We're Here to Help – Episode 186: "I Ask the Questions & I Love My Wife"
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds
Produced by: Headgum
Episode Overview
In Episode 186 of "We're Here to Help," hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds continue their comedic journey of dispensing unconventional advice to callers facing a variety of challenges. This episode delves into dealing with persistent door-to-door salespeople and explores the humorous yet relatable predicament of maintaining personal hygiene in shared spaces like saunas.
Show Updates and Community Engagement
The episode begins with Jake and Gareth reflecting on their previous episode, where they deviated from their usual format by featuring Steve Berg and Eric Edelstein. They acknowledge the feedback from listeners and invite the audience to share their preferences for future content, whether it be more re-releases or casual "fireside chats."
Notable Quote:
Jake Johnson [00:02]: "We have a very crisp format to our show. This is a call and advice show."
Gareth Reynolds [00:02]: "Yeah, you and I give C to D advice."
They emphasize the importance of listener input to shape the show's direction, fostering a sense of community and participation.
Introducing Tom: The First Intern
A significant highlight of the episode is the introduction of Tom, a dedicated listener from New Zealand who has interned with the show. Tom's enthusiasm and commitment are celebrated as he discusses his experience and contributions.
Notable Quote:
Tom [05:04]: "I'm doing good. I'm doing good."
Jake Johnson [05:24]: "You've really been helping. You've been working a lot, learning a lot, and everyone has very positive things to say about you."
Tom shares his excitement about interning with "We're Here to Help," highlighting his role in assisting with the podcast's operations while balancing his studies back in New Zealand.
Kyle's Appreciation Email
Jake reads an uplifting email from Kyle Long, a mailman with short-term memory loss, who expresses his gratitude for the podcast. Kyle's heartfelt message underscores the positive impact the show has on its listeners.
Notable Quote:
Kyle Long [07:08]: "I slap in headphones and listen to you guys for a few hours every day. Every day."
Jake Johnson [07:57]: "Kyle, you're the best."
Kyle humorously adds personal details, mentioning his two dogs and cats, and requests advice on convincing his girlfriend to get another dog—a testament to the show's blend of humor and genuine listener engagement.
Main Call: Advice for John on Aggressive Salespeople
Caller: John from the Kansas City area
Timestamp: [13:14] – [22:05]
John seeks advice on handling aggressive door-to-door solar panel salespeople who disregard "No Soliciting" signs. He describes their persistent tactics, such as knocking on windows and providing vague information about smart meters and new programs.
Key Points:
- John's frustration with sales pitches that lack transparency.
- The difficulty in stopping these unsolicited sales attempts.
- John's desire to find a way to make the salespeople's approach as annoying to them as it is to him.
Notable Quotes:
John [13:18]: "I'm calling from the Kansas City area."
Jake Johnson [13:35]: "So, John, if you had a memoir about your life, what would it be called?"
John [14:03]: "Eventually."
John [16:05]: "...these guys are like college kids that are just doing their summer job."
Advice and Discussion: Jake and Gareth brainstorm creative and humorous solutions to John's problem. Their suggestions range from employing prank tactics inspired by the movie "Home Alone" to more unorthodox methods like using rapid-fire questions to disarm the salespeople. The conversation is filled with playful banter, highlighting the hosts' comedic chemistry.
Notable Quote:
Jake Johnson [22:03]: "We could create an audio recording that... you could be a character."
Gareth Reynolds [28:01]: "I think this is a crazy position I'm in right now."
Butt Wax Segment with Nick: A Comedic Take on Personal Hygiene
Caller/Participant: Nick from Utah
Timestamp: [35:39] – [73:02]
Nick introduces a peculiar issue related to frequent sauna use—leaving streaks of fecal matter behind due to excessive bowel movements. He humorously seeks advice beyond conventional medical solutions, leading Jake and Gareth to propose an unorthodox remedy: butt waxing.
Key Points:
- Nick's problem stems from needing to clean up after using the sauna.
- The hosts propose waxing as a humorous alternative to medical interventions.
- A comedic role-play segment where Jake, Gareth, and Nick simulate their own butt waxing experiences, adding layers of humor and absurdity to the conversation.
Notable Quotes:
Nick [35:39]: "Can we get your name, please?"
Jake Johnson [38:43]: "I am not a pervert."
Gareth Reynolds [45:16]: "They poured something. It was like they put something and then they rubbed it around."
Role-Play Highlights: The segment features exaggerated reactions and dialogue, such as Gareth humorously describing the pain and awkwardness of waxing, and Nick expressing his discomfort and reluctance. The playful interaction emphasizes the show's comedic approach to advice-giving.
Notable Quote:
Jake Johnson [54:12]: "Nick, I am thrilled. Thrilled. At this point, I am, too."
Gareth Reynolds [57:26]: "I think Aba's right direction."
Conclusion and Future Segments
The episode wraps up with reflections on the interactions with callers and the humorous scenarios they've created. Jake and Gareth express appreciation for their listeners' engagement and tease future segments, including potential follow-ups with Nick to see if butt waxing resolved his issues.
Notable Quote:
Jake Johnson [86:00]: "Remember, all the advice given on We're Here to Help is for entertainment purposes only and all listeners should be adults and make their own decisions."
Final Thoughts
Episode 186 of "We're Here to Help" masterfully blends humor with relatable problems, maintaining its signature style of unconventional advice. Through engaging conversations, role-plays, and the introduction of Tom, the first intern, the hosts create an entertaining and interactive experience for their audience. Notably, the episode reinforces the community-driven aspect of the podcast, encouraging listener participation and feedback to shape future content.
Disclaimer: The advice provided in this episode is intended for entertainment purposes only. Listeners should consult professionals for personal issues.