Podcast Summary: We're Here to Help - Episode 150: Pod Wars: The Lamorne Tapes

Overview

In Episode 150 of We're Here to Help, hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds from Headgum, the dynamic duo delve into a heated confrontation with Lamorne Morris, best known for his role in New Girl. Titled "Pod Wars: The Lamorne Tapes," this episode unravels the complexities of their fractured relationship, exploring issues of misrepresentation, personal boundaries, and attempts at reconciliation. The episode combines candid discussions, humorous exchanges, and a unique interactive segment involving a fictional wedding speech.

1. The Conflict with Lamorne Morris

Early Tensions and Misrepresentation

The episode kicks off with Jake and Gareth expressing their frustration over Lamorne Morris's use of technology to misrepresent their podcast interactions. Lamorne reportedly utilized voice generator apps to fabricate conversations that portrayed Jake and Gareth negatively.

• Jake Johnson [07:05]: "What Lamorne does on his podcast with Kyle is, I think, tries to get people just to look at him in pajama outfits."

• Gareth Reynolds [08:35]: "Because everyone knows without them, what are we doing? We're just walking around a soundstage doing nothing."

Mustache Controversy: "Mustache Gate"

A significant point of contention is the so-called "Mustache Gate," where Kyle Reynolds's mustache allegedly hampered their podcast's success. Jake and Gareth assert that Lamorne pressured Kyle to shave off his mustache, negatively impacting their show's ratings and advertiser appeal.

• Jake Johnson [17:06]: "Hollywood's a small town, and his mustache looks goofy. It's an embarrassment to the show."

• Gareth Reynolds [17:30]: "It's a bad mother. It's just not great."

Deep Fakes and Fake News

Jake and Gareth highlight instances where Lamorne released heavily edited, fake clips intended to tarnish their reputation. One notable example includes a manipulated audio clip of Joe Biden speaking inappropriately.

• Jake Johnson [15:57]: "So, Lamorne's claiming this is what Joe Biden... said during an interview."

• Gareth Reynolds [16:17]: "Man, look, look, look, look."

2. Personal Relationships and Emotional Impact

Emotional Strain and Betrayal

The hosts reveal the depth of their personal relationship with Lamorne, describing him as "a brother" and expressing heartbreak over the fallout.

• Jake Johnson [10:32]: "I love Lamorne. Yes. I want to sue him and go on People's Court with him, but he knows this. I love the guy."

Attempts at Moving Forward

Despite the animosity, Jake and Gareth contemplate a path toward reconciliation by inviting Lamorne and Kyle Reynolds to their show for a special episode. They aim to "bury the hatchet" and clear the air.

• Jake Johnson [93:04]: "But listen, what we're just trying to do here is just trying to bring people together. We would love to have you guys on."

• Gareth Reynolds [93:38]: "We’re here to help, right."

3. Interactive Segment: The Wedding Speech

Caller Nicole's Embarrassing Story

The episode introduces "Nicole," a caller who shares an embarrassing incident where she was caught masturbating by a pet camera while house-sitting for friends. This segment serves as a comedic yet insightful exploration of privacy intrusions and personal embarrassment.

• Nicole [28:41]: "I had this super embarrassing story happen to me... I couldn't tell anybody at all."

Advice Discourse

Jake, Gareth, and guest Rob Hollis offer a mix of humorous and genuine advice on handling such embarrassing situations, emphasizing moving forward and addressing the issue directly if possible.

• Jake Johnson [39:00]: "If I'm alone in a hotel room, the first thing, you got to let it rip."

• Gareth Reynolds [49:17]: "You come out of the closet with this one. I think you let everybody know you’re a freak."

Rehearsed Wedding Speech with Lamorne

In a creative twist, the hosts attempt to craft a wedding speech for Nicole's sister, Natalie, incorporating Lamorne into the process. This segment is filled with improvisational humor, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and their ongoing playful antagonism with Lamorne.

• Jake Johnson [63:19]: "This is Hip Hop Church. I'll start again."

• Rob Hollis [87:57]: "Whatever diet you’re after, Hungry Root is just like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all wrapped into one."

4. Resolution and Future Directions

Invitation to Reconcile

The episode concludes with Jake and Gareth extending an olive branch to Lamorne Morris, inviting him to join their podcast for a special episode aimed at resolving their differences and moving forward collaboratively.

• Jake Johnson [92:33]: "But what we're going to do is offer Lamorne and Kyle to come on the show for a very special episode."

• Gareth Reynolds [93:38]: "We’re here to help, right."

Final Thoughts

The hosts acknowledge the challenges of maintaining professional and personal relationships in the public eye, highlighting their commitment to helping others while navigating their own conflicts.

• Jake Johnson [94:15]: "We're Here to Help is hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds... We're here to help."

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Johnson [07:05]: "What Lamorne does on his podcast with Kyle is, I think, tries to get people just to look at him in pajama outfits."

• Gareth Reynolds [17:30]: "It's a bad mother. It's just not great."

• Nicole [28:41]: "I had this super embarrassing story happen to me... I couldn't tell anybody at all."

• Jake Johnson [39:00]: "If I'm alone in a hotel room, the first thing, you got to let it rip."

• Jake Johnson [92:33]: "What we're asking Lamorne, before you and I end up on People's Court..."

Conclusion

Episode 150 of We're Here to Help serves as a deep dive into the intricate dynamics between podcast hosts and their celebrity counterparts. Through candid conversations, comedic interactions, and heartfelt attempts at reconciliation, Jake and Gareth navigate the tumultuous waters of personal relationships in the digital age. The episode not only entertains but also sheds light on the importance of authenticity, boundary-setting, and the complexities of public friendships.

For those interested in witnessing the full resolution and potential future collaborations between We're Here to Help and Lamorne Morris, stay tuned for upcoming episodes.