We're Here to Help

Episode 226: Buttercup’s Garden
Hosts: Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds
Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this riotous, heartfelt episode, Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds field a memorable call from Rachel in New Hampshire—who seeks advice on how to rein in her eccentric mother, Buttercup, whose penchant for peeing outdoors and minimalist attire is starting to influence her young grandchildren. The conversation spirals into signature "We're Here to Help" chaos, blending sincere family advice, offbeat bits, and some stand-out guest appearances—including Gareth’s own mother, Pam Reynolds—in a hands-on effort to craft the perfect intervention strategy.

Later in the episode, a follow-up caller, Nina from Cape Town, returns with an investigative update on a neighboring apartment’s see-through bathrooms, leading to collaborative sign-writing and more misadventures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rachel’s Buttercup Problem ([10:48]–[52:47])

Setting the Scene ([10:48]–[14:27])

• Rachel (alias, 40, Northern New England/"New Hampshire") introduces her mother "Buttercup", beloved but increasingly "eccentric," especially in grandparenthood.
• The question: How to curb Buttercup’s habit of scant clothing and public urination, which is being mimicked by her grandkid—Rachel’s son.

“Peeing Outside” Dilemma ([14:27]–[24:00])

• Jake and Gareth riff on how boys love to pee outside, and commiserate on the challenges of teaching public/private rules.
• Jake’s “hog in/out of the barn” rule:

  “If someone can see your hog, put it back in the barn.” (Jake, [15:13])

• Rachel’s challenge: It’s hard to enforce rules on the kid when Granny herself is a bad example.

Buttercup’s Style and Behaviors ([17:04]–[20:43])

• Buttercup’s wardrobe: “sports bra and underwear” for forest hikes, gardening, daily life.
• She reportedly “pees wherever she wants,” even when public restrooms are available.

Family Dynamics & Buttercup’s Legacy ([20:50]–[23:56])

• Buttercup has always been “wild card,” but her quirks have “blossomed” with age.
• Rachel’s friend: “I have a crush on Buttercup”—a fact that thoroughly disgusts Rachel.

Tactical Advice & Bits ([23:56]–[32:04])

• Primary advice: Honest but gentle boundaries. E.g.,

  “Buttercup, your grandkids are getting in trouble at school for peeing outside and saying they do it because you do. Can you help out and model the right behavior... until they’re older?”
  (Jake, [24:01])

• Escalating bits:
  • Fake school voicemails or emails (from “headmistress”) reporting grandchild’s behavior.
  • Staging a “snake scare” based on Buttercup’s phobia (“urine attracts snakes”).
  • High-jinks with fake security guards or planted wildlife.

Bringing in Pam Reynolds – The Matriarchal Perspective ([32:41]–[52:04])

• Gareth’s mum, Pam Reynolds, attends the Zoom to consult as a fellow “elderly outdoor peer.”
• Pam recounts being punished by her father for peeing in the garden—a formative experience, but:

  “Now I’m old. I go anywhere, anywhere.” (Pam, [37:07])

Intervention Strategies Play-Acted ([39:01]–[44:28])

• Jake, Gareth, Rachel, and Pam simulate the “tough conversation” with Buttercup.
• Pam: “It’s not nice for your son to learn a nasty habit from me. I’ll absolutely do my best...”
• Rachel predicts Buttercup would deflect but likely comply if approached directly.

Crafting the “Headmistress” Voicemail ([47:04]–[51:17])

• Pam delivers a surprisingly convincing, gently chiding voicemail as a preschool director, for Rachel to play for Buttercup.

  “It seems [your grandson is] weeing outside ... and he told us that his grandmother, Buttercup, he’s learned from her…We don’t find it acceptable behavior.” (Pam, [49:34])

Outcome and Next Steps

• Rachel is thrilled: “This is perfect.” Plans to use the recording and follow up.
• If the bit works, they urge Rachel to record Buttercup's real reaction.

2. Nina’s Bathroom Window Saga ([55:49]–[70:31])

The Issue ([55:49]–[57:51])

• Nina (from Cape Town)—calls back to update previous advice about her neighbor’s bathrooms with see-through glass, where she regularly witnesses neighbors “going to the loo.”

Nina’s Investigation ([57:51]–[62:00])

• Nina and her “housemate Daisy” manage an on-site tour courtesy of building workers, confirming the glass is technically “frosted,” but still reveals enough for privacy to be compromised—especially in the showers.

Solutions & Signage Brainstorm ([62:00]–[67:09])

• Jake & Gareth propose:
  • Posting rotating, cheeky signs (“If you can read this, I can see you dumping” / “What a view to watch you poo!” / “How’s your dump?”).
  • Sending anonymous flyers to Airbnb guests warning them of their visibility.

Nina’s Acceptance ([68:10]–[69:32])

• Nina leans toward accepting her new “spectator status”:

  “Maybe I just enjoy the show... I’ve done what I can.”

Memorable Bit ([71:07]–[71:18])

• Gareth’s dream:

  “I don’t want to watch people drop deuces. ... I want people to watch me drop deuces. That’s all I want.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If someone can see your hog, put it back in the barn.” – Jake ([15:13])
• “I want to watch a documentary called Buttercup’s Garden.” – Jake ([21:33])
• “She has a garden, and when she has to pee, she just, like, pees. She pees wherever she wants and she thinks that’s fine.” – Rachel ([19:04])
• “Now I’m old. I go anywhere, anywhere.” – Pam Reynolds ([37:07])
• “If a policeman came up and wanted to give me a ticket for doing it... that would be the most effective.” – Pam ([44:28])
• Pam’s in-character school voicemail: “We find it a little concerning that [grandchild] seems to be weeing outside ... he told us that his grandmother, Buttercup, he’s learned from her. …We don’t find it acceptable behavior.” ([49:34])
• “What a view, to watch you poo!” – Jake/Gareth brainstorm, signage for Nina’s saga ([63:37])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [10:48] — Rachel introduces “Buttercup’s Garden” issue
• [14:27] — Boys peeing outside, household rules vs. society
• [17:04] — Buttercup’s eccentric attire and habits detailed
• [23:56] — Strategic advice: how to talk to Buttercup
• [32:41] — Pam Reynolds joins the call
• [39:01] — Role-playing the intervention with Pam
• [47:04] — Pam delivers “headmistress/director” voicemail
• [52:47] — Rachel’s plan: deploying the voicemail, next steps
• [55:49] — Nina checks back in: window-bathroom update
• [63:37] — Signage brainstorming: best voyeuristic slogans
• [68:10] — Nina’s acceptance speech: “enjoying the show”
• [71:07] — Gareth’s dream of being watched on the toilet

Episode Tone & Style

• Language: Direct, frank, irreverently playful; plenty of banter and familial teasing.
• Vibe: A blend of heartfelt, practical advice and ridiculous comic scenarios, always with warmth and camaraderie.

Takeaways

• For Families: When an eccentric parent’s quirks are starting to influence grandkids, clear boundaries—delivered with empathy and humor—are more effective than confrontation or shaming.
• For Listeners: Sometimes, accepting life’s absurdities (“the view to watch you poo!”) is the healthiest path—after you’ve done everything reasonable.
• For Comedy Fans: This episode is peak “We’re Here to Help,” with improv games, multigenerational wisdom, and classic running gags delivered at breakneck (and sometimes brazen) speed.

A hallmark episode celebrating familial weirdness, the limits of behavioral intervention, and the enduring bonds of laughter—whether in the garden or the hallway.