Podcast Summary: Too Many Tabs with Pearlmania500 - Episode #131: "Telling Tales with Tell Williams"

Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction of Guest: Tell Williams

In episode #131 of Too Many Tabs with Pearlmania500, host Pearlmania500 welcomes Tell Williams, a multifaceted content creator and educator. The hosts, Alex Perlman and Mrs. P, delve into their unique journey of meeting Tell, highlighting the serendipitous nature that brought them together after seven months of occasional interactions.

Alex Perlman [01:34]: "Seven months. I know. We met. We met very randomly."

Tell Williams' Background and Content Creation

Tell shares his transition from a full-time teacher to a therapist, influenced by the pandemic. His dedication to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is evident as he describes his efforts to support children through challenging times, such as dealing with divorce or loss within families.

Mrs. P [05:06]: "I taught pre K full time... social emotional learning."

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of content creation, where both Alex and Tell discuss the challenges of engaging audiences while maintaining authenticity. They touch upon the impact of social media algorithms, especially during pivotal moments like elections, and how these platforms can influence a creator's reach and interaction.

Alex Perlman [02:25]: "It was like a bar. This is going to be a crazy aside. This is a crazy aside because you mentioned before the show that you've done stand up."

Navigating Social Media and Brand Partnerships

Alex announces his upcoming stand-up special titled "Daddy's Day", reflecting on his two-decade-long journey in comedy and content creation. The hosts discuss the delicate balance between creating content they are passionate about and the demands of brand partnerships.

Alex Perlman [33:12]: "Hey guys, we've mentioned it a few times when we talking about stand up. I have a stand up special coming out. Friday the 13th. First time I've been doing stand up for over 20 years."

Mrs. P emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral integrity while collaborating with brands, sharing experiences of receiving cease and desist orders from companies like BetterHelp for critically discussing their practices.

Mrs. P [57:55]: "I did do that once. I, I made a video when there was the assassination attempt on Trump... I said, 'damn.'"

Ghost Story Segment: A Comedic Twist

Injecting humor into the episode, Tell narrates a ghost story inspired by consuming gummies alone in their new home. The tale humorously blurs the lines between reality and imagination, showcasing the duo's unique blend of storytelling and comedy.

Alex Perlman [18:36]: "Me and Poseidon become one with the wave."

Deep Dive: Arnold Lobel and the "Frog and Toad" Series

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Arnold Lobel, the author of the beloved children's series "Frog and Toad." Tell explores the nuanced themes within the books, suggesting that the friendship between Frog and Toad may symbolize his own personal journey and possibly his experiences with his sexual identity.

Mr. Tell Williams [112:00]: "His husband named Howard Weiner... all I have to say is Ronal Reagan forever."

The hosts discuss how Lobel's undercurrents of gender and relationships contributed to the enduring popularity of the series, making it relatable and endearing to children while reflecting deeper emotional narratives.

Mr. Tell Williams [112:45]: "Ronald Reagan forever. Just a quick fuck Ronald Reagan."

Cultural and Political Commentary

The conversation transitions into broader cultural discussions, including the assimilation challenges faced by Puerto Rican families in Indiana. Mrs. P shares her personal experiences growing up in a predominantly Irish Catholic area, navigating cultural identity and familial expectations.

Mrs. P [74:00]: "My mom would be like, do not go outside. You can't, you can't get too dark. You have to look Southern."

Alex and Tell also critique political figures and policies, particularly targeting Ronald Reagan's handling of the AIDS crisis, intertwining historical commentary with their personal viewpoints.

Mr. Tell Williams [112:23]: "He died of cardiac arrest... Ronald Reagan."

Puerto Rican Culture and Assimilation

Mrs. P delves deeper into her Puerto Rican heritage, discussing the migration from Ibonito to the Bronx, and then to Goshen, Indiana, highlighting the cultural shifts and challenges of maintaining one's identity in a new environment.

Mrs. P [72:11]: "They moved from Ibonito to the Bronx to Goshen, Indiana. And so I, that's... And that's where I came in."

The hosts reflect on the importance of cultural representation and the impact of assimilation on personal identity, fostering a discussion on diversity and inclusion within communities.

Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

As the episode nears its end, Alex and Mrs. P encourage listeners to engage through social media, inviting them to share whether they identify more with Frog or Toad, and to explore additional content available on their Patreon.

Alex Perlman [123:42]: "Tell us, are you a toad or are you a frog? Hit us with it, baby."

They wrap up with a light-hearted recap of their discussions, reaffirming the essence of Too Many Tabs—exploring varied interests and sharing diverse experiences through open, honest conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• Alex Perlman [56:49]: "That's one thing I like, I don't like to do it at the end. I like to do it in the middle of the show."

• Mrs. P [74:00]: "My mom would be like, do not go outside. You can't, you can't get too dark. You have to look Southern."

• Mr. Tell Williams [112:23]: "Ronald Reagan forever. Just a quick fuck Ronald Reagan."

• Alex Perlman [18:36]: "Me and Poseidon become one with the wave."

This episode of Too Many Tabs with Pearlmania500 offers a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and comedic interludes, making it an engaging listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.