The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

It's a walk-back this week, says Jeremy Bradley. He recently went on a rant about how news broadcasting has become all-about-me TV with reporters and anchors performing on social media in content totally unrelated to their job. Listeners reached out and said there are plenty of professions where people post and stream live from their job. The problem: they're getting fired because of it. JB talks about watching videos of people immediately going live on social media to talk about how going live got them fired. Ironic, right? 

You're workplace besties. One of you leaves the job and goes elsewhere. What happens to that friendship? Jeremy Bradley talks about the fizzling out of friendships after you no longer see each other every day. The big question: were you really friends or was it a workplace convenience? He talks about a listener who wonders why she was all but ghosted weeks after saying goodbye to her in-office BFF. Later, JB talks about his obsession with someone who ghosted him in his 20s, then the revelation years later and how JB got the last laugh.

Do you really care what shoes the anchor is wearing? Does a dancing weatherman help you prepare for a storm? Is reporting from a tragedy really the best time for a selfie? Jeremy Bradley, who's been in the news business for over 20 years, chimes on why people don't take seriously trained "professional" journalists anymore. It's not about factual reporting, it's the look-at-me-I'm-on-TV mindset employees have at their respective news outlets... and it's only getting worse.

Don't throw your junk in my backyard, my backyard, my backyard. (If you get it, you get it.) Jeremy Bradley talks about run-ins with his neighbors that have him saying anything but "love thy neighbor." For 19 years, he's asked himself, "Why do they always think my property is theirs to use?" It's been multiple neighbors throughout the years not respecting property lines. But, why were the cops called? Whose car had the sticker, "I heart people who do drugs?" Are parents raising nightmare kids? JB recounts the drama of living around inconsiderate people.

In the second part of the cheating discussion, Jeremy Bradley talks about two instances where he's known about someone cheating and felt a moral obligation to reveal the betrayal to the person's partner. One was a good friend -- practically a sister -- and the other was a closeted married man who was engaging in dangerous activities with men behind his wife's back. Did things go as dramatically as you think? JB tells all!

"Once a cheater, always a cheater," is the old saying about relationships. Generally, it's said to people who've been cheated on in the hopes they'll leave their partner who wronged them. Jeremy Bradley talks about a colleague who is in an awkward situation after finding out about a friend cheating... and scrolling through DMs to show the flirty conversations. How would you react if your BFF came clean to reveal a secret relationship and catches you off guard?

It's not the usual rant about how a home is too expensive nowadays. Jeremy Bradley talks about two friends both going through their own housing crisis. First, JB talks about a pal who bought into luxury apartment living and kind of regrets it. Later, a friend has inherited his childhood house but doesn't know if he wants to keep it and move into it or let it be a memory from the past. JB chimes in with his thoughts.

Do you have a BFF at the office? Jeremy Bradley takes aim at his 20-year radio producer this week. The two have shared countless laughs over the decades, from their unhinged on-air antics or pranks behind the scenes. JB is all laughs as he recounts the infamous printer prank and ambushing the executive producer in Hawaii with a shocking surprise live on the radio.

As Canada celebrated its 150th birthday last year, Jeremy Bradley hosted a special broadcast in honour of the country's milestone.Canada Day LIVE featured music stars from coast to coast to coast. Over a dozen recording artists chatted with JB about their favourite Canadian memories, places and moments.Artists include: Terri Clark (Alberta), Doc Walker (Manitoba), Natalie MacMaster, Jimmy Rankin and The Trews (Nova Scotia), Alan Doyle (Newfoundland and Labrador), Dean Brody (British Columbia), Susan Aglukark (Nunavut), Codie Prevost (Saskatchewan), Roch Voisine (Quebec, New Brunswick), Paper Lions (Prince Edward Island), Barenaked Ladies (Ontario), Jona Barr (Yukon) and Welders Daughter (Northwest Territories).

With many people feeling the financial pinch nowadays, there are plenty of ways to creatively save money. Bestselling "cheapskate" Jeremy Bradley confesses how, even before becoming a successful businessperson, he's always looked at $50 as a lot of money. JB talks about getting older and how he pays attention to "wants" and "needs" while shopping. It's not about money, it's about waste. Ultimately, those choices save money, so it's a win-win, as he explains. Later, he shares tips for little spending changes that add up over the course of a year to save a lot of money. Check out the book, The Official Guide to Being a Winnipeg Cheapskate, for more ideas.

Buying your first home is an exciting time but is recording a walking tour for social media a little, well, classless? Jeremy Bradley talks about the trend of people posting photos of themselves holding a giant key and the declaration they're a new homeowner, in hopes of getting applause from the audience. People take it one step further, he says, when they stage videos and welcome people in as though they're appearing on MTV Cribs. "If you want to broadcast to the world the outside of your house while showing your address, have at 'er," JB said. He talks about the need for the inside of his houses to be private. "Social media has made people's lives -- and homes -- an open book and it's a little sad -- scary, even."

Jeremy Bradley talks about visiting a local mall from his childhood. A hairstylist that had been there for over 20 years suddenly closed. Some of the staff had been there for decades. JB talks about the memories of the place but, in the end, he stopped going there... but was still sad about its demise. He wonders if you're a bad customer because you eventually stopped giving it your business. Later, JB talks about the public sadness when a celeb dies. The tributes and how much people "loved" them but, in reality, hadn't watched or listened or consumed their product in years -- possibly forgotten about?

There's a growing frustration for job seekers. Whether it's an exhausting application and interview process or a lack of responses from potential employers, those looking for work find it difficult or even less than straightforward to get a job. Business owner, Jeremy Bradley, answers listener questions about the job market and how people should apply, interview and present themselves throughout the hiring process.

There are so many fads and fleeting trends nowadays that it's tough to keep up -- or even know what they are. Jeremy Bradley talks about hearing of new currencies and investment concepts, yet no one he's asked can explain to him what they are or how they work. "You're not really selling me on it if you can't tell me what I can do with it," JB said. Later, JB talks about multi-level marketing (ahem, pyramid schemes) that hook people looking for fast and easy money. "People just need to get a regular job and get paid regular money."

The latest online trend is holding a pity-party telethon for yourself and asking -- demanding -- money and handouts from the audience. Whether it's GoFundMe campaigns or direct links to send money, people have no shame when it comes to expecting "gifts" (donations) from an internet full of strangers. Jeremy Bradley talks about when the worlds of entitlement and lazy collide for a new embarrassing trend on social media. "People are posting, 'It's my birthday, here's my Venmo' to blatantly ask for money," said JB. "Or they do a live stream and get progressively angry when viewers don't kick in." Later, he talks about a relative who had every excuse in the book to not get a job and provide for himself... and his wife... and his son.

Jeremy Bradley -- who has a life -- talks about recently learning of the politics and drama amongst social media content creators. Because of those platforms, everyone thinks they should be broadcasting anything and everything -- all the time. But lacking originality is a problem in those creator circles. And when they start making content taking shots at the others' content, it gets catty, petty and hilariously (and sadly) entertaining, said JB. He goes on another rant about the delusions of an "influencer" lifestyle and why most people should stick to having a job and working for someone else.

What a major miscommunication! Jeremy Bradley talks about the time his relative proclaimed the wrong family member died. It was a game of telephone gone wrong -- very wrong. JB's mom shared that a different relative died so he thought two loved ones died in a matter of one hour. Craziness ensued as JB and his cousin tried piecing together who was still alive and who had died. Later, JB talks about the obligation he always has to speak at funerals thanks to his history as a professional writer and broadcaster. Sometimes, though, there's an awkwardness... especially when you'd never had a conversation with the deceased. JB reflects on three recent deaths that caught him off guard... and off guard... and off guard. Finally, JB talks about his I-remember-where-I-was-when moments as an entertainment host covering celebrity deaths.

Your job is dunzo. But... what's the story you tell everyone? Did you quit or were you fired? Jeremy Bradley talks about the embarrassment of getting fired and spinning the story to make it sound like it's the employer's loss... and entirely your doing. He recounts the first time he was fired from a job and the impact it had on him. What's the story to tell your parents when you get turfed as a teen? "I quit, I couldn't handle the job anymore, mom," JB said. Did she believe him -- about the job he never once complained about? He discusses how employment standards have changed over time since that 1999 event. 

"I've never been into Pride -- or what used to be called Gay Pride but now is 'everything that isn't straight,'" says married gay man, Jeremy Bradley. He talks about how the over-the-top flamboyant spectacle isn't his scene -- and never has been. "I remember, before I was out, watching the news with my parents and the Pride parade came on. Seeing clown-makeup drag queens and guys being so feminine. I knew that wasn't a representation of me and I feared my parents would think I was 'one of them' when I had no desire to fem it up and wear a dress and paint my nails. I was just a guy who was attracted to guys." In recent years, Pride has become so commercialized that JB feels the true meaning has been lost. "At first, it was cool when corporations changed their logo to a rainbow but with that came them making money off of Pride. And what happens July 1? The roll up the rainbow swag and it's put away until next year."

The chaos is real at CBS News with much of the long-time team at 60 Minutes out the door. The Scott Pelley firing this week rocked not only the company but the journalism industry as a whole. Jeremy Bradley, a journalist who's been in the business for over 20 years, shares his thoughts about the CBS shakeups under new management. Plus, he talks about how "citizen journalism" or "independent journalism" isn't the same thing as mainstream media -- and why that's a problem, especially in today's world where the MSM is no longer as highly regarded or trusted.

It's time for an entrepreneur smack down. Jeremy Bradley unloads on wannabe business people who attempt to make themselves look bigger than they are. His biggest gripe: "I can't stand when people go on Shark Tank and refer to a business as "we" when it's just them: "We've been in business for five years" and later admit it's a one-man show." JB gives examples of the smoke and mirrors he's run into with fellow broadcasters who attempted to make their operations seem larger than they were. For instance, a radio station having Studio K -- which was a kitchen... in a crammed apartment above a convenience store on a busy downtown street. "There's nothing better than doing it on your own and taking pride that you've accomplished everything by yourself."

It's the big debate: should you steal to compensate for your efforts at self-checkout? Jeremy Bradley talks about shoppers feeling the need to grab extra items while ringing up their purchases at stores without cashiers. His controversial statement, "I understand why people feel that way" is often misinterpreted as support. He explains why that argument, however, doesn't mathematically add up. "For the two minutes of work you do -- based on what the hourly wage is in that store -- you would be entitled to a few cents of merchandise." JB talks about why customers are frustrated and how they justify their bad behaviors if store staff isn't around -- or isn't paid enough to care.

Living your best life. Family is everything. Manifest the amazing. You make today special. The best is yet to come. Does any of this crap motivate you and give you a bounce in your step? Does it help you power through your workday? Jeremy Bradley talks about motivational phrases and mantras that people, apparently, need to get through the day. Do trendy buzzwords and empty phrases really make a difference? 

It is the end of an era for CBS. What a big week for finales: Wednesday night had the 50th Survivor finale with Jeff Probst giving a major spoiler halfway through the show, and across the country in New York, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert took its final bow on Thursday after the network offed the show following controversy with Donald Trump. Jeremy Bradley, an entertainment host for over 20 years, talks about the Colbert cancellation scandal. Later, he reflects on his memories with Jeff Probst on the radio -- including the time the Survivor host crashed a show!

That restaurant or store from childhood has a place in your memory -- and possibly your heart. You tune into the news and hear the national chain is in danger of closing. Then, it makes headlines when the final location closes. Jeremy Bradley talks about working for iconic brands in his 20s and reflects on shifting business models and consumer interests that has those long-time favorites becoming a distant memory and a thing of the past.

Many people look back at their childhood and think about what they wanted to be when they grow up and if it actually happened. Jeremy Bradley reflects on his early days of amateur broadcasting as a kid and how it turned into a career that saw him largely retire at 39 years old -- five years ago. Pretending to host a show with his dual-cassette recorder as a kid to anchoring red carpets in radio syndication as an adult, JB has only recently connected the dots that what he really wanted to do in life actually happened from his interests and hobbies as a youngster. Plus, he talks about the first time he was on the radio as a kid... and how the hosts made fun of him.

It's a question people always ask: Do you remember where you were when...? Whether it was Sept. 11 or presidential assassinations or the pandemic, these events are stamped in people's minds. JB looks back at the COVID-19 global shutdowns and how it impacted his life. "I was treated like a criminal for wanting to go to my own house and not be locked up in a jail hotel," JB said. He's referring to the controversial quarantine hotels that were mandated by the Canadian government. "I was fined $6,000 because I refused to be mistreated, starved and put at risk. And, to this day, I've still never paid it. Oh yeah, and I've still never had COVID."

Paying fees for the 'privilege' of being a customer? No thanks, says Jeremy Bradley. Service fee, delivery fee, small order fee, bag fee, handling fee -- they're all junk fees, according to most consumers. (Not to mention the fee's tax -- yup, taxes on fees.) JB loses his mind when he sees a restaurant charging a $20 delivery fee for orders. Then, he says, restaurants cry about declining sales and threaten to close because they don't have community support. "Hmm, now why could that be?" he asks.

It's not a new debate. Consumers are sick of the tipping expectation in the service industry. Jeremy Bradley dissects the concept and breaks down the terminology associated with tipping. In restaurants, tipping is for "rewarding good service" but he wonders why it's up to him as a customer to give performance reviews and incentives to staff. Also, it's for when a server "goes above and beyond." What exactly does that mean? JB talks through the ideas that, quite honestly, are ridiculous. "So, you walked 10 ft. to a kitchen and carried a plate to me. Wonderful. You asked me how the food is. Great. You took the dirty plate after I finished eating. Spectacular. Golly, you went above and beyond the job description of a server!"

If it's a new relationship, gift giving can be a stressful time. What happens if you spend more than they do? What happens if they give you something terrible and you went all out? Jeremy Bradley dishes on relationship gift giving on the show. He talks about the arrangement he has in his marriage. Is there a spending limit? Are there any gifts at all? JB talks about the relationship discussions he's had with podcast listeners.

Rarely does the White House Correspondents' Dinner get so much airtime -- especially so many days later. (Had most people even heard about it prior to Saturday night?) This year, however, it was a different story with Donald Trump making his first appearance as a sitting president. Therein lies the drama, according to, well, all the media in attendance. Jeremy Bradley talks about what the scene was like in D.C. and his thoughts, as a Canadian, on American politics.

You're enjoying your life, happy in your long-term relationship and suddenly... you get the text on your phone. It's your ex -- from over 10 years ago. They're in town. They want to meet up. Respond? Ignore? What's your play? Jeremy Bradley talks about a visitor to L.A. who shook up things with a surprise appearance. Was it drama and chaos? Was it a "meh" moment? JB talks about a recent blast from the past.

Back in the day, customer service reps would own the interaction with their clients. "That's a great question, let me find out for you. Thank you so much for your business over the years. You're a valued customer," Jeremy Bradley recalls. "Now, it's all do-it-yourself answer finding through "knowledge bases" and "resources" and when you can find contact information, the person on the other end is working remotely and doesn't even have co-workers in the same room (or country) to assist." When you do reach someone, he says, you're told "no" more often than not; or the employee doesn't know the answers and the interaction takes 10 times longer than it should. JB wonders why workers -- and people in general -- are quick to blame others for things they've done. Where is accountability culture?

At first, TV fans got excited when a show would come back on the air decades later. The shows you loved as a kid, teen, young adult -- returning to the airwaves for a blast from the past. Jeremy Bradley talks about how most TV reboots end up being a terrible spin-off of themselves. Does the second version ruin the legacy of the first? If the characters or story lines aren't exactly as they were, does it make the show a failure? Then again, has our taste in programming changed and we just don't appreciate what we did back in the day? Later, JB talks about which TV reboots have disappointed him the most.

In a society where everyone is the victim (mostly those "Karens"), Jeremy Bradley has some creative ways to avoid being a crime victim. Picture it: it's late at night, the backyard is dark, you see a silhouette or shadow moving around in the black of night. JB tells you the perfect way to scare the intruder (without violence or bloodshed!). Later, there's a growing crime of pet theft. People are getting jumped while walking their dogs. JB shares his idea for keeping your canine safe if someone demands that you hand over your pooch.

It's happening more and more often: people are forming relationships with -- even dating -- AI characters. Jeremy Bradley talks about the growing interest in looking for love on a screen. He downloaded an AI relationship app (on a co-worker's phone!) to dive into the digital boyfriend experience. "It was interesting because you essentially design your perfect guy; he's charming and calls you cute names," JB says. "But, for me, I dunno, I enjoy being around my big, muscled Brazilian bodybuilder husband." He admits he can understand why people feel a connection with something that fills an emotional void. Later, JB reacts to singles complaining that others don't know how to flirt nowadays. Has technology ruined that, too?

"Back in the day, you wouldn't want anyone to know you were struggling financially," says Jeremy Bradley. "Now, for some reason, people have no problem crying about their struggles and begging people for help. The online panhandling is enough." JB talks about how, thanks to social media, people have no shame when it comes to expecting money and handouts from, in most cases, complete strangers. When it's a birthday, it's not uncommon for people to post a Venmo or Paypal link and expect viewers to send money. "You would never go up to someone and say, "It's my birthday, sogive me money" because it's awkward. Online it seems to be a shameless zone."

Is booze consumption on a downward trend? Or is Jeremy Bradley just getting old? JB talks about how he'll have a drink in social settings but rarely has the desire to have a drink at home. He reflects on his youth when he started drinking -- and then over drinking -- but once he hit his thirties it really slowed down. Now, in his forties it's even more rare. 

Is society too consumed by drugs to magically fix everything? Are people too lazy to put in hard work to correct issues? (Obviously not all conditions are self-inflicted.) Jeremy Bradley talks about medication commercials that put such a positive spin on how wonderful life could be if you take their drug. Later, he wonders why people disclose conditions on social media. "It's a little bit strange to me why people add "ADHD" and "diabetic" to their Instagram bio," JB says. "You have a limited number of characters to introduce yourself and that's your claim to fame?"

"Why do I say 'thank you' more to the store than they say 'thank you' to me?" Jeremy Bradley is at it again! More customer service stories and why he thinks employee training needs to shift to put patrons back on a pedestal. JB talks about how he finds himself thanking cashiers after they ring him though but rarely gets a 'thank you' from the establishment to which he just gave money. "I'm not expecting them to bow down and kiss my ass," he says, "but staff never seems grateful to customers. I often get, 'Have a good one' but not 'thank you.'" Later, JB talks about how classless customers overshadowed a pizza restaurant's grand opening: "There was almost a rumble."

Remember when you would go to work, do the job and go home -- and that's it? Jeremy Bradley talks about how workplaces have become hangouts and, worse yet, daycares for employees. He mentions how playing games, having contests and winning $5 coffee gift cards is meant to boost morale and facilitate employee engagement but, at the end of the day, most workers want to come in, do the work and leave. "I know one company where management guilts, if not forces, employees to go to the holiday party so their department is represented," says JB. "Employees don't want to spend an evening and have a free meal with their co-workers on a Friday night." He talks about how his offices are run a completely different way... because they're grown-ups.

When you're a kid, everything Mom cooks tastes the best, right? Plus, your mom has the answer for everything. Then, when you grow up you realize: maybe not so much. Jeremy Bradley talks about how your opinion about parental knowledge and skills changes as you experience life. JB talks about his mom's "moist-free chicken" and how when he grew up and worked at a restaurant he learned how to properly prepare meat for the ultimate flavor. Later, he has a laugh about her "literal chocolate chip" cookies.

"It was only a matter of time," said Jeremy Bradley. "If ABC ran The Bachelorette amid multiple scandals involving its lead, it would've been a PR nightmare for the network condoning domestic violence." It was looking like ABC would platform Taylor Frankie Paul with a season premiere on Sunday amid ongoing police and criminal investigation into her antics involving one of her baby daddies. Then, after video of a violent attack went public, ABC caved -- after previously hiring a crisis PR manager in light of the drama it faced. Now, the fallout continues with the dating show shelved. JB recaps the latest and gives insight from the TV production side of things with his expertise as an entertainment host for over 20 years. 

Awards show season has come to an end. And, if viewers largely tuned out, did they really even happen? Entertainment host of 20-plus years, Jeremy Bradley, talks about how people don't care to spend three and a half hours (six, if they watch the red carpet) to tune into an awards show. JB talks about the shifting viewer habits where people watch "moments" instead of the full telecast. With so many avenues and platforms to consume content, are people willing to spend a couple of hours watching a movie? Moreover, are they likely to get dressed up, leave the house, go to a movie theatre and make it an evening? Perhaps not, when we see the struggling box office numbers for some films. Also, in a truly random story, JB goes on about a memorable theatre experience.

It's a little bit of everything with Jeremy Bradley this week. First, a random story about vinegar and JB learning about all of its uses in three different instances in a matter of days. "I had no idea it does everything," he says. Next, JB talks about people oversharing their relationship details. Whether it's on social media or discussing with friends and co-workers, JB explains why he keeps things private -- even with the group with whom he's worked for over 20 years. "We just don't talk about relationships like that with each other," he says.

Imagine not caring about your social status and impressing onlookers. Jeremy Bradley talks about society's need for constant attention and applause from audiences. "Imagine going on a vacation with your partner and not taking one photo," JB said. "It's moments between the two of you. Why is your first thought to snap pics and immediately upload them for the world to see?" Is that a slap in the face to your partner? Later, JB talks about one specific person who, while an adult, constantly shares screenshots of compliments he gets from colleagues. "It's like he's a needy five-year-old girl desperately seeking positive reassurance," JB said. 

Are people really falling for fake AI crap on social media? Jeremy Bradley talks about how scamming is becoming so obvious that, maybe, just maybe, people deserve it. He talks about how the targets used to be seniors, but now with social media, JB is surprised by how many youngsters are getting taken. The tipping point was an obvious AI ad on YouTube and a quick Google search -- and, of course, scanning Reddit forums.

It's a tutorial in broadcasting with Jeremy Bradley this week. He takes aim at YouTubers and podcasters who can't speak two or three sentences without having noticeable edits in their delivery. In particular, JB discusses jump-cut edits where the camera shot jumps because the person has changed the flow of their monologue. "If you can't get your message out without multiple edits, you either need public-speaking lessons, a script to follow -- or to do something different entirely because you don't have what it takes in broadcasting." Later, how often are you told "look" or "listen" when someone begins speaking on camera? JB talks about cable news panels and how people use these words as a crutch.

Do you scoff at the idea of winning "only" $10 million? How about just a million? Jeremy Bradley talks about a colleague who won't buy a lottery ticket if the jackpot is too low. "I've never heard that before," says JB. "A million dollars is a million dollars. I'll take it." Later, JB wonders why people clench their teeth when they pet his dogs. "It worries me. Are they going to bite my dogs?" he laughs when he reminds listeners that it's a bunch of randomness on the show this week. Switching gears entirely, JB talks about eager retail employees who won't stop chatting, asking probing questions and following customers around the store. Also, JB talks about store security that generally stands around and has heads down while playing on their phone during their shift.

In what's become a four-part series, Jeremy Bradley continues sharing thoughts about the food industry. It's driven by responses from listeners who offer their opinions and insights into what they feel is happening at eateries. This time, JB talks about the push to support local businesses that are (supposedly) the heart of a community. Do you do it because it's the "right thing" to do? Or do you base your spending on costs? If the marketing tactic is "shop local" but local is 40 times the price, will you avoid the guilt trip and get what's cheaper/est? JB can't justify spending $8 on a local barbecue sauce when national brands are $2 or $3.

Grocery stores have notoriously put customers to work: scanning items, bagging them (and for many people, adding extra un-scanned items to those bags -- wink, wink). Now, Jeremy Bradley says restaurants are determined to give customers less human interaction. Giant kiosks are in the middle of the area where people would once line up to place orders at fast-food counters. "How soon before we're dishing up and serving ourselves at the counter?" he asks. Plus, JB wonders why -- aside from a data grab -- do restaurants insist on downloading their app just to get discounts. If the price can be lowered for app users, why not just lower prices for everyone and make dining out affordable again?