The Final Third: A podcast about life, learning, and growing

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🧩 Episode Overview (Long Summary)

In Episode 21, John Mesko continues his “Difficult People” series by focusing on manipulative personalities—those who gain influence not through force but through subtle emotional control. He begins by clarifying that manipulation is a behavioral pattern, not a diagnosis, and it often overlaps with traits like narcissism or dishonesty.

Drawing from personal experience, John tells the story of Nancy, a coworker whose mastery of indirect control—through charm, guilt, and selective information—created chaos in a small office. Her story serves as a real-world case study of how manipulators operate and how their actions can drain others emotionally.

Key insights include:

• Manipulation arises from insecurity, fear, or power hunger.
• Common tactics: inducing guilt, gaslighting, flattery, controlling information, and subtle threats.
• Emotional warning signs: feeling obligated, confused, defensive, guilty, or drained.
• Recovery involves reclaiming perspective, establishing emotional neutrality, and building connections with “truth tellers” who respect boundaries.

John concludes that the antidote to manipulation is clarity, calmness, and self-awareness, not retaliation or cynicism.

🧠 Key Themes & Takeaways

ThemeKey InsightManipulation Defined | Control without accountability; engineered consent.
Core Motives | Insecurity, fear of rejection, power hunger, avoidance of responsibility.
Behavioral Styles | Guilt-tripping, gaslighting, flattery, controlling information, threats.
Emotional Indicators | Feeling obligated, guilty, angry, confused, or exhausted after interaction.
Defense Strategies | Ask clarifying questions, set boundaries, pause before responding.
Recovery | Recognize patterns, trust intuition, and reestablish emotional neutrality.
Goal | Not to avoid manipulators—but to become unmanipulable.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Manipulative people don’t need power—they just need you to forget that you have your own.”
• “At the core, manipulation is about control without accountability.”
• “Manipulative conversations are energy transactions—you lose energy, they gain control.”
• “Asking questions is your first line of defense.”
• “Your silence isn’t surrendering—it’s information gathering.”
• “When something feels off, that’s not paranoia—it’s pattern recognition.”
• “The goal isn’t to avoid manipulators. The goal is to become unmanipulable.”

🧭 Practical Guidance

To Recognize Manipulation:

• Notice emotional shifts (guilt, confusion, pressure).
• Ask: “What is this person trying to make me feel—and why?”

To Respond Effectively:

• Pause before replying.
• Use boundary phrases: “That doesn’t work for me,” or “I need time to think about that.”
• Move communication to written or group settings when possible.

To Recover:

• Reflect on what made you susceptible (empathy, loyalty, peacekeeping).
• Rebuild emotional neutrality—respond, don’t react.
• Seek “truth tellers” who respect your boundaries and admit when they’re wrong.

🔄 Series Context

This is the fourth installment in The Final Third’s “Difficult People” series:

1. Bullies
2. Selfish People
3. Narcissistic People
4. Manipulative People ← this episode

Together, these episodes explore how to maintain integrity and compassion while setting clear emotional and relational boundaries.

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🧭 EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode continues The Final Third’s “Difficult People” series with a deep, structured exploration of narcissistic behavior.
John draws from lived experience, research, and reflection — not psychology textbooks — to help listeners understand how narcissism shows up, why it forms, and how to protect themselves while maintaining empathy.

Key message: You can’t fix a narcissist, but you can stop fueling them.

🔍 MAIN THEMES

1. Narcissism Isn’t Confidence — It’s Defensiveness

• Narcissists often aren’t overflowing with self-love; they’re protecting a fragile sense of self.
• Admiration feels like oxygen to them — control and pity are their backups.
• Core traits: insecurity, emotional regulation through others, and an empathy gap.

2. Where It Comes From

• Conditional love (“You’re loved when you perform”).
• Childhood neglect or overpraise.
• Trauma or illness during key developmental stages.
• The person learns that attention equals survival — and later, drama replaces the emergency room.

3. The Relationship Cycle

1. Idealization: “You’re my soulmate.” Rapid intimacy, reflection of your best traits.
2. Devaluation: Jokes as criticism, rewriting history, triangulating others.
3. Withdrawal/Discard: Explosive exits or icy silence when admiration stops.

You’re not gullible for falling into this cycle — you’re human for wanting to be seen.

4. Recognizing Narcissistic Styles

• Chronic extraction of admiration, pity, or control.
• Apologies that cost nothing (“I’m sorry you feel that way”).
• Anger when you set boundaries.
• Humor used to humiliate or control.

5. How to Respond

• Detach emotionally.
• Speak with fewer words, slower cadence, neutral tone.
• Focus on facts, not feelings.
• Set clear boundaries: “That doesn’t work for me.” “I think we see it differently.”
• Maintain consistency; don’t overexplain.
• Document agreements, separate finances if needed, involve third parties if safety is at risk.

6. For Those Who See Themselves Here

• Recognizing narcissistic patterns in yourself isn’t condemnation — it’s honesty.
• Practice apologies that cost something.
• When criticized, get curious, not defensive.
• Let others have the spotlight without redirecting the story.
• You can’t change the past, but you can rewire your responses now.

7. The Final Lesson

💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS

• “Narcissism isn’t about too much self-love — it’s about too little secure attachment.”
• “Drama becomes the new emergency room.”
• “Apologies that cost nothing mean nothing.”
• “When you stop feeding a narcissist’s ego, they call it betrayal. But it’s actually the first step in their healing.”

🕊️ CLOSING REFLECTION

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🎙️ Episode 19: Dealing with Selfish People

Staying generous without getting used.
Selfishness is not just rude—it’s inefficient.  The challenge is not to harden your heart but to clarify your boundaries.

🔍 Key Insights 

1. Selfishness as Inefficiency

• Selfish people waste energy and time—the most precious resources.
• The correction is not punishment but optimization—clarify what you’ll give and when you’ll stop.

2. The Mask of Busyness

• Many selfish people disguise their self-absorption as “being busy.”
• Busyness becomes social currency, a way to appear valuable.

3. Recognize the Pattern

• Occasional selfish acts ≠ a selfish person.
• True selfishness is consistent: a repeated one-sided exchange that leaves you drained.
• Track how you feel after interactions. Energized or depleted? That’s your metric.

4. Withdraw Quietly When Reciprocity Disappears

• Relationships must be two-way. When they’re not, disengage cleanly.
• Don’t get offended—strategize. Define what you will and will not do.

5. Kindness Without Boundaries = Slow Surrender

• Being “nice” is not the same as being wise.
• Kindness without limits leads to burnout and resentment.
• Sustainable generosity requires strategic empathy—giving from strength, not obligation.

6. Set Capacity Limits

• Acknowledge your personal bandwidth: time, energy, emotional capacity.
• It’s okay to say, “I can’t take this on today.”
• Your energy is a finite system—protect it like any valuable asset.

7. Communicate Your Boundaries Out Loud

• Be specific:
  • “I can talk for 25 minutes.”
  • “I’m available between 1 and 3.”
• No need to apologize. Structure shows respect—for both sides.

8. Exit Without Guilt

• Ending a draining relationship is not cruel; it’s self-preservation.
• If they leave when you establish boundaries, it was never a friendship—it was a transaction.

9. Compassion ≠ Compliance

• Help from genuine care, not expectation.
• Selfish people often equate compassion with compliance—they expect your “yes.”
• Keep compassion, but remove obligation.

10. Wisdom with Age

• The “final third” perspective: less energy, sharper discernment.
• Shorten your “ride or die” list; fewer, deeper relationships are better than many one-sided ones.
• Wisdom means knowing the difference between being kind and being consumed.

💬 Key Quotes

• “Kindness without boundaries becomes a slow surrender.”
• “Strategic empathy isn’t cold—it’s sustainable generosity.”
• “Wisdom means knowing the difference between being kind and being consumed.”
• “Withdraw quietly when the reciprocity disappears.”
• “You don’t need to change selfish people; just stop feeding them.”

💡 Listener Challenge

Reflect on your relationships this week:

1. Who consistently asks versus who offers?
2. Which relationships leave you energized versus drained?
3. Where can you tighten a boundary—kindly, but firmly?

🪞 Closing Reflection

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🎙️ Episode 18 — Dealing with Bullies

Series: Dealing with Difficult People
Host: John Mesko
Length: ~15–18 minutes
Tone: Calm, assertive, reflective, INTJ-informed

🎧 1. Hook / Opening Monologue (1 minute)

💡 2. Overview & Purpose

• Topic: How to recognize and respond effectively to bullies without losing composure.
• Why It Matters: Bullies exist in every environment—work, family, school—and maturity is revealed by who you are when confronted by one.
• INTJ Framework: Detachment, pattern recognition, emotional control, and clarity as defense mechanisms.

🧩 3. Key Takeaways

1. Bullies thrive on reaction. They feed on chaos, confusion, and emotional energy.
2. Calmness equals power. The less you react, the more control you retain.
3. Clarity breaks their spell. Make them explain themselves—they usually can’t.
4. Boundaries don’t need emotion. Just conviction.
5. Your victory is peace, not domination.

🧠 4. INTJ Lens

• Natural Advantage: INTJs spot control dynamics quickly; they see the pattern behind the behavior.
• Approach:
  • Stay emotionally neutral.
  • Analyze before acting—pause before engaging.
  • Use logic and documentation, not feelings.
• Why It Works: Bullies can’t handle calm logic—it removes their leverage.

🛠️ 5. Practical Strategies

TacticWhy It WorksStay calm and emotionally neutral | Avoids being labeled the aggressor
Count to five before responding | Creates space for clarity
Ask for clarification | Forces irrational behavior into the open
Focus on facts, not feelings | Keeps the discussion objective
Use silence strategically | Denies them the reaction they crave
Set firm boundaries | Signals self-respect without escalation

⚠️ 6. Common Mistakes

• Trying to reason with a bully — they don’t play by reason.
• Meeting force with force — they’re experts on that turf.
• Expecting them to change — unless something radical happens, they won’t.
• Confusing “peace” with “avoidance” — calm strength doesn’t mean surrender.

📘 7. Personal Story

John recalls a 4-H livestock event where a judge berated him publicly.
 Instead of yelling back, he responded calmly but firmly:

🪞 8. Reflection: The Final Third Perspective

• Bullies rarely change, but we can.
• The real victory in the final third of life is preserving peace and integrity.
• “Strength looks less like a raised voice, and more like an unshakable calm.”
• Legacy lesson: Teach others that quiet strength endures.

🎯 9. Summary Line

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🎧 Episode Summary

In this final travel episode, John Mesko shares decades of lessons learned from traveling for work and pleasure—covering everything from planning and packing to managing money and mindset. It’s a practical, experience-driven guide for making travel smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable, while still leaving room for spontaneity and discovery.

🧭 Key Segments

1. The Balance Between Planning and Spontaneity

• Planning prevents costly mistakes—spontaneity can be expensive.
• Book your main logistics (lodging, airport transfers, big experiences).
• Leave small blocks of time unscheduled for discovery.
• Create option lists for free time—so choices are intentional, not random.

2. Getting Around: Transit Tips

• Public transportation saves money and can add adventure.
• Apps and pre-purchased passes (like NYC’s LIRR or metro cards) simplify travel.
• Airport shuttles can be overlooked but save both money and stress.
• Hop-on/Hop-off buses double as transportation and sightseeing.

3. Smart Packing

• Pack light; reuse clothing—no one notices.
• Use packing cubes for organization.
• Avoid loose bags or items strapped externally.
• Always weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.
• Bring small essentials: Advil, chapstick, cold meds, travel-size laundry soap.

4. Clothing and Comfort

• Alternate shoes—your feet need recovery time.
• Always bring a light windbreaker, hat, or scarf.
• Layers matter more than fashion.
• You can always buy what you didn’t bring.

5. Luggage Quality

• Invest in solid, repairable luggage—not flashy brands.
• Avoid ultra-cheap or luxury “status” luggage.
• Look for replaceable parts, wheel kits, and guarantees.
• Mark your bag (tape, tag, sticker) for quick ID.
• Smaller luggage = smarter travel.

6. Tech and Apps

• Update all travel apps before the trip (Uber, Lyft, airline, bank).
• Confirm apps work in your destination country.
• Keep electronic and printed copies of itineraries and confirmations.

7. Managing Money and Logistics

• Always carry a small amount of local currency.
  • You never know when you’ll need coins—to use the restroom, for example.
• Notify your bank, credit card, and cell provider before travel.
• Consider planned tours in unfamiliar places—they reduce risk and stress.

8. Authenticity vs. Tourism

• Don’t chase “authenticity” at the expense of enjoyment.
• Iconic sites are popular for a reason—visit them proudly.
• Then, balance your trip with one or two local, less-visited experiences.

🧳 Takeaway Message

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Title: Travel and Its Impacts
Theme: How travel shapes perspective, reveals biases, and teaches us about ourselves in the final third of life.

✈️ Episode Overview

In this episode, John reflects on a recent trip to New York City. What began as a practical discussion of public transportation, sidewalks, and city crowds became a deeper meditation on how travel impacts our attitudes, our sense of self, and our awareness of aging. Travel isn’t just about destinations—it’s about the ways it challenges us, humbles us, and reshapes our worldview in the final third of life.

🗂️ Segment Breakdown

Segment 1: Travel as Adventure

• New York City as an iconic destination: Hollywood + NYC are top U.S. draws for global travelers.
• Standing out as a visitor—both a challenge and an opportunity.
• Learning public transportation: apps, tickets, and courage to try it.
• Cost savings vs. comfort: $90 Uber vs. $10 train ride.
• “Boldness” of taking the train as outsiders—small victories that build confidence.

Takeaway: Travel forces us into unfamiliar systems. That disorientation is where growth begins.

Segment 2: Travel vs. Local Life

• Shifting stereotypes: from the unfriendly 1980s New York to today’s more approachable, safer atmosphere.
• Locals’ frustrations with tourists (New York, Orlando, everywhere).
• Reminder: tourism fuels the economy, even when it annoys locals.
• Crowded sidewalks, scaffolding, and the micro-negotiations of “who moves” in daily foot traffic.

Takeaway: Travel is a mirror—it exposes our irritations, our biases, and our belief that “our time is more important.”

Segment 3: Travel as Self-Revelation

• The sidewalk standoff: annoyance at always being the one to move.
• Realization: this is about ego, humility, and learning to adapt.
• Homeless man’s comment: “Don’t hold your phone that way.”
  • Feeling condescended to vs. realizing he was right.
  • A lesson in vulnerability and awareness.

Takeaway: Travel reveals blind spots. Sometimes the people we least expect to teach us—do.

Segment 4: Travel and Aging in the Final Third

• Reflection: “I’ve always been one of the bigger people on the street. Never really feared for my safety.”
• Reality check: aging means slower reflexes, reduced strength, and the need for new strategies.
• Balancing confidence with caution—don’t overestimate abilities.
• Physical decline vs. growth in wisdom, perspective, and thoughtfulness.

Takeaway: Travel magnifies the shifts of aging. What we lose physically, we can gain in perspective.

Segment 5: Broader Impacts of Travel

• Travel as a microcosm of society:
  • Competing priorities.
  • Imposing our will vs. adapting to others.
• Humility: recognizing that others’ needs matter as much as our own.
• Travel teaches resilience, patience, and empathy in crowded, diverse settings.

Final Reflection: Travel brings out both the best and the worst in us—but in doing so, it teaches us how to grow.

🎯 Key Takeaways for Listeners

1. Travel challenges comfort zones—and that’s where learning happens.
2. Crowds and inconvenience expose our biases—revealing our pride or our humility.
3. Aging changes travel—physical ability may decline, but wisdom and reflection deepen.
4. Travel mirrors society—reminding us that everyone believes their needs are most important.
5. The true impact of travel lies not in the place we visit, but in what it teaches us about ourselves.

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Title: How Do You Show Up?
Podcast: The Final Third
Host: John Mesko
Episode Number: 15

1. Episode Summary

This impromptu episode reflects on recent tragic events and uses them as a launching point to explore a deeper question: How do we, as individuals, show up in the world? John challenges listeners to think beyond labels, experiences, and grievances to embrace their fundamental responsibility as human beings—do no harm, contribute positively, and build something greater than themselves.

2. Key Themes

• Violence is never the answer: Tragedies like assassinations or political violence must not be justified, regardless of ideology.
• Labels vs. humanity: Too often, people define themselves primarily by political, racial, or social labels instead of showing up first as humans.
• Basic obligations of humanity: We owe each other respect, care, and contribution—whether in small daily actions or in larger community involvement.
• The danger of exemption thinking: Past hurts and experiences, while real, don’t exempt us from the responsibility to live constructively.
• Self-examination: Everyone, including John, must check themselves for moments of entitlement or exemption.

3. Key Quotes / Soundbites

• “Violence is never the answer. We should be able to talk about our differences without causing harm.”
• “First and foremost, you are a human being. Not a Republican, not a Democrat, not an alumnus—human first.”
• “You cannot simply come into the world and take. You must build, grow, and contribute.”
• “Your experiences don’t define you. They don’t exempt you from the responsibility to show up as a human being.”
• “By your own measure, you will be measured. Reap what you sow.”

4. Listener Takeaways

1. Reflect on your labels: Are you leading with an identity (political, cultural, social) instead of leading with your humanity?
2. Ask yourself daily: Am I enhancing the world around me, even in small ways?
3. Reject entitlement thinking: Past hurts don’t excuse present irresponsibility.
4. Practice accountability: When you fail to show up, ask if it’s fatigue (understandable) or entitlement (dangerous).
5. Choose contribution: Whether in family, work, or community, commit to leaving something better than you found it.

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Title: “Miles, Points, and Perks: The Top 7 Lessons I’ve Learned About Frequent Flyer Programs”

Episode Description:
From midnight trips to Bogotá to hard-earned Delta Diamond status, John shares real-life lessons from years of navigating frequent flyer programs. This countdown explores the psychology of airline loyalty, the shifting value of miles, and the perks that matter most in the Final Third of life.

#7 – The Psychology of Status Is Powerful

• Airlines designed status levels (Gold, Platinum, Diamond) to make you feel special.
• Surveys prove airlines know exactly what perks tug at human nature (handwritten notes, name recognition, luggage tags).
• Being called by name or handed a luggage tag has zero value — what matters is upgrades and lounge access.
• Warning: Don’t chase an identity; chase value.

#6 – Credit Cards Are Tools, Not Toys

• Delta Amex fees ($650/year and climbing) fund billions in airline profit.
• Perks include limited Sky Club access, signup bonuses, insurance, and Global Entry credits.
• But rules change constantly — spend thresholds can jump overnight.
• If you ever pay interest, the perks evaporate. Cut the card up if you’re carrying debt.

#5 – Earning Miles Happens Everywhere

• Everyday spending, hotels, rental cars, even special promotions.
• Buying miles rarely makes sense — airlines control the currency.
• Miles never expire, but their value can drop. Don’t hoard expecting a jackpot redemption.

#4 – Redeeming Wisely Matters More Than Earning

• The same ticket might cost 20k or 80k miles depending on the day.
• Example: London flights for 35k miles (a huge value) vs. domestic flights for the same amount.
• Tip: Think of miles as ~1 cent each, but look for redemptions where they stretch further.
• Smart use beats endless accumulation.

#3 – Status and Upgrades Aren’t What They Used to Be

• Upgrades to first class are rare; airlines prefer selling them cheap.
• Companion certificates are heavily restricted and often less valuable than two paid tickets.
• Status helps on standby lists, but don’t count on free upgrades anymore.

#2 – Lounges Can Be a Lifesaver — or a Letdown

• Sky Clubs provide food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and rest — a huge benefit after long workdays.
• Overcrowding has been a major issue, though improving post-COVID.
• Status helps skip lines, and lounge perks save money compared to overpriced airport restaurants.
• For business travel, lounges matter more than symbolic perks.

#1 – In the Final Third, Experiences Matter More Than Points

• Gen X pragmatism values real upgrades and convenience over bragging rights.
• The true question: does this perk enhance your journey, or just stroke your ego?
• Miles and points are tools, not trophies. The focus should be on meaningful travel experiences.

Listener Takeaways

1. Don’t get trapped in the airline’s status psychology — know what you truly value.
2. Credit cards only pay off if you’re disciplined and debt-free.
3. Miles are a shifting currency; use them wisely while they hold value.
4. In the Final Third, focus on experiences, not trophies.

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Title: Reflections from My Youngest Child’s Wedding

Episode Overview

In this deeply personal episode, John shares reflections on the milestone of his youngest child’s wedding. He explores how family shapes society, how parenting shifts into guiding and persuading, and how stepping into the grandparent role creates new opportunities for purpose and legacy in the final third of life.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Life Has Seasons

• Childhood → Raising family → Watching them create families.
• Parenting evolves from provision & protection to persuasion & presence.
• Recognizing the natural progression helps embrace change with grace.

2. Families Shape the World

• Families are the building blocks of society—schools, businesses, governments rest on this foundation.
• Every family sends a message: values, priorities, vision.
• Legacy isn’t private—it’s a public witness.

3. Trusting the Next Generation

• Passing the torch means trusting children to provide and protect for themselves.
• Success isn’t perfection; it’s faithfulness and courage to step up.
• Parents move from “doing for” → to “influencing through wisdom.”

4. Transitioning to Grandparenthood

• New season of life, full of love but distinct from parenting.
• Role: mentor, encourager, supporter—not the responsible provider.
• Creates new space for creativity, purpose, and new ventures.

5. Living Fully in the Final Third

• With less direct responsibility comes new bandwidth for meaningful pursuits.
• Legacy now focuses on guiding, encouraging, and leaving behind what only a grandparent can.
• Importance of embracing change rather than clinging to past roles.

Memorable Quotes

• “What was once all about provision and protection becomes persuasion and presence.”
  
  
• “The way you build your family communicates your values—it’s a public witness.”
  
  
• “Success doesn’t mean you get it right 100% of the time. Success means you stood up and did your best.”
  
  
• “I didn’t feel like I was losing a daughter or gaining a son. I felt like I was stepping into a new role.”
  
  

Listener Reflection Questions

• What season of life are you currently in, and how is your role shifting?
• How does your family—however it is structured—communicate your values to the world?
• Where are you being called to trust the next generation rather than control outcomes?
• What new opportunities or space is opening for you in this stage of life?

Call to Action

• Share this episode with someone experiencing a family milestone.
• Reflect on how you can live so that, at your child’s wedding (or equivalent life event), you won’t need to recount or apologize—you’ll already have said what needed to be said.
• Email your reflections: [email protected]

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🎙️ Episode Title:

My Top Ten Travel Annoyances

🧭 Episode Summary:

In Episode 12 of The Final Third, John Mesko counts down his top 10 travel annoyances — those little things that chip away at your patience when you’re just trying to get from Point A to Point B. Whether it's slow walkers clogging the airport concourse or parents philosophizing over buffet fruit with a toddler, John uses humor, storytelling, and a bit of catharsis to highlight what makes travel both maddening and meaningful. It's not about the flight or the seat — it’s about the people. This episode is part therapy, part confession, and entirely relatable.

🔟 Segment Breakdown:

10. The Engagement Assumer

People who can’t read the room — or your silence — and insist on conversation when you clearly want to be left alone.

9. Seat Floppers & Helpers by Default

From passengers who collapse into their seat like it's a recliner to strangers who assume you’ll help them lift or move without asking — the lack of self-awareness stings.

8. Backpack Bashers

Wearing a backpack down the aisle is fine — until you spin around and whack someone in the face without knowing it.

7. The Overhead Bin Wrestler

Oversized bags, wrestling matches with the bin door, and the expectation that others will help — it’s chaos overhead.

6. “This Is My Living Room” Syndrome

Talking loud on the phone, walking laps while on Zoom, barefoot on airport chairs — some people forget they’re in public.

5. Unready Deplaners & Excessively Polite Waiters

If your row is up and you’re not packed — you’re holding up the whole plane. And if you're behind someone who isn’t ready, don’t just wait out of politeness.

4. The Stand-Up Police

You stand when the seatbelt light goes off — not to rush, just to stretch. And yet, some people get very upset about that.

3. TSA Precheck People Who Still Don’t Get It

You paid for the faster lane. Why aren’t you ready? Empty your pockets. Pay attention. It’s not that hard.

2. Buffet Philosophers

"Which slice of watermelon looks good to you?" At a free buffet, this is not the moment for life lessons — just grab and go.

1. Slow Walkers in the Middle of the Airport

People strolling three abreast, oblivious to the traffic behind them — this is not a Sunday at the park, folks.

💬 Pull Quotes:

• “Getting off the plane is not a surprise party. It happens every flight.”
• “Airports are not the scenic route — walk with purpose.”
• “You paid $85 for TSA Precheck… now use it like you mean it.”
• “This isn’t brunch with Oprah. It’s a hotel breakfast buffet.”