Bedtime stories to help grown ups fall asleep in the deep, dark night.

Episode 1293 – For the Love of Scooby Doo | Dreaming of Newhart Season 4 Episode 15

 

[START OF RECORDING]

 

SCOOTER: Friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time for the podcaster who’s here to keep you company and take your mind off of stuff. We’re gonna go from Vermont to Chicago by way of dreams, both fictionally, because it’s time for…this is a episode of Dreaming of Newhart, a very different TV podcast show. TV podcast show; those were three words that are not related at all. What are you watching? A TV podcast show. Oh, really? What’s a TV podcast show? It’s something a sleep podcaster says when he gets…when he was trying to make an appoint…a point that he didn’t prepare for ahead of time, then he got mixed up.

 

But when he says ‘TV podcast show’, he really is showing why he’s qualified to make a sleep podcast, 'cause he makes a show called Sleep With Me. Occasionally…he doesn't talk about himself in the third person; he talks about himself as an imaginary…not even an imaginary third-person narrator, but he puts himself in the listeners’ shoes. Only imaginarily, but only…like, not in their shoes; the place where their feet are, you know? Where they are. He says, yeah, that’s why I’m qualified to make a sleep podcast, 'cause I never…I’m always barely never making any sense, because I’m here to keep people company in the deep, dark night, because it’s not easy to be there, especially when you can't sleep.

 

You need a friend — some people do — a friendly distraction to help you fall asleep, to take your mind off of stuff and keep you company, to create an environment where you feel like, hey, I could let go and drift off whenever to take the pressure off at bedtime. That kind of friend is goofy, silly, rarely gets to the point, doesn't know where he’s going, but he’s there on a regular basis to be my bore-friend and my bore-bud. If you’re new, you’re welcome here, and I’m glad you’re here. So, welcome to Sleep With Me. It’s a podcast, like I said, to keep you company and take your mind off of stuff so you could fall asleep. It’s very different, and in the intro I’ll kind of explain what it is. The show starts off with this greeting, then we have some support.

 

Most people prefer to listen to this ad-supported version of the show, then there’s a long, meandering intro meant to ease you into bedtime, and after that, later on in the show, we’ll be talking about…we’ll be doing this Dreaming of Newhart. I’m excited 'cause when I start making new stuff, it slowly develops, and this will be…we did a couple episodes and now I’ve gotten a third layer here. So, we’ll see how it goes. But yeah, I’m really glad you’re here, and the show wouldn't be possible without people that listen to it on a regular basis that benefit from it and then those people who are able to support it back either directly or support the sponsors or with their kind words, which I’ve gotten a lot of lately and I really appreciate.

 

‘Cause I know not everybody can support the show, but I know how many people benefit from it, and I hope it’s benefitting you just by being your friend in the deep, dark night. Being a mild distraction is really what I strive to be, and this is one place…no, there’s a lot of times a mild distraction’s more important than you would think. Under…I guess it can't be underrated if it’s mild. I don't know, can it be? I don't know. Did you say canape? Oh, boy. So, welcome to Sleep With Me, the podcast that’s here to keep you company and put you to sleep, and thanks everybody for supporting it and making it possible.

 

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, whether that’s thoughts, things on your mind, thoughts about the past, the present, the future, thoughts you’re thinking about, thinking thoughts, it could be feelings, anything coming up for you emotionally related to those thoughts or feelings that are just there, 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 preparing for something, returning from something. Whatever it is, I’m here to keep you company and take your mind off of stuff so ideally you could fall asleep or at least have some comfort in the deep, dark night.

 

The only reason I list some of that stuff and talk about it at the beginning of the show is so you get a sense that you’re not alone, that there is this…that even if you’re new, even if you never listen to this show again — this is one of these few things — you’re already a part of it, and an important part of it. I guess…yeah, I mean…yeah, if you’re listening to that…and it’s true. I’m not just saying this. I use a lot of filler words; this is not filler words. You’re a part of something, and you’re a part of something that’s important. Or, it’s important to me and it’s important to a lot of other listeners, and maybe it’ll become important to you if you’re new. But you might be already perking up and say…yeah, it is important. What’s important? I’ll try to not say that word, but…I don't know, I just got my feet under me.

 

That’s why I welcome people at the start of the show, because I know how it feels not being able to get to sleep, stay asleep, get back to sleep. I know what it’s like to feel dread on Friday about falling asleep on Sunday night. Or, lately, dread every night about falling asleep or dread when I wake up in the middle of the night. I know how that feels even when I’m in a house with people, even when I’m sharing a room. Recently I’ve been sharing a room…I had shared a room with different siblings. My daughter’s in the other room. Sometimes Koa’s in the same room as me, my dog, but it still feels lonely to me, and not the kind of loneliness like out on a kayak on a lake when…at sunrise or a full moon. I don't know, I guess that’s not…that’s like a different…you know. Or, not the kind of harmonica-level loneliness, either.

 

Sometimes it feels that way, but other times it feels slightly different than that. But, I don't know, I know what it’s like, and that’s why I call it the deep, dark night. Maybe it doesn't feel the same way for you as it does for me, but I think what we share, what you’re a part of, is that we can relate to how we feel, and I can probably relate…I say, well, no, I haven't gone through that, but I think I understand how you feel or at least get a sense of it. That’s the mild thing you’re a part of. That’s why I’m here, to be mildly amusing. But it is this magical thing I’ve learned, making the show for almost eleven years…coming up on twelve calendar years of making this podcast, that we share something important in the deep, dark night, and that doesn't mean you don’t share it if you’re not a regular listener.

 

It’s that sense of like…the sense that it really stinks and that maybe other people that sleep good can't relate to it. I don't know, this is really the only place…and the only reason I’m talking about it is 'cause it’s important, and it’s also something here you could feel good about, because the thing is you’re not alone anymore. You might say, well, this is just a podcast. You’re just talking. I say, you’re right about that, but if you really take a second and if you become a regular listener or you are a regular listener, you’ve been here before, then you really get a sense of how it feels sometimes for you at bedtime and that you want some relief, that you deserve some relief, you deserve a bedtime where you don’t have to have rigmarole or dread, a bedtime you could at least feel neutral about, even look forward to, the rest you need so your life is more manageable.

 

If you get a sense of how that feels, that that is important and you do deserve that and sometimes you don’t…that’s not what you get or it’s not achievable or that it’s like…there’s this whole process behind it that doesn't always feel good, that there’s other people listening right now that have felt that way or are feeling that way now, and there’s enough people listening around the world that there’s someone listening that knows really how you feel. It might not be me. You might say, no, no, you can't relate. But I know there’s someone listening out there that can relate to how you feel and how I feel, and they are perking up right now. They’re holding a space for you, and that is real, because I’ve heard from these people. I hear from you all the time, and that’s what you’re a part of.

 

Someone’s holding a space for you, and then one day, you might be the listener that’s holding the space for somebody new or a regular listener going through a really tough time. That might not amount to a lot to other people out there in the world, or it might not have substance that…you say, well, that’s not concrete at all. It’s just…I say, no, it’s more than an idea. I’m pretty sure about that. I’m pretty sure it’s something special that we share, and what’s special about it is just that slight softening that we can have in our shoulders or our hearts or our insides and just a little bit more space to relax or breathe or say, thank goodness, I’ve just been so tired and fed up with this. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one and that someone else really understands how I feel. So, that’s why I make the show.

 

I haven't gone that deep, but I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately. Maybe it’s coming up on anniversaries of the podcast or trying to figure out how can we consistently keep making this show, or maybe what’s going on…that I’m going through some personal stuff, too. But I think maybe it’s all of those things, right? But I just want to point that out, that you are a part of something special, even if you never listen to this show again. Maybe you could check out sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou and you discover another sleep podcast or a sleepy audio that works, ‘cause it doesn't change the fact that we share something, even if you don’t want to share it, 'cause I’m not much into sharing or being a part of…normally it’s a struggle for me. So, there’s that.

 

What I’ll do here is I’m gonna send my voice across the deep, dark night. I’m gonna use lulling, soothing, creaky, dulcet tones, pointless meanders, and superfluous tangents. I’m gonna go off topic, I’m gonna get mixed up, I’m gonna forget what I was talking about, I’m gonna double back, then I’m gonna reverse. All that is the sense of the show…that the podcast is a mild entertainment, that it’s a mild distraction, that it’s lightly humorous or barely humorous. Right now it’s not super humorous, but we can laugh anyway, and I’ll probably go off topic and get mixed up, and then we’ll be able to have another laugh about it.

 

But it’s…this is a podcast you just barely listen to, kinda like background noise or a friend you could call and you’d say, hey, just talk to me about nothing for an hour, and I’m not gonna…I’m gonna just…I don't want you to not talk about anything, either, though. Talk about something that’s barely entertaining to me. Tell me about your stamp…no offense, but…'cause I know there’s probably interesting stuff about stamp collections, but tell me about your stamp collection. Oh yeah, I have a collection of…I used to have a collection of stamping feet. Oh yeah, I’ve got a bunch of recordings of stamps, yeah. Well, I do have some that are stomps, but I have stamps and stomps, pitter-patters…yeah, I know Scoots listens to recorded knocks. So, what was my point? I lost my…oh, this is a podcast you barely listen to.

 

Also, most people get here…they’re skeptical or doubtful or frustrated or irritated or fed up. Maybe you searched for this podcast, maybe somebody told you about it, or you read about it or you heard about it somewhere else and then you came here, and you’re like, this is not what I expected. This is not…doesn't seem sleepy to me. Give it a few tries. That’s all I can say. This podcast…this one you’re probably listening to is free out there in the world, so just try it a few times and see how it goes. You got nothing to lose. We have a website set up, sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou, that has other sleep podcasts and sleepy audio on there. So, then you can try that out, or if you already loathe me, check that out. But yeah, just see how it goes, right? You got nothing to lose.

 

But it just takes some time to get used to because this show is just like your friend in the deep, dark night. Actually, this is a podcast, a sleep podcast, that isn't here to put you to sleep. I’m here to keep you company while you fall asleep. There is no pressure to fall asleep with this show. There’s not even an expectation to fall asleep. I’m here to be your bore-friend and keep you company while you drift off, to take your mind off of stuff, to be your bore-bae, your bore-sib, your bore-bud, your bore-bestie, your neigh-bore, your Borbie, your bores, your bore-friend, your bore-bestie f’eva, your bore-bud, your friend in the deep, dark night who keeps you company to the very end whether you’re awake or asleep, whether you’re listening or not, ‘cause there’s people who are listening who can't sleep at all or who need a break during the day.

 

I’m here to the very end whether you’re listening or not, whether you’re awake or not. I don't know, it’s just…it’s something…it takes a little getting used to. It’s a sleep podcast, I don’t listen to it, but it doesn't put me to sleep? That’s about right. Oh, it gets…it could make me skeptical or irritable? It could at first. So, just see how it goes. The structure of the show also throws people off, and we’ve made a lot of adjustments to the show as far as we can, but this is the version you’re listening to right now that most people benefit from, and…based on kind of eleven years of experiments and testing and listener feedback. So, give this one a try at first, and then you can adjust from there after three or four times, or maybe you just start falling asleep to this version of the show.

 

But the show starts off with a greeting; friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, so you feel seen and welcomed in and you say, okay, I could check that show out. It does seem lighthearted. It’s barely lighthearted even though he kinda got heavy there, but I get it. Every once in a while, he’s gotta get heavy. I’d say, yeah, in order…you ever try to carry around a tank of helium? Does anybody do helium-based stand-up? That’s like half a joke. That’s what this show specializes in. It’s like…the comedian says, am I right? Anybody here carrying around a hank…tank…hank of telium or a tank of helium? Thing’s heavy. I worked in a…said, what is…? They said, okay, buddy…but I guess I’m wondering…huh, it’s starting to make…'cause how many balloons can you feel…fill from…fill from a tank of helium?

 

How come that doesn't work? I’m not kidding. I guess maybe it’s something with the expansion of gas that makes it lighter than air, but…I mean, that shows my limitations. I have a limited level of…I’m not…I have reasonably…I’m reasonably good at doing this and creative, but yeah, when it comes to that kind of stuff, I’d say, I’m pretty sure it’s on…actually, I’m almost positive it’s on the periodic table. So, it’s an element. But, I don't know, there’s probably somebody…'cause I just saw…Pete Holmes was doing comedy about Q-tips, and it was very funny. So, there are…and I…it was very relatable humor. If you want to look it up, you’ll be able to find it. But it makes me think, does anybody do any comedy about helium tanks? They’d say, yeah, one joke in 1972. I’d say, really? So…I say, what’s up with these helium tanks?

 

They’re so heavy. I guess that could be…if it was…Steven Wright probably did, but it would…much been…had multiple layers. Me…it’s just me standing in the 99-cent store trying to lift the tank and being like, would you believe it? Maybe I should just do that. Maybe I don't need…I guess I couldn't get any dates that way, but that would…maybe that’s my first date from now on. Say, well, I gotta make a stop, and then I do that, and then if they find it funny…I guess that won't work, huh? I mean, it doesn't…the only place it works is in the start of a sleep…oh, the structure of the show very…throws people off, and these quarter jokes. His helium tank’s empty. I’d say, you’re right about…it’d probably be lighter. I mean, talk about irony. There you go; that’s…we’re on the Steven Wright path. ‘Cause I say, that’s…isn't that funny?

 

The tank’s lighter now. You’re barely laughing along with me…'cause it’s just funny, 'cause it’s like…it’s not humorous. It’s just…right? Am I right? Life is confusing. Wait a second, you’re telling me this helium tank weighs 180 pounds full of helium, but if I fill 8,000 balloons with it that’ll float away, then this thing weighs, what, fourteen pounds? Can you see…? This is where you say, can I get a refund? A refund for what? For my existence. It’s no wonder I wake up with malaise every day. Okay, so, structure of the show, though…the greeting is so you feel seen and welcomed in, then there’s support, then there’s sponsor support which is always direct response, meaning the sponsors are based on the listeners that support them, and that’s just…most people prefer this free version of the show.

 

If you want a ad-free version, you could…you can get it by supporting the podcast, but most people prefer this version. Then there’s a long, meandering intro. It is separate from the support and it’s about…I mean, you’ve seen it. I was pointing out how heavy it got, and then we found a tank of helium. All of a sudden, everything’s lighter. Who would have known it would have been…? Even the tank…but the tank of helium’s only lighter because I got rid of the helium. Are you with me this far? But the podcast got lighter as we talked about the tank of helium getting lighter. So, I’m out of helium, but the tank is lighter. I mean, come on. I do need…actually…they say, what, do you need a PhD to figure this out? I think I do, because I still don’t understand. Helium tank…a tank full of helium; 180 pounds in my imagination.

 

A tank without helium; fifteen pounds. I mean, come on, I do need a PhD. But I don’t need one to go off topic about it. So, the long, meandering intro…if you…after you listen a few times you say, I don't like these intros or whatever, check out Bedtime Stories from Sleep With Me. Also, it’s available in podcast apps for free. That just has the greeting and the bedtime stories. But the reason the intro is twenty minutes long is just so we could get to know each other. The show…the intro follows a familiar structure. It’s a show within a show, but it’s different every time. I don't know, have I done this bit…? I mean, it is a bit at this point, but…I stumble upon bits here, but…so, I don't know, so that’s…oh, the intro’s meant to ease you into bedtime.

 

So, most people listen to the intro as they’re getting ready for bed, winding down, doing a chill activity, or in bed getting comfortable. So, it doesn't put a lot of people to sleep; it eases you into bedtime, and that’s just been…what’s been shown to work and part of why my sleep has not been great, is I haven't been practicing my full bedtime routine, and I think having a bedtime routine is one of those things that works for me most of the time — not all the time — and that’s why I built it into the podcast and we get to talk about goofy stuff eventually. So, there’s that, and then…so, then the intro goes on and on and on to ease you into bedtime, then after the intro is support, then we’ll have Dreaming of Newhart, with, I think, a new segment now, which is…well, I’ll describe the concept on the episode. 

 

 think that’s it. That’s everything. I’m really glad you’re here. I really appreciate you checking the show out or coming back, you regular listeners. I’m really glad you’re here and I really hope this podcast can help you or continues to help you, to keep you company, 'cause what I said earlier really does matter. You really are a part of something here, and it is something important. Yeah. So, I’m glad you’re here, and thanks again for coming by. I work really hard on the show, a team of people work really hard on the show, and these sponsors and the people that support the show directly are what make it possible. So, thanks so much.

 

Alright, hey everybody, this is Dreaming of Newhart. It’s a different TV-recap show. Tonight we’re trying out a third segment to this one, and we’ll see if that continues on Sleep With Me+…or, we’ll see how it affects the extra time on the show. But this is a little TV-recap show based on the TV show Newhart and the idea that the whole show was a dream had by its main character, Bob, from the New…Bob Newhart Show…was having a dream the whole show, the Newhart Show…perfectly confusing even for a sleep podcast.

 

So, it’s a TV-recap show. Now it’s gonna be a double kind of TV-recap show as if the Bob from the Bob Newhart Show is dreaming of the new…Dick Loudon in Vermont. So, really sleepy stuff. So, we’re gonna…we’re listening in to Bob and the person Bob’s working with, who also does have an AI assistant for dream analysis. I guess I’ll go through it. There will be three segments on this episode. They’ll be seamless. I’m recording them all now, so take it away.

 

Alright, Bob, come on in and sit down. Let’s get to your dream last night, or your dreams from the past that you’ve collected. I still find this breathtaking working together. I was thinking tonight we could talk about your dreams, then we could talk about your week, and then we could talk about what myself…we could go through…I’m gonna have my assistant interpret your dreams before we hear about your week, and then we’ll hear about your week and we’ll talk about my assistant’s interpretations of your dreams. How does that sound? Great, great. So, yeah, my dream…I still had the same recurring dream of Vermont and the inn and getting…going there.

 

I also had dream deja-vu and…so, there’s people in this dream that I haven't…I know I’ve dreamt before but I don't remember dreaming them before, but they were familiar to me in the dreams. Maybe I even had…I was dreaming of having dreaming deja-vu, but I’m not sure. I just get the sense that I really know these people from the dream even though they haven't been in any of my dreams even that we’ve discussed. I mean, my wife…my dream wife is still in there, and other people, but there’s new people in my dream. Okay, go ahead, Bob. Okay, so, one of the people in my dream is Stephanie. So, she works at the inn; she wasn’t new to the inn.

 

But now we serve food in the inn, and in the dream, she’s delivering food — I think breakfast — to guests, but she’s doing it in a non…she’s not very good at her job, and she’s trying to hide her face. So, she’s short with the guests and she’s backing into them. In the dream, I say, what’s going on here? She says, I can't sleep, so I’m worried about how I look. I’m very, very…in the dream, she’s very consumed about how she looks. She says, George was hammering all last night. Then George says, no, I wasn’t. She says, there was some hammering going on last night, and it’s made me conscious…self-conscious of my looks. Okay. Then there’s two well-dressed guests who say, there was someone knocking on our door last night, and it kept us up. Stephanie starts quoting autumnal films.

 

She starts to allude to the fact that this hammering and the door-knocking are related, with a quote from a film about Carrie-Anne going toward the light. You know that movie, Carrie-Anne Goes to the Light? I’m familiar with that, yeah, a little bit. Then another dream or another dream I’m…whatever, part of a dream. My wife and I come back from dinner, my dream wife…I mean, if it’s not my dream wife, I’ll tell you…and Stephanie’s there, and she’s like…I don't know, there’s something off 'cause it’s late at night. She says, oh, I heard more noises. Then Safety Officer Shipman is there, and he’s quoting move…they’re all quoting movies, this time Dustbusters, the movie Dustbusters. Then George comes in; he’s been procrastinating about that.

 

Then everyone’s giving Officer Shipman a hard time, but everybody keeps…I keep telling everybody there’s a rational explanation for all this. Don't worry. Trust me. George talks about the hammering; well, it wasn’t a shutter that was loose. Everybody says, oh boy, let’s speculate on what’s making all this noise. Then somebody even says, Scooby, Scoobity-Doo. I say, no, no, there’s a rational…then someone talks about the basics of real estate questions? I don't know. Then other people start to speculate. Well, what if the woman who’s best friends with the basement is doing all this? I was like, I don't know about any of this. Then there’s another guest; they leave. They say, we heard things in our closet. I say, like best friends playing games? They say, I don't know. I say, okay.

 

Then one of our doors closes like a breeze shut it, and the guests leave. Then another part of the same dream or another fragment was that we meet the old…oh, 'cause I was like, let me just call the old owners of the inn and find out if this is related or if they’ve heard of this. Now, they had lost money when they ran the inn, so they come and they say, oh, by the…they come into my study and they say, oh, this was an office before. This was our work…my workshop. He said it was kinda like…this was before Build-A-Bear was a thing, but he would build stuff for…he would make stuffed animals for friends, and plushes. I say, well, there’s gotta be a rational explanation. They say, no, it’s the woman who’s best friends with the basement. She plays games with them and they go out and play.

 

Again, you’re gonna have to deal with her. Actually, we don’t believe she’s…we believe that she is possessive of the basement so that your use of the basement…she doesn't like it. So, she’s doing surprises for you and your guests because she wants everybody to leave the house to keep her relationship with the basement safe. The woman’s name is Gloria. She says, yeah, I gotta get outta here. I’m not even comfortable being here. The guy says, you know what? This does seem like you’re in an episode of Scooby-Doo. I say, yeah, I take more convincing than that. I may have been raised watching cartoons, but I don't believe life is a cartoon. Then some of my books fly off the shelf, just like in a cartoon, to punctuate the point of…like an ironic way or something. Okay, then I’m in bed, and then my wife hears a noise.

 

So, we go downstairs, and all our furniture’s been rearranged. Other guests leave; they say, that’s too weird. Why is somebody turning your furniture upside-down? So, then I think it’s a mistake. Then Larry, Darryl, and Darryl show up. They’ve been in my other dreams before. They start quoting the same Dustbusters movie. They say, I ain’t afraid of no dust. They say, we can help. They say, we even have this thing from a tourist shop, like one of those spoons. They say, if you wave the spoon around, it’ll bring you good luck. Then someone named Michael shows up. Again, he’s familiar to me. He does imitations from autumnal films. He’s doing Rod Serling, and he’s actually pretty good at it. I feel like people…there’s laughter unrelated to the dream but within the dream.

 

He’s dating Stephanie, and she says, he’ll be honest with me if I should be concerned with how I look. He says, oh boy, you should be. Also, he talks in a way…it’s kinda like puns and movie quotes or something. I’m not sure. Not jargon, but he’s tough to follow. I tell him, there’s no such thing as this stuff. The woman who’s best friends with the basement, she just wants to be best friends with the basement. Then my wife and I try to go to bed. She wants to sleep with the lights on. We’re having disagreements. I go down to get some warm milk, or maybe she…I don't remember, but there’s…then I hear creaking. Oh, I forgot, though; before that…maybe this was…or maybe this was a different dream.

 

There was…Larry, Darryl, and Darryl go downstairs to just talk to the woman in the basement, but they come back up and one of the Darryls is not there. They say, the last time he did this, he was looking at buying Ferraris. Then my typewriter starts typing itself. Can't find Darryl. Then we call Shipman to check it out. That’s when we find out, yeah, Darryl does this kinda stuff all the time, though. Then everybody’s like…and I say, don't worry. Everybody stay calm. We’ll figure this out. Okay, then there’s…it’s nighttime. My wife and I are in my bed. Then Stephanie and Michael knock on the door. They want to stay in our room, in our bed with us, but not any kind of…just for comfort.

 

I mean, not for even comfort; they…like a sleepover, an innocent sleepover, like friends…like a camping trip, I guess, but not like a camping trip…you know what I mean. Then the door…they get in bed, then Michael’s sleeping under the bed 'cause he says that’s where mist-based beings come from, and dust-based beings. Then George wants to sleep there, which is…I say, okay, wait a second, what? He wants to sleep in our bed. I’m like, man, oh man, oh my. Then everybody’s like…then we hear a noise coming from our closet, right, and everybody’s bent about it. Stephanie goes, Michael, check it out. Then he goes, eh, I’d prefer to wait outside. So, I’m like, this is ridiculous. I’ll check the closet. I open the closet door and Darryl’s in there, the one that looks like a Marx Brother, the Darryl that looks like a Marx Brother.

 

So, one of the Darryls looks like a Marx Brother; I think I told you that. I don't know…by the way, I don't know the names of the Marx Brothers. Not Groucho, but I don't know. He’s in there. He looks like an adult…a thirty-five-year-old version, maybe? I don't know. Twenty-eight to forty. I don't know why I’m stuck on that, but he’s in the closet. We bring him out. Also, he’s…the Darryls don’t…Larry, Darryl, and Darryl…the two Darryls don’t speak, so he doesn't speak. We say, what were you doing in there? He’s got this kind of goofy grin on his face. But then there’s this whole thing, 'cause they call Officer Shipman to come over to say, what are you doing, dude? What are you doing in there? You can't be in our bedtime closet, obviously. He gets blamed for the prank, that he was trying to prank us all.

 

Again, this is very…people are like, Scooby, Scoobity-Doo. Then he’s…brother says, no, no, he’s innocent. He had nothing to do with it. But I was thinking, this is a rational explanation, so he probably did. We go back and forth, but they say, no, no, he…somehow his…he communicates with his brother through body language. His brother goes, he did not do this. But I feel really self-satisfied, but then the lights go out, right? Then suddenly, the woman from the basement is there, so we think. Spoiler; it’s a dream, right? She says, no, I want to be…you shouldn't be in this house. The best…basement is my best friend, and I’m best friends with the basement, but the house is on top of the basement, and we want to be able to play in the house and not have any of you people in our way.

 

So, it’s time for you all to leave the house. At first we’re all…even me, I said, huh, I guess she is interrupting our way of life. I thought we had an agreement, but apparently we don’t. For me, it might be fine, but for guests of our inn, it’s not gonna be cool having a spiritual being who’s best friends with your basement. People aren't gonna like that. Whatever, it’s not gonna get us in…well, I guess I didn’t realize it could be a positive thing. But she was very stern. But Stephanie jumps up 'cause she says, I’m so sick and tired of not being able to get the sleep I need to be at my best. She runs up and says…goes to give Sarah…that’s the woman who’s best friends with the basement…she’s gonna give her a very stern talking-to. But when she goes, she realizes that it’s a real human being.

 

She detects their warmth — I don't know how — and she actually turns a light on. We see that it’s Gloria, one of the former owners of the inn. But, oh boy, was Stephanie upset. Then Gloria says, come on out, Ned. That’s the other owner of the inn, the dude that was…makes stuff like plush animals. He says, hi, everybody. Then everybody says, Darryl’s innocent. It’s these two. They say, yeah, we were jealous of your inn. Also, we had a new idea for the inn which was to do Scooby-Doo reenactments and to have…we never got…were able to follow through when we owned the inn, but now that you own the inn, we realize we should have followed through on our dream, which was to have an inn.

 

Instead of having a mystery dinner to have each week or, whatever, four nights at the inn be themed to an episode of Scooby-Doo and to do Scooby-Doo reenactments. So, that’s what we decided to do here. They said, I don't know. They said, is this your…is this a real episode of Scooby-Doo? Then everybody was saying, Scooby, Scoobity-Doo. I said, by the way, that’s only one generation of Scooby-Doo theme song. Two, this is our inn. So, the safety officer says, yeah, you can't conduct cosplay or reenactments of things in somebody else’s inn, especially when they don’t know about it ahead of time. They say, well, we wanted you to leave. We actually…yeah, 'cause…then Officer Shipman says, you were using Scooby-Doo in a way of antagonism? He’s not happy.

 

He says, for the love of Shaggy, Scooby…I’m feeling Scrappy, man. In the name of Fred, Wilma, and Daphne, Scooby, Scrappy, and Shaggy, I’m gonna have to…we’re gonna have to write you up, because that’s not cool. So, that’s…I don't know, I think that was how the dream ended. There might have been one more thing funny, but I can't remember it now. Okay, well, my assistant was noting some of those major moments from your dream. So, that’s good. Now, did you keep a journal of your week? You did? Okay, good, good. Yeah, so, this is a little bit uncomfortable because…since I’m in the same…we’re in the same…I know you’re in a…I actually am a fictional mental health…even though I’m a fictional being in my fictional…in my life, I’m a real mental health professional, right?

 

I know you’re a fictional one even though we’re working together. So, I just want to take a second to establish some professional…to put some boundaries on this, if that’s okay. It’s your time, Bob. Okay, I don't want…there are…I don't want any professional advice from you as one professional to another, even if…because there are gonna be ways I do things much differently than you, even though you’re fictional, right? So, I don't want to have any professional…I don't want you…this is about me as a person who has a professional life, but my professional life shouldn't…I don't know, are you able to set that aside? For the most part, Bob. Obviously there’s some places where I would tell you after you told me that I would…it depends. I can say I can…I’ll do my best, but I can't say 100%.

 

Oh no, I get that. Yeah, no…I mean, I’m just saying, when you hear some of this stuff, you’re gonna probably judge me mildly or more than mildly. Judge me as a person, right? Don’t say…I mean…you know what I mean? I think I know what you mean, Bob. So, yeah, I don't want any professional advice, even if it’s not…even if it’s one professional to another, 'cause it also involves…I don't…it wasn’t my best week. Let’s just say that, okay? Well, that’s good. It’s gonna impact your dreams either way. Okay, so, you know I run a lot of group working-together things. So, there’s…this week, for some reason it sticks out to me.

 

The first thing I remember about this week, even though I was trying to piece together why, is that…so, we had our group end, or one of my groups end, and this one client, he says…he was asserting…trying to be more assertive versus feeling like people that don’t respect his boundaries. I felt like he made some big strides, but then some of the other members of the group were kind of treating him in a way…a passive way. He’s like, well, I gotta go please them because I need a ride home. Maybe standing up for myself was a big mistake. So, that was there, then my assistant, Carol, starts to tell me she’s not happy and that she’s down and…now, again, I realize there’s…I say, well, let’s go in the office and talk about it. I guess for me, I just blur those boundaries.

 

I say, well, I’m gonna listen…I’m a professional listening to you. So, I don't know. But I guess just because I don't want to be judged, that’s why I say that. But I say, yeah, let’s go in my office and talk about it. We have some time. She starts to tell me that she has…she’s dissatisfied with her career, with the direction of things. She’s on a birthday milestone. She’s twenty-nine, so she’s feeling that. She’s feeling like she’s not important, like everyone is going forward but not her or everybody’s respected but not her. I guess my…I’ll just be honest; my needs became more important than her needs very quickly. Even…I guess now that I’m talking about it…even though it doesn't…it’s not apparent here, it is apparent here because…apparent; not a parent.

 

‘Cause I guess if I was in a better spot, I would have been listening to her and addressing some of her things, but instead I was just listening, but I was already starting to be concerned about what I was gonna lose. ‘Cause then she talks about how she wants more money and a career that’s fulfilling to her financially and emotionally and professionally, but…and definitely financially. But I’m also confused because this was a surprise coming. It just wasn’t…I didn’t see this coming, and even part of me was doubt…have I not been paying attention or is this coming out of nowhere, or is this just related to the birthday? Then I say, well, when did this…all this come up? She says, well, I had lunch with your wife. Now, my…this is my real-life wife, Emily. After talking to her, she basically told me to quit my job.

 

I say, my wife told you to quit your job, like work for me? I say, you gotta be kidding me. This is…so, then I go home. Basically, I…my wife’s grading papers. I say, can I talk to something…about something? I’ll fix us some drinks, but…and she says, you can talk to me while I’m grading papers. I was like, well, it’s kind of important. I said, did you tell Carol to quit her job? My wife kind of goes back and forth first with her body language. She said, no, no, no. Then she discusses it, and then…she does, 'cause she says, you have some pretty old-fashioned ideas about the workplace, Bob. I say, no, I don't. So, she’s challenging my workplace values. I wasn’t really feeling…I guess this is another growth opportunity 'cause at the time, I wasn’t even feeling like she was…I was dismissive. I didn’t even feel confrontational.

 

She talks about some workplace best practices. Again, maybe this is why I want to just limit it…I don't want your advice, either. Then our conversation is interrupted — and I guess in a sense — by a worse example, which is my neighbor Howard and a coworker who were also…had an…non-professional entanglement. Appropriate, but…whatever. They say, yeah, we’re just gonna go hang for a little while. Then my wife talks to Michelle, who’s with Howard, and says, hey, are you happy with your job? She says, well, basically, I’m a sky waitress, so…but I don't really think about it that much. Then we kinda see that also Howard has the same kinda misconception I have, but I’m seeing it through Howard’s eyes. I say, Howard, you really got some misconceptions about the workplace.

 

But then my wife says, well, if you really think about it, are you happy at your job? She says, if I really think about it, no. Then they leave 'cause they get called back into work, and I tell my…I’m really upset with my wife. So, then the next day…this really doesn't look good for me as far as…I’m just a…I’m a manipulative person, I guess. I’ll just tell you, because I ask Carol to join the group. I say, hey, Carol, let’s…you want to join the group today? She says, yeah. I say, hey everybody, Carol’s joining the group today. She’s having a tough time. They say, what’s going on? She goes, I’m not happy at work or with my employer, my boss. Then through the group, I’ll just say that I do try to manipulate Carol. The group recognizes it and calls me out and says, it’s clear you’re trying to manipulate Carol using the group.

 

That was not…the group forgave me, I guess, but man, I had to…whatever. But so…that’s separate from my notes. She quits the job and she says she’s irreplaceable. Then I talk to my wife about it. She says, okay, well, define ‘irreplaceable’. Why don’t you try to find someone else? Hire someone named Paul. He’s not great so far at his job in his first day. But Carol comes by to visit. She has a new job. She’s very happy. Then we get interrupted by another person that works on the floor, my friend, Jerry. We’re gonna go to a basketball game. We have…and then I feel a little bit like Jerry’s trying to get me to drive to the game. He’s also a little dismissive of Carol. Then we had group again, then the next group sessions. The next important thing is Carol comes and shows up.

 

Carol shares and she says that she quit her job and she was gonna also go to school at night, and she realized it was too much, that she started a new job and then she was gonna start going to school to be a dental hygienist. Then the group starts making me share my feelings. It’s clear that I mishandled all of this. I mean, this is just what worked. We worked through it. I’m just giving you the conclusions…and to make me apologize, to hear Carol’s feelings, talk about my feelings 'cause I missed Carol and that I really didn’t mean…you know, need her, and then that I really wanted to see if I could get her back working for me. She was a valuable employee. Then we worked it out. Then I had to let Paul go, who I had just hired. The only other benefit was that Paul made really good coffee.

 

Then I was very proud of the group and stuff like that and I guess the resiliency of it without talking about…without hearing your thoughts about it, you know what I mean? Okay, I think this is interesting stuff. Let’s see, let’s get into…let me just get my assistant over here. So, my assistant was working while we were talking about your week, so I really think this is gonna be good. The first thing that stuck out to me was that this Stephanie…that she can't sleep and then she’s hearing noises and that she’s very consumed with her…how she appears. My assistants said, with Freud, it could be…this woman who can't sleep could be this aspect of yourself, something that’s below the surface, troubled or unrested.

 

The strange noises could be internalized conflict, unresolved issues disturbing your peace, and the looks could be self-image or others’ perceptions of you, especially under stress or duress. So, I think that’s interesting to think about with your group. A Jungian interpretation…what about the noises as something part of your shadow self that are demanding attention? Though, it seems like you’re really…well, anyway, I don't want to judge your…but you were competing with Carol for attention this week, it seems like, and your wife in a non…I mean, a non-judgemental way. The looks might be the visible effects of inner things going on or stuff that’s manifesting. So, I think about that; your loss of Carol, your dream wife, your real wife, the fact that it seems like you have some old, outdated ideas about the workplace.

 

Okay, the contemporary is kind of external pressures that maybe need to be addressed. Maybe these old beliefs need to be addressed in a non all-or-nothing way, 'cause it’s affecting your daily functioning. So, I don't know, it’s something I feel like maybe with your professional image and personal appearance, 'cause Stephanie worked for you but she wasn’t doing a good job. The sensitivity of…the sensitivity to noise, right…this feels like there was some sensitivity and…lack of sensitivity and sensitivity. Okay, go on. I also…my assistant is now gonna come up with some out-of-the-left-field ideas. So, there’s one for spiritual-based beings, that this could be…have a significant experience. The woman, the noises…maybe there is something calling to you. Maybe there’s a cultural aspect to it, my assistant suggested.

 

I think there is here. You may be experiencing moral decay, my assistant said. Maybe you’re ignoring deeper metaphysical things going on. Then the technological part of noise in sleep…maybe there’s digital noise in your life and your connectivity? No, it’s not…I don't know. I think you have to look at some practical solutions and you gotta work…this seems like a pretty good time to talk about self-work. The next dream that kinda stuck out to me was the quotes from the movies, that everybody was quoting movies, it seemed like. This, again, could be something hidden that you’re not…that you say, oh boy, I’m not so sure about that. These quotes kinda represent memories 'cause they’re based on movies, memories trying to disguise themselves and express themselves.

 

Again, we could go back with Jung to your shadow archetype. Maybe there’s something you’re repressing. Maybe what’s not working is you’re trying to be this dominant figure with old-school ideas but you’re also repressing things at the same time, and then you’re trying to repress these old ideas — I mean, they are outdated; I’m not just judging you — and…instead of kind of replacing them or moving to new ideas. A more contemporary thing might be your…maybe this goes with it, this alienation of misunderstanding and of playing roles instead of being your true self or Carol being her true self. Let’s see what else my assistant had to say.

 

Some of the cultural thing…this might be that…there being a cultural mirror to you, the people in your dream quoting the movies and stuff like that, and maybe somehow media has shaped your perceptions. That’s something to think about, Bob. How are you portraying your old ideas? Are they based on just cultural influences from media or are you using it to reinforce your behavior? I don't know. I’m just throwing ideas from my assistant, so please don’t furrow your brow at me. Metaphysically, there’s a interpretation; this is…could be symbolic language, trying…maybe they’re trying to use the quotes…some part of you is using the language of cinema to get through to you. Maybe there’s something archetypal about those movies with Carol-Anne.

 

Move to the light, Carol-Anne, you know? Or Dustbusters; they’re not afraid of no dust. There’s also the idea…my assistant wants to point out there’s the virtual reality theory. If you have that even in…deep in your mind somewhere that you’re living in a scripted reality and everything’s predetermined or lacks spontaneity…so, maybe that’s something deep in you or maybe it’s just the lack of authenticity. Okay, the next dream thing is that everyone else believes this is Scooby-Doo-esque, but you think it’s rational and that other people are believing in this mystical thing and that you’re not. Maybe that’s the dismissive nature. Are you compelled to dismiss other people’s ideas or is there something that others are more sensitive or open to that you’re not?

 

Like, are you being defensive on a unconscious level against something? Jungian might say this…maybe this is…they’re more attuned into the manifestations of the collective unconscience. But this is in a dream, too, which makes it even more interesting. These are shadow images of yourself or your psyche trying to interact with you. Now, the skeptical role you’re playing…I don't know, that could be just your…I don't know, your persona, your conscious identity, and it’s at odds with this intuitive part of yourself or…I mean, you don’t really talk a lot about mythical stuff. You don’t have to, though. Maybe there’s something isolating about your beliefs in the contemporary school and your search for rational explanations, kind of your scientific and logical approach.

 

That’s your professional role, so that makes sense. You do have a profession. Now we’re gonna drop into some astrology, 'cause I want to…I don't want to leave any stone unturned. So, you have a Virgo sun sign, and that’s also analytical and skeptical. This could be where you feel complied to apply logic and skepticism in emotional situations. Again, for a fact…it must be confusing being a professional and having a life, 'cause you’re supposed to be grounded and practical. So, maybe the dream is you insisting on being that way even when it doesn't work. There’s also this parapsychological idea from my assistant; maybe the inn is a spiritual place, and maybe that means you need to be more open to experiences beyond the empirical. I don't know, maybe that’s what happened with Carol.

 

Like you said, maybe saying, hey, was there stuff I didn’t pick up on? Was I not sensitive to something because of this back-and-forth you’re doing with these old ideas? Right? The dichotomy in your dream, to quote my assistant, could be exploring deeper philosophical, existential questions. Or maybe the inn’s a metaphor about societal or cultural issues that are invisible to some but evident to others. Invisible to you, in this case, and your group pointed that out. Now I want to talk about this woman that lives in your basement, is best friends with the basement, and she’s three hundred years old, right? I know we’ve covered this before, but maybe this is some knowledge that’s down there and that maybe it’s…comes from your family? I don't know.

 

Maybe it’s knowledge that was passed onto you, maybe these old ideas aren’t your old ideas, but as we’re seeing, maybe they were passed onto you and reinforced. Now it’s time for you to move on. Jungian…you do have to look at feminine mystique and power and how that’s associated with your shadow self, particularly in this idea where you’re resist…it seems like you’re resisting it in the daylight. Maybe this long-term presence meant these energies are long-standing yet unexplored, handed down through generations, or some sort of collective unconscious event. But this is…clearly the basement is underlying…if we look at the contemporary view, maybe it’s something you don’t fully understand yet.

 

Then my assistant points out the durability of the friendship between the woman in the basement is, again, the legacy within your psychological makeup that has shaped your thoughts or behaviors over time…long-standing familial or cultural beliefs. Again, maybe it’s time to just move on and say…maybe that’s what you did say when you said, I need you, Carol. Outside-of-the-box ideas from my assistant…maybe this is a spiritual guardian who wants to pass on spiritual wisdom, this woman in the basement, and she has secrets for you that are already within you. So, maybe there’s also this thing of the past from her that’s not all bad. Maybe there’s positive stuff that was passed onto you over time from family and culture. It could also be a symbol of rebellion.

 

Maybe you want to rebel against the stuff that you never did rebel against. In a sense, Carol kinda did it for you; said, hey, I don't want…I can't deal with this anymore. There’s energetic imprints; maybe there’s something imprinted at the inn, some sort of psychic imprint on you. Let’s see, we also had the idea of the plush, the guy that built the plush. This could be an attempt to create life, and this could…but this…in that sense, it could relate to outdated ideas, past achievements, an old aspect of your identity that you’re trying to keep intact despite the relevance fading. My assistant wrote this before we talked about your week.

 

Then the transformation of…the fact that your current workplace used to be a place where plush was put together, that could be stagnation, lack of vitality, or dynamic…maybe in your professional life. Maybe in Jungian you’re trying to free stuff in childhood or some sort of past state, some sort of part of your professional and personal life is frozen in the past…again, this is all from my assistant before we talked about your week. Yeah, the fact that it’s in your office in the dream…I mean, come on, Bob. Now, the contemporary look at it…yeah, maybe this is unproductive, disconnected…there’s the idea of making the plush, preserving childhood, or are you holding onto the past? Then there’s my out-of-box ideas from my assistant; maybe plush is art versus preserving childhood.

 

Some people may be making bespoke plush toys as a artform and a creative expression, where a other viewpoint might be that you’re just trying to hold onto old, childish ideas. Maybe both those could be true somehow? There’s maybe an existential thing my thing pointed out, that you’re trying to make childhood last forever, but it could also be a philosophical inquiry into what parts of your professional life are genuinely alive. That’s what my assistant said. There’s also environmental psychology. Maybe this office space is a recreation of self. Like, is this in a fostering environment? Are you fostering…? You know what I mean? Also, the books flying off the shelf, that was another one.

 

They could symbolize ideas or thoughts erupting into your unconscious, Freud says, that you’ve been repressing or ignoring. Maybe this thing with Carol is a sudden realization or maybe it’s something else. I don't know, I’m just…this is the first time we’ve done this. The idea of books could symbolize your mind and vast store of knowledge, but the conflict between that with the books flying…again, Jungian; maybe that they’re symbolic of wisdom and learning, but the dynamic movement…maybe there’s wisdom demanding to be noticed and integrated into your psyche. The library is psychic space, intellectual, and spiritual realms, maybe? Chaos in this orderly environment might be a disruption. The contemporary thing; maybe there’s too much information.

 

Maybe you’re trying to intellectualize things too much and you’re losing control where you usually feel competent, especially in your professional life. You know? Maybe astrological…Virgo sun…meticulousness, order, analysis. So, the fact that the books have been disrupted…maybe your need for order versus some other challenge that’s emerging. Mercury ruling Virgo…Mercury governs communication and learning, and this could be a time of ups and downs. Then, this is really out-of-the-box stuff from my assistant; quantum physics perspective…non-linear dynamics. Maybe there’s quantum ideas of uncertainty in the non-linear nature of knowledge.

 

Maybe you need to embrace a more fluid understanding of reality that isn't static but dynamic and evolving…or books as cultural artifacts, a shift in understanding from long-held societal beliefs. This is…I can't make this up. That could prompt you to reconsider what cultural narratives you have accepted as truths, Bob. Again, I’m only reading what my assistant was working on while we were alone. Now, the typewriter typing on its own…unconscious thoughts…a lot of this is recycle…now we’re getting…and then the message it sent you…again, saying, hey, you gotta change this old stuff. Autonomy of your deep unconscience, maybe Jung would say, versus your conscience will. Maybe the typewriter’s a medium to say these messages are crucial insights.

 

It’s time to leave behind your outdated attitudes and situations that are hindering your individuation process. Escape from limiting belief or life patterns. Again, contemporary…maybe it’s that you’re overwhelmed. The typewriter’s independent, so maybe your life is out of your control. This is stuff I know you know, Bob. I’m glad you’re just listening. Again, Virgo is in control. The typewriter on its own might be this fear of chaos. Mercury ruling…Mercury’s influence here suggests significant messages are coming through unexpected means. Maybe you need to rethink things. There’s the idea of autonomous technology and singularity. Maybe the concepts of artificial autonomous…artificial intelligence and autonomy…maybe just thinking about that. Could be cinematic, again.

 

Typewriters are also often in cinema…symbolize things that make your heart go faster. So, maybe that’s something underlying you’re worried about. Then the dream about you holding that thing…this…that seemed primal to my assistant. Maybe unsophisticated, nevertheless essential, but this is one of those all-or-nothing things, and that you were using it to kind of say you’re not afraid of any ghosts or whatever. I think that’s what I heard. Maybe your subconscious efforts…maybe it’s a totem, my assistant said, from Jung. Earthiness, resourcefulness, maybe your, again, most basic instincts and innate wisdom, your shadow self or something you might find morally questionable. Kinda what you brought in here, though, Bob. I mean, really. Conventional wisdom might say this is how you deal with stuff in the waking life.

 

Maybe it’s time to do something more…less orthodox. Yeah, what’s going on below the scenes? I can't see that, you know. Virgo is…you’re really considerate about…the safety officer again; health…maybe your sun sign is encouraging you to trust more in your primal instincts but also less-conventional methods. I don't have the current planetary transits on your chart, but maybe it’s this heightened sensitivity. Then there’s how this is used in traditional tales, a protective totem kinda like Freud said, but maybe you have to look at some more ways of healing, maybe even into the past where these old ideas are from, but also, hey, what are some old ways of healing that worked? There’s also the idea of energetic shielding. I’m not familiar with it, but my assistant seems to be.

 

That’s that maybe you need an energy shield in your environment. Finally, I just want to cover this Scooby-Doo stuff. We’re cosplaying as Scooby-Doo and reenacting Scooby-Doo. Freudian sense…return to childhood, a simpler time when things were clearly all-or-nothing. Escape from the complexity of your current life. Then the act of dressing up or roleplaying…maybe you have to find different aspects of your personality. Maybe it’s a manifestation of wish fulfillment. I don't know, Jung may say acting out a Scooby-Doo episode…unveiling illusions, unmasking false identities. That’s pretty…that’s how those episodes tend to go. So, could this be an unconscious strive to resolve mystery or uncertainty in your life? Maybe you’re exploring these different archetypes and characters within yourself; hero, trickster, shadow.

 

Maybe you need to integrate those in your conscious. Maybe there’s something contemporary like a group activity. It’s a group reenactment, a desire for community. That goes to the group you were working with this week. Social interaction versus feelings of isolation. Maybe there’s a problem-solving theme, problem-solving and teamwork. Wow, my assistant is good, I think. Virgo is detail-oriented tasks…the dream might be…highlight your enjoyment. Maybe Mercury ruling Virgo govern analytical theory. There’s also nostalgia and cultural icons. Maybe there’s familiar narratives that provide you comfort and escape from contemporary ones. So, maybe you have to look at your past influences. Maybe there’s roleplay in therapy in the group, how it’s therapeutic.

 

Maybe there’s an unconscious recognition of the benefits. Yeah, I think kinda that’s it. I think that’s pretty good, Bob. How are you feeling? I feel like I need to get some sleep now after all that. Yeah, it’d probably be good to get some sleep, and you keep dreaming, Bob. Keep coming back, and we’ll keep doing this. Sounds good, but I don't know, I may not. You sure your assistant had all that before? It did, because it’s all your interpretation, Bob, and my interpretation together. So, goodnight, Bob. Goodnight. I’ll dream some more.

 

[END OF RECORDING]

(Transcription performed by LeahTranscribes)

Dreaming of Newhart

 

Stamp Collection

https://www.invaluable.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-stamp-collecting/

https://hobbylark.com/collecting/Stamp-Collecting-Philately-Worlds-Greatest-Hobby

https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/the-origin-of-stamp-collecting-in-america-part-1-h.html

 

Bob Newhart Remembrance

https://www.thewrap.com/bob-newhart-dies-hollywood-remembrance/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/arts/television/bob-newhart-standup-comedy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.900.CQnK.INWeahqLxpZo&smid=url-share

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/arts/television/bob-newhart.html?unlocked_article_code=1.900.4pjy.vIH5YVPiIgyU&smid=url-share

 

Bob Newhart Show

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bob-newhart-show-oral-history-1101677/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/05/01/bob-newharts-quietly-revolutionary-sitcom-ended-40-years-ago-but-it-changed-tv/

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/bob-newhart-appreciation-newhart-finale-1235063494/

 

Fake Hauntings

https://www.history.com/news/ghost-hoax-spiritualism-fox-sisters

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150629-the-intriguing-history-of-ghost-photography

https://www.businessinsider.com/ghost-stories-that-turned-out-to-be-fake-2018-4

 

DOWN TO BUSINESS

From Vermont to Chicago, by way of dreams

TV Podcast Show

Imaginary 3rd person narrator

Always barely never making any sense

Did you say ‘canape’?

 

Deep Dark Night United

n/a

 

PLUGS

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

 

SPONSORS

Helix Sleep; Zocdoc; Progressive; Lumen; Carvana

 

INTRO

At least have some comfort in the deep dark night

You’re already a part of it

I know how it feels

Dread on Friday about falling asleep on Sunday

I’ve recently been sharing rooms with some siblings

A different kind of loneliness

Harmonica-Level Loneliness

We can relate to how you feel

There’s enough people listening around the world who do know how you feel

I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately

I can talk to you about nothing for an hour

No offense, but tell me about your stamp collection

I have a collection of stamps and stomps

It’s normal to be frustrated or irritated at first

There’s not an expectation to even fall asleep

Barely Lighthearted

Helium-Based Standup

A Hank of Telium? A Tank of Helium?

How many balloons does a tank of helium fill?

That’s like half a joke premise

I’m almost positive that helium is on the periodic table

Pete Holmes was just doing a routine about Q-tips

Steven Wright must’ve done this at some point

Can you get a refund on my existence?

Is a tank of helium lighter after the helium is gone?

I might need a PhD to figure this out

I’m really glad you’re here

 

STORY

Tonight we’re trying out a 3rd segment

As if Bob from one show is dreaming of Dick from the other show

Let’s get to your dream, Bob

Talk about your dreams, talk about your week, and then hear the interpretation

The recurring dream of Vermont

I feel like I really know these people

Stephanie works at the inn

She’s serving food but she’s short with the guests

She’s very consumed with her looks

George was hammering last night

Stephanie starts quoting autumnal films

Carrie Anne Goes to the Light

My dream wife and I come back from dinner

Stephanie heard more noises

Safety Office Shipman is there

They’re all quoting autumnal movies

There must be a rational explanation for this

What if the woman who’s best friends with the basement is doing all this?

Talking to the former owner

The former owner’s toy workshop where he’d make stuffies for friends

The basement woman plays games with her

We believe she’s possessive of the basement

She wants people to leave

It does seem like you’re in Scooby-Doo

Then books fly off the shelf!

My wife hears a noise

All our furniture has been rearranged!

The guests start leaving

Larry, Darryl, and Darryl return 

They ain’t afraid of no dust

Michael shows up doing imitations of autumnal films

He’s dating Stephanie

He talks in puns and movie quotes

There’s no such thing as this stuff

The 3 guys go to talk to the lady

One of them doesn’t return

Our typewriter starts typing itself

We’ll figure this out

Then it’s nighttime

Stephanie and Michael want to stay in our room

Like an innocent sleepover camping trip

Michael is sleeping under the bed

Then George wants to also sleep in our bed

The Darryl that looks like a Marx Brother

Darryl is in the closet!

The 2 Darryls don’t speak

Officer Shipman comes

He was trying to prank us all

But the brothers say he’s innocent!

Then the lights go out

We think the woman in the basement is there

She says she wants us to go

Stephanie is sick of not getting enough sleep

She gives Sarah a stern talking to, but then she realizes it’s a real human being

It’s Gloria, one of the former owners of the inn!

Ned and Gloria were jealous of our new ownership

They wanted to do Scooby Doo reenactments in the inn

They were trying to get us to leave

Using Scooby Doo in the name of antagonism

My assistant was noting some of those moments

I am a fictional being, but in my life I’m a real mental health professional

Let’s establish some boundaries in this

Bob doesn’t want any professional advice

I’ll do my best, Bob

Bob speaks now

I run a bunch of group working together things

One of my groups was in

He was trying to be assertive

Fellow group members were tricking him in a past way

My assistant Carol tells me she’s not happy

Carol is dissatisfied with her career

She wants a better paying, more fulfilling career

I didn’t see this coming

My wife told her to quit her job working for me!

I talk to my wife while she’s grading papers

Why did she do that?

She’s challenging my workplace values

I’m dealing with my coworker Howard

My wife talks to Michelle, Howard’s wife, about her job

Howard and I have the same misconceptions about the workplace

Michelle is not happy

I ask Carol if she’d like to join the group today

I try to manipulate Carol through the group, which they call me out on

I have a new guy, Paul, who’s not very good at the job

Jerry and I are going to a game, and he’s dismissive of Carol

Carol shares in group that she quit her job

She’s gonna go to school to be a dental hygienist

The group makes me share my feelings

I really miss Carol and do need her

She was a valuable employee

We worked it out and then I had to let Paul go

I’ll miss the good coffee that Paul made

My assistant has some insights

The meaning of Stephanie

Freud: An aspect of yourself that is troubled / unrested

Processing your loss of Carol

External pressures that need to be addressed

A lack of sensitivity and too much sensitivity

Some left field ideas

Ideas for Spiritual Based Beings

A cultural aspect, maybe

Maybe you’re experiencing moral decay

Why was everyone quoting movies?

The quotes represent memories?

Media has perhaps shaped your perceptions

How are you portraying your outdated ideas?

Metaphysically, your subconscious is using movies to speak to you

The new virtual reality theory

Why did you think it was rational compared to everyone else?

Are you defensive on an unconscious level?

Beliefs might be isolating

It makes sense in your professional life to be that rational in your dream

You have a Virgo sun sign – that could apply to skepticism

Maybe it’s a metaphor about societal issues

Let’s talk about the woman who’s best friends with the basement

The basement is an underlying thing for you

The durability of the friendship between the woman and the basement

Maybe you have to let go of some long held cultural beliefs?

The guy that built the plush – outdated achievements

Despite your irrelevance fading

That definitely relates to your current issues at work

Freezing something in a childhood state?

Is the plush art or preserving childhood?

Maybe the office is a recreation of self?

The books flying off the shelf = thoughts erupting

Books could be past knowledge

Meticulous Order Analysis – maybe your need for order is being challenged

Quantum Physics Perspective – Nonlinear Dynamics

A more fluid understanding of reality

Shifting from long-held societal beliefs

I’m glad you’re still listening, Bob

Maybe you’re worried about something underneath all this

Maybe a heightened sensitivity

A protective totem

This could be a manner of wish fulfillment

Unmasking false identities and ideas

Uncovering different archetypes within yourself

Wow, my assistant is really good

Keep dreaming, Bob. We’ll continue with this

I promise the assistant had all these interpretations before you told me about your real life

Time to dream some more

 

SWM+ THANKS

n/a

 

SUMMARY:

Episode: 1293

Title: For the Love of Scooby Doo | Dreaming of Newhart S4E15

Deep Dark Night United: n/a

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

Sponsors: Helix Sleep; Zocdoc; Progressive; Lumen; Carvana

SWM+ Thanks: n/a

Notable Language:

• By way of dreams
• TV Podcast Show
• Canape
• Harmonica-Level Loneliness
• Barely Lighthearted
• Helium-Based Standup
• Hank of Telium
• Dust-Based Beings
•  

 

Notable Culture:

• • Stamp Collecting
  • Pete Holmes
  • Steven Wright

• Newhart

• The Bob Newhart Show

• • Bob Newhart
  • Carrie Anne Goes to the Light

• Ghostbusters

• Scooby-Doo

• Rod Serling
• Marx Brothers
•  

 

Notable Talking Points:

• At least have some comfort in the deep dark night
• You’re already a part of it
• I know how it feels
• Dread on Friday about falling asleep on Sunday
• I’ve recently been sharing rooms with some siblings
• A different kind of loneliness
• Harmonica-Level Loneliness
• We can relate to how you feel
• There’s enough people listening around the world who do know how you feel
• I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately
• I can talk to you about nothing for an hour
• No offense, but tell me about your stamp collection
• I have a collection of stamps and stomps
• It’s normal to be frustrated or irritated at first
• There’s not an expectation to even fall asleep
• Barely Lighthearted
• Helium-Based Standup
• A Hank of Telium? A Tank of Helium?
• How many balloons does a tank of helium fill?
• That’s like half a joke premise
• I’m almost positive that helium is on the periodic table
• Pete Holmes was just doing a routine about Q-tips
• Steven Wright must’ve done this at some point
• Can you get a refund on my existence?
• Is a tank of helium lighter after the helium is gone?
• I might need a PhD to figure this out
• I’m really glad you’re here
• Tonight we’re trying out a 3rd segment
• As if Bob from one show is dreaming of Dick from the other show
• Let’s get to your dream, Bob
• Talk about your dreams, talk about your week, and then hear the interpretation
• The recurring dream of Vermont
• I feel like I really know these people
• Stephanie works at the inn
• She’s serving food but she’s short with the guests
• She’s very consumed with her looks
• George was hammering last night
• Stephanie starts quoting autumnal films
• Carrie Anne Goes to the Light
• My dream wife and I come back from dinner
• Stephanie heard more noises
• Safety Office Shipman is there
• They’re all quoting autumnal movies
• There must be a rational explanation for this
• What if the woman who’s best friends with the basement is doing all this?
• Talking to the former owner
• The former owner’s toy workshop where he’d make stuffies for friends
• The basement woman plays games with her
• We believe she’s possessive of the basement
• She wants people to leave
• It does seem like you’re in Scooby-Doo
• Then books fly off the shelf!
• My wife hears a noise
• All our furniture has been rearranged!
• The guests start leaving
• Larry, Darryl, and Darryl return 
• They ain’t afraid of no dust
• Michael shows up doing imitations of autumnal films
• He’s dating Stephanie
• He talks in puns and movie quotes
• There’s no such thing as this stuff
• The 3 guys go to talk to the lady
• One of them doesn’t return
• Our typewriter starts typing itself
• We’ll figure this out
• Then it’s nighttime
• Stephanie and Michael want to stay in our room
• Like an innocent sleepover camping trip
• Michael is sleeping under the bed
• Then George wants to also sleep in our bed
• The Darryl that looks like a Marx Brother
• Darryl is in the closet!
• The 2 Darryls don’t speak
• Officer Shipman comes
• He was trying to prank us all
• But the brothers say he’s innocent!
• Then the lights go out
• We think the woman in the basement is there
• She says she wants us to go
• Stephanie is sick of not getting enough sleep
• She gives Sarah a stern talking to, but then she realizes it’s a real human being
• It’s Gloria, one of the former owners of the inn!
• Ned and Gloria were jealous of our new ownership
• They wanted to do Scooby Doo reenactments in the inn
• They were trying to get us to leave
• Using Scooby Doo in the name of antagonism
• My assistant was noting some of those moments
• I am a fictional being, but in my life I’m a real mental health professional
• Let’s establish some boundaries in this
• Bob doesn’t want any professional advice
• I’ll do my best, Bob
• Bob speaks now
• I run a bunch of group working together things
• One of my groups was in
• He was trying to be assertive
• Fellow group members were tricking him in a past way
• My assistant Carol tells me she’s not happy
• Carol is dissatisfied with her career
• She wants a better paying, more fulfilling career
• I didn’t see this coming
• My wife told her to quit her job working for me!
• I talk to my wife while she’s grading papers
• Why did she do that?
• She’s challenging my workplace values
• I’m dealing with my coworker Howard
• My wife talks to Michelle, Howard’s wife, about her job
• Howard and I have the same misconceptions about the workplace
• Michelle is not happy
• I ask Carol if she’d like to join the group today
• I try to manipulate Carol through the group, which they call me out on
• I have a new guy, Paul, who’s not very good at the job
• Jerry and I are going to a game, and he’s dismissive of Carol
• Carol shares in group that she quit her job
• She’s gonna go to school to be a dental hygienist
• The group makes me share my feelings
• I really miss Carol and do need her
• She was a valuable employee
• We worked it out and then I had to let Paul go
• I’ll miss the good coffee that Paul made
• My assistant has some insights
• The meaning of Stephanie
• Freud: An aspect of yourself that is troubled / unrested
• Processing your loss of Carol
• External pressures that need to be addressed
• A lack of sensitivity and too much sensitivity
• Some left field ideas
• Ideas for Spiritual Based Beings
• A cultural aspect, maybe
• Maybe you’re experiencing moral decay
• Why was everyone quoting movies?
• The quotes represent memories?
• Media has perhaps shaped your perceptions
• How are you portraying your outdated ideas?
• Metaphysically, your subconscious is using movies to speak to you
• The new virtual reality theory
• Why did you think it was rational compared to everyone else?
• Are you defensive on an unconscious level?
• Beliefs might be isolating
• It makes sense in your professional life to be that rational in your dream
• You have a Virgo sun sign – that could apply to skepticism
• Maybe it’s a metaphor about societal issues
• Let’s talk about the woman who’s best friends with the basement
• The basement is an underlying thing for you
• The durability of the friendship between the woman and the basement
• Maybe you have to let go of some long held cultural beliefs?
• The guy that built the plush – outdated achievements
• Despite your irrelevance fading
• That definitely relates to your current issues at work
• Freezing something in a childhood state?
• Is the plush art or preserving childhood?
• Maybe the office is a recreation of self?
• The books flying off the shelf = thoughts erupting
• Books could be past knowledge
• Meticulous Order Analysis – maybe your need for order is being challenged
• Quantum Physics Perspective – Nonlinear Dynamics
• A more fluid understanding of reality
• Shifting from long-held societal beliefs
• I’m glad you’re still listening, Bob
• Maybe you’re worried about something underneath all this
• Maybe a heightened sensitivity
• A protective totem
• This could be a manner of wish fulfillment
• Unmasking false identities and ideas
• Uncovering different archetypes within yourself
• Wow, my assistant is really good
• Keep dreaming, Bob. We’ll continue with this
• I promise the assistant had all these interpretations before you told me about your real life
• Time to dream some more