Podcast Summary: "We Made It Weird #213" with Pete Holmes

Introduction

In episode #213 of "We Made It Weird with Pete Holmes," released on April 11, 2025, host Pete Holmes and his co-host Valerie dive deep into their recent vacation experiences, sharing candid reflections, humorous anecdotes, and insightful discussions about personal growth and interpersonal dynamics. Skipping the usual advertisements and introductory banter, the episode focuses on the complexities and unexpected moments of their trip, intertwining themes of personality types, resilience, and relationship dynamics.

Meeting a Fan at the Airport

The episode opens with Pete reminiscing about an encounter with a dedicated fan, Laura, at the airport. Valerie shares the charming interaction where Laura recognized them despite their absence due to vacation.

• Valerie [00:30]: "It's really funny. Yeah, it's mostly in the second half. I mean, I think you're gonna wanna hear it. It's really funny."

• Pete [00:56]: "But she was right. We weren't. We didn't do an episode. Cause we were. And we're back. And we're happy to be back."

This meeting sets a positive tone, highlighting the unexpected yet delightful moments that can occur even amidst travel chaos.

White Lotus Spoiler Alert

Before delving into their vacation stories, Pete and Valerie briefly touch upon a mild spoiler related to the popular series "White Lotus." They discuss how the podcast subtly references the show without giving away major plot points.

• Pete [01:02]: "And I think there is a mild. Mild. Very mild. Vague. White Lotus spoiler in this episode."

This acknowledgment serves to connect with listeners familiar with the series while maintaining the integrity of the spoiler-free experience.

Enneagram and Personality Types

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the Enneagram, a personality typing system. Valerie expresses her deep engagement with the Enneagram, identifying herself as a Type Nine (the Peacemaker), while Pete identifies as a Type Three (the Achiever) with influences of Type Four (the Individualist).

• Valerie [09:50]: "I am thinking about it constantly. I'm. I feel like I'm the one that's always bringing it up and. You are."

• Pete [10:32]: "If you guys don't know what the Enneagram is, that's. It's. You've picked a random episode to jump in here. But it's a person. It's nine personality types..."

Their discussion highlights how understanding personality types can influence group dynamics, especially when facing challenges during a trip.

Vacation Mishaps in Mexico

The core of the episode delves into the duo's vacation in Mexico, marked by a series of unexpected and often humorous mishaps. From navigational errors to environmental challenges, Pete and Valerie recount their experiences with a mix of frustration and laughter.

1. Ocean Adventures and Lost Sunglasses

   • Pete [32:37]: "I go full moana in those moments. What do I mean? What do I mean by that?"

   • Valerie [34:07]: "I remember this."

   While attempting to enjoy the ocean, Valerie accidentally lost her sunglasses in the tumultuous waters. Pete's "full moana" response underscores his whimsical approach to adversity, turning a stressful moment into a lighthearted memory.

2. Handling Strong Winds and Seaweed

   The relentless wind and abundant seaweed posed significant challenges, making simple beach activities arduous.

   • Pete [50:08]: "We heard a lot about wind. It's dark and it's windy, but I'm like, that's fine."

   Despite the difficulties, they navigated through slippery steps and sharp coral, illustrating their resilience and ability to find humor in frustrating situations.

3. Injuries and Unexpected Incidents

   Valerie describes how a fun moment turned chaotic when Leela, their daughter, ended up with swollen hands after interacting with an anthill.

   • Valerie [57:30]: "She puts her hand in an ant hill."

   Pete empathizes with the ordeal, relating it to personal experiences and emphasizing the unpredictable nature of travel with family.

Coping Strategies: "Pull the Goalie"

A pivotal moment in the episode is the introduction of the "pull the goalie" strategy, inspired by a discussion on resilience and handling group dynamics during crises.

• Pete [66:38]: "My strategy in this situation where a lot of things are going goofy is pull the goalie, meaning it's more vulnerable. Like, it could go bad. Like, it could make things worse, it could hurt people's feelings..."

• Valerie [68:13]: "But what I was going to say is, what I learned from you is actually the. The best way we could have turned it around was calling it early on, hold the goalie and being like, the. These things are shitty."

This metaphor serves as a framework for addressing and acknowledging problems head-on rather than suppressing them, fostering a healthier group dynamic and enhancing collective problem-solving.

Lessons Learned and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Pete and Valerie reflect on the importance of communication, honesty, and adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges. They discuss how naming and addressing issues as they arise can prevent resentment and foster a more positive environment.

• Pete [68:05]: "I remember the good parts now. Now I think of that trip as, like, Yeah. I remember there are things I didn't like, but I also remember that it was a good trip. I'm glad I went."

• Valerie [69:59]: "And the. The thing that is required that I think is really hard for a lot of people and was hard for me, is that in order to pull the defense, you have to pull the goalie. You first have to go, we're losing. And we're actually likely to lose this game. Yeah. And that is the hardest thing to admit."

Their candid admissions underscore the complexities of maintaining harmony within a group while also addressing individual frustrations and challenges.

Conclusion

Episode #213 of "We Made It Weird with Pete Holmes" offers listeners an engaging blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions about navigating the unpredictable nature of travel and relationships. Through their shared experiences in Mexico, Pete and Valerie exemplify the delicate balance between maintaining positivity and addressing underlying issues, providing valuable insights into personal growth and effective communication.

Notable Quotes

• Valerie [09:50]: "I am thinking about it constantly. I'm. I feel like I'm the one that's always bringing it up and. You are."

• Pete [66:38]: "My strategy in this situation where a lot of things are going goofy is pull the goalie, meaning it's more vulnerable. Like, it could go bad."

• Pete [68:05]: "I remember the good parts now. Now I think of that trip as, like, Yeah. I remember that it was a good trip. I'm glad I went."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode, highlighting themes of self-awareness, strategic problem-solving, and reflective gratitude.

Final Thoughts

"We Made It Weird #213" masterfully intertwines humor with heartfelt reflections, offering listeners not just entertainment but also meaningful lessons on handling life's unpredictabilities. Pete Holmes and Valerie's genuine rapport and openness make this episode a relatable and enriching listen for anyone navigating the complexities of travel, relationships, and personal growth.