Podcast Summary: "We're Here to Help" Episode 195: It’s a Parade & Monopoly Intervention (with Ty Burrell)

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Guests: Ty Burrell

I. Welcoming Ty Burrell and Celebrating Fred Willard

The episode kicks off with hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds warmly welcoming guest Ty Burrell, renowned for his roles in "New Girl" and "The Dollop." The chemistry between the hosts and Ty is immediately evident, with Jake expressing admiration:

Jake Johnson (00:02): "Thanks for doing. I'm a big fan of yours, man."

Ty reciprocates the enthusiasm, acknowledging his newfound interest in the podcast:

Ty Burrell (00:28): "I listened to a couple episodes in prep. I will now be listening to many episodes."

The conversation quickly delves into a heartfelt tribute to the late Fred Willard, a beloved actor known for his impeccable comedic timing. Gareth shares his admiration after watching "Waiting for Guffman":

Gareth Reynolds (02:11): "He was so fun. I mean, I watched Waiting for Guffman recently, and I was, like, insane. It's just... it's relentless."

Ty elaborates on Fred's unique acting style, praising his ability to blend grounded performances with bursts of unpredictability:

Ty Burrell (02:20): "He just created that Fred Willard tone. You'd be like, 'I am fully on board. You don't belong on planet Earth,' yet everything you say is ridiculous."

The discussion highlights Fred Willard's influence on Ty's own craft, especially his creation of the beloved character Phil Dunphy from "Modern Family." Ty humorously recounts how his portrayal of Phil was inspired by Fred:

Ty Burrell (03:09): "I stole the character from you. Would you please play the dad? You are the father of this character already."

Jake fondly reminisces about working with Fred on an episode of "New Girl," emphasizing the actor's impeccable presence:

Jake Johnson (03:53): "I worked with him one time. It was later in his life, but I was such a fan. He was one of the only guys I asked for a selfie with."

Their tribute underscores Fred Willard's lasting legacy in comedy and acting, celebrating his ability to infuse humor with a touch of the surreal.

II. Exploring Ty Burrell's Audible Podcast: "Good Life"

Transitioning from their homage to Fred Willard, Ty Burrell introduces his Audible podcast, "Good Life," which draws inspiration from his childhood experiences. Ty shares the origins of the show, detailing his family's venture into running a multifaceted country store in Oregon:

Ty Burrell (05:00): "My dad and his brother bought this country store out in the middle of Oregon when I was 10. It was the grocery store, gas station, cafe, federal post office, county library, local fire department, and hardware store—all in one building."

He candidly discusses the challenges and eventual financial failure of the store, highlighting the familial bonds and community integration that formed the heart of the podcast's narrative arc:

Ty Burrell (06:00): "For eight years, it was amazing—them trying to figure out how to run each of those departments and us being kind of feral."

Jake probes into the creative process behind "Good Life," curious about the scriptwriting and production dynamics. Ty explains the blend of scripted content with improvisation, likening it to an audible sitcom:

Ty Burrell (08:56): "It's scripted with some improv. Think of it as an audible version of a sitcom."

The conversation emphasizes the collaborative effort with a stellar cast, including Jennifer Garner, Colton Dunn, Jillian Bell, and Bobby, each bringing multiple characters to life. Ty expresses his excitement about the show's premiere on Audible and his hopes for its reception as a perfect accompaniment to summer road trips.

III. Listener Call-In: Dealing with a Cheating Friend During Game Nights

After the guest segment and promotional breaks, the podcast transitions to its interactive section where listeners seek advice. The first call comes from Carissa in Arizona, who presents a humorous yet relatable dilemma involving her father's outdoor urination habits and the resulting odor affecting her mother's daily walks.

However, the primary focus shifts to a subsequent call from Kat, a 26-year-old from San Diego, seeking guidance on handling a friend who consistently cheats during game nights. Kat explains:

Kat (41:29): "My friends and I do game nights a lot... I have this one good friend, she's a really good friend, but she cheats in every possible way at every game imaginable."

Initially, Kat found the cheating bothersome, but over time it became a source of amusement, though it began to irritate other participants who hesitated to address the issue. She seeks a lighthearted way to confront her friend without causing tension:

Kat (41:43): "I'd love to get her back, but in a fun way, in a light-hearted way."

IV. Crafting the Perfect Intervention: Pitches and Strategies

Jake, Gareth, and guest Ty engage in a collaborative brainstorming session to devise a playful intervention that encourages Kat's friend, Doja, to curb her cheating. They explore various creative strategies, integrating humor and subtlety to maintain the group's camaraderie.

Ty's Pitch: Installing a "Cheating Deterrent"

Ty suggests introducing a faux technological deterrent to make Doja reconsider her actions:

Ty Burrell (22:12): "Maybe put a toilet there, like a little kid's potty, to steal the joy of peeing outside."

Jake builds on this by proposing a mirror setup to create subtle embarrassment:

Jake Johnson (23:16): "Put a mirror on the ground... see my privates from that angle."

Gareth's Contribution: Mock Surveillance

Gareth introduces the idea of installing fake surveillance cameras to monitor Doja's cheating subtly:

Gareth Reynolds (24:05): "Put up a ring camera... tell her we're worried about coyotes... set up cameras to monitor behavior."

This approach aims to deter cheating without direct confrontation, leveraging the fear of being watched.

Jake's Creative Twist: Unlimited Game Resources

Jake proposes altering the game's mechanics by introducing unlimited resources, subtly undermining Doja's cheating advantages:

Jake Johnson (56:18): "Everyone has unlimited funds. She'll realize the game lost its integrity."

The hosts collectively refine their pitches, focusing on maintaining a fun and non-confrontational atmosphere while addressing the cheating issue.

V. Implementing the Intervention: Execution Plan

Kat decides to adopt the group’s suggestions, planning to present the intervention during the next game night. The strategy involves:

1. Unified Cheating: The entire group will collaboratively cheat in synchronized ways, isolating Doja's actions.
2. Introduced Rules: Introducing new, nonsensical game rules that favor everyone except Doja.
3. Official Documentation: Creating a humorous "Declaration of Independence" document requiring adherence to fair play.
4. Use of Props: Incorporating costumes and fake notary documents to add a layer of absurdity and humor.

Kat expresses confidence in the plan's effectiveness, ensuring it remains playful:

Kat (67:02): "I'm liking the banding together... Maybe have someone else say something, sprinkle some extra in."

The hosts encourage Kat to document the intervention and share her experiences in future episodes, highlighting the group's commitment to providing practical yet entertaining advice.

VI. Conclusion and Takeaways

Episode 195 of "We're Here to Help" masterfully blends heartfelt tributes, insightful discussions, and practical advice. The collaborative effort to address Kat's gaming dilemma showcases the hosts' creativity and commitment to fostering positive relationships among friends. Through humor and innovative strategies, the episode delivers both entertainment and actionable solutions for listeners facing similar social challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Ty Burrell (02:20): "Fred did it just as an actor. Totally just as an actor."
• Jake Johnson (22:46): "Like even it could be a little kid's toilet, baby toilet, one of those little like potty training toilets."
• Gareth Reynolds (24:05): "Put up a ring camera... tell her we're worried about coyotes."

Wrap-Up:

Hosted by Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds, Episode 195 of "We're Here to Help" offers a delightful mix of celebrity insights and listener-focused problem-solving. Whether celebrating comedic legends or navigating the complexities of friendships, the podcast remains a go-to source for relatable advice delivered with a hearty dose of humor.