The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

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.

It's OK to not make a big deal about your birthday. That's certainly how Jeremy Bradley goes through life. He turns 42 this week and has no intention of having a big hurrah to celebrate. In fact, he prefers not having any attention from people. But why is that? JB explains the reason for keeping low-key birthdays on his wish list. On the flip side, he talks about the annoyance of people who believe that their birthday entitles them to a day of princess treatment simply because, well, they happened to be born on a certain day of the year. Is he bitter? Listen and find out.

Dr. Ruth, Richard Simmons, Shannen Doherty, an attempted assassination, Bob Newhart, Lou Dobbs -- what a week in the celebrity world. Jeremy Bradley talks about his memories of Dr. Ruth Westheimer when she was a guest on his Valentine's Day episode on syndicated radio and why he thought she might get him cancelled. JB also talks about meeting Richard Simmons and what it was like when he surprised people in a cafeteria. Later, JB talks about the interactions he's had with Republican National Convention performers, Lee Greenwood and Hulk Hogan. Can you believe so much happened in less than one week?

Sounding like a broken record, Jeremy Bradley repeats his belief that "customer service ain't what it used to be." To prove his fact -- and practically laugh at the ridiculousness of the newly rebranded "customer experience" when it's anything but -- JB talks about how businesses that he once enjoyed frequenting are now on his blacklist. Later, he discusses his belief that customer service should be kicked up a notch when someone is working in your home and/or on your property. Or, is customer service customer service no matter where it happens?

Canada Day and Independence Day happened this week and it's a tale of two countries and their respective patriotism. Jeremy Bradley, a Canadian, shares his observations about how the nations celebrate birthdays and, well, everything. Plus, he chimes in on the U.S. presidential debate that the world is still talking about one week later. There are distinct differences in the way voters view politics in both countries. JB outlines has Canadian perspective. Later, JB offers his thoughts on the Donald Trump-fronted Truth Social platform.

Another walk down memory lane for the old folks! Jeremy Bradley responds to conversations with listeners about last week's episode. For people growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, there are distinct -- and perhaps fond -- memories of technology. Everything from dial-up internet and the struggles to get quick access to porn, to giant cellphones that needed a fanny pack to be carried properly. (They sure as hell weren't fitting in your pocket!) JB continues his discussion about an era that's not forgotten by a certain generation.

If you're in your 30s, 40s or 50s, you'll relate to this episode! Jeremy Bradley talks about being a computer owner back in the 1990s and early 2000s. The systems were minimal and basic, and, you know what, they were perfectly fine! JB has a laugh talking about his family's 256 MB computer and having to uninstall programs just to free up space to use a scanner they got for Christmas. Plus, the era of dial-up internet -- with the AOL CDs and the squealing phone lines and the virus fears, JB reflects on how slow everything was back then. Could you tolerate that today? Probably not. Later, he talks about how many VCRs he went through as an avid TV watcher and the pain of finding two minutes of a video clip on the six-hour tape.