What do you do when someone asks you to do something you absolutely do not want to do, but they think they’re offering you an honor? This week, Bree and Mendy tackle the awkwardness of saying no when saying yes feels like a social trap. And speaking of traps, they also share a listener story that includes hiking, exotic dancers, two dudes marinated in fish slime, and one “bear” attack in the Wyoming wilderness. It’s equal parts adventure, absurdity, and advice on what not to do in grizzly country.

In This Episode:

Bree and Mendy on awkward invitations and how to decline without spiraling into guilt
Bree’s go-to “I don’t have the bandwidth” line (feel free to steal it)
Mendy’s clever tactics to ghost unwanted social obligations
Listener story: A 1985 misadventure involving two friends, some fishy decisions, and a misunderstood tree limb
A bear scare that turns out to be snoring + nature = comic gold
What not to pack in your tent (hint: it’s trout)
Why you should never hike in bear country with nothing but colored pencils
How Dana (imaginary bestie and part-time exotic dancer) would have handled it differently

Our Favorite Takeaway?

If you’re going to cook dinner in the woods, maybe don’t turn your tent into a trout-scented snack pack.

Listener Story Credit:

Thanks to “Andrew” (and “Gary”) for sharing your hilarious and oddly inspiring tale of wilderness survival, near-bear encounters, and post-strip-club camping.

Want to share your awkward story?

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wellthatwasawkwardpodcast@gmail.com

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