The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

They say you shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet. But does that include online reviews? How much merit do they get in your mind? Jeremy Bradley shares his thoughts about online reviews and also his experience with decision making. JB talks about "gig work" and how people rely on apps but also why he's suspicious about testimonials for service providers. Why? He had a major strikeout that's soured him on finding help online.

It's Halloween time again. Is your response: "Yaaaaaaaas" or "who cares" though? Jeremy Bradley talks about how his reaction has changed over time. He recalls trick-or-treating with his brothers and later how he began celebrating Halloween as a homeowner in his community. Perhaps it was the first year that set him off from making it an annual event. Is Halloween the same in your neighborhood as it was when you were growing up? JB shares how it's completely different where he lives.

Dreams really do come true. That's how it feels with Air Canada's Dreams Take flight. Jeremy Bradley has been a media guest for 12 years as the charity gives kids a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Disney for the day. Yes, for a full day. JB talks about how the fun begins at 2 a.m. at the airport in Canada, continues on the plane and the adventure gets into full swing at Disneyland in California. It's literally 24 hours of pure magic as the kids experience the park like not many get the chance to. 

Is it reality shows? Is it dating apps? Is it social media? Is it ADD? Is it all of the above? Jeremy Bradley wonders why so many relationships are failing nowadays. JB talks about how social media has given people unlimited access to almost literally everyone in the world. It's no longer about finding someone near you because everyone is reachable. But because of that easy access, JB wonders if people will always be on the lookout for something/someone better -- just as they would be for their next job or car or house. Plus, reality shows have become so mainstream that dating and competing for affection (or "temporary TV love" as JB calls it) sets unrealistic expectations for romance. The needy and insecure contestants on Bachelor shows now use terms like "validated"/"validation" and "you make me feel seen" and JB says they're not emotionally stable with themselves if they rely so heavily on someone to boost them up.

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.