The JTrain Podcast: Holiday Parties, Foot Tapping, and Mall Hours - TICKED OFF TUESDAY

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Jared Freid

Overview

In this episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freid delves into a series of frustrations commonly experienced during the holiday season. Dubbed "Ticked Off Tuesday," Jared provides a candid and humorous exploration of issues ranging from disruptive holiday party guests at comedy shows to the inefficiencies of McDonald's kiosks. Through relatable anecdotes and sharp wit, Jared addresses listener complaints and shares his insights on navigating the challenges that come with the festive period.

1. Introduction to Ticked Off Tuesday

Jared opens the episode by setting the tone for Ticked Off Tuesday, a segment dedicated to airing grievances that listeners might hesitate to voice elsewhere. Emphasizing that this is a safe space for personal frustrations, Jared encourages listeners to share their minor irritations, ensuring that each complaint is acknowledged and validated.

"There’s bigger problems in the world. No, no, no, no. Not here, not here. In Ticked Off Tuesday, Ticked Off Tuesday are for your problems, your gripes, your little things that no one can say to you."
(00:00)

2. Disruptive Holiday Party Guests at Comedy Shows

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jared’s experience performing at a Des Moines club during the holiday season. He expresses frustration with attendees who arrive for holiday parties only to disrupt the comedy show, making it difficult for both him and the genuine audience members to enjoy the performance.

"It's frustrating to see, you know, comedians who don't do these areas and, you know, and then rise above and then they go to Des Moines and do a stadium, and you're like, lucky fucking you."
(Throughout the segment)

Jared recounts a specific instance where a member of a holiday party crowd was overly disruptive, sitting inappropriately and showing a lack of respect for the performance.

"The one guy is in the front sitting with his legs spread open, like, come on, make me laugh, clown."
(During the show complaint)

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a comfortable environment for both performers and attendees, advocating for better management of party guests to preserve the integrity of the event.

3. Challenges in Stand-Up Comedy

Reflecting on his 15-year career in stand-up, Jared discusses the balancing act between performing in familiar settings versus larger, more impersonal venues. He highlights the struggle many comedians face in perfecting their craft while dealing with the logistical challenges of different performance spaces.

"Are your jokes funny or not? Are your jokes good for your audience, or are they good for everyone?"
(During stand-up challenges discussion)

Jared also touches on the dynamics of hosting shows at prominent venues like the Comedy Cellar, where the pressure to perform within tight schedules can sometimes overshadow the creative process.

4. Frustrations with McDonald's Kiosks

Jared shares his disappointing experience with McDonald's self-service kiosks, criticizing their user interface and the resulting inconvenience.

"I think whenever you see a kiosk at McDonald's, it is taking away a job from someone who could have benefited someone's life."
(While discussing the kiosk issue)

He recounts the confusion and frustration of trying to place an order, emphasizing how technological advancements in fast food can sometimes detract from customer satisfaction.

5. Airline Meal Discontent

Addressing the unsatisfactory quality of airline meals, Jared laments the lack of appealing options and the inflexibility of meal ordering systems.

"I don't need a Waldorf salad in a package. I don't need you faking fancy."
(When criticizing airline meals)

He suggests that airlines could improve passenger experience by offering better meal choices, such as partnering with quality sandwich providers instead of relying on uninspired packaged salads.

6. Company Incentive Trips Gone Awry

Jared discusses a listener’s complaint about an undesirable destination for a company’s incentive trip, highlighting the common issue of employers assuming one-size-fits-all solutions without considering employee preferences.

"I have to google it. Lol. Yeah, I, I if you google it."
(When describing the awkward destination choice)

He advocates for offering alternatives, such as cash bonuses, to accommodate diverse employee interests and avoid forcing participation in unwanted venues.

7. Post-Pandemic Store Hours and Shopping Challenges

The episode covers the inconvenience caused by altered store and mall hours following the pandemic, which have made in-person shopping more difficult for individuals with unconventional schedules.

"I have enough time to shop before I have to deal with the kids."
(When discussing mall hours)

Jared argues for more flexible store hours to accommodate different lifestyles, suggesting that extending operational times could benefit both retailers and shoppers.

8. Disruptive Concert Behavior: Foot Tapping at Carnegie Hall

In one of the final segments, Jared recounts his annoyance with a fellow concertgoer’s incessant foot tapping during a Vienna Boys Choir performance at Carnegie Hall. He underscores the importance of concert etiquette and the disruption unconsiderate behavior can cause during a live performance.

"Why did this woman think that tapping her foot against the floor repeatedly would be okay?"
(While addressing the concert disruption)

Jared empathizes with the tapper’s potential nervousness but maintains that such actions detract from the overall experience for other attendees.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Jared Freid uses his platform to candidly discuss a variety of minor annoyances that accumulate during the hectic holiday season. His blend of humor and genuine frustration provides listeners with both relatable content and actionable insights on handling everyday irritations. By giving a voice to these common grievances, Jared reinforces the value of Ticked Off Tuesday as a space for shared catharsis and community support.

Notable Quotes

• "I know you're angry. It's Tuesday and it has no feel. The weekend was fun. You still hungover from the eating and next weekend is too far away."
  (00:00)

• "It's frustrating to see... lucky fucking you."
  (When discussing disruptive holiday party guests)

• "Are your jokes funny or not? Are your jokes good for your audience, or are they good for everyone?"
  (During stand-up challenges discussion)

• "I don't need a Waldorf salad in a package. I don't need you faking fancy."
  (When criticizing airline meals)

• "Why did this woman think that tapping her foot against the floor repeatedly would be okay?"
  (While addressing the concert disruption)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Jared Freid's episode, highlighting his key points, personal anecdotes, and the shared frustrations that resonate with many during the holiday season. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to The JTrain Podcast, this episode offers a blend of humor and relatability that underscores Jared’s unique approach to tackling everyday annoyances.