Bullying, Mr. Softee, and Quitting a Job

Welcome to a vintage episode of the Brand X Podcast! Originally broadcast on May 18, 2016, this episode is packed with classic storytelling, candid conversations, and a dose of nostalgia. Hosts John Jamingo and Deuce kick things off with a look back at their week – including John’s fun guest stint on another comedy podcast.

This week, the guys get real about quitting jobs, tough boss decisions, and the complicated etiquette around giving notice – complete with personal tales from both sides of the employer-employee divide. They reminisce about the childhood thrill of chasing down the Mr. Softee ice cream truck, funny mailbox mishaps, and how those carefree days compare to raising children today.

The conversation then takes a thought-provoking turn into the world of bullying—then versus now—as John and Deuce discuss old-school playground justice, the changing definition of bullying, and a new approach in Wisconsin that aims to hold parents accountable for their kids’ bad behavior.

Rounding out the episode is a lively discussion on the quirks of American politics, with theories about the Clintons, presidential primaries, and a few wild news stories—including Yoko Ono’s surprising claim about Hillary Clinton. Along the way, they keep things light with sidebar stories, plenty of laughs, and genuine rapport that shows why Brand X is a listener favorite.

Settle in for a trip down memory lane, some serious talk, and plenty of laughs as the Brand X crew brings you their unfiltered take on everything from quitting jobs to ice cream memories, bullying, and beyond.

- [00:00:05] Introduction and vintage episode setup

- [00:00:32] Banter about Seattle weather and Three is Comedy Podcast

- [00:01:43] News of the week and podcast recording stories

- [00:02:08] Nephew’s dilemma about quitting a job without notice

- [00:03:40] Employer/employee relationships and quitting etiquette

- [00:05:10] Younger employees' attitudes toward work and references

- [00:09:33] Managing employees and firing experiences

- [00:09:58] Mr. Softee topic: Jingle composer’s passing and ice cream truck memories

- [00:13:13] Childhood ice cream stories and mailbox prank

- [00:16:24] Mailman’s reaction to melted banana split prank

- [00:18:26] Discussion: Wisconsin fining parents for kids’ bullying

- [00:20:33] Bullying definitions and changes over time

- [00:21:50] Is there an upside to bullying? Handling bullies growing up

- [00:23:44] Childhood fights, standing up to bullies, and personal anecdotes

- [00:30:18] Bullying now: group dynamics and modern issues

- [00:31:47] Role of families and parenting changes in bullying

- [00:33:13] Parenting styles, helicopter parents, and letting kids grow up

- [00:34:37] Podcast promo break: Classy Little Podcast

- [00:36:41] Politics: Discussion of Hillary Clinton, Trump, Bernie Sanders, and elections

- [00:41:11] Trump’s business-government conflicts and government contracts

- [00:43:08] Halliburton, government work, and conflict of interest

- [00:44:03] Election scenarios: independent runs and youth vote

- [00:45:16] Primary voting age and debate about 18 vs. 21

- [00:49:25] Primary scheduling, state rights, caucuses vs. primaries

- [00:52:00] How caucuses work, Democratic vs. Republican process

- [00:53:36] Superdelegates, party control, and election frustration

- [00:55:02] Kennedy-Nixon debate, media influence, and visual politics

- [00:56:03] Populism, Bernie Sanders’ support, and superdelegates

- [00:57:21] 1992 election, Ross Perot, and electoral consequences

- [00:57:38] Listener feedback, podcast recommendations, and in-jokes

- [00:58:34] Returning to topic: Yoko Ono and Hillary Clinton rumor

- [01:00:32] Yoko Ono's press statement about Hillary Clinton

- [01:03:06] Yoko Ono’s age, history with Lennon, and Double Fantasy album

- [01:05:44] Yoko Ono’s origins with the Beatles breakup

- [01:06:53] Wrapping up: Editing the podcast and closing remarks