The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

It's nearly impossible to get through a day without having some form of interaction with another person. Whether it's at work, at school, driving, on the bus, shopping, on social media -- you just can't escape. Jeremy Bradley talks about how ridiculous-acting people make him want to hide out and never come in contact with anyone -- sometimes ever again! JB explains how customer service is maddening, how inconsiderate neighbors can make life hell and how (some) businesses ain't gonna take your crap. He shares examples of all of the above!

If you've ever been fired unexpectedly you probably went through a series of emotions: sadness, embarrassment and fear. You were sad because you formed friendships with co-workers and wouldn't see them anymore. You were embarrassed because the entire staff knows what happened and then you have to figure out how to address things on social media if you share every detail about your life. And then you were likely fearful about finding a new job, finances or what to do next. Jeremy Bradley talks about his work history and how getting fired is what motivated him to become an entrepreneur -- and ultimately retire at 39 years old.

It feels like an 'I told ya so' moment for Jeremy Bradley on the podcast this week. Earlier this month he commented on how Americans are encouraged by their political leaders to 'fight, fight, fight' and then as soon as there's another attempt to assassinate Donald Trump, there are calls for people to chill out and settle down. (Though a few days later they're leading the chants again, but whatevs.) As JB previously noted -- and does again today -- the whole mindset of an American political campaign is about the fight-fight-fight. JB draws the comparisons between Canadian and American mentalities and vast differences in civility in the respective countries.

Jeremy Bradley celebrates 500 episodes and 10 years of hosting The Scribble podcast. Having been in broadcasting for 20 years and getting his start on local radio, JB shares his insights into being a successful host. Sure, the broadcasting landscape has changed but the fundamentals of content creation remain the same. JB offers tips and suggestions about formulating a broadcasting plan and outlines the proper steps to launch a podcast. Have the logo and title before even brainstorming your first few episodes? Red flag. JB explains how to get the pieces in place for a smooth launch. Also, are too many podcasts incorporating video? Does it lend anything to the content? Are you proficient with video editing or will it add countless hours of work for each episode? In the end, is it worth it? JB addresses it all in episode 500!

Election season... er, year... er, four years is in full swing. Jeremy Bradley talks about how the American political campaign is never ending. The next campaign starts right after the latest president is sworn in. JB explains how, as a Canadian, politics is a completely different vibe. Canucks barely know when the next election is, let alone who the candidates are in their neighborhood. Americans, are hating their neighbors and getting into family fights and excommunicating those who disagree with them. JB notes that while American politicians call for calm in the wake of the Trump assassination attempt, candidates are still encouraging voters to 'fight, fight, fight.' As JB asks, "How is that ever a non-violent word in this context?"

It's becoming increasingly common for people to whip out their phone and record confrontations with others. (After all, A&E has a bunch of shows devoted to the new style of home video montages.) Jeremy Bradley talks about interactions he's had where capturing the encounter would've gone viral. Notably, JB busts people breaking the law and puts them on blast. They clap back and -- believe it or not -- publicly justify their illegal behavior. What are they doing? In the case of a business, not doing themselves any PR or Google review favors! You've got to hear this.

A few weeks ago, Jeremy Bradley talked about customer service nightmares. (It's almost become a yearly tradition on this show.) But, in his latest rant, he spoke from the perspective of a business owner and what bad customers can do to a company. Following up on the negative, JB has advice for entrepreneurs to insist on a positive "customer experience" that involves rapport, engagement and a lot of silliness. He says being way too serious and too corporate is bad for your brand.

They say that cellphones are raising kids nowadays but are they also babysitting parents? Jeremy Bradley talks about the growing concern about parents ignoring their kids so that they can pay attention to their mobile device. JB shares observations from restaurants and shopping malls where kids are desperately trying to get a parent's attention, only to have mom or dad zeroed in on their mobile device -- and nothing else. (It'll be interesting when the tables are turned and the kid is old enough to have a phone and start ignoring the parent, right?) Later, JB shares a story about watching one family where the kids were in control even though mom and dad thought they had the upper hand. 

As a business owner, Jeremy Bradley oversees multiple teams from radio and newspaper production to book publishing to e-commerce platforms. With more and more people starting their own companies, be it for extra income or as their sole job, JB shares some nightmare stories about dealing with lying customers. He reveals some shocking details about the lengths his companies go to protect their reputation and their bottom line. And sometimes it involves criminal charges.

Every family has drama and whispers -- sometimes it's cutthroat, sometimes it's innocent gossiping. This week, Jeremy Bradley shares details about a recent health diagnosis from his parents while outlining why the shocking news isn't affecting him as people might think. What could potentially be a death sentence for both parents has JB shrugging his shoulders. Why is he reacting that way? JB reveals details about a strained relationship that few people know about. Later, JB talks about a relative who's making questionable romantic and life choices. It, too, has family members chattering from the sidelines. But the big question: If you're not close with the relative, should you keep your lips zipped and not offer opinion? JB explains later in the show.