Episode 175: A Thing For Dinosaurs

Host(s): Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds
Guests: Derek Waters & Zach Shields
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 175: A Thing For Dinosaurs, hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds from Headgum's We're Here to Help, the duo welcomes Derek Waters and Zach Shields to tackle a unique caller situation. This episode delves deep into the passionate world of a dinosaur enthusiast struggling to balance his obsession with his family life.

Pitching a New Documentary Project

[05:46] Jake Johnson introduces an exciting documentary project the hosts and guests are developing. They seek unresolved issues or "beefs" from listeners that aren't too serious but significant enough to warrant attention. [06:33] Zach Shields elaborates, emphasizing the need for clear protagonists and antagonists to make the stories compelling.

Zach Shields [06:37]: "We're looking for grudges... something that you can't resolve on your own. Nothing too serious. Nothing's going to end up in court."

This segment sets the stage for the episode, highlighting the show's commitment to addressing listeners' personal dilemmas with humor and camaraderie.

Caller Spotlight: Rob’s Dinosaur Obsession

The heart of the episode revolves around Rob, a marketing manager and avid dinosaur collector, who calls in seeking advice on how to get his wife, Jackie, to accept the significant amount of time he dedicates to his dinosaur sculpting hobby.

Rob’s Introduction and Passion

[13:11] Rob introduces himself from Grove, Florida, mentioning his deep-seated love for Jurassic Park and his involvement in creating dinosaur memorabilia.

Rob [14:10]: "I have a lot of collection items. I was actually an extra in the movie that you were in, Jake."

Daily Routine Breakdown

The hosts meticulously dissect Rob’s daily schedule to understand the extent of his dinosaur engagement:

• Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Family time and initial engagement with dinosaur-related online communities.

  Rob [20:19]: "I spend an hour and a half to two hours of my day... reading up."

• Work Hours (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Balancing a full-time job with intermittent dinosaur activities.

  Jake Johnson [22:42]: "You wake up, you help the family six to seven before work... then you're getting right into Jurassic World stuff online."

• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Continued work with limited time for dinosaurs.

  Rob [23:51]: "I spend a little bit of time sculpting during lunch."

• Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Family time post-work intertwined with dinosaur activities.

  Rob [25:22]: "So you go one to five, I go one to six."

• Night (8:00 PM onwards): Dedicated dinosaur time until bedtime.

  Rob [27:27]: "I have a little bit of an addiction to dinosaurs."

Emotional Backstory

Rob shares a poignant moment from his childhood that fuels his passion:

Rob [29:20]: "When I was younger, I got really sick... I would have a toy dinosaur that was with me."

This revelation adds depth to his obsession, illustrating it as a source of comfort and healing.

Advice Session: Balancing Passion and Family

The hosts, along with Derek and Zach, engage in a candid discussion to help Rob find a harmonious balance between his dinosaur hobby and his marital responsibilities.

Identifying the Issue

Through a detailed examination of Rob’s schedule, it becomes evident that his dinosaur-related activities consume a significant portion of his day, leading to marital strain.

Jake Johnson [29:37]: "So Rob, how do you get your wife to accept the fact that my passion is sculpting dinosaurs?"

Proposed Solutions and Negotiations

The conversation intensifies as the hosts brainstorm potential solutions, ranging from creating separate spaces for hobbies to setting strict time limits.

Zach Shields [34:35]: "You put a start a hospital. Get a ponytail, maybe get a convertible."

Despite some humorous and exaggerated suggestions, the hosts maintain a focus on practical advice.

Involving the Spouse: Jackie’s Perspective

In a pivotal moment, Rob brings his wife, Jackie, into the conversation to provide her viewpoint.

Jake Johnson [45:12]: "Jackie, can you come on the phone and tell us how many hours is enough?"

Jackie acknowledges Rob's passion but emphasizes the need for balanced time together.

Jackie [51:01]: "I would love, because we were with our son until he goes to bed at 8. So it's like, it's nice to have like an hour, two hours together..."

Final Agreement: Setting Boundaries

After a heartfelt negotiation, Rob agrees to the following arrangement to appease Jackie:

1. Morning and Work Hours: Rob continues his dinosaur activities as usual.
2. Post-Kid's Bedtime (8:00 PM onwards): Ceases all dinosaur-related activities to spend quality time with Jackie.

Jake Johnson [57:56]: "From the moment that boy goes to bed, until that woman goes to bed, no dinosaurs."

Rob is enthusiastic about adhering to this compromise, signifying a positive step towards balancing his interests with family life.

Rob [58:34]: "I'm thrilled. I can do that."

Listener Interactions and Feedback

Towards the latter part of the episode, the hosts address feedback from listeners regarding recurring characters "Piggly and Mo." While some listeners express frustration over their frequent mentions, a segment of fans passionately defends their presence.

Listener Amanda [64:03]: "Do not ever let Pigly and Mo go. We love them."

Conversely, other callers humorously critique their overuse, adding a layer of comedic relief to the episode.

Listener Jason [65:36]: "We created a stupid world full of stupid people listening to stupid podcasts... So, yeah, long live Piggly and Mo."

Conclusion

Episode 175: A Thing For Dinosaurs masterfully blends heartfelt advice with comedic elements, showcasing the hosts' ability to address genuine relationship issues while maintaining an entertaining atmosphere. Rob's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of balancing personal passions with familial responsibilities, all wrapped in the show's signature humor.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rob's Backstory:

  [29:20] Rob: "When I was younger, I got really sick... I would have a toy dinosaur that was with me."

• Documentary Project Pitch:

  [06:37] Zach Shields: "We're looking for grudges... something that you can't resolve on your own."

• Final Agreement on Balance:

  [57:56] Jake Johnson: "From the moment that boy goes to bed, until that woman goes to bed, no dinosaurs."

• Rob's Acceptance:

  [58:34] Rob: "I'm thrilled. I can do that."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of We're Here to Help Episode 175, providing an insightful look into the challenges of balancing personal hobbies with family life, all while maintaining the show's humorous and supportive tone.