Podcast Summary: The Commercial Break – Episode: The Great Wolf Mayhem!

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Hosts: Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley of Commercial Break LLC

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Great Wolf Mayhem!", hosts Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley delve deep into the chaotic yet humorous experiences of Great Wolf Lodge, a popular family resort. This episode features insights from Betty, a seasoned employee of Great Wolf Lodge, who shares a series of unforgettable stories that range from the gross to the downright outrageous, culminating in a heartwarming tale that highlights the human spirit amidst mayhem.

Listener Interaction: Betty’s Inside Scoop on Great Wolf Lodge

[27:56] Chris Joy Hoadley: "Betty was texting us because Betty was explaining that at one time she actually worked for Great Wolf Lodge."

Betty provides an insider's perspective on the inner workings of Great Wolf Lodge, exposing both the challenges and surprising moments that occur behind the scenes.

A. Gross Stories: Accidental Fecal Releases and Pool Hygiene

One of the most startling accounts Betty shares involves an Accidental Fecal Release (AFR) in one of the resort's pools.

[32:19] Chris Joy Hoadley: "I've been collecting them. So one of my co workers got a call on the radio that somebody had pooped behind the skeeball machine in the arcade."

At Great Wolf Lodge, when AFRs occur, a specific protocol is followed:

[39:40] Chris Joy Hoadley: "Have an accidental fecal release in one. So with the bare hands."

The protocol includes shutting down the affected pool, a thorough cleaning process using biohazard protocols, and ensuring that no patrons are exposed to contaminated water.

[39:40] Chad: "And nobody's gonna touch that. So with the bare hands."

Key Highlights:

• Accidental Fecal Release (AFR): Designated as AFR, any fecal accidents in the pool trigger immediate pool closure and a rigorous cleaning process.
• Cleaning Procedures: Includes a 30-minute chemical treatment, removal of biohazard materials, and multiple refills of carpet cleaners to restore cleanliness.
• Impact on Staff: Betty emphasizes the immense effort required by staff to maintain hygiene standards amidst such incidents.

[34:15] Chris Joy Hoadley: "Oh, that's the worst. You know, I don't like sometimes when you're on a road trip and you stop at the rest stop, you know... but what gets me every time I go to a truck stop or rest stop or whatever it is, what gets me is not that people shit, that it smells bad or whatever. That's everybody's shit stuff on the wall."

B. Karen Stories: Managing Difficult Customers and Group Behavior

Betty also recounts encounters with unruly groups, particularly emphasizing the influence of groupthink and peer pressure among young children.

[44:46] Chad: "They're ranging in that same 10 to 13 age. Okay. So apparently they were awarded this great wolf trip for something in their youth group."

[45:35] Chad: "Think, think. Cult."

Key Highlights:

• Group Behavior: Betty describes groups of children, often from church youth groups, behaving disruptively—throwing food, banging on doors, and causing general chaos.
• Staff Challenges: Managing these groups involves strict enforcement of rules, including the use of emergency stops and potential bans from the property.
• Parental Responsibility: Betty underscores the frustration with parents who are inattentive, leaving staff to handle the repercussions of their children's actions.

[50:19] Chad: "So he finally gets it to go again. They come out and they're looking like hang dogs. They're like, you know, oh, we screwed up."

[51:48] Chad: "They're running down the hallways. They're screaming. It sounds like somebody's being murdered in the building."

[53:07] Chris Joy Hoadley: "They're not told no. Do you get this? I can't..."

C. Wholesome Story: Acts of Kindness Amidst Chaos

Amidst the tales of mayhem, Betty shares a touching story that showcases the kindness and dedication of Great Wolf Lodge employees.

[58:45] Chad: "The dad was like, I was going to get her one, you know, like, he was going to go get her one. But I’m like, no, this makes me feel good, too."

[60:03] Chris Joy Hoadley: "It's what gives me the smallest things... Tank for cleaning... Stella's willing to take money out of her own pocket to make sure that a father and a daughter have an experience that's not dangerous and that can... like, the kid wants..."

Key Highlights:

• Saving a Baby’s Toy: Betty narrates how she provided a substitute toy to prevent a young child from damaging or losing it, ensuring the child's happiness and a stress-free experience for the parent.
• Positive Impact on Staff: Acts like these not only uplift the guests but also provide emotional rewards for the staff, reinforcing their commitment to exceptional service.

[62:05] Listener: "Oh, that's so sweet, Betty."

[63:40] Chad: "There is a small amount of hope, a small amount of hope for our world. And her name is Betty."

Audience Engagement and Host Banter

Throughout the episode, Bryan and Krissy engage in lively banter, interspersed with laughter and off-topic discussions. Their chemistry and ability to navigate between serious accounts and humorous interludes keep the conversation dynamic and entertaining.

Notable Quotes:

• [32:19] Chad: "And nobody's gonna touch that. So with the bare hands."
• [34:15] Chris Joy Hoadley: "Oh, that's the worst... How did you, how possibly could you have gotten it up there?"
• [44:33] Chad: "They're running down the hallways. They're screaming. It sounds like somebody's being murdered in the building."
• [54:02] Chad: "That's a change."

Concluding Thoughts

Bryan and Krissy wrap up the episode by reflecting on the duality of human nature—the capacity for both chaos and kindness. They commend Betty for her resilience and dedication, highlighting how individual actions can restore faith in humanity despite witnessing the worst behaviors from others.

[65:12] Chad: "Them we're not making much." [65:15] Chris Joy Hoadley: "But we do have to say there is faith in humanity because for every one of, for every shitty 10 to 13 year old boy that's out there making life miserable for people like Betty, there's a Betty to make life better for all of us."

Episode Highlights

• Gross Encounters: AFR incidents and the extensive cleaning protocols at Great Wolf Lodge.
• Difficult Customers: Managing disruptive groups and the role of staff in enforcing rules.
• Acts of Kindness: Betty's story of saving a child's toy illustrates the positive impact of dedicated employees.
• Host Dynamics: Engaging and humorous interactions between Bryan and Krissy maintain a lively atmosphere.
• Quotes with Timestamps: Notable moments captured throughout the episode enhance the storytelling.

Final Note: "The Great Wolf Mayhem!" offers listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the challenges and unexpected joys of working at a bustling family resort. Through Betty's vivid storytelling and the hosts' relatable commentary, the episode balances humor with candid discussions on human behavior, making it a memorable installment of The Commercial Break podcast.