Podcast Summary: We're Here to Help - Episode 189: "Let's Get Outta the Garage Together"

Release Date: July 16, 2025

Overview

In Episode 189 of "We're Here to Help," hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds embark on a unique spin-off of "The Bachelor" format, aptly titled the "Friendship Game." This episode focuses on helping a listener named Sam find a new friend, navigating the often tricky terrain of adult friendships with the same humor and camaraderie the hosts are known for.

Main Segment: The Friendship Game

00:14:51 – 01:32:00

Introduction to the Friendship Game

Jake and Gareth introduce the concept of the Friendship Game, aiming to connect Sam with a compatible new friend. Sam, feeling the pangs of adult loneliness, seeks a friend who shares his interests and can engage in meaningful activities together.

Meet the Contestants

Three contestants vie for Sam’s friendship:

1. Trevor (34, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles) – A cloud engineer for a fintech company, Trevor is married with no children. He highlights his interests in carpentry, blacksmithing, and 3D printing.

   [27:03] Trevor: "I feel like Sam and I have similar interests and we'd get along well."

2. Tommy Tough Knuckles (31, Fullerton) – Self-named for his playful persona, Tommy is into various crafting hobbies, including cosplay and DIY projects.

   [28:10] Trevor: "I'm a retired old punk. The rock guy."

3. Carrie (37, South Bay, Hawthorne) – A professional industrial pipe welder with a passion for carpentry and creativity.

   [30:06] Carrie: "I work as a professional industrial pipe welder."

Contestants' Presentations and Interactions

Each contestant presents their ideal friendship scenarios, emphasizing shared interests and activities to bond with Sam.

• Tommy proposes collaborative projects and casual hangouts, highlighting his laid-back nature and love for crafting.

  [34:49] Tommy: "Grab a couple of cold ones, work on a project together, and catch a local show."

• Trevor outlines a more structured plan, combining his carpentry and blacksmithing skills with social activities like visiting restaurants and participating in local events.

  [37:07] Trevor: "We'll start with carpentry, then go to the nicest restaurant in Fullerton and sip on wine."

• Carrie suggests a blend of hands-on projects and fun outings, such as Topgolf and brewery tours, showcasing his versatility and willingness to engage in diverse activities.

  [39:16] Carrie: "We could build something in the garage and then go to Topgolf or a local brewery for some beers."

Elimination Process

The hosts facilitate a playful elimination process, ultimately narrowing down the choices to Trevor and Carrie. Light-hearted banter and competitive spirit create an engaging atmosphere as contestants vie for Sam’s friendship.

[65:56] Tommy Tough Knuckles: "This is your friendship game where Sam realizes how goddamn good looking you are."

Final Decision

After thoughtful deliberation and heartfelt pitches from both Trevor and Carrie, Sam makes his decision. Trevor emerges as the chosen friend, highlighting their shared interests and potential for a meaningful friendship.

[73:13] Trevor: "I feel like my vibe aligns well with Sam's, and we share similar interests."

Notable Quotes

• [27:03] Trevor: "Sam and I have similar interests and we'd get along well."
• [34:49] Tommy: "Grab a couple of cold ones, work on a project together, and catch a local show."
• [73:13] Trevor: "I feel like my vibe aligns well with Sam's, and we share similar interests."

Humorous Moments and Banter

Throughout the episode, Jake and Gareth inject their signature humor, making light of the competitive nature of the Friendship Game and the quirky personas of the contestants. Their playful teasing and genuine camaraderie keep the episode lively and entertaining.

[35:58] Gareth Reynolds: "Sam, you're in a pickle here, babe."

[59:22] Trevor: "I'm hanging out with Brian, a security guard, and Nick from New Girl."

Conclusion and Outcome

The episode concludes with Trevor and Sam arranging their first hangout—a combination of bowling and karaoke in Fullerton—marking the beginning of what promises to be a strong friendship. Jake and Gareth express their satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of adult friendships and the joy of connecting over shared interests.

[78:46] Trevor: "It was a wild ride... it's really cool to come together and maybe after the barbecue we'll see how the texting goes."

Final Thoughts

"We've Here to Help" Episode 189 successfully blends humor, heartfelt interactions, and the genuine desire to foster meaningful connections. By transforming the traditional dating game into a friendship quest, Jake and Gareth provide listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights into building adult friendships.

Key Takeaways:

• Adult loneliness is a significant issue, and seeking new friendships can be both challenging and rewarding.
• Shared interests and activities are foundational to building strong, lasting friendships.
• Humor and camaraderie can effectively bridge gaps and foster connections between individuals.

Closing Remarks

Jake and Gareth wrap up the episode with reflections on the process and encouragement for listeners to reach out with their own friendship queries. The episode serves as a testament to the hosts' commitment to helping others, all while maintaining their trademark humor and engaging style.

Note: All quotes and timestamps are based on the provided transcript excerpts.