Episode Summary: "Baby Face in the Delta Lounge & The Goodnight Show (with Roy Wood Jr.)"
Release Date: July 30, 2025
In this engaging episode of "We're Here to Help", hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds, alongside guest Roy Wood Jr., tackle two unique and heartfelt listener questions. The episode seamlessly blends humor with practical advice, staying true to the podcast's essence of offering friendly, albeit unconventional, guidance.
1. Addressing Raccoon Invasions in the Delta Lounge
Caller: Rebecca from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Rebecca shares a bizarre yet endearing predicament where her father-in-law has developed an unusual bond with a group of raccoons, affectionately named Scrawny and Baby Face. What began in 2016 with a single raccoon led to the gradual expansion of the "Delta Lounge" — a makeshift haven in their front porch area complete with kiddie pools and favorite snacks for the raccoons.
Quote (18:43):
Rebecca: "Scrawny came to visit. Yes. And Scrawny was a kleptomaniac. And so Scrawny would kind of sit in the tree and just kind of watch eerily at the porch."
As Baby Face introduced her offspring, the situation spiraled to nine raccoons invading their garage, disrupting the household's peace. Susan, Rebecca's mother-in-law, expresses her frustration and concern over the raccoons' increasing boldness, leading to nighttime confrontations and damaged property.
Quote (30:01):
Susan: "I grabbed the gun to go to the door that leads to the garage."
Discussion & Insights:
Roy Wood Jr. emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with wildlife, highlighting the dangers of feeding wild animals and the potential for behavioral issues. The hosts collaborate to devise a strategic plan to relocate the raccoons safely, ensuring minimal harm to both the family and the animals.
Quote (34:00):
Roy Wood Jr.: "You gotta stop feeding these animals, period. There's no boundaries. They don't have boundaries."
Conclusion & Actions:
A comprehensive agreement is reached where James, Rebecca's husband, commits to building a dedicated raccoon house away from the main living areas by July 7th. Susan agrees to enforce the boundaries by contacting animal control if feeding continues past the stipulated date. This collaborative approach underscores the podcast's commitment to resolving conflicts through mutual understanding and actionable solutions.
Quote (55:13):
Rebecca: "I agree to the terms."
2. Revamping the Bedtime Routine with Roy Wood Jr.
Caller: Chelsea from Kansas
Chelsea seeks advice on improving her bedtime routine with her 10-year-old daughter, Ryan. While her husband’s creative and humorous approach to tucking Ryan in has made bedtime a lively and cherished ritual, Chelsea struggles to engage Ryan in a similarly enjoyable manner. Ryan prefers watching YouTube videos over participating in her mother's attempts at humor, leading Chelsea to feel sidelined and less connected during bedtime.
Quote (57:59):
Susan (Chelsea): "My daughter is 11 years old and we've been doing this thing since she like, got out of a crib where we take turns tucking her in at night."
Discussion & Insights:
Roy Wood Jr. empathizes with Chelsea's situation, drawing parallels to his own experiences with parenting. He suggests incorporating elements that resonate with Ryan's interests, such as beauty and YouTube, into the bedtime routine to make it more appealing and engaging.
Quote (60:52):
Roy Wood Jr.: "You have to identify the things that she likes about you."
Jake and Gareth brainstorm creative ideas alongside Roy, proposing a "Good Night Show" where Chelsea and Ryan can interview stuffed animals, turning bedtime into an interactive and entertaining experience. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Chelsea's attempts at humor and Ryan's preferences, fostering a more harmonious and enjoyable bedtime environment.
Quote (69:38):
Susan (Chelsea): "I love that. I think she's going to think that's just absolutely hilarious."
Conclusion & Actions:
The hosts finalize a plan where Chelsea will implement the "Good Night Show," incorporating Ryan's enthusiasm for stuffed animals and helping her feel more involved and entertained during bedtime. Additionally, the idea of integrating this routine into their homeschool curriculum exemplifies a sustainable and educational approach to enhancing family dynamics.
Quote (73:24):
Susan (Chelsea): "I love that. I think she's going to think that's just absolutely hilarious."
Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Jake Johnson, Gareth Reynolds, and Roy Wood Jr. demonstrate effective problem-solving skills infused with humor and empathy. By addressing both Rebecca's unconventional wildlife issue and Chelsea's familial bedtime challenges, the trio showcases their ability to navigate a variety of personal dilemmas with creative and actionable advice.
Quote (75:37):
Hosts: "We're Here to Help is produced by Rabbit Grim Productions..."
The episode not only provides practical solutions but also reinforces the importance of family, boundaries, and adaptability in overcoming everyday challenges. For listeners seeking a blend of laughter and meaningful advice, this episode delivers on all fronts, staying true to the podcast's mission of being the friendly local bartender or tipsy uncle offering a listening ear and a helping hand.