We're Here to Help – Episode 141: "Comedy Can Be Fun" (Season 1 Finale)
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Hosts: Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds
Produced by: Headgum

Season Reflections and Future Plans

Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds kick off the finale by reminiscing about the origins of their podcast. They share how their friendship, built over 15 years through casual conversations and humorous banter, evolved into a platform where they offer advice to listeners.

• Jake (00:26): “And we are kind of back.”
• Gareth (03:33): “But one thing we've talked about off air is how much we appreciate all the listeners…”

The hosts express deep gratitude towards their community, acknowledging the pivotal role listener feedback and support have played in shaping the show. They highlight the collaborative efforts of their behind-the-scenes team members—Zoe, AJ, Josh, and Caitlin—who have been instrumental in elevating the podcast's quality.

As the discussion progresses, Gareth reveals exciting news:

• Gareth (06:12): “We've got a great offer from Headgum where we're going to come back and do 50 episodes. We're going to do a season two...”

He emphasizes that Season 2 will maintain the weekly format, with episodes releasing every Monday, albeit without video content. The revival is a direct response to overwhelming listener support, ensuring that the podcast continues to grow and evolve based on audience preferences.

Caller Segment 1: Kate's Dilemma with Janice's Ashes

The episode transitions into its first major segment, where Kate calls in seeking advice about fulfilling her grandmother Janice's final wishes.

Kate (10:07):
“...she doesn't want to be really with her parents. Her first order of business was that we sprinkle her ashes wherever she's had fun... in the past two years she's set on getting buried with my dead dog in my backyard.”

Issue:
Janice, Kate's 86-year-old grandmother, desires to have her ashes scattered in places she enjoyed during her lifetime. However, she insists on being buried with Kate's deceased dog in the family backyard, a plan that conflicts with Kate's mother's discomfort and estranged relationship with Janice.

Hosts' Brainstorming:

Gareth (14:21):
“So we got a great offer from Headgum where we're going to come back and do 50 episodes...”

Jake (15:21):
“I think you could lie in one direction. You could lie...”

The hosts propose various creative and humorous solutions to navigate the sensitive situation:

1. Option One (Gareth at 14:46): Propose a stylish alternative by placing Janice's ashes in an elegant container, emphasizing a refined approach.

   • Gareth (19:35):
     “...if you wanted to put her in something very expensive, very nice, like a little case...”

2. Option Two (Jake at 22:06): Suggest a combination approach by using both stable and fine china elements, appealing to Janice's love for horses.

   • Jake (22:06):
     “Seal it up and just drop it off the boat one day when you're going…”

Kate's Resolution:

After considering the pitches, Kate decides to approach Janice with the idea of selecting her own elegant container and incorporating a place related to her beloved horses. This compromise aims to honor Janice's wishes while addressing the family's concerns.

• Kate (23:20):
  “Yeah. And I like... it's perfect.”

Caller Segment 2: Kara's Tattoo Quandary

The second major caller, Kara, reaches out with a unique workplace dilemma involving her coworker and a peculiar tattoo coincidence.

Kara (34:14):
“...I have a tattoo of a bow tie pasta... my coworker ... got the exact same tattoo on her elbow without telling me.”

Issue:
During a night out, Kara's coworker compliments her bow tie pasta tattoo. The next day, Kara discovers that her coworker has inked the same design in the same spot, leading to confusion and uncertainty about how to address the situation professionally.

Hosts' Advice:

Gareth (39:04):
“I think we gotta be careful... you don't want to lose your job...”

The hosts navigate through potential reactions:

1. Celebrate the Coincidence:
   Encourage Kara to embrace the similarity and use it as an icebreaker, fostering a positive relationship.

   • Gareth (40:43):
     “...kiss the bear but celebrate it and be the noodle twins.”

2. Introduce Humor:
   Suggest playful interactions, such as Kara acquiring a different food-themed tattoo to differentiate herself.

   • Jake (41:28):
     “Get a fake henna tattoo on the other elbow...”

Kara's Takeaway:

Ultimately, Kara decides to maintain a lighthearted stance, choosing not to let the incident disrupt her professional environment. She appreciates the hosts' perspectives and plans to handle future interactions with a mix of humor and grace.

• Kara (45:05):
  “It just felt like you made the comment just to get the joke in there, but I appreciated it nonetheless...”

Closing Remarks and Future Directions

As Season 1 concludes, Jake and Gareth reiterate their commitment to the podcast, thanking their listeners once more and teasing upcoming content for Season 2. They encourage continued participation from their audience, inviting new questions and interactions.

• Gareth (56:33):
  “And if you'd like to be on the show, email us your question@ HelpfulPod.gmail.com...”

The hosts also briefly mention upcoming sponsorships and acknowledge their production team, ensuring that the community feels appreciated and integral to the show's success.

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Johnson (03:01):
  “We were busting each other's balls and finding some, you know, good advice as well as ways to mock each other.”

• Gareth Reynolds (04:13):
  “This is what is great about the show is there's a community based around trusting us to hear your problems and making them public.”

• Jake Johnson (19:16):
  “Not a barf bag. What was your great line? Comedy could be fun.”

• Gareth Reynolds (28:43):
  “I think you do that, and then deep down, it's really weird, but just celebrate it and be the noodle twins.”

Conclusion

Episode 141 serves as a heartfelt culmination of Season 1, blending humor with genuine advice as Jake and Gareth navigate complex personal dilemmas presented by their listeners. Their ability to infuse comedy into serious situations underscores the podcast's unique charm, promising an engaging Season 2 fueled by community interaction and authentic camaraderie.

Disclaimer: The advice provided in "We're Here to Help" is intended for entertainment purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to consult professionals for personal matters.