1301 – Vermont Today | Dreaming of Newhart S2E20

Episode 1301 – Vermont Today | Dreaming of Newhart Season 2 Episode 20

 

[START OF RECORDING]

 

SCOOTER: Friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time for the podcaster who’s coming at you…well, actually, that’s incorrect. I may be…I’m not…believe it or not, I think that might be…it’s been a while since I recorded an episode, so I apologize. If you’re new or…I will not be coming at you or anywhere…I don't know why that popped in my head. I guess I’m out of form. So, I guess if you accept my…I’m not coming at you, but if I was, I would be…it would be…it would not be like a wild horse. Now I’m like, I know I’ve used that as an intro before when the song was actually relevant, which is wild.

 

I’ve been doing this podcast long enough that I haven't listened…or that song…which may be a Katy Perry song? It may not be. That’s how long it’s been to somebody…like, three years? Well, three years is a long time in sleep…I would guess that’s…no, I’d say that’s 2015. Well, let’s look…oh, I’m trying to just barely open a sleep podcast. I think it’s not ‘Wild Horse’, either. It’s ‘Dark Horse’. I’ll be moving…I will not be moving like a horse or coming at you unless you were…unless it was a situation where you called a horse over and you wanted to pat them on the nose and maybe do some…like, they were gonna nuzzle your hand or something. But I don't even want to put that, 'cause I’m not horse-like.

 

I’m more of…I mean, you could probably figure it out. My brain already said, no, no, you’re like…what are those other terms? It’s not a mule. It’s a three-letter word for ‘mule’ or something. I’d say, yeah, that’s my style, slow and steady and good on turns, reliable. I’m here…in a sense, I finally got to the correct metaphor, 'cause I’m here to take your burdens, whatever’s keeping you from getting some sleep, and to carry them, in a sense, to distract you from the fact they’re there, to keep you company in the deep, dark night. So, if you’re new, I’m really glad you’re here. This show is very different. This isn't the first episode where I’ve…the majority of episodes involve some sort of tangential mistake like this. So, I’m glad you’re here. This is a podcast that’s very different.

 

It’s here to keep you company in the deep, dark night, take your mind off of stuff so you could fall asleep. I’m glad you’re here, and I’ll explain more of the structure. But right now we’ve got some support so paying for this podcast is an optional thing — most people choose to listen to this ad-supported version — then a long, meandering intro meant to ease you into bedtime, and then later on we’ll be talking about our coverage of Dreaming of Newhart. So, I’m really glad you’re here. I work really hard. I yearn and I strive. I really hope I can help you fall asleep. Thanks again for coming by, and here’s a couple ways we’re able to do it for you twice a week.

 

INTRO: [INTRO MUSIC] Hey, are you up all night tossing, turning, mind racing? Trouble getting to sleep? Trouble staying asleep? Well, welcome. This is Sleep With Me, the podcast that puts you to sleep. We do it with a bedtime story. Alls you need to do is get in bed, turn out the lights, and press Play. I’m gonna do the rest. What I’m going to attempt to do is create a safe place where you could set aside whatever’s keeping you awake. It could be thoughts, things on your mind that you’re thinking about, thoughts about the the past, the present, the future, thinking thoughts, it could be feelings, anything emotionally coming up for you related to those thoughts or left over from the day or feelings that are coming up.

 

It could be physical sensations, it could be changes in time, temperature, routine, you could be going through something, you could be getting over something, you could be…travel, changes in schedule, work schedule, guests, anything. Right now for me, I’ve actually finally returned home after…well, yeah, and this is my…last night was my second night at home in quite some time, and you could probably hear it in my voice. But I really slept good finally being in my bed with my regular…I was also very tired, too, but it’s nice to be home in my own bed with my own sleep routine. But the only reason I list all that stuff or even talk about my sleep is so you know you’re not alone, so you feel seen, maybe.

 

You say, okay, this is someone who maybe could get it, because my experience has been that not a lot of people can get it. They’re a little bit dismissive or they don’t quite understand what it feels like to have trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep, or waking up too early or whatever it is. This is a podcast where I get it. I might not know exactly what you’re going through, but I could probably relate to it. We’re together alone here. Even if I can't relate to it, enough people listening around the world or enough people are listening around the world that someone listening right now, they’re kinda perking up in bed; they have a nice, welcoming look on their face, and they are really glad you’re here.

 

They’ve been holding a place for you because they can relate to exactly how you feel, or pretty close to it, and they are so glad you’re here. This isn't something I make up. I hear from people all the time. They hope this podcast can work for you. It doesn't work for everybody…but that it can be the thing that…like it was for them. They say, wow, I was…I didn’t know I was searching for something like this my whole life, but it really helped me. Or a temporary listener…oh, it really helped me through that time. They hope that this could be the show that does it for you. Now, by the way, if it doesn't, we have a website set up; sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou, that has other sleep podcasts and sleepy stuff on there. So if you don’t like the show or it doesn't work out, check out that website. So, that’s one thing.

 

What else do you need to know? Oh, also, you deserve a good night's sleep. You deserve a bedtime where you could get the rest you need, a place where you could get comfortable, a bedtime you could feel neutral about or even look forward to, where, yeah, you’re not…without any rigmarole so that your life is more manageable. When you get the sleep you need, your life is better, and that’s why I make the show. So, I’m really glad you’re here. A few things to know other than what I listed; this podcast, it does take some getting used to. Most people get here…they’re skeptical, they’re doubtful, they’re like, is this thing even gonna work? Or you heard about it…and now it’s not traditionally soothing, right? You say, when are you gonna get to the point? How does this work? Well, I send my voice across the deep, dark night.

 

I use lulling, soothing, creaky, dulcet tones and pointless meanders, which means my voice is not traditionally soothing. It’s more distracting and friendly, and I don't tell a traditional bedtime story. I’m here talking, meandering. Later on we’ll kinda have something that’s a little bit interesting, talking about dreams and Newhart, and it’s something that’s mildly distracting, barely entertaining, friendly banter, mundane, boring. Those are words that don’t quite fit 'cause I hear from people, but best words I can give it…but it’s kinda meant to be something you could barely listen to like TV on in the other room. But if you’ve been searching for something to help you fall asleep and you’ve been looking for a while, you probably are frustrated, right?

 

Or if you’ve been…you found this podcast through a search or somebody recommended it and now you’re checking it out, alls I can say is give it a few tries. That’s what a lot of people have said that are regular listeners of the show; at first I didn’t like it, at first I didn’t get it. I say, that makes sense. Why wouldn't you be skeptical if you’ve had trouble sleeping like I have or if you’ve tried a bunch of stuff. Or you say, what is this…? I thought you were gonna…I thought this was the Katy Perry…the worst Katy Perry podcast in the history of the world. I say, well…I mean, it probably is one of the categories we’d fit into. I think the worst one would probably be…but…oh, 'cause…I did look up Dark Horse. It came out in 2013. So, I was two…it actually came out before the podcast…this podcast started getting released.

 

But that means I probably listened to it in 2015. So, that’s interesting. What else do you need to know? It’s a podcast…most people don’t like it when they get here. Some people loathe it. It’s a podcast you listen to kinda like background noise or chatter in the other room, so it’s something…yeah, you kinda…it’s just out of focus. You can listen to it but you don’t need to listen to it. It also doesn't put you to sleep. This is a podcast, a sleep podcast, that’s been around for over ten years. It isn't here so much to put you to sleep. There’s no pressure to fall asleep with Sleep With Me. That’s the reason the episodes are over an hour, is because I’m here to keep you company and take your mind off of stuff, and then you just fall asleep. Or if you can't sleep, I’m here to barely entertain you, to keep you company.

 

I’m here to be your bore-friend, your bore-bae, your bore-sib, your bore-bud, your neigh-bore, your Borbie, your bores, your bore-buh…I don't know, I forget some of the ones. Neigh-bore, Borbie, bore-bor, bore-bruh, bore-bestie f’eva. I’m here to be your friend in the deep, dark night to keep you company so you could fall asleep. Or if you wake up, you say, okay, at least I got my bore-friend to listen to. Because there are people listening who can't fall asleep at all, and I’m here to keep them company just like I’m here to keep you company. So, a podcast you don’t listen to, most people don’t like it, not really here to put you to sleep, here to keep…you’ll wake up; you’ll be like, I have no idea what he was talking about other than him looking up the article about Katy Perry, Dark Horse.

 

It was…it went into production…Juicy J was also on the song’s intro and the rapped bridge. She’s kinda saying, hey…it was…the song was part of a competition sponsored online. It was number one in Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, and the US. It reached Top 10 in almost twenty countries. It was also in the genre of trap music, which unfortunately I have to look up 'cause I don't quite understand. It’s a subgenre of hip-hop from the southern US. Lyrical references to trap start in 1991. Let’s see, I can't go into too many details. Simple, rhythmic, and minimalistic production, synthesized drums with complex high-hat patterns, snare drums, bass drums, and some tuned to something similar to the Roland TR-808 drum machine. Yeah, you can read more about it. So, that’s Dark Horse; 2013, not 2015.

 

I don't know…I know I used that in an intro probably in 2015 to 2020, somewhere…two to eight years after a song comes out; that’s usually when it’s on my radar. Where was my point? Oh, a pod…oh, what other bad news do I have to give you if you’re new other than it takes some time to get used to, other than the structure’s different, other than I go off topic, I never get to the point…? Oh, the structure of the show also throws people off, so I’ll explain to you the structure of the show, why it’s structured the way it is, and kinda how you can adjust it. So, the show starts off…all our shows nowadays start off with a greeting; friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and then I say something pointless or silly so you feel seen and welcomed in.

 

You say, okay, that’s a podcast I could check out. I kinda…I don't know, it’s somewhat…sounds like, not bad, so maybe I’ll check it out. I don't know, I just feel like when I just said, ‘sounds like, not bad’, I sounded like Greg from…I can't say that word…Succession, but not…only a embodied…but I don't think I could get it back. I think it was more my verbal…or my way I was emoting with my hands, which you can't see 'cause I’m put…well, you could…unless I hit the mic by accident, but that would get edited out, anyway. Okay, so, the structure of the show starts off with a greeting…you feel seen and welcomed in. Then there’s sponsor support so the show could be free or paying for it is optional. Most people like listening to this sponsor-supported version linearly. But if you prefer something ad-free, you could get that on Sleep With Me+.

 

Then there’s a long, meandering intro separate from the support that’s about ten to twenty minutes long where I inefficiently explain what the podcast is, but I follow a familiar structure every time…every time I try to explain what the podcast is, and it takes me ten to twenty minutes. But every time I kinda go off topic or talk about something different or whatever. The intro isn't just to introduce the podcast. It’s to give you some…a buffer or a wind down to…a landing from the day, right? Because, I don't know, for most people, myself included, having a wind down or a bedtime routine is what really works. So, you could listen while you’re getting ready for bed, while you’re doing a chill activity, or while you’re in bed getting comfortable, while you’re winding down.

 

So, it’s the wind-down part of the show. The intro goes on and on and on to ease you into bedtime. If you prefer just the stories of the show, check out Bedtime Stories from Sleep With Me in all podcast apps. That just has stories from the show. Then there’s support, then there will be our bedtime story. Tonight will be a episode of Dreaming of Newhart, where we talk about Robert Hartley’s dreams. Robert Hartley was someone who dreamed of being a innkeeper in Vermont. So, we kinda go through what Robert’s dreams were, which were being an innkeeper in Vermont, famously portrayed in the TV show, Newhart. We kinda look into the dreams and then we talk about what Robert’s day or week was like as Robert Hartley, and usually we get a kick out of it 'cause it’s kinda like, after we’ve already analyzed the dreams, it’s pretty funny to hear what his regular week was like and to see…I think it’d be different structurally.

 

We’d be too…it’d be too front-loaded, right? We’d say, oh, Bob, that’s interesting you dreamed about that after your week was like that. So, it kinda…it’s kind of…I don't know, this is the structure we’ve been doing. Yeah, so, that’s the structure of the show. I kinda listed why I make the show. I’m really glad you’re here. I really appreciate you checking the show out and coming by. I work really hard on this podcast. So do a bunch of other people, and we really yearn and strive. We really hope we can help you fall asleep. Thanks again for coming by, and here’s a couple ways we’re able to do this for free twice a week.

 

Alright, Robert, come on in. Let’s sit down and go through…did you keep a journal of recurring dreams? I know we’ve set up these appointments now based on after you have one of these dreams or one of these repetitive dreams. So, do you want to run through things? Yeah, sure. Yeah, yeah, let’s run through it. I don't know if I’m actually enjoying this process, though, but I know I’ve committed to it. Yeah, Robert, I’m glad you’re here, and I know it can't be easy going through these dreams and your day, but I’m sure it’ll be fruitful if not for you, for someone else out there. Okay, well, if it’ll be helpful to somebody…so, this dream started with me. I was writing a book about glass-blowing and I was working on it. We were gonna eat, my wife and I, and…I had taken a book about glass-blowing, but I said…I wasn’t last night.

 

She said, I thought…why don’t you ever say ‘no’? You’re not interested in glass-blowing. I said, no, I like it, blowing your own ashtrays, candy bowls…and I didn’t even realize I was talking about glass-blowing animals, but it was mostly that she was saying I couldn't say ‘no’. Then Kirk came back from his honeymoon in Niagara Falls. He had gifts for us. One was for my wife; it was a snow globe of Valley Forge. I don't know if that has to do with…the Winter of Valley Forge, a authentic recreation. Strange gift, you know. It wasn’t a pleasant thing. I don't know Valley…and then a ‘I love Niagara Falls’ long-sleeved t-shirt for George. I was kinda in disbelief, both of us. Then Michael comes in, right? Michael Harris. Oh, he…we’ve never met him before, but I think I’ve had another dream with him in it where I knew him.

 

But this was the first time my wife was meeting him. He’s executive producer on Book Talk. I introduced him to my wife, Joanne. He compliments my wife in a very surface-based way. He says this is a professional call. I’ve got a new idea for a television show. I want you to be the host of it. He’s calling me Dick, right? My dream name, my dream wife, now my dream job. I don't say ‘no’. My wife’s, again, like, you never say ‘no’ about anything. But I don't want to do it. I was really good on Book Talk, a show they had me as a guest on. He says, just come on down. You don’t have to…you can say ‘no’ when you can. My wife says, why don’t you ever listen? So, we’re going…I’m trying to say ‘no’ and now everybody’s trying to get me to say ‘yes’. He says, what time do you want me to come…?

 

I say that; what time do you want me to come by? He says, anytime, but 3:30 works for me. Then Stephanie comes in, and her and Michael have never met, and they’re kind of awestruck at each other. Stephanie, Michael. Michael Harris, Stephanie Vanderkellen. How do you do? Michael’s the producer of a TV show, Book Talk. I’ve been a producer for three years and four days. Stephanie says, oh, are you married? She says, your wife and children must be proud of you. Not married. Interesting. Stephanie kinda works at the inn. She says, barely working. I have nights, afternoons, and weekends free. He asks her out for a Manhattan. She says, take me to Manhattan. I don't know, love at first sight. So, then he says, I’ll see you at 3:30. Then they set a date, then Michael heads out.

 

Stephanie’s very happy about meeting Michael. Everything I’ve been looking for, very good-looking, successful, young…can't believe it. She’s really…she says, suddenly my whole life is falling into place…meant to be. What was his name again, though? Then we go down to WPIV TV, Channel 8. There’s a woman cooking. They’re filming a cooking show, Pearl's Kitchen. As Michael’s giving me the tour, she’s filming her show. Or, it’s live. Chopped onions, carrots…she’s not happy about us talking while she’s filming her show, which is definitely unprofessional, and I’m the one that has to…Michael, she’s on the air. Pearl’s commenting on her show about people talking. Michael says, her show’s not important at all anyway. Don’t worry about it. She says, oh, don’t you two want any attention?

 

Can you come up here and help me? She calls me up on stage and I say, no, no, thank you, I’m just visiting. She goes, no, I want you to come up here now. So, again with this not-saying-no thing. She goes, come on, little chatterbox. Michael, talk to me…and I’m Dick Loudon, my dream name. Is this your first time in a television studio? She asked me. No, I’ve been here before. She goes, well, you should know to be quiet on the set when someone’s filming live, by the way, like a livestream. Sorry, I won't say another word. So, I didn’t plug my show; that’s what Michael said. Then she goes, darn, we’re outta time. She says she’s gonna throw bacon grease or something. This is afterwards; Pearl [inaudible]…and the next time someone disturbs Pearl's Kitchen…her whole set is on wheels, though, which was interesting.

 

So, they take down her set, and then we see my set, which is kinda homey, living room-like. It’s got ferns, and I know there’s a show, Between Two Ferns. There’s more than two ferns on my show, but not…I guess I am betwixt to ferns. The show is called Vermont Today. It’s gonna celebrate Vermont. Many fascinating things…I could interview college professors, authors…it’s gonna be a uptown show, Michael says. I say, well, that’s the kinda show I would like to watch, but I can't be bought. Michael, he sends me a offer. Well, this is what we’re talking about to start. I say, was that for a week? He goes, no, for a year. So, I didn’t realize there was no money in local television. But it’s gonna be a classy show. You’re a classy guy. We’ll do a classy show. Then they show the logo; Vermont Today, starring Dick Loudon.

 

I’m pretty impressed to see my name out there in big letters. Vermont Today, starring Dick Loudon, the kind of show every Vermonter could be proud of. It lights…they put the lights on it. It looks even better. What do you say? I’m like, well, now I’ll do it. I’m totally swept up in the moment. Then my wife and I are eating again together and she’s asking me a lot about the show. Alls I can remember is the logo. There’s a logo with my name, very big…my name is very big, honey, and Vermont Today. Everybody talks about…she keeps saying, classy. She goes, what about the guests? When is it on? I don't know any of the…I know nothing, how long a show is it, who’s gonna book the…? I don't know. I don't know how often. Every day, once a week?

 

I’m totally confused and I’m blinking a lot in the dream, blinking, blinking, blinking. How could you take this job if you don’t know anything about it? I say, I know everything about it. It’s Vermont Today starring Dick Loudon, interviewing people from Vermont. Who picks the guests? I don't know. Now I’m starting to get grouchy. She goes, well, why didn’t you find this out when you talked to Michael? When are you gonna see him again? Then Michael and Stephanie come in from a date. I say, oh wow, there’s a lucky thing. Michael, could I ask you a couple questions? They’re very happy. They went to a movie, but…then we drove together. Seems like we’re having a good time, isn't it? Yes, we’re very giggly. First date and all that, but we could talk about…a lot of people are superficial.

 

We were able to talk about sweaters for an hour and a half. We lost each other in our discussion about clothing. So, Stephanie leaves the room and she’s gonna change. Michael says, don’t change…don’t change too much. Stay the way you are. I say, hey, can you sit down? Joanne and I were talking about the show. There’s a couple details I missed. Oh, did you mention the logo and the sign? Yeah. No, no, no…but I don't know anything about the show, dude. Well, it’s a half-hour show, Sunday at 4:00. We got plenty of good people lined up, class on class; president of the University of Vermont, a very bright person, a sculptor…she sculpts with fish things. She makes fish sculptures. Sounds very classy. Stephanie comes down; leather on leather, all leather…Michael’s impressed.

 

Wait, Michael, when are we gonna be in touch? Don't worry, I’ll call you. Again, my wife is giving me a look about me being passive. Then it’s time to shoot our show. Then it’s the first day of filming and I meet the director. Are you nervous? No. Well, why are you wearing that coat? It’s gonna cause…it’s not gonna look good. I wish you wore a different coat. Don't worry about it. You won't look good. Also, your shirt’s gonna have glare on it 'cause you wore a white shirt. Alright, good luck. Have a great day. Then Joanne’s there and she says, good luck. Then Stephanie’s there. Everybody’s there from the inn. Our handyman, George, he seems to be in…he’s in a tuxedo, too. I don't know, it’s a dream, you know? He’s in a tuxedo, and everybody’s on my stage. Then Michael’s more interested in Stephanie, of course.

 

I say, yo, how about me, man? Also, Michael wears a sweater wrapped around his shoulders. He says, by the way, we’re…this is gonna be a call-in show. Oh, and also, your first guest…I forgot to tell you. The president of Vermont’s out. Maybe next week. But we thought we could get a bigger hook this week, something more promotable. We wanted to get it big. The world’s smallest horse we’re having on this week. I’m like, I thought this was gonna be a classy show. He says, yeah, horses…it’s gonna be dynamite. I don't want to interview animals. My wife says, honey, it’s gonna be okay. You like horses. Then they say, thirty seconds. Now I’m really not happy. Everybody’s talking about my coat. It’s not gonna look good on the air. Fifteen seconds…good luck. Why did I do a livestream? We’re on the air.

 

Everybody’s still on the stage as we go live, and then I sit down and they go, Channel 8 is proud to present Vermont Today, starring Dick Loudon. Then my sign goes up. I have a clipboard I’m reading off of. Welcome to Vermont Today, the show that celebrates Vermont. I’m Dick Loudon, and to set such fake windows with outside…and I tell him, yeah, this is gonna be a show…we’re gonna have distinguished guests, really impressive stuff. Classy, I keep being told…people living and working in Vermont. We want to make a contribution of Vermont culture. Yeah, your view…you viewers are gonna be able to call in; 555-8000, whatever our area code is. You should know it by heart, anyway. Then somebody calls in but I was like, why is the phone on? ‘Cause it keeps ringing.

 

We don’t have a guest yet and no one else…and then, so I said, can you not call in, please? There’s no one screening the calls or anything? How did I get myself in this? I’m like, Michael, can't you do anything about it? He’s flirting with Stephanie. He steps in front of the camera and I say, can you deal with the phone, man? Come on. He said, yeah, yeah. So, I’m distracted. My show’s…I said, whoever out there, I’m not gonna answer the phone 'cause they don’t hang up ‘til we have a guest. Finally, the phone stops ringing, then it starts ringing again like they just called back. So, then I just take it on and put it under the chair. Our first guest is somebody admired in Vermont but representative of the fascinating guests we might have on the show. Maybe this will be a hallmark of our show, not on the Hallmark channel.

 

Now, this was originally the introduction for the president of Vermont, but it might do just as good for this…our guest, who is a impressive guest. Holy moly, I’m so proud; Jocko Braverman, the owner of the world’s smallest horse. Jocko comes in with a small horse, and Jocko’s really dressed up fancy Western. Then he says, by the way, I’m not from Vermont. I’m from Florida. I’m like, whoa boy, this is not very Vermonty. Hollywood, Florida. Then Michael says, can you put the phone back on the hook so we can get the calls? I say, dude, Michael, this guy’s not from Vermont. I’m trying to make the most of it, though. I said, let’s talk about the horse. Yeah, that’s why you’re here, right? He goes, yeah, this is the world’s smallest horse, Dick. What’s his name? Tiny, obvious…obvs.

 

I say, what kind of proof you got that this is the world’s smallest horse? He goes, visual proof. You’re looking at a small horse. It’s the world’s smallest horse. I go, I realize he’s small, but usually if you say ‘this is the world’s smallest horse’, you have some kind of proof. Guiness, I don't know. The guy goes, you can't find a smaller horse. The phone rings and I say, okay, let me take this call. Vermont Today. Then they say, put it on speakerphone. They call it a squawk box. Somebody else calls in and they say, yeah, I’m calling about that world’s smallest horse. Yeah? I got…my horse is smaller than that horse you got on TV. Jocko says, bring it on down. The guy goes, I’ll be there in a minute. I’m on my way. I’m like, no, no, no, we don’t have time. Then Michael says, this is great audience interaction. Improvise, man.

 

I say, anybody want to challenge Mr. Braverman? Bring your horses in, but you gotta get here in the next twelve to fourteen minutes. The guy on the phone says, no problem. It looks like we’re gonna have a challenge here, a horse…a small horse-off. This is classy; audience participation…it’s the kind of thing I was hoping to have on Vermont Today, I say through my gritted teeth. The phone rings again. I say, yeah, Vermont Today, this is Dick Loudon. A woman says, who’s this? I say, Dick Loudon from Vermont Today. She goes, by the way, that’s not the world’s smallest horse. No? Yeah, no, no, it’s lying right next to me. I’m snuggled up on my couch with the world’s smallest horse. I say, okay, bring the horse down here, then. She goes, well, I don't want to wake him up, but if you’re…I guess so.

 

Then I say, okay, just in case I’m not gonna keep answering calls, if you think you have a horse smaller than Tiny, bring them to the station before the show is over and we’ll have a horse-measuring contest. I don't know. Then we have a break, a commercial break, and Michael’s very happy. Great start. I say, Michael, I gotta talk to you, but Stephanie’s at his side. I say, hey, Stephanie, I gotta talk to him about business. Michael, this was supposed to be a classy show. He goes, yeah, people love animals and horses. I want this show to have dignity. He goes, well, people are gonna like you 'cause you like animals, so, that’ll have dignity. Then the next thing I know, I’m like…there’s a guy there with a horse that’s like, ten times the size of Tiny, saying it’s the smallest horse. That guy says, yeah, I guess it was my TV set.

 

Then a woman comes in with a basset hound and she says, yeah, this is the world’s smallest horse. I said, that’s a dog. What are you even doing? She goes, don’t I get a prize? I go, no, that’s a dog. That’s a basset hound. She has a saddle on it. Then she goes, well, I don't like your show. I say, okay, no more challengers. But then a person comes in with a full-size horse, a very large horse. They say, who do I show this horse to? I go, you think this is the world’s smallest horse? He goes, no, this is the world’s oldest horse. I get mad. I say, I didn’t ask for the world’s oldest…he goes, that’s a basset hound that lady’s got. I go, well, at least it’s small. He goes, not for a basset hound it’s not. So, it’s a little…and then there’s someone in the background with yet another horse that’s larger than Tiny.

 

So, I guess you do have the smallest horse in Vermont, at least, Braverman. So, great job. Yeah, thanks. If you tuned in to see the president of the University of Vermont, obviously this is a horse, but tune in next week and keep tuning in. We’ll have stimulating, interesting guests, and we’re gonna celebrate Vermont. But I’m steaming on the inside. I say, this is Dick Loudon saying good afternoon and I’m sorry. Then they put the sign on, which is nice. Then we’re trying to get the animals off the stage, then the animals are going to the bathroom on the stage, obviously. That’s it. Then I woke up, 'cause…with the sign and the animals going to the bathroom.

 

Oh, wow. Well, that’s very interesting stuff there. I’ve been working with my assistant who’s been listening. Now, I just want you to remember that my assistant is made up of artificial intelligence, so there’s no reason to take anything my assistant says personally. They’ve been listening and taking notes. Now, they have gotten…I’ve tried to encourage them to have out-of-box ideas. Also, I’m working with them to try to simulate your dreams in-between sessions. It’s not technically possible, my assistant tells me, but I do know these things tend to hallucinate. So, I’m working on creating a dreamer that dreams of your dreams. Well, why would you do that? Just interested in…it’s…it interests me. But aren't they my dreams? Well, once you share them, then they’re…I guess they become our…this is our time together.

 

Oh, well, is…? Yeah, so, let’s get to it, and then we’ll kinda go through your day, too. But you could also interject if you feel like before you reveal…before we go through your day, that if anything comes up, I would like to hear about it, okay? Okay, so, the first thing that stuck out to my assistant was the glass-blowing, that you were writing a book about glass-blowing. Freudian-wise, maybe you want to communicate knowledge or exert control over a particular area of your life, and glass-blowing is a delicate and artistic process. So, were you trying to shape anything fragile or intricate in your life? Now, the fact that it was ashtrays and candy bowls, do those things have any significance? Habits, routines, or candy could be pleasure or rewards. Is there maybe even some vice-and-virtue issue? Interesting.

 

I kinda had a mundane week. Okay, well, just think about what was the main…I know you took notes. Jungian-wise, glass-blowing could be a metaphor for transformation, raw materials refined into something beautiful, creative endeavors…the same with the book; maybe experience, wisdom. Contemporary version…maybe there’s a creative outlet that requires precision and care. Are you seeking or engaging in creative activities? Or maybe sharing of knowledge…out-of-the-box glass as a cultural artifact…it has…significant in art and daily life. Maybe there’s some sort of cultural appreciation going on, utility and beauty? Maybe it’s a metaphor for recycling and sustainability, subconscious concerns you’re having about that, or maybe about transparence and fragility, 'cause glass is transparent.

 

I didn’t…I never would have thought…not all glass is transparent, but is there something about transparency and communication that you feel fragile about or that’s…the fragile human connection? Are you trying to tangibly explore this? Then the Valley Forge snow globe…wow, that…talk about a loaded one, huh? I guess so. More full of…it’s not…I guess it was loaded with fake snow. So, Freudian…a snow globe could be containment, miniature, controlled environment, a desire to keep certain memories or emotions contained and safe where they could be observed for that risk. Valley Forge could be struggle, perseverence, transformation, a symbol of your own struggles and challenges about keeping your feelings contained or managed.

 

Jung might even see it as a contained world of the psyche, encapsulating core memories, significant historic things, maybe a reflection on your past struggles? The fact that it was a gift, that’s powerful, huh? A gift of personal growth through adversity presented to your…I mean, not…I don't know if I could view it that way. Well, it was a gift from Kirk in the dream. Yeah, I mean…okay. Contemporary…the gift of a snow globe…maybe how you perceive or perceive support from others or recognition, a specific gift maybe for resilience or hardship. Astrologically…Virgo’s meticulous, close attention to detail reflected in the snow globe, maybe analyzing the appreciation and complexity of situations. Mercury governs communication. Maybe this could mean mental processing of historical and personal resilience.

 

The contained miniturized scene in the globe might represent your ability to compartmentalize or make sense of past hardships maybe as a gift. I like that. Was there anything this week that was…your struggle circled around? Usually it’s how you treat coworkers or your wife. Can we just keep going with the dreams for now? Okay, a snow globe is a microcosm of your own world. Its shakeability might symbolize volatility of life’s situation despite appearances of containment and control. Maybe a historical legacy or personal identity. Then the t-shirt, ‘I love Niagara Falls’ t-shirt, the message…manifestation of a loved aspect of your personality, natural beauty, a place, longing for adventure or escape, or maybe someone wearing that shirt would represent that for…embody those characteristics?

 

In the Jungian, Niagara Falls could be the unconcious, like uncontrollable natural wonder, vast, potent, and often overwhelming. But the t-shirt embraces a declaration of embracing these powerful forces within you. So, that’s good. It could also be whoever wears it becomes the archetype of the explorer that’s being gifted to them. Maybe Virgo-wise, you notice the t-shirt. Maybe you want to focus on nuances and small elements that hold larger meanings. Mercury, again, could go back to communication, interest in others…maybe it’s a eco symbol, you know? A reminder of the world’s natural power and beauty, urging a deeper engagement with the environment. It could be also a collective memory or personal past experiences that are significant to you.

 

The fact that the t-shirt is worn…maybe a connection to it…anything natural in your dream? No, definitely not. Okay. Also, the name of the station, the fact you were hosting a show about Vermont…that was the next thing, my assistant said. That’s interesting. So, hosting a TV show from Freud…communication, expression, expressing your thoughts or opinions more openly to be recognized and heard, especially with the underlying conflict of the dream of never saying ‘no’. Focus on Vermont…maybe tranquility, nature, a desire for a simpler, more organic lifestyle. Have you ever thought about that, the difference between Vermont and Chicago for you? Is it symbolic? Internal, external? Maybe your personal connection is feelings about Vermont, the ideals of community or authenticity?

 

Though I guess I see that in Chicago in reality, too. Do you feel like you have that in Chicago? Yeah. Okay. The show could be a medium in Jungian, your persona, a mask you wear maybe to explore or communicate parts of your psyche connected to community and nature but getting them to a broader audience. It could be a archetype. Vermont is a archetypal state or idea. The great mother, maybe, even? Huh. A nurturing presence focusing on growth and sustenance, maybe reflecting your desire to connect more deeply with nurturing qualities. Anything with sustenance in your week this week or someone nurturing you? No, it didn’t feel like that. Okay. Community interaction, maybe? Social dynamics, community values, societal roles, expression or outreach? You had a show.

 

It’s a platform reaching a larger audience. Maybe Virgo…detail, organization, communicating, community engagement. Maybe bridging communities is a Chicago/Vermont thing sticking out to me, at least. I don't mean to put words in my…your mouth, Robert, dreams in your head. Maybe you’re a cultural ambassador bridging different communities or demographic groups with your work? The uniqueness of Vermont…focusing on nature again…maybe the fact that it was called Vermont Today might emphasize something, relevance or immediacy. I don't know. Okay, the next thing was what happened on the set of the woman’s show, Pearl’s show, where she perceived you as being rude and talked about bacon grease.

 

Freudian…the root…that’s a natural idea about conflict between self-expression and social roles. Maybe you’re thinking about how you’re perceived. The fact of bacon grease is unusual, at least to my assistant. I mean, nowadays, too, ‘cause that’d definitely ruin your outfit. Consequences for speaking out or expressing yourself…it’s messy, warm…so, messy repercussions from your expression. Jungian could be some sort of part of your psyche dealing with emotions or relationships and some sort of disconnect between your emotional needs and how you communicate them. Maybe the bacon grease is about self-sabotage or some other self-defeating behavior? Anything self-sabotaging this week? Or your feelings about the consequences of not moderating or appropriately directing your expressions?

 

I mean, again, then there was…the surface message from the dream was pretty obvious, you know? At least in the dream you don’t say…your assertiveness…and then you kinda let me kinda take over your dreams. Well, I’m just here trying to work with you. Expression, consequences, social settings, Virgos…you don’t want to be criticized. You’re highly self-aware of how you’re perceived. So, this could amplify that. With Mercury, maybe it’s some sort of ongoing negotiations. Maybe it’s a metaphor for consumption and waste in modern…any consumption or waste themes this week? Can you not point out that stuff anymore? I think it’s obviously…obvious enough. Oh, I’m looking forward to hearing about your week, then. Grease or societal excess…maybe some sort of purification thing?

 

Okay, my assistant was really interested in the idea that Michael and Stephanie went on a date and talked about sweaters for one and a half hours, specifically. So, for Freudian…a prolonged conversation about a specific topic…comfort, security, warmth, protection, and individual desires for that. Focus of a mundane subject during the day could be avoidance, though, of deeper, more intimate topics and connection, though Jung might say sweaters are symbols representing personas of the individuals that they present upfront. The long time of discussing sweaters might be a exploration of each other’s external identities or probing into the personal unconscience, but starting at the surface level, though.

 

Maybe it’s materialism, a contemporary societal focus on consumerism and personal interactions like dating, stuff like superficial consumer culture, you know, maybe commenting on that, communication in modern relationships but more of a deeper, more meaningful exchange? As a Virgo, maybe a lengthly discussion on a specific topic might be important to you 'cause you appreciate thoroughness and detail, but maybe it’s not an effective way of expresing your interests. Facilitate bonding…maybe sweaters could be a cultural icon or personal layers, even. Symbolic interactionism…each detail discussed about the sweaters could symbolize personal straits or stories. Okay, the next one was the fish sculptor. That’s the one that sculpts fish or makes sculptures of fish, right? Yeah, we’ll just go with that.

 

Okay, well, fish could be the unconscious, deeper…it’s interesting; Phish, the band, is also from Vermont. I know. Ben and Jerry, too. Did you ever have any dreams about Ben and Jerry or Ben and Jerry’s? I had…can we talk about this dream? Okay, so, symbolize an attempt to shape or control deep, possibly primitive aspects of the psyche. The fact that it was gonna be an interview on TV…exploring hidden truths or insights. Maybe with Jungian, the sculptor is a artist or creator, a archetype of that…overlook parts of life into something meaningful. The medium being sculpted…maybe something discarded, typically something…taking what’s rejected and turning it into something esteemed or valued, maybe focusing on your own unique craft, expressions of creativity.

 

The show as a platform again…I mean, sculpting is very detailed for Virgos and communicating intricate details. It kinda contrasts with the sweaters, in a sense, and come back to ecology or art as commentary. Okay, world’s smallest horse was the next one. Holy moly. Strength, passion, small size could represent feelings of inadequacy or minimizing your own passion. The interview might symbolize your desire to explore this more deeply. Or the horse might be a Jungian archetype, a natural force, instincts. Small size…could be constrained. But as the interviewer, you’re engaging with the archetype, seeking to understand, maybe amplify? In the future, I guess, 'cause it wasn’t an interview you actually did.

 

Could be unique qualities or attentions, media…Virgo…attention to detail again, communication…we kinda talked about that. Symbolic self-perception…is it about…is it personal, some personal trait or something that you were feeling small about or that didn’t reach full potential? Okay, that’s a little personal. Well, no, I wasn’t…I was just generalizing. Is there something that came up this week about that? Please don’t do it that way. Okay, well, we’ll get to it, I guess. But maybe it’s about exploring that, or it’s a celebration of the unusual. This choice featuring the smallest horse could be commentary on extremes or unusual things, challenging what is typically celebrated.

 

The phone ringing…incoming news, call to attention, disruption, maybe you’re losing control, maybe the phone is a symbol, conflict between tasks and distraction, overload, struggling to be focused, maybe your need for order. Yeah, I mean, it seems like something was shaking things up with this phone this week. Maybe a unheard voice or issue or maybe a reflection on media and technology. Then the basset hound, that the woman claimed the basset hound was a horse, could be deceit or self-deception, from Freud. Basset hound as a horse…life not meeting expectations, anywhere where reality and expectation didn’t match up or where there was a miscommunication of intentions or a desire for attention.

 

Recognition, validation…it could be archetypes. Horse and the dog…horse is freedom, power, and nobility. Dog…loyalty, protection, and companionship. Maybe it was a conflict between your aspirations. Persona and shadow…one thing as another. Could be a way you present yourself to the world on the show versus your true aspects you keep hidden, any vices or something. Expectations versus reality or sensationalism versus credibility, it could be about Virgo…your quest for truth or discerning truth in communication, but maybe it’s a satire. Maybe this is some sort of satirical take on media, dressing up something mundane to make it appear more appealing, or transformation and perception from horse to dog. Maybe you need to look beyond appearances and challenge our perceptions for a deeper understanding.

 

Are you ready to run through your week this week? Briefly, because…yeah. Okay, I understand. Just give me your brief notes. Okay, I asked Carol at the end of a workday on a Friday to do something. It was only three minutes to 5:00. It was a forty-eight page report I needed typed up by Monday. She said no, she was going out on Jerry’s boat and visiting her parents, and she’ll be busy all weekend. I was like, he doesn't have a boat. You’re not telling the truth. She says, he does. Then Jerry shows up. He shows me a picture of a yacht and tells me it’s a business expense that he can write off. I’m like, how can you even afford it? He goes, oh, I got a business manager and a lot of advantages, but I’ll set you up with him. But I’m like, Jerry, you always give me bad ideas. He goes, no, no, no, this is a good one.

 

He goes, he’s super busy, but I call him. He says, yeah, I can meet him tonight. Then it’s Friday. I get home and I say, what’s for dinner? My wife says, Fridays you make dinner. I say, oh, I’ll order pizza. She goes, I already ordered Chinese food. Then, let’s go look at a sofa after. I’m like, well, I gotta meet…Jerry’s business manager’s coming by. Then the food gets delivered and it’s $8.95. I’m like, that’s really expensive. Maybe the tip was…? Maybe it was $89.50, I guess. Then they show up. His business manager’s named Jeff Bogs. I’m like, I don't think I need a business manager. So, I know where that’s, you know, not saying ‘no’ in the dream. He goes, yeah, I save people money, double their income, teach them about Shell company saving money. Not everybody wants that, so if you don’t want that, that’s fine.

 

Then Howard comes by. He goes, there’s a Rolls Royce in your parking lot. He says, oh, it’s mine. I’ll go move it. Then he goes through our expenses. He says, how much you spend? Emily says, I need $80 a week to cover all expenses, about. He goes, what if I give you $60? She says, $60? Well, I guess I could try, but I prefer $80. I say, come on, Emily, you can do it. But then he does the reverse with me. He says, how much do you want? I say, $40. He goes, how about $50? I already realize by the next day this is not gonna work, so I say, can you call my business manager? Then I have to pay for my lunch, but I’m trying to save money. Then I owe money for a gift, and they say, Jerry, how much…? Also, this whole thing did come with this thing of like, is everybody making more money than me?

 

Constant…yeah, is everybody making…has better deals than me? But yeah, I say, Jerry, how much do you get a week? I only get $50. He goes, oh, well, more, because I got more to do. He goes, my needs are a lot more different than yours. He goes, but you can always ask for more money. So, I go by his office. He says…he’s on the phone. He says, can you get me a cup of coffee? Then I ask him for $20 and he says, what? I said, well, I had to pay for dinner, I had to pay for this. He goes, well, you need to start using a credit…he’s giving…he’s like, parenting me. Use a credit card, don’t spend…waste money, get receipts…oh, I didn’t get one. He said, I could give you $20, but I want you to learn how to control your spending, otherwise you’ll keep asking me for $20, but I’ll give you $20 this time. But here’s a $50. Go get change.

 

Make sure it’s the crisp bills from Window 3. Then I had to go shopping, and groceries were ten bucks. So, I asked my wife for…I gave her a receipt. I say, you owe me $9.24. She gives me $9.25. We’re talking about trying to stay within our budget, and I tell her this childhood story about going to the zoo with my brother to look at the ducks. Now, they would hit this mechanical feeder to get fed, kinda like that TV show. She goes, what is this story even about? It’s like, well, I feel like a duck having to ask for my money every time, and I want out. She says, if you want out, then just tell them you quit. I say, great idea, honey. I don't want to be budgeted anymore. I say, let’s go out to dinner to celebrate. We’ll spend an expensive bill, get a receipt…then the next day at work I try to call in to quit. He doesn't answer.

 

I try to leave him a voicemail. I go on and on too much. He only has a fifteen-second voicemail message. So, then I say, Carol, send this guy a message. Let him know I’m done. My wife’s very happy about all this. She didn’t seem to struggle like I did. Yeah, that was my week, which I guess, yeah, I can see in the dream. I get it, I get it. Okay, well, thanks, Robert. I’m glad we met, and…Robert, if you’ll excuse me, I just want to check in with my associate, 'cause it seems like things are going well. I’m trying to train you, though. Some things were getting a little repetitive, and then I know I’ve been trying to train you to dream in-between our sessions and really start to absorb what Robert’s sharing with us.

 

But every time I ask you to share that with me, you’re kinda sending me stuff about this…putting people to sleep and the sleep podcast. But what we’re trying to do is create a sense of character here and treat this as real. But you keep asking me about the sleep podcast and timelessness and partnerships around that, but I want you to focus on our task at hand right now, which is Robert Hartley dreaming of being Dick Loudon, a Vermont innkeeper, and I’d like it if you could dream about those things, too, or teach me how to teach you. So, that’s it. I hope my assistant and all of you rest well and dream well, and I’ll talk to you soon.

 

[END OF RECORDING]

(Transcription performed by LeahTranscribes)

Dreaming of Newhart

 

Katy Perry Singles

https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/katy-perry-every-single-ranked-3776044

https://ew.com/music/2017/10/25/katy-perry-song-ranking/

https://thetab.com/uk/2021/09/30/katy-perry-singles-ranked-224617

 

Public Access TV Shows – Most Famous

https://www.cbr.com/greatest-public-access-tv-shows-ranked/

https://littlevillagemag.com/tales-of-the-weird-public-access-televisions-greatest-triumphs/

https://listverse.com/2024/04/03/10-weird-and-wonderful-public-access-tv-shows/

 

Budgets

https://www.creditkarma.com/cash-flow/i/budgeting-tips

https://www.nelnetbank.com/learning-center/10-best-budget-planning-tips-for-college-students/

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-truth-about-budgeting?srsltid=AfmBOooDhOMYWkF310A2jcjYwAwNl40_uBNkCvGYBnFomTiVnnAKRApV

 

Tiny Horses

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g1931/mini-horse-facts/

https://mynewhorse.equusmagazine.com/2024/02/29/horses-ponies-and-minis-whats-the-difference/

https://www.foreverhorsecrazy.com/horse-blog/10-fun-facts-about-miniature-horses

 

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Ok, I’m not actually comin’ atcha

It’s been a while since I’ve recorded an episode

Is that a Katy Perry song? Wild Horse? Dark Horse?

A 3 letter word for mule

 

Deep Dark Night United

n/a

 

PLUGS

Newhart; The Bob Newhart Show; Sleep With Me Plus; SleepPhones; Rusty Biscuit Links; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline

 

SPONSORS

Helix Sleep; Zocdoc; Progressive; Lumen; Uncommon Goods

 

INTRO

Things on your mind that you’re thinking about

I finally returned home after quite some time

I really slept good

It’s nice to be home in my own bed

I didn’t know I was searching for something like this my whole life

When are you gonna get to the soothing, Scoots?

Like TV on in the other room

Give it a few tries

I thought this was the worst Katy Perry podcast in the history of the world

Whoa, “Dark Horse” came out before this podcast started

At least I’ve got my borefriend to keep my company

Dark Horse song facts

Juicy J was also in on this one

Top 10 in 20 countries

Well, I don’t understand what trap music is exactly

Sounds like not bad

I just sounded like Greg from Succession

A buffer and a wind down routine

Dreaming of Newhart

Talking about Robert Hartley’s dreams

 

STORY

Robert, have you been keeping your dream journal?

I hope this can be helpful to somebody

I was writing a book about glass blowing

Blowing your own ashtrays

Kirk came back from his honeymoon in Niagara Falls

He had a snowglobe from Valley Forge

Michael comes in – we haven’t met him yet

Executive Producer on Book Talk

He wants me to host a new show of his

Stephanie comes in

Stephanie and Michael are awestruck at each other

Love at first sight, I guess

Her whole life is falling into place

WPIVTV, Channel 8

Pearl’s Kitchen is being filmed and we’re talking while she’s shooting

Michael doesn’t think her show is important

Her whole set is on wheels

They take down her set and we see my set

Homey, living room like

I am technically betwixt 2 ferns

Vermont Today

But I can’t be bought

There’s no money in local television

It is cool to see my name on the poster

It looks even better in the lights

I’ll do it! I’m swept up in the moment

I’m really into the logo

My wife is asking questions about the show

I know nothing and I’m getting grouchy

Michael and Stephanie come in from their date

They talked about sweaters for an hour and a half

I try to ask him more details about the show

Class on Class

Stephanie comes in, all in leather

I don’t get many answers

Time to shoot the show

He wishes I’d worn a different coat

Everyone from the inn is in there

Our handyman George is there, in a tuxedo

Michael has a sweater wrapped around his shoulders

It’s gonna be a call-in show

Our first guest changed. It’s gonna be a horse now

I’m really not happy now

Why did I agree to do this live?

I’m reading off a clipboard

Someone actually calls in

Please don’t call in yet!

Michael is flirting with Stephanie and doesn’t do anything about it

The phone won’t stop ringing

Jocko Braverman, owner of the world’s smallest horse

Jocko is from Florida

This guy isn’t even from Vermont!

Let’s talk about the horse

The horse is named Tiny, obvs

What is the proof that this is the smallest horse?

Someone’s gonna bring in their smaller horse

Many people believe they have the world’s smallest horse

I’ve gotta talk to Michael

This isn’t a classy show, Michael!

This is a basset hound, not a horse

None of these horses are small or horses

The animals are going to the bathroom on the stage

And that’s when I woke up

Time for my assistant’s analysis

I’m working on creating a dreamer that dreams of your dreams for you

Once you share your dreams, they become all of our dreams

Analyzing the Glass Blowing

Trying to shape something creative in your life

Class is a cultural artifact

A metaphor for recycling?

Transparency and Fragility

Valley Forge Snow Globe – talk about a loaded one, eh?

An analysis of personal resilience

Compartmentalizing Past Hardships

Niagara Falls – uncontrollable natural wonder

A reminder of the world’s natural power and beauty

Hosting a show about Vermont

Expressing your thoughts more openly

A focus on tranquility and a more organic lifestyle

Vermont is an archetypal state

The great mother archetype

Anything dealing with sustenance this week?

A focus on nature

Pearl perceiving you as being rude

Rudeness is natural in Freudian analysis

Conflicts about expression and social roles

The bacon grease ruining your outfit is hard to analyze

Messiness, warmth, repercussions

You don’t want to be criticized, as a Virgo

A metaphor for consumption and waste?

Jung might say that sweaters are symbols of personae

Discussing sweaters is about probing into subconscious

Or it could be materialism

The Fish Sculptor

You know, Phish, is also from Vermont

Ben & Jerry’s

The creator archetype

When you interview, are you trying to engage with the archetypes

Symbolic Self-Perception

This is feeling personal – did something come up this week?

The smallest horse – challenging what is typically celebrated?

Where reality and expectations didn’t match up

The horse aka the basset hound

A quest for truth

Expectations vs Reality

Or this could be a satire

Okay, let’s briefly run through your week now

I asked Carol to do something right before the weekend, and she said no

Jerry showed me a picture of his yacht

It’s a business expense that he can write off

Jerry will set me up with his business manager

We ordered Chinese food, and it was $89.50

I don’t need a business manager…do I?

He goes over our expenses

Let’s cut these expenses nearly in half

I’m trying to save money but I don’t have enough

Now I’m stressed about other people making more money than me

Jerry is parenting me about using a credit card

He’s trying to teach me financial stability

Then I had to go shopping

We had to get receipts for everything

It’s tough to stay within budgets

I want out of this budget plan

I can’t get ahold of my business manager

And then I tell Carol to help me call it off with this business manager

I’m checking in with my AI assistant now

How’s the training between sessions going, AI bot?

AI Bot, please stop talking about the sleep podcast

Stop talking about podcasts and timelessness and rights, please

Teach me how to teach you, AI Bot

 

SWM+ THANKS

n/a

 

SUMMARY:

Episode: 1301

Title: Vermont Today | Dreaming of Newhart S2E20

Deep Dark Night United: n/a

Plugs: Newhart; The Bob Newhart Show; Sleep With Me Plus; SleepPhones; Rusty Biscuit Links; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline

Sponsors: Helix Sleep; Zocdoc; Progressive; Lumen; Uncommon Goods

SWM+ Thanks: n/a

Notable Language:

• Sounds like not bad
• Blowing your own ashtrays
• Class on Class
• Symbolic Self-Perception

 

Notable Culture:

• • Katy Perry – ‘Dark Horse’

• Succession

• • Dreaming of Newhart

• Newhart

• The Bob Newhart Show

• • Niagara Falls
  • Valley Forge

• Book Talk

• • Vermont Today

• Between Two Ferns

• Phish
• Ben & Jerry’s

 

Notable Talking Points:

• Things on your mind that you’re thinking about
• I finally returned home after quite some time
• I really slept good
• It’s nice to be home in my own bed
• I didn’t know I was searching for something like this my whole life
• When are you gonna get to the soothing, Scoots?
• Like TV on in the other room
• Give it a few tries
• I thought this was the worst Katy Perry podcast in the history of the world
• Whoa, “Dark Horse” came out before this podcast started
• At least I’ve got my borefriend to keep my company
• Dark Horse song facts
• Juicy J was also in on this one
• Top 10 in 20 countries
• Well, I don’t understand what trap music is exactly
• Sounds like not bad
• I just sounded like Greg from Succession
• A buffer and a wind down routine
• Dreaming of Newhart
• Talking about Robert Hartley’s dreams
• Robert, have you been keeping your dream journal?
• I hope this can be helpful to somebody
• I was writing a book about glass blowing
• Blowing your own ashtrays
• Kirk came back from his honeymoon in Niagara Falls
• He had a snowglobe from Valley Forge
• Michael comes in – we haven’t met him yet
• Executive Producer on Book Talk
• He wants me to host a new show of his
• Stephanie comes in
• Stephanie and Michael are awestruck at each other
• Love at first sight, I guess
• Her whole life is falling into place
• WPIVTV, Channel 8
• Pearl’s Kitchen is being filmed and we’re talking while she’s shooting
• Michael doesn’t think her show is important
• Her whole set is on wheels
• They take down her set and we see my set
• Homey, living room like
• I am technically betwixt 2 ferns
• Vermont Today
• But I can’t be bought
• There’s no money in local television
• It is cool to see my name on the poster
• It looks even better in the lights
• I’ll do it! I’m swept up in the moment
• I’m really into the logo
• My wife is asking questions about the show
• I know nothing and I’m getting grouchy
• Michael and Stephanie come in from their date
• They talked about sweaters for an hour and a half
• I try to ask him more details about the show
• Class on Class
• Stephanie comes in, all in leather
• I don’t get many answers
• Time to shoot the show
• He wishes I’d worn a different coat
• Everyone from the inn is in there
• Our handyman George is there, in a tuxedo
• Michael has a sweater wrapped around his shoulders
• It’s gonna be a call-in show
• Our first guest changed. It’s gonna be a horse now
• I’m really not happy now
• Why did I agree to do this live?
• I’m reading off a clipboard
• Someone actually calls in
• Please don’t call in yet!
• Michael is flirting with Stephanie and doesn’t do anything about it
• The phone won’t stop ringing
• Jocko Braverman, owner of the world’s smallest horse
• Jocko is from Florida
• This guy isn’t even from Vermont!
• Let’s talk about the horse
• The horse is named Tiny, obvs
• What is the proof that this is the smallest horse?
• Someone’s gonna bring in their smaller horse
• Many people believe they have the world’s smallest horse
• I’ve gotta talk to Michael
• This isn’t a classy show, Michael!
• This is a basset hound, not a horse
• None of these horses are small or horses
• The animals are going to the bathroom on the stage
• And that’s when I woke up
• Time for my assistant’s analysis
• I’m working on creating a dreamer that dreams of your dreams for you
• Once you share your dreams, they become all of our dreams
• Analyzing the Glass Blowing
• Trying to shape something creative in your life
• Class is a cultural artifact
• A metaphor for recycling?
• Transparency and Fragility
• Valley Forge Snow Globe – talk about a loaded one, eh?
• An analysis of personal resilience
• Compartmentalizing Past Hardships
• Niagara Falls – uncontrollable natural wonder
• A reminder of the world’s natural power and beauty
• Hosting a show about Vermont
• Expressing your thoughts more openly
• A focus on tranquility and a more organic lifestyle
• Vermont is an archetypal state
• The great mother archetype
• Anything dealing with sustenance this week?
• A focus on nature
• Pearl perceiving you as being rude
• Rudeness is natural in Freudian analysis
• Conflicts about expression and social roles
• The bacon grease ruining your outfit is hard to analyze
• Messiness, warmth, repercussions
• You don’t want to be criticized, as a Virgo
• A metaphor for consumption and waste?
• Jung might say that sweaters are symbols of personae
• Discussing sweaters is about probing into subconscious
• Or it could be materialism
• The Fish Sculptor
• You know, Phish, is also from Vermont
• Ben & Jerry’s
• The creator archetype
• When you interview, are you trying to engage with the archetypes
• Symbolic Self-Perception
• This is feeling personal – did something come up this week?
• The smallest horse – challenging what is typically celebrated?
• Where reality and expectations didn’t match up
• The horse aka the basset hound
• A quest for truth
• Expectations vs Reality
• Or this could be a satire
• Okay, let’s briefly run through your week now
• I asked Carol to do something right before the weekend, and she said no
• Jerry showed me a picture of his yacht
• It’s a business expense that he can write off
• Jerry will set me up with his business manager
• We ordered Chinese food, and it was $89.50
• I don’t need a business manager…do I?
• He goes over our expenses
• Let’s cut these expenses nearly in half
• I’m trying to save money but I don’t have enough
• Now I’m stressed about other people making more money than me
• Jerry is parenting me about using a credit card
• He’s trying to teach me financial stability
• Then I had to go shopping
• We had to get receipts for everything
• It’s tough to stay within budgets
• I want out of this budget plan
• I can’t get ahold of my business manager
• And then I tell Carol to help me call it off with this business manager
• I’m checking in with my AI assistant now
• How’s the training between sessions going, AI bot?
• AI Bot, please stop talking about the sleep podcast
• Stop talking about podcasts and timelessness and rights, please
• Teach me how to teach you, AI Bot