You Betcha Radio – Surviving a New Job W/ Charlie Berens

Date: May 11, 2026
Guests: Myles (You Betcha Guy), Ryan, Tyler, Jerrod, Charlie Berens

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the challenges and comedic realities of starting a new job, especially in the trades, bringing in special guest Charlie Berens. The group offers both earnest and hilarious advice for “Bricklis Cage,” a listener transitioning from shop welding to residential remodeling. The episode is rich with relatable Midwest banter, workplace wisdom, and classic You Betcha humor, peppered with a few fun facts and irreverent tangents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Advice for Starting a New Job in the Trades

• Main Advice from Charlie Berens:

  • The biggest key is to listen rather than rush to prove yourself. Rather than looking around for ways to impress, absorb what more experienced coworkers are actually asking you to do.
  • Quote (Charlie Berens, 00:37):

    "When you start a new job, you want to prove yourself, so you're anxious to prove yourself, and you're not listening. You're just like—you're looking for things you can do while someone's telling you what would actually be helpful if you did, you know."

  • Be present and patient: Focus on being in the moment, listening, and not worrying too much about immediately making your mark.

• Reflection on Personal Experience:

  • Charlie jokes about missing jokes on the podcast early on because he was too busy trying to prove himself instead of just listening.

    "If I just listened to you when I started doing this podcast, I wouldn't have missed so many jokes, you know?" (Charlie, 01:06)

2. "Work Favors" as Icebreakers

• Humorous suggestion from the group:

  • Bring “work favors” to a new job site, just as you'd bring party favors to a birthday party. Ideas include kazoos, Chinese finger traps, yo-yos, stickers, temp tattoos, or even “a shooter for the road.”

    “Really, by good faith. Kazoos, Chinese finger traps. Chinese finger traps, yo yos, stickers, tattoos. Maybe a little bottle of Jerg. You know, maybe a shooter for the road.” (Myles, 01:42)

• Purpose:

  • This is a tongue-in-cheek way to warm up to the crew and “get in the good graces with the guys.” The gang jokes about how hard it is for seasoned crews to welcome a new person, but that little gestures (even if silly) can help.

3. The "Starfish" Workplace Analogy

• Extended metaphor by Charlie:

  • Charlie introduces a confusing but comical “starfish” analogy about acclimating to a new job. Essentially, “starfishing” means existing on the periphery—being there but not overreaching—until your presence is accepted.
    • “You're just one with the ocean. Then the guys, eventually they'll be comfortable with you around.” (Charlie, 03:44)

• The group banters about what “starfishing” actually means, veering into various jokes about what it doesn't mean (including a mature, tongue-in-cheek nod).

4. Midwest Banter & Comedic Tangents

• Ongoing throughout:

  • The hosts riff about bad analogies, peanut butter fun facts, boxer briefs, and church traditions. These moments are packed with gentle ribbing, playful teasing, and regional in-jokes.

• Memorable exchange:

  • “Why am I being mean? Am I being mean to him?” (Charlie, 05:19)
  • “He does this when he doesn't want to be on the podcast anymore.” (Myles, 05:22)
  • Charlie claims his boxers are riding up, becoming a bit about instituting a “boxer adjustment break,” which turns into a group joke about church "Peace be with you" time answering the same purpose.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Starting a Job:

  "Just go in, show up, do good work. Don't get greedy." (Charlie, 00:27)

• On Listening:

  "Some I have a hard time with some days. Other days better, you know…" (Charlie, 00:59)

• On New Workplace Dynamics:

  "You don't have time for new friends...you're automatically not going to be sure about this guy." (Charlie, 02:05)

• On Midwest Humor:

  “That's why they do Peace be with you at church,” (Myles, 05:54)

• Mutual Teasing:

  "This is a safe space. You can do one of these [adjust your boxers]." (Myles, 05:38)

Key Timestamps and Segments

• [00:00 – 01:23]: Listener question: advice for a new job in the trades; Charlie’s main advice about listening and being present.
• [01:23 – 02:05]: Discussion about breaking the ice with “work favors.”
• [02:05 – 04:06]: Introduction and deep-dive into the “starfish” metaphor and how to acclimate at a new workplace.
• [04:12 – 06:22]: Fun facts, playful banter about peanut butter, question quality, and a tangent on boxer adjustment breaks with the church connection.
• [06:10 – End]: Wrapping up, mutual teases, Patreon plug (content section ends before ad content).

Episode Takeaways

• Practical wisdom for new jobs: Listen first, don’t rush to prove yourself, and let relationships build naturally.
• Humor as a tool: Midwest workplaces (and podcasts) thrive on breaking the ice, whether with jokes or goofy gestures.
• Banter and camaraderie: Even serious advice is delivered with a lot of laughs, pokes, and authentic Midwest energy.

This episode is quintessential “You Betcha Radio” – heartfelt advice for real-life situations, delivered with humility, self-deprecation, and a lot of laughs. Perfect for anyone navigating the awkwardness of a new workplace, or just needing a hearty Midwest chuckle.