Junk Refund Show with Alan Cook

Junk Refund Show, February 5, 2026


Listen Later

Junk Refund Show with Alan J. Cook
Clearing the Clutter: Lessons on Character, Service, and the Business of "Junk"
The Junk Refund Show | Feb 05, 2026
Hosted by Alan J. Cook: Removing physical clutter and spiritual "junk" from modern life.
EDITORIAL MODE
Core Commentary
"Swearing is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself. If you can't find a better word, go read a book."
Religious Intolerance: Alan addresses the "F the Mormons" chants at the OSU vs. BYU game, calling for university accountability and comparing the behavior to religious bigotry against other faiths.
The High Road: Contrasting the hostility with BYU’s tradition of giving free ice cream to visiting fans and donating tons of food to local shelters before away games.
The "Ice Oreo" Technique
Vertical Splitting: Tilt shovel handle toward body so the blade hits ice perfectly vertical to split molecules like wood grain.
Equipment Arbitrage: Using commercial snowblowers and Husky shovels salvaged from junk removal jobs to run a $100/hr service.
Survival Hack: When rock salt is sold out, use Morton's table salt for walkways.
Market & Numbers
$100/hr
Snow Removal
$31.00
DC to SLC Flight
Life "Junk" Removal
#Charity#SnowHacks#BYU#GoWildPass#KrispyKreme
Acts of Service
• Escorting elderly across icy roads.
• "The Last Supper": Monthly dinner for 6+ missionaries.
• Door-Dashing "Honeymoon Chicken" for new parents.
Target Audience: Homeowners, Entrepreneurs, Spiritual Seekers
60 Min Broadcast
In this episode of the Junk Refund Show, host Alan J. Cook explores the philosophy of "getting the junk out of your life," ranging from addressing religious intolerance in college sports to practical tips for winter snow removal. Cook emphasizes the importance of service, resourcefulness, and maintaining high standards even when faced with negativity.
Detailed Key Points
Addressing Religious Intolerance in Sports
Cook addresses a series of recent incidents where fans at Big 12 universities directed derogatory religious chants toward BYU athletes. He argues that such behavior reflects a "feeble mind" and calls for stricter consequences, such as expulsion or heavy fines for participating students. In contrast, he highlights the "high road" taken by the BYU community, which includes donating thousands of pounds of food to local shelters in opposing teams' cities and offering free ice cream to visiting fans in Provo. Cook asserts that while others may choose religious intolerance, his community will continue to respond with charitable acts and higher standards.
The "High Road" vs. The "Low Road"
Low Road Behavior
Public religious intolerance
Derogatory chanting
Hostile environments
High Road Response
29,000 lbs food donations
Free ice cream for visitors
Maintaining Honor Codes
Resourcefulness in the Snow Removal Business
The episode provides a masterclass in turning "junk" into profit during harsh winter conditions. Cook shares how he uses commercial snowblowers and lawnmowers—items that customers paid him to haul away—to run a lucrative snow removal side business during the DC area's deep freeze. He details the physics of ice removal, explaining that a shovel must be held perfectly vertical to split the "ice Oreo cookie" structure of frozen snow. Due to a regional shortage of rock salt and shovels, he proposes using common table salt as a creative alternative for melting ice on walkways.
The Philosophy of Service and Connection
Cook shares personal anecdotes illustrating how small acts of service can "get the junk out of your relationships." These include helping an elderly pedestrian cross an icy street, using delivery apps to provide meals for new parents, and hosting "The Last Supper" for young missionaries. He also discusses his "spiritual hobby" of visiting every LDS temple in the U.S., using these trips to build traditions with his granddaughters through specific gifts. He maintains that physical distance is no barrier to close family ties if one is intentional about communication and shared experiences.
Pro-Tip: The Physics of Ice Splitting
To break thick ice efficiently with a pointed shovel:
90° Vertical Angle
Splits molecules along the grain line
One-Hit Break
"Tilt the handle toward your body to ensure the blade is perpendicular to the ground."
Key Data
Refund Success: One client spent $375 on junk removal and received $375 on junk removal and received $3,200 back after items were sold.
Snow Removal Rates: Cook charges $100 per hour with a $100 per hour $with a $50 minimum.
Travel Savings: Utilized a "Go Wild Pass" to book a flight from DC to Salt Lake City for only $31 in taxes.
Fundraising Economics: Purchasing Krispy Kreme donuts at a wholesale price of $7/dozen (vs. $ 15.99 retail) for charitable distribution.
To-Do / Next Steps
Contact BBS Radio to explore starting a personal radio show or podcast.
Purchase 10 containers of Morton’s table salt as an emergency ice-melt alternative for steps and walkways.
Visit the new Burley Idaho Temple this Saturday to continue the spiritual gift tradition for the second grandchild.
Check local Home Depot and Lowe's inventory for square-mouth shovels, noting they are currently a high-demand commodity.
Conclusion
The episode serves as a reminder that "junk" isn't just physical clutter; it is also found in poor behavior and stagnant relationships. By applying resourcefulness to business and charity to social interactions, individuals can clear the "junk" from their lives and find greater happiness and profit.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Junk Refund Show with Alan CookBy BBS Radio, BBS Network Inc.