Whether debating the technicalities of mascot names, marveling at ancient recordings, or poking fun at boxed wine culture, the crew keeps things both enlightening and laugh-out-loud funny.