We're Here to Help

Episode 249: Dr Big Sack & Margaritaville Jr
Hosts: Jake Johnson & Gareth Reynolds
Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In episode 249 of "We're Here to Help," hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds return for another round of their signature blend of dubious advice, camaraderie, and bit-heavy banter. The episode features lively discussions on community vasectomies, workplace etiquette with an unaware "Dr. Big Sack," creative shed use, and a heartwarming follow-up from a listener dealing with disability-related stigma. True to form, the show's tone blends earnest attempts at problem-solving with a heavy dose of comedy, self-deprecation, and running inside jokes.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Community Vasectomy Initiative ("Vasectomy Madness")

Timestamps: 00:31 – 09:18

• The hosts discuss a surge of interest from listeners wanting to become "vasectomy brothers" with Gareth—a playful, if slightly unhinged, community effort to network men undergoing vasectomies around the same time as Gareth.
• Listener Engagement: 14 men and counting have signed up within 24 hours—prompting the idea for a March event tied to "March Madness" (a common time for such procedures due to televised sports).
• Listener Feedback: Women express gratitude for men taking responsibility in contraception, especially in the context of post-Roe v. Wade America.
• Jake and Gareth brainstorm giving out commemorative hats reading "Don't Boo Snip" to those who participate and send in proof/voice notes.
• A resident urologist listener volunteers to offer advice and join the special episode.
• Quote:
  • Jake: "Men are so mad about all this, then get snipped." [03:43]
  • Gareth: "This community is good, but I mean, way more ambitious...the idea that we can make like a vasectomy day..." [05:55]
• Action Item: Listeners are encouraged to join the mass vasectomy, send before-and-after voice notes, and aim for a goal of 50 participants.

2. Caller: Vicki & "Dr. Big Sack"—How to Address an Unintentional Wardrobe Issue ([13:05]–[40:29])

Background

Vicki (32, NY) calls in about a male pediatrician in her largely female office whose overly tight scrubs and costumes routinely display his anatomy ("sack on full display") to colleagues and sometimes patients.

Key Points

• The doctor is completely oblivious; concern exists for how this looks to parents and the potential for discomfort or HR issues.
• The hosts clarify boundaries: Nothing HR-violation-worthy (no actual skin), just very obvious bulging and occasional odd costume choices.
• The dilemma: How to alert a sensitive, sheltered, and "unaware" male coworker to his wardrobe malfunctions without shaming or overstepping?

Advice & Solutions

• Jake and Gareth pitch several comedic and practical solutions:
  • An anonymous comment box or a voicemail system where "concerned parents" leave (fake) messages about the visibility issue.
  • Natalie, from the show's team, improvises a series of sample complaint voicemails that Vicki could use to broach the subject with the doctor, choosing tones from gentle concern to comedic bluntness.
  • Decision: Vicki, in her administrative capacity, could send a single, low-stakes anonymous voicemail to the doctor around a particularly bad "sack day," ideally right before a holiday break.
• Sample "Complaint" Quote:
  • Natalie (sample voicemail): "When we were there, unfortunately we saw doctor Testicles outlined through his pants. I think they're just too tight...maybe he can get some new pants." [26:53]
• The team rehearses potential in-person and text-message deliveries, emphasizing brevity, discretion, and plausible deniability.
• Notable Moment:
  • Jake requests that Vicki wait for a "bad sack day," send the message before a holiday, and then allow a cooling-off period:
    Gareth: "Send it Friday, late in the afternoon. So you've got two days away from this situation." [38:41]

3. Caller: Stephen – Transforming a Shed into Margaritaville Jr or Swamp Bar ([46:00]–[59:53])

Background

Stephen (29, South Louisiana) and his wife just bought a house. He has permission to 'go crazy' decorating a backyard shed and considers a rainforest/gorilla cave theme, inspired by Jake's own decorative eccentricities. He’s a former bartender at Margaritaville and is torn between a swamp bar and a faux Margaritaville.

Discussion & Ideas

• Jake leans into the swamp theme, suggesting cajun-esque touches, fake alligators, and "Swamp Forest Café" vibes, while Gareth offers practical tips (solar lighting, extension cords).
• They pivot to Stephen's enthusiasm for Margaritaville, suggesting a full themed recreation, dubbed "Margaritaville Jr," complete with sky-painted ceilings and tiki bar features.
• Quote:
  • Jake: "If you recreate a Margaritaville in your backyard and you really spend time on it and it looks great, that's a massive win." [56:38]
  • Gareth: "...you paint the ceiling like the sky. There's a lot that can be done here. It is a little tiki themed anyway." [56:53]
• The hosts encourage Stephen to document the transformation, promising to help contact Margaritaville PR if the project proves impressive, and to throw a “shed-warming” party.
• Stephen signs off with a strong Cajun accent at Jake's request, delivering a personalized comedic roast of the hosts.

4. Follow-Up Caller: Laura – The "Stink Eye" Hat and Owning Disability ([60:12]–[72:39])

Background

Laura, a past caller with advanced rare cancer, follows up on her adventures with the custom "Easy There, Stinka" hat (from ep 217) meant to help her handle airport/queue judgment for needing extra time and mobility assistance.

Key Moments

• Laura shares that she now travels weekly for a clinical trial, using the hat and sometimes a kazoo to deflect or diffuse social awkwardness—successfully scaring off “stink eye” rather than seeking sympathy.
• She candidly discusses how the hat boosted her confidence and used its message in grocery stores with mobility scooters.
• The hosts brainstorm ways to further "own" the experience, encouraging Laura to embrace a "biker gang" motif: leather jackets, fingerless gloves, funny patches, goggles, scooter horn, and switchblade combs.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Jake: "If all of a sudden I'm at a grocery store...and I see her in a very Fonzie-style leather jacket with cool ass gloves and some shades that say 'Easy There, Stink Eye'...I'm moving to the side and I'm going, the road's for you and your hog." [67:11]
  • Gareth: "What's great ... you're just trying to enjoy the things that you feel people are judging you for and make them fun for yourself." [67:56]
• Laura promises photo and video updates with her friend Mary’s help; Jake and Gareth encourage future appearances—potentially even involving tattoos.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the vasectomy project:
  • Jake: “If we can get 50 men to do it, that's a hell of a community.” [07:09]
• On Dr. Big Sack:
  • Gareth (on anonymous parent voice notes): "I was wondering why the doctor has a bulge." [21:16]
• On Laura's airport strategy:
  • Laura: “This hat has just given me, like, superpowers...I feel more confident.” [65:11]
• On the spirit of the show:
  • Jake: “A lot of people think this show’s stupid.... Our question to those people is, you think this is stupid? We fixed a real problem with kids.” [39:33]
• On creative living:
  • Jake: “If you recreate a Margaritaville in your backyard...that’s a massive win.” [56:38]
• On embracing difference:
  • Gareth: “You’re just trying to enjoy the things that you feel people are judging you for and make them fun for yourself.” [67:56]

Structure & Tone

The episode flows with Jake and Gareth’s signature blend: sincere attempts at problem-solving, running bits, and warmth toward their audience. They tackle awkward real-life issues (medical responsibility, workplace etiquette, social stigma) with a mixture of earnestness, absurdity, and friendship that makes advice surprisingly usable—and distinctly entertaining.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Vasectomy Community Segment: 00:31–09:18
• Vicki & Dr. Big Sack Problem: 13:05–40:29
• Stephen & Margaritaville Jr. Shed: 46:00–59:53
• Laura/Stink Eye Hat Follow-up: 60:12–72:39

Conclusion

Episode 249 showcases "We're Here to Help" at its best: irreverent, unexpectedly heartfelt, and creative in both its advice and community-building efforts. Listeners are left with tangible plans—from an epic March vasectomy event to a "shed-warming" Margaritaville, and a biker-gang-themed affirmation of living boldly in the face of adversity.