The Bobby Bones Show – Bonus Episode Summary

Episode: Bonus Kids & New Kids, Christmas Caroling, and Making Easy Trivia “Calm”
Date: September 27, 2025
Podcast Host: Morgan (with guest Abby Lee Anderson)

Episode Overview

This bonus installment of The Bobby Bones Show (Best Bits with Morgan) is a lively listener Q&A session featuring Morgan and frequent contributor/producer Abby Lee Anderson. The episode centers around candid discussions of blended families, navigating social media vulnerability, personal growth, life with stepkids, and fun behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s trivia segments and holiday traditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Behind the Scenes of Listener Engagement

Screening Voicemails (03:27)

• Abby now screens all listener voicemails, a responsibility that used to belong to Scuba Steve.
• She receives hundreds daily, picks out concise and unique stories — those seeking advice, giving updates, or sharing “crazy” things like winning the lottery have the best chance of making it to air.
• Quote:

  "There's some crazy voicemails that come in... six minutes, that's a problem. You gotta condense that. Less than 30 seconds is ideal."
  (Abby Lee Anderson, 03:43)

• Tip for listeners: Be brief, clear, and entertaining to get featured.

2. Relationships & Blended Families

Discovering Her Boyfriend Had Kids (05:29)

• Abby openly discusses her reaction to learning her boyfriend had children, something he disclosed both on his dating profile and during their first date.
• She admires his honesty and dedication to his kids, seeing it as an attractive quality.
• Quote:

  "My kids will be my priority 150 of the time... I admire that so much that he was honest with me."
  (Abby Lee Anderson, 06:13)

• Discussion touches on the importance of transparency about family on dating apps and early in relationships.

Does He Want More Kids? (07:25)

• Abby's boyfriend is open to having more children “with the right person,” and the couple has discussed the topic in depth.

3. Personal Boundaries & Social Media

Being Private Online (07:56 – 08:52)

• Abby confesses to being highly private, both before and after joining the show. She rarely posts on Instagram, feeling pressure and anxiety about choosing the right photo and sharing personal moments.
• Advice from Morgan:
  • It’s never too late to post on social media.
  • You can curate posts with friends’ help and don’t have to post in real-time.

4. Behind the Scenes: Show Traditions and Trivia

Easy Trivia Anxiety (12:55 – 13:27)

• Listeners ask if Abby has gotten calmer during the “Easy Trivia” segment. She admits to persistent nerves and describes how anxiety can cloud her recall, drawing parallels to test anxiety.
• Quote:

  "Absolutely not. I get nervous... My brain goes in 80 million different directions."
  (Abby Lee Anderson & Morgan, 13:03 – 13:27)

• Morgan points out that knowing trivia and performing on the spot are different skills.
• Reference to “Steve’s” poor performance as proof even knowledgeable people can freeze under pressure.

Specialties in Trivia (15:10)

• Abby’s “science” specialty vs. Morgan’s “Marvel movies” – playful reflection on each other’s strengths.

5. Holiday Traditions: Christmas Caroling

Will Abby Join the Christmas Carolers? (15:28 – 16:32)

• Abby may participate again but finds it challenging due to travel and not wanting to abandon her team last-minute.
• Memorable phrase:

  "Only say yes if it doesn't stress."
  (Morgan & Abby Lee Anderson, 16:21 – 16:32)

6. Pop Culture Check-In

Did Abby Watch ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’? (16:32 – 17:39)

• Morgan quizzes Abby on the popular series. Abby hasn’t watched it but says she could be convinced, especially since she’s a fan of “teen dramas.”
• Debate: Is she more of a binge-watcher of shows or movies?

7. Career Goals, Music, and Vulnerability

Next Steps for Abby’s Career (17:40 – 19:40)

• Abby wants to release a song every year but confesses this year she hasn’t written or released one yet. She's seeking greater self-focus, expressing the difficulty of balancing ambitions and adult responsibilities.
• Quotes:

  "My next career goal is to get back and focused on myself. Less yeses to the stresses."
  (Abby Lee Anderson, 18:21)
  "As you get older, priorities change, life changes, and you come up with things that are more important than just chasing a goal."
  (Morgan, 19:02–19:39)

• Morgan encourages Abby that goals can evolve with life’s changes.

Performance Anxiety and Creativity

• Abby shares anxiety over performing and songwriting, comparing herself to breakout artists who seem to handle it effortlessly.
• Morgan reminds her that even established stars started small and had to build their fanbase from nothing.

8. Closing & Self-Acceptance

Morgan’s Turning Point (21:59)

• Morgan reveals she recently released a podcast featuring her boyfriend and is bracing for playful ribbing from the show.
• Quote:

  "I'm done living in fear. I'm just gonna live my life how I want to do it."
  (Morgan, 22:12)

• Abby expresses enthusiastic support: “Oh my gosh. I want to hear. I’m excited.” (22:16)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "There's some crazy voicemails that come in... less than 30 seconds is ideal." - Abby Lee Anderson (03:43)
• "My kids will be my priority 150 of the time... I admire that so much that he was honest." - Abby (06:13)
• "I've been super private... I barely post. I need to get a little more out there." - Abby (07:56)
• "Absolutely not [calmer during Easy Trivia]... My brain goes in 80 million different directions." - Abby & Morgan (13:03–13:27)
• "Only say yes if it doesn't stress." - Morgan & Abby (16:21–16:32)
• "Less yeses to the stresses." - Abby (18:21)
• "As you get older, priorities change. Life changes." - Morgan (19:02)
• "I'm done living in fear. I'm just gonna live my life." - Morgan (22:12)

Highlighted Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Screening Voicemails & Standout Submissions | 03:27 | | Navigating Relationships with Stepchildren | 05:29 | | Social Media Privacy & Vulnerability | 07:56 | | Trivia Game Anxiety & Skills | 12:55 | | Christmas Caroling Commitment | 15:28 | | Pop Culture Q&A | 16:32 | | Abby’s Career Reflection & Goals | 17:40 | | Choosing Self-Acceptance, End Segment | 21:59 |

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The conversation feels friendly, honest, and relatable. Both Morgan and Abby are open about their anxieties and uncertainties, offering glimpses into the less-glamorous parts of working on a major show and living a public-facing life. Their banter is entertaining, with recurring encouragements around self-acceptance, boundaries, and individual growth.

If you want a behind-the-scenes look at The Bobby Bones Show, blended family dynamics, and how its hosts balance work, private life, and creative ambitions—this episode offers warmth, humor, and plenty of insight.