The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

Is it content overload thanks to streaming services, podcast networks and endless TV channels nowadays? Jeremy Bradley reflects on media consumption before the internet took over. There's so much to consume now that it's impossible to keep up with everything -- and still have a life. JB comments on why viewers don't have an emotional connection to the shows they watch anymore. It sounds like people are suffering from content exhaustion. Also, is that why awards shows are losing viewers year after year? Audiences can't follow every show, series and movie, so what's the point of watching if they've never heard of half of the nominees?

Customer service ain't what it used to be. Jeremy Bradley talks about the frustration of dealing with businesses. Back when he was working in retail, JB says the focus was always on the customer. Now, it seems like companies -- the big ones, anyway -- make the customer experience as impersonal as possible. Rather than having direct human interactions, companies depend on chat bots, email blasts, obnoxious text messages and pop-up notifications. JB notes how it is becoming increasingly difficult to find contact information on company websites. Instead, customers are given endless pages of "resources" and "knowledge bases" to solve their own problems. Even when calling a company to get help, JB says that conversation is taking much longer than it used to. Is this why we see so many customer  freak-outs caught on bystander cameraphone?

The world seems to revolve around apps nowadays. And it sounds like Jeremy Bradley is one of the least-interested people when it comes to that form of technology. JB questions apps needing access to certain phone functions and files. With users granting all access, is that what leads to identity theft and hacking? Why does a casino game need access to a camera and contact list? Plus, JB talks about the pros and cons of using food delivery and grocery delivery apps. They're convenient, sure, but can be annoying as hell. Later, how much does the average user spend on subscriptions in a year? One company says it could be thousands of dollars. How accurate is that? JB chimes in.

Alec Baldwin could get locked up for manslaughter, legendary singer-songwriter David Crosby died -- and that was just in the past 24 hours. What a week it's been in the news and entertainment worlds, says Jeremy Bradley. JB discusses the Baldwin story and wonders why murder in entertainment is OK and has audiences riveted. JB shares thoughts about why that might blur the lines when it comes to gun violence and murder in real life. Plus, Crosby's death shocked music fans. As the tributes come in, JB discusses the idea of people having opinions when it comes to artists. There's no denying that Crosby was a legend and talented performer, but it's common for people to say "he sucked" simply because they don't like an artist's work. 

You know you're getting old when you start talking about how things were "back in my day." Jeremy Bradley recalls his time as a student journalist and his fascination with news. JB talks about how the broadcast industry has changed. It wasn't a 24-7 news world back then -- there was no internet news, social media and instant updates. Ah, the good old days. He talks about what got him interest in covering stories and the excitement of not knowing what you would be doing when going into work each day. Young whippersnappers and old-school journos will appreciate the comparisons and differences.

So, you flipped the calendar and it's a new year. What does it mean? Absolutely nothing, according to Jeremy Bradley. JB explains why he doesn't understand the fascination about new year's resolutions and why people need to use the calendar as an excuse to overcome their laziness. Why must it be like a countdown to improving yourself? Later, JB talks about the new year's broadcasts on TV and how the networks ring in the new year. Plus, he talks about how he celebrates the end of the year, and it's likely for different reasons than most people. 

SPECIAL LIVE EDITION: As an entertainment reporter, Jeremy Bradley jumped into journalist mode tonight when the death of Barbara Walters was announced. He was on local radio stations updating listeners with the memories that celebrities were posting on social media. On this episode, JB recaps those messages and shares his thoughts about Walters's passing. He recalls being shown tapes of her interviewing techniques when he was studying journalism in college. Plus, JB has some funny clips from when Meredith Vieira and Joy Behar were on the radio talking about Barbara. 

Jeremy Bradley doesn't often speak publicly about his marriage but this time of year has him take a walk down memory lane about his relationship. JB shares the details of meeting his Brazilian husband and how the two managed to make things work after first interacting by email through JB's syndicated radio show several years ago. Fast forward to them experiencing life in Canada -- and eventually overcoming culture shock -- to building a world of their own. Plus, JB shares details about their super-secret wedding that, still to this day, nobody knows where it happened or all of the details about how it played out.

We always hear people say, "Be kind to others" but does anybody actually take that advice and think about how they act/react to people? Jeremy Bradley talks about how this time of year makes him reflect on how people are treated. In recent months, JB has become pen pals with inmates and has had deep conversations about their lives and begun to understand that, despite what they've been convicted of, they are humans, too. He shares stories about his former journalism instructor who held up banks and is behind bars in Canada. The public opinion is that the robber must be a terrible guy, however, those who know him knew something else was wrong. Interesting conversation points on the show this week.

Bestselling author and self-proclaimed cheapskate, Jeremy Bradley, walks you through his tips and suggestions for saving money on food this holiday season. From deciding whether or not you should order with apps, to when you should and shouldn't grocery shop, JB has plenty of ways to significantly cut down on your grocery spending. Plus, it's so convenient to order meals and have them delivered but the fees are getting ridiculous. JB discusses how much you can save on apps when having meals brought to your home. Believe it or not, there are creative ways to save while supporting local restaurants. Lots of great advice in JB's book, The Official Guide to Being a Winnipeg Cheapskate.