Podcast Summary: We're Here to Help – Episode 171: Walk This Lonely Dream & Shake Your Little Butts (with Jillian Bell)

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Hosts: Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds
Guest: Jillian Bell

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 171 of "We're Here to Help," hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds dive into a blend of heartfelt advice and humorous banter, featuring a special guest appearance by comedian and actress Jillian Bell. The episode interweaves personal anecdotes, listener call-ins, and creative problem-solving, all while maintaining the show's signature lighthearted tone.

Listener Call-In: Campbell's Wedding Dance Dilemma (02:00 – 45:16)

The episode kicks off with a listener named Campbell calling in from Nashville with a unique predicament surrounding her upcoming wedding in June. Campbell shares that her father and her fiancé's mother have expressed discomfort with traditional father-daughter and mother-son dances. Instead, her father envisions an elaborate, choreographed routine featuring a mashup of five unconventional songs, including Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."

Notable Quotes:

• Jake Johnson (16:11): "That is what he wants it to be."
• Gareth Reynolds (17:12): "I come out like the undertaker from the floor of the banquet hall."

Discussion Highlights:

• Jake and Gareth empathize with Campbell, acknowledging the challenge of balancing tradition with her father's creative vision.
• Jillian Bell (through Rob) contributes by highlighting the importance of honoring familial relationships while maintaining the couple's unique bond.
• Rob Hollis offers constructive pitches, suggesting a hybrid approach that blends sweet, traditional elements with playful, choreographed moments to satisfy both Campbell and her father's desires.

Advice Given: Jake and Gareth recommend blending heartfelt acknowledgments with the father's whimsical ideas, proposing speeches that express love and gratitude before transitioning into the dance. They emphasize the importance of embracing both the emotional and humorous aspects of the situation to create a memorable and meaningful experience.

Special Guest Segment: Jillian Bell Promotes "Summer of 69" (45:16 – 48:19)

Jillian Bell takes the stage to discuss her directorial debut, "Summer of 69," set to release on Hulu on May 9th. The film stars Chloe Finan as a sexually inexperienced teenager seeking guidance from a local stripper to win over her crush. Jake and Gareth enthusiastically promote the movie, praising both Jillian's humor and Chloe's performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Jillian Bell (46:17): "It's so, so fun and feel-good and a little heartwarming."

Listener Call-In: Caitlin's Deuce Dance Challenge (48:19 – 66:12)

Following the promotion, Jillian Bell joins the hosts to take another listener call from Caitlin, a 27-year-old from New York City. Caitlin explains a quirky issue: during tennis matches, she has a tradition called the "Deuce Dance" to break the tension when the score is tied at deuce. However, her partner, Luke, has stopped participating, leading to tension between them.

Notable Quotes:

• Jillian Bell (48:04): "So my specific question is, like, how to get him to want to do the Deuce dance again."
• Jake Johnson (60:55): "If you're going to do something fun when you were a kid...you know what it is."

Discussion Highlights:

• Jake, Gareth, and Jillian delve into the significance of the Deuce Dance for Caitlin, exploring its role in fostering connection and alleviating match-related stress.
• Rob Hollis suggests practical solutions, such as introducing symbolic gestures (like wristbands or shirts) that signal when Caitlin engages in the dance without pressuring Luke.
• Gareth Reynolds adds creative ideas, including personalized merchandise that makes participating in the dance a lighthearted and inclusive activity.

Advice Given: The hosts advocate for open communication and compromise. They encourage Caitlin to present Luke with various options that respect his comfort levels while still honoring her traditions. By making the dance a shared and fun experience rather than an obligation, they believe Caitlin and Luke can reignite the playful aspect of their relationship.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (66:12 – End)

As the episode wraps up, Jake and Gareth reiterate their appreciation for Campbell and Caitlin's calls, emphasizing the show's mission to provide thoughtful and entertaining advice. They invite more listeners to submit their questions via email and promote their Patreon page for video episodes.

Closing Remarks:

• Jake Johnson (66:12): "We’re here to Help is hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds. If you'd like to be on the show, please email us your question@HelpfulPod@gmail.com."
• Gareth Reynolds (66:36): "Remember, all the advice given on We're Here to Help is for entertainment purposes and all listeners should be adults and make their own decisions."

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Tradition with Personalization: Campbell's call underscores the importance of blending familial expectations with personal desires to create meaningful and memorable wedding experiences.
• Communication and Compromise in Relationships: Caitlin's scenario highlights how open dialogue and creative solutions can address relationship challenges, fostering mutual respect and shared traditions.
• Community and Support: The episode exemplifies the show's commitment to building a supportive community where listeners feel heard and guided, even through unconventional issues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jake Johnson (16:11): "That is what he wants it to be."
• Jillian Bell (46:17): "It's so, so fun and feel-good and a little heartwarming."
• Jillian Bell (48:04): "So my specific question is, like, how to get him to want to do the Deuce dance again."
• Jake Johnson (66:12): "We’re here to Help is hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds."

This episode of "We're Here to Help" masterfully combines humor, empathy, and practical advice, making it a valuable listen for anyone navigating the complexities of personal relationships and family dynamics. Whether you're planning a wedding or seeking to rekindle playful traditions in your partnership, Jake, Gareth, and Jillian offer insights that are both entertaining and actionable.