The Scribble with Jeremy Bradley

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?

Restaurant rants on the last episode had listeners react! Jeremy Bradley talks about complaints over restaurant pricing. A $20 hamburger? And $9 for fries? How about $8 for gravy? (Hi, KFC!) Really? Are costs preventing people from eating at restaurants? JB's other issue: wine. "Why do they never fill up the giant wine glass? Give us a smaller glass then, it looks cheap almost empty. If you ordered iced tea, they'd never give you a half glass."

It was a disastrous restaurant visit from the beginning... but the food was great. Is the bad overall experience enough to make you stay away in the future? Jeremy Bradley tells a story about his colleague having a nightmare restaurant experience literally from the moment she walked in the door. Are there situations you can overlook if the food is good? Or, is a terrible employee attitude enough to keep you away forever? Later, JB shares a story about how he turned a laughable restaurant visit into a hilarious newspaper column.

It's the first time Jeremy Bradley has been sick in nearly eight years. It's a big deal... for him! People get sick all the time so it's likely not a major issue for you, but it's thrown JB for a loop. He talks about the humor in suddenly falling ill in what's usually an incredibly healthy household. "We didn't even have pain reliever or cold meds in our medicine cabinet because we don't get sick," JB says. "We asked each other what we should get because we forgot since it's been so long!" It's one thing to work in an office or spend time in classrooms and catch a bug that's going around, JB got sick from a wintry problem in Canada. 

Jeremy Bradley cuts to the chase this week: Interacting with people has become such a pain. It's not necessarily the people themselves, it's the channels and platforms that facilitate the contact. JB discusses the frustration of having a simple question or concern but the never-ending runaround as a customer to come to a conclusion. It leads to another rant about customer service -- or "customer experience" as it's commonly known. Why isn't the customer number 1 anymore? Do you find that companies tell you, the customer, "no" more and more often nowadays? Do you find the service employee puts an effort into finding answers if they don't know? 

It's one thing to have an opinion and share it on your digital platforms, but are you a one-trick pony? Jeremy Bradley talks about the podcasters and YouTubers who only talk about one subject... all the time... over and over again. At some point, the subject matter should be changed up. The Trump haters, the Meghan Markle critics -- just don't stop. Entire channels and pages are devoted to one subject. What happens once Trump is out of office? What happens if something tragic happens to Markle and she dies? Then what? Is your show done? A hard pivot would be necessary but will your audience stick around?

SPECIAL EPISODE:  Moments after our Jan. 30 show went live, all hell broke loose in the celebrity world. We heard Don Lemon was arrested, then Catherine O'Hara died, then more Epstein files were released... all while Jeremy Bradley was heading to a Los Angeles movie theatre to review the Melania Trump documentary. Plus, JB and the broadcast crew are preparing to cover Grammys weekend in radio syndication. He gives quick updates on all the stories in this special episode.

Whether it's the cost or the overall experience, is in-restaurant dining a thing of the past? Jeremy Bradley talks about his recent observations when sitting down to eat. JB has long talked about his lack of interest in cooking so ordering food is a near-daily habit. Whether it's waiting to be seated, overhearing loud staff conversations, or wondering why you get a giant wine glass that is never filled to the top like every other drink, JB discusses why customers might be losing interest in the dining-out experience.

Jeremy Bradley has been covering red carpets for over 15 years. It started with Canadian Idol in Toronto and then moved to A-list Hollywood events. He talks about how the red carpet experience has changed thanks to social media and selfies. "It's no longer about the celebrity and their moment," recalls JB. "It's now the "influencer's" look-at-me moment and fanning out." He talks about how you wouldn't dare ask for a selfie with a celeb back in the day. "Getting on a red carpet meant you had journalistic credibility. Now, it's about the size of your social platform." As for the TV ratings of awards shows, are they likely to rebound this year? Perhaps it depends on the platform that broadcasts them.

Are there things you love the smell of but hate the taste of? It's a battle of the senses with Jeremy Bradley. He loves the smell of coffee but has no interest in drinking it. He loves the smell of orange but not eating it. When it comes to garlic -- oh, garlic -- you can love the taste but hate the smell. JB talks about an awkward situation in a workplace when he was on a garlic kick. Later, have you seen the light? JB does something odd with his eyes and has no idea why. It's kinda strange. See if you can figure it out. Also, there are certain sounds he just can't handle -- can't - handle!

Jeremy Bradley talks about the time he thought he was headed for a corporate PR job (based on the role's description) but it was anything but. Anything. He talks about the company fudging the details of the employment opportunity. JB, however, admits that it was clever for the employer to catch attention and prompt job applications. He goes on to describe the inhumane and emotionally disturbing antics of management.

"We totally need to get together! Let's keep in touch!" But do you really mean it? We've all been there, says Jeremy Bradley. He's talking about running into someone from your past and being on the spot and pretending like you're happy to see them. What about hearing from someone out of the blue? For JB, it came in the form of a text. He talks about a former colleague suddenly reaching out and shares his reaction to what happened when he replied. From there, it took JB down the rabbit hole of looking up others associated with the former colleague. He then began reaching out to them and checking in. Those responses were surprising.

Happy New Year! ...but it's only October... or so Jeremy Bradley thinks. Though for you, it's 2026 and the talk of new year's resolutions comes into play. Or does it? That's what JB rants about this week. What do you plan on changing in your life this year? It's the standard obsessions, vices and addictions people want to shake: less time on the phone, workout more, eat better, save money and blah, blah, blah. The likelihood of success? You already know the answer. JB wonders why people use the calendar as a countdown to start making life changes. "If you really wanted to do it, you'd just do it. Why does a calendar need to act as a deadline to start your self-inflicted punishment?" Later, there's that old saying, "out with the old, in with the new" but is new always better? JB talks about how he hates being forced to upgrade technology because a company says so.

When you're a kid, you look forward to the holiday routine: waking up, opening gifts, eat Christmas breakfast or brunch, and a night of playing with all of your new toys. Or, something like that. As you get older, things change. But when it's an entire overhaul of what used to be Christmas, is it too much? Jeremy Bradley thinks so. There's something about the nostalgia of the holidays from your childhood. But when the traditions -- that were so comfortable and familiar -- change, does that make you lose interest? Do you get so attached to the routine that mixing it up feels too different? JB talks about why he's checked out of his family holidays.

Let's face it: you might not make it to the end of the day. You could get hit by a car, your home could explode, you could have a heart attack. That's just the reality. Jeremy Bradley talks about the oddities of death. He discusses the funeral weirdness of a body lying in a box dressed in a suit and tie with its head propped on a pillow. JB chimes in on funeral preparations and the different customs and rituals people have.

Jeremy Bradley takes a round out of the "influencer" attitude of entitlement and self-importance. He relives the experience of meeting an "influencer" -- two of them, actually -- for the first time while on a media trip. "They were sizing me up, while they were potentially going to write a blog about the trip while I was there producing travel radio shows for 20 stations and 300,000 listeners," he said. "And I'm a union writer and broadcaster." He talks about their snide comments of him being "old school" but, in the end, he got the last laugh. Oh, yes he did. Spoiler: karma is a bitch!

Jeremy Bradley recently did an interview about what makes a good businessperson. The rising popularity of the "influencer" lifestyle has everyone on social media thinking their life is a business and, in turn, a moneymaker. The reality: it's not, and it shouldn't be. JB, a trained journalist and broadcaster of over 20 years, takes issue with everyone believing they're a content creator just because they're on social media. "Think about it: if someone told you 10 years ago to make videos of yourself putting on your makeup or picking out your outfit, you'd say, "Um, no thanks, I'm an adult," but today, it's all too common." He stresses that people put too much focus on creating content and performing for a social media audience than simply living in the real world. 

It seems like such a power move: "un-friending" or blocking someone on social media. It's the modern-day equivalent of someone on a 90s sitcom or daytime drama saying, "I'm outta here" before leaving an argument and walking out. Jeremy Bradley doesn't understand the politics of social media blocking when adults are communicating -- or not communicating. He recently discovered that several relatives "un-friended" him and laughed because he had no idea it happened. "Was it last week? Three years ago? I don't even know," he said. "Clearly it wasn't impactful to send a message." He talks about how juvenile and petty people make social media communications.

It's a super-sized Scribble this week! Jeremy Bradley's on a rant this week and it's all because he spent a full day with kids. His observation is that kids, these days, are obnoxious and suck. The big question: are the parents to blame? JB shares a story about the day-long charity event that had him wondering what the hell is wrong with the younger generation. "I'm going to tell you why I hate kids," he says with a laugh. The moment that set him off -- OFF! -- is explained. JB also wonders why some people reproduce. "I don't hear parents raving about how wonderful raising kids is anymore."

Age is something we can't escape. Jeremy Bradley talks about how people react and talk about their age. From dodging the subject (ahem, executive producer, Bonnie Winters) to attempting to be playful ("how old do you think I am?"), JB wonders why people don't just say the number without making it an issue. He talks about being 43 but not "looking" or "feeling" it and questions why people lie about their age for vanity. ("You can say you're 39 all you want, it doesn't change anything about your body," he says.) Later, he laughs at people who post on social media that it's their birthday... solely for attention. 

Politics is a weird game. And, yes, Jeremy Bradley sees it as a game. And that's thanks to how American politicians are acting and operating (or not) every day. Never more have U.S. laws and regulations been disregarded, challenged, stomped on and overlooked -- depending on who you ask. One side says everything's on the up and up, while the other says Pres. Trump is defying rules and breaking laws. At the same time, he gets away with it, so how solid are those laws (and the subsequent enforcement of them), anyway? "When did the people lose the power?" JB asks. He also shares a story about reaching out to his local politicians and the responses he did(n't) get.

We always hear about how little service workers are paid because restaurants operate on such thin margins. Jeremy Bradley calls BS on that. Why? "Explain $14 less-than-full glasses of wine when I can buy an entire bottle for $4 at Trader Joe's," he says. "I'm paying $7 for a side of fries that equals one potato. Would you ever pay $7 for one potato?" Yes, factor in the prep time (if potatoes are cut in-house), materials (oil, fryer, etc.) but isn't $7 a little extreme for a fried potato? On top of that, JB takes issue that he's expected to "reward" staff for walking back and forth to do their jobs when it comes to tipping. Later, he explains that he doesn't appreciate apps that solicit customers to tip before anything is even done with an order -- and manipulate customers with messaging like "orders with higher tips are often taken first" or "it's raining, tip generously." NMP, he says -- not - my - problem -- about workers earning low wages or driving in rain if they agreed to take the job.

When your partner goes out of town and you have the house to yourself, is there a sense of loneliness or a sense of freedom? Or, is there a third option? Laziness. Jeremy Bradley talks about his laziest week ever with the husband out of town. He takes procrastinating to a new level. He implemented certain criteria to actually do things and get things done. "I barely even moved my body the whole day," he says. Later, JB goes on another rant about social media and how Instagram has gone from photo sharing to political and life rants. Is it time to bring back pics of your meal?

When you've been in the media business for over 20 years, you've heard every possible comment about your work, your life and your appearance -- good and bad. Jeremy Bradley answers the common question: How do you not care what people think about you? It's easier said than does, he says. But JB has a theory that it could be connected to your childhood. How does JB ignore the negative (and even the positive) to live a happy life? Plus, he talks about how he always celebrates his accomplishments whether or not anyone else wants to acknowledge them.

Are companies too needy? They seem desperate for feedback and reviews 10 minutes after the transaction is completed. Plus, it seems like they want more and more personal information from you while providing less and less personal service. Jeremy Bradley goes on another rant about how "customer service ain't what it used to be." (Or is it "customer experience" now?) He talks about how companies are quick to grab your email address or phone number when you want to ask a simple question, yet add you to spam lists before even addressing your query. Later, JB talks about how he put his foot down with a financial institution about soliciting him after becoming a customer. (They screwed up!) Also, do companies really take seriously the automatic surveys sent out after your transaction? JB tells you why it's never made a difference for him.