Podcast Summary: We're Here to Help – Episode 183: Jake's Faves: This Show's Becoming Jackass (Re-Release)
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Headgum (Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds)

Introduction and Community Engagement

In this re-released episode of "We're Here to Help," hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds kick off by reflecting on their recent broadcasting block and the quality of listener calls they've received. They express gratitude towards their dedicated audience and the behind-the-scenes producers who enhance the show's depth and humor.

Heather, one of their longtime listeners, praises the show's intricate world-building and the producers' efforts:
Heather [00:34]: "We just are very lucky to have an audience that knows the show and understands that we are here for minutia and producers who are able to find this stuff."

Gareth highlights the engagement and creativity of their community, mentioning John, a listener who not only called in but also created a fan website:
Gareth Reynolds [01:06]: "The world building of season two has been really fun. The callers knowing the world. The guy John, who called in today with a problem also created the Pigley and Mo website."

Guest Appearance: Heather's Dilemma

Mid-episode, Heather transitions from being a caller to joining the hosts for a follow-up discussion. She presents a personal predicament:
Heather [16:12]: "I have a sister who invites herself to all of our family's guy functions. So I'm talking Father's Day at the local cigar lounge... and she tags along, driving my husband crazy."

Heather explains that she had previously lied to her boss, claiming to attend a cooking class, while actually enrolling in a BDSM rope-tying course. Now, her boss wants to join the class, putting Heather in a tight spot:
Jake Johnson [16:25]: "I told my boss that I signed up for a four-week cooking class so that I could be off work and go to a BDSM rope tying course."

Advice and Strategic Pitches

Jake and Gareth brainstorm solutions to help Heather navigate her predicament without blowing her cover or jeopardizing her job. They consider creating a fake website to legitimize the cooking class, leveraging their Patreon community's skills:
Gareth Reynolds [18:10]: "Which means we could create a fake website for this cooking class that we could then say, it has been canceled."

Heather remains skeptical about the plan's effectiveness, worried about her boss discovering the deceit:
Heather [20:21]: "Actually, I would need to tell you all the details that I told her."

Undeterred, the hosts refine their approach, ensuring the fabricated website appears authentic and aligns with Heather's initial stories. They discuss incorporating elements like "tour dates" and "sold out" notifications to enhance credibility.

Execution and Resolution

With the help of their Patreon supporters, Jake and Gareth succeed in creating a plausible fake website for the cooking class. Heather implements the plan by sending the link to her boss, who initially mistakes it for a different location:
Gareth Reynolds [58:14]: "We put so much effort in. And the person goes, what the hell is happening?"

Heather receives a positive response, with her boss accepting the fabricated explanation and opting not to pursue further inquiries:
Jake Johnson [59:04]: "Yes."

The hosts celebrate the successful resolution of Heather's issue, albeit with humorous self-reflection on the show's increasingly chaotic nature:
Heather [64:07]: "This show has become Jackass. This is now nothing is okay. Everything's crazy."

Reflections and Conclusion

Jake and Gareth reflect on the episode's events, recognizing both the effectiveness and the absurdity of their advice. They commend Heather for her adaptability and humor throughout the ordeal:
Jake Johnson [47:08]: "You guys have given me great insight that I did not have."

The hosts also acknowledge the unpredictable outcomes of their advice, embracing the show's entertaining and often unconventional approach to problem-solving:
Gareth Reynolds [61:37]: "It is funny how many of our calls can end with, I don't know. I think if we just make a really good website, like, people will believe it."

Notable Quotes

• Heather [00:34]: "We just are very lucky to have an audience that knows the show and understands that we are here for minutia and producers who are able to find this stuff."
• Jake Johnson [16:12]: "I have a sister who invites herself to all of our family's guy functions."
• Gareth Reynolds [18:10]: "We could create a fake website for this cooking class that we could then say, it has been canceled."
• Heather [64:07]: "This show has become Jackass. This is now nothing is okay. Everything's crazy."
• Jake Johnson [47:08]: "You guys have given me great insight that I did not have."

Final Thoughts

Episode 183 of "We're Here to Help" showcases Jake and Gareth's commitment to aiding their listeners, even when solutions veer into the bizarre. Through Heather's case, the hosts blend humor with ingenuity, demonstrating the lengths they'll go to support their community. Despite the episode's self-aware critique of its own zaniness, it remains a testament to the show's unique blend of friendship, absurdity, and heartfelt assistance.

Produced by Rabbit Grimm Productions
Executive Producers: Rob Hollis, Jeff Porter, Natalie Hollis
Associate Producer: Jesse Thurston
Editing, Mixing, Mastering: Chris Faller
Theme Song: Oliver Raleigh

For more episodes and to submit your questions, email helpfulpod@gmail.com or visit our Patreon at patreon.com/heretohelpod.