Podcast Summary: We're Here to Help — Episode 224: "Once You Pop & Trackin' Turkeys" (with Elyse Myers)

Release Date: October 29, 2025
Hosts: Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds
Guest: Elyse Myers

Overview

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds welcome internet storyteller Elyse Myers for a double-helping of candid conversations and hilarious caller advice. The show explores the pressures and pitfalls of digital fame, the blurred boundaries between creator and audience, and the peculiarities of everyday life — including obsessive habits (an epic in-bed popcorn addiction) and a postal worker’s ongoing war with wild turkeys. The trio combine warmth, empathy, and comedic wit to problem-solve with their signature “tipsy-uncle-energy,” never taking themselves too seriously but always rooting for their listeners.

Main Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. Elyse Myers: Creative Journey, Vulnerability, and Digital Boundaries

[00:24–13:08]

• Elyse’s Book & Creative Evolution
  • Myers discusses her new book, That's a great question. I'd love to tell you, a collection of short stories, poems, and illustrations rooted in her life and viral storytelling style ([00:27]).
  • On discovering her talent: “I’ve been writing since I was like 11… I didn’t realize it was a gift or that people would want to read it.” ([00:43], Elyse)
  • The shift towards vulnerability online: She began sharing more serious, raw stories which resonated deeply with her audience.
• Going Viral & Comparisons to Jake
  • Elyse reveals her followers often compare her comedic style to Jake Johnson — “You're like the female Jake Johnson” — referencing her viral Nick Miller parody song ([03:13], Elyse).
  • Jake responds in deadpan: “I thought I hated your stuff, but you’re definitely middle.” ([01:32], Jake)
• Challenges of Fame, Parasocial Dynamics, and Safety
  • Myers talks about the hyper-intimate connection social media can foster, leading to blurred boundaries and even dangerous situations: “I had to move…I got stalked. People found the address. I had to get a new car. Someone ran me off the road.” ([08:18], Elyse)
  • She distinguishes between traditional celebrities and online creators: “It’s very, very parasocial. They know everything about me, but I don’t know them.” ([09:03], Elyse)
  • On setting boundaries: Refuses to share her kids or family online to keep a sphere of her life sacred ([12:25], Elyse).

2. Caller 1: “Once You Pop…” — The Popcorn-Obsessed Husband

[15:12–37:53]

Caller: Whitney, 35, Gulf Coast, FL
Main Issue: Husband obsessively eats homemade popcorn nightly — in bed — leaving behind bowls, stains, and a “trail” of kernels throughout the house.

Key Details:

• He's not just munching — he brings his own popcorn gear on vacation and will run out at 9:30 pm to restock if they’re out.
• It’s a nightly, multi-batch ritual, leaving mess and popcorn-related injuries (“He leaves a trail… I wake up to salt in the bed… He has popcorn injuries on his hands” — [16:48], Whitney).

Underlying Factors:

• The behavior began after his recovery from brain cancer and during dialysis for kidney failure ([20:37]).
• Whitney admits: “I feel forced to eat it because it's right beside me… I just stopped buying it, but he'll go out in the middle of the night.” ([19:40])

The Advice Segment

• The group debates the real issue: The popcorn itself, the mess, the nocturnal timing, or its symbolism as a coping ritual.
  • “This call is about a man who makes popcorn every night in the middle of the night. Like a drug addict.” ([18:15], Jake)
• Elyse on Rituals & Compromise:
  • “If someone tried to rip my nightly ritual away from me after my kids go to bed, I would die.” ([28:30], Elyse)
  • Suggests carving out physical and temporal boundaries rather than full cessation.
• The “Popcorn Throne” Solution:
  • Create a “popcorn throne” (a dedicated seat in a new media room) where the ritual can unfold without impacting the whole house ([29:12], Elyse).
  • Light, playful punishments if he breaks the boundary (“You lose popcorn for three days” — [30:54], Jake).
• Gift, Not Punishment:
  • Frame the popcorn room as an upgrade, not a penalty: “You’re just giving him Vegas, and he goes to Vegas when he wants to gamble.” ([36:26], Gareth)
  • Soundproof the room, install specialized air purifiers, and use washable, butter-proof materials ([34:55], Elyse).
• Notable Quotes:
  • “He is a popcorn connoisseur. He will judge the kind of popcorn. He has to have a specific salt, a specific butter.” ([24:04], Whitney)
  • “This problem is confusing… It’s not a bad habit, that’s why it’s confusing.” ([31:35], Jake)
• Caller’s Next Steps: Whitney agrees to try the “popcorn throne/media room” strategy, promising to update the show in the future.

3. Caller 2: “Trackin’ Turkeys” — The Postal Worker’s Poultry Predicament

[38:01–55:04]

Caller: Alyssa, 34, Boise, ID
Main Issue: Wild turkeys attack her as she delivers mail along her new walking route; wants to deter them, but not harm them.

Key Details:

• “I get attacked by turkeys… There was a lockdown baby boom, even among the turkeys!” ([39:39], Alyssa)
• Attempts with conventional deterrents (air horn, dog spray) have backfired; the turkeys are both organized and persistent: “They know where I park my truck… I tried everything and they just came at me.” ([42:49], Alyssa)

Advice & Brainstorming

• Comedic Solutions:
  • Jake jokes about “dressing as a Thanksgiving chef” or “wearing armor” to scare turkeys ([43:19], Jake).
  • Gareth suggests intimidation: “I would try to out-turkey them!” and demonstrates turkey vocalizations ([47:37], Gareth).
• Practical Ideas:
  • Water guns (“Super Soakers”): “If you got one of those super soakers…and the turkey had an idea, you know, all you got to do is bite one, the rest…they’re not interested!” ([49:19], Jake)
  • High boots or “wellies” for leg protection.
  • Using social media for civic pressure: Film yourself using water guns on turkeys and post it online to “bully the city” into action. Elyse promises: “You make the video; I’ll duet it on my own channel.” ([51:11], Elyse)
• Notable Quotes:
  • “This is a very interesting question. The question is, you’re a male lady and you get attacked by wild turkeys… How do we get the wild turkeys to stop attacking you?” ([44:46], Jake)
• Coordinated Social Push: The team plots a strategic viral campaign (timed with the episode’s October airdate and Thanksgiving) to spur municipal action.

Memorable & Funny Moments

• Popcorn Addiction as a Coping Ritual:
  • The hosts simultaneously tease Whitney’s husband and empathize with his need for post-trauma comfort:
  • “Like a drug addict… The kids go to bed and once he has that pop, now he can relax.” ([18:21], Jake)
• “Popcorn Throne” Brainstorm:
  • The panel riffs on a maximalist popcorn chair — “It’s like a breastfeeding chair, but for popcorn!” ([29:36], Elise)
  • “Give him Vegas!” ([36:26], Gareth)
• Turkey Tactics and Sound Effects:
  • Gareth’s wild turkey calls and Jake’s improv musings about animal hierarchies and predator urine ([47:37], [46:04]).
• Meta-Commentary on Parasocial Relationships:
  • “People just forget… I have to step back and go, I’m Elise. And they realize: I’ve never met this person.” ([09:03], Elyse)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:24–13:08] — Elyse Myers: Creative beginnings, online fame, and boundaries
• [15:12–37:53] — Whitney’s “popcorn” dilemma: advice, laughter, and the “popcorn throne” solution
• [38:01–55:04] — Alyssa’s “turkey attacks”: comic relief, practical animal control, coordinated social strategy
• [52:35–53:17] — Elyse’s viral video advice and plan for social impact

Notable Quotes

• Elyse Myers [00:43]:
  “I've been writing since I was like 11… I started sharing, sharing stuff online…more serious, tonally, and people are like, oh, wow, that's actually really good.”
• Jake Johnson [18:15]:
  “This call is about a man who makes popcorn every single night in the middle of the night. Like a drug addict.”
• Gareth Reynolds [36:26]:
  "You’re just giving him Vegas, and he just goes to Vegas when he wants to gamble."
• Whitney [16:48]:
  “I wake up to salt in the bed. It’s everywhere. He also has popcorn related injuries on his hands.”
• Alyssa [39:39]:
  "The only problem is that I get attacked by turkeys."
• Jake Johnson [47:19]:
  "What is the natural predator of the turkey? Is it a coyote?"

Tone & Style

The episode is marked by quick wit, self-deprecation, and a genuine care for the callers, balancing absurdity with heartfelt problem-solving. Jake and Gareth riff irreverently, while Elyse brings warmth and candor — especially on the double-edged sword of internet fame.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode spotlights the show's format: friends riffing and rooting for their listeners. Expect equal parts goofy improvisation and practical brainstorming as the hosts and guest tackle problems big and small—from obsessive popcorn snacking to unrelenting turkey gangs. The unique blend of genuine advice, vulnerability, and absurd comedy makes this episode especially engaging and memorable.

Episode Highlights

• Elyse Myers’ insights on authenticity and setting boundaries online.
• The “popcorn throne” solution—playful, creative advice with real-world application.
• Boise’s turkey crisis—a civic challenge elevated into a viral action plan.

For episode follow-ups or to submit your own questions, email helpfulpod@gmail.com.

“Give him Vegas!” — [36:26], Gareth Reynolds