Episode 187: The Man in the Iron Hair & The Oprah of Lube (with Justin Long)
Released on July 9, 2025

Introduction and Special Guest Appearance

The episode begins with hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds introducing their special guest, Justin Long, marking a first for the show's intro segment. The trio engages in playful banter about Jake's new acting role as a "wacky neighbor" in an upcoming sitcom. They discuss the challenges and joys of working in a multicam setup with a live audience, highlighting Justin's admiration for Jake's comedic talents.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds [00:25]: "What's up, Justin? What's up, guys?"

First Caller: Rebecca from London – The Man in the Iron Hair

At [13:49], Rebecca calls in from London, UK, introducing herself as a 31-year-old actor concerned about her uncle, John, who is dealing with balding. John has adopted a distinctive comb-over style, growing his hair long at the back to push it forward, creating an unappealing point at the front that he frequently glues down. Rebecca seeks advice on how to encourage her uncle to embrace his baldness or consider alternative solutions without causing family awkwardness, especially since John lives abroad in China and rarely visits.

Notable Quotes:
Rebecca [14:00]: "I have an uncle who's been balding for quite a long time, but he is clinging on for dear life. And he's grown out the very back part of his hair."

Gareth Reynolds [16:17]: "What’s his story? Why is he painting his hair backward? What’s going on here?"

Jake Johnson [22:46]: "He’s otherwise a quiet, serious guy, so this odd hairdo is out of character."

Advice and Roleplay: Tackling Uncle John's Hairline

The hosts, along with Justin Long, dive into a humorous roleplay session to simulate a conversation Rebecca might have with her uncle. They explore creative and comedic strategies to address the delicate topic, balancing concern with humor.

Notable Quotes:
Justin Long [30:24]: "Have him on a windy day, maybe take him swimming, so the hair doesn't hold up."

Jake Johnson [27:07]: "He pushes it all forward and mats it down. It’s as if he’s wearing a wrestler’s helmet."

Gareth Reynolds [32:26]: "You look great. You look 10 years younger."

Rebecca expresses her appreciation for the lighthearted yet sincere advice, indicating her intention to implement the suggested strategies during her uncle's upcoming visit in June.

Second Caller: Kate from Ontario, Canada – The Oprah of Lube

Later in the episode, Kate calls in from Ontario, Canada, sharing her predicament of accumulating an excessive amount of lubricant due to an unintended subscription program associated with her sex therapy practice. Over the past year, Kate has received thousands of lubricant packets, which she has been distributing to patients and friends, dubbing herself the "Oprah Winfrey of lube." Kate seeks creative solutions to either repurpose the excess lube or find a way to discontinue the subscription.

Notable Quotes:
Kate [48:31]: "I have too much lube. I have way too much lube."

Jake Johnson [50:11]: "Well, Jake, I wonder if you and Gareth want to give it out as, you know, for your show, to promote the show."

Rebecca [49:29]: "I have too much lube. I have way too much lube."

Creative Pitches: Solving the Lube Overflow

The hosts brainstorm a series of imaginative and humorous solutions to help Kate manage her excess lubricant. Suggestions include hosting lube-themed parties, organizing games like lubed-up Twister, or sending the surplus to their friend Steve Berg as part of an ongoing prank. The conversation is filled with witty exchanges and playful ideas, demonstrating the hosts' commitment to providing entertaining yet practical advice.

Notable Quotes:
Gareth Reynolds [55:41]: "You could host a lube party where everything is lubed-themed, from games to party favors."

Justin Long [59:55]: "Are you going to sing, 'I'm proud to be sponsored by lube,' to Steve?"

Jake Johnson [62:57]: "What about a Twister? A lubed-up Twister."

Gareth Reynolds [63:55]: "And then have someone act like a bee on his head, messing up his hair, and follow it up with genuine compliments."

Kate responds enthusiastically to the suggestions, particularly favoring the lube party idea. The hosts encourage her to proceed with the plan and offer to assist with logistics, including shipping assistance if needed.

Notable Quotes:
Kate [65:09]: "I like the idea of the lube party. I feel like the wrestling in the kiddie pool could be super fun."

Gareth Reynolds [65:40]: "We’ll help you figure out how to make this party a reality."

Conclusion and Future Engagement

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their commitment to helping listeners with their unique problems in a humorous and supportive manner. They encourage listeners to submit their own questions via email and promote their Patreon for access to video episodes. The interaction with Justin Long adds an extra layer of fun, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the episode.

Notable Quotes:
Jake Johnson [67:15]: "Thanks, Kate. Thank you, guys."

Gareth Reynolds [70:09]: "If you'd like to watch video episodes of We're Here to Help, you can go to our Patreon at patreon.com/heretohelpod."

Key Takeaways:

• Humorous Approach to Advice: The hosts blend comedy with genuine support, making the advice segments engaging and entertaining.

• Creative Problem-Solving: From addressing peculiar hairstyles to managing excess products, the hosts offer out-of-the-box solutions that resonate with the show's lighthearted tone.

• Guest Collaboration: Justin Long's participation adds depth to the discussions, enhancing the show's dynamic and interactive nature.

This episode exemplifies We're Here to Help's unique ability to tackle unconventional problems with humor and camaraderie, ensuring listeners are both entertained and thoughtfully advised.