Well, That Was Awkward

From Big Hair to Breakups: The Ultimate 80s Awkward Story

Join Bree and Mendy as they share memories of 80s nostalgia, awkward breakups, and musical mishaps! This episode features Darla’s story of romantic despair—complete with botched song lyrics and a surprise roadside breakup! Bree and Mendy explore the awkward side of 80s fashion, misheard lyrics, and cringe-worthy moments we’d rather forget (or sing about). Whether it’s high hair, leg warmers, or a really bad round of Jeopardy, this episode is packed with fun, friendship, and 80s flashbacks.
Celebrity Shoutouts:Frisco & Felicia (General Hospital), Bo and Luke Duke (The Dukes of Hazzard), Ricky Schroder & Jason Bateman (Silver Spoons), MacGyver, George Clooney, Tom Selleck
We want to hear from you!
Got your own misheard lyrics? We want to hear them! Whether it’s a song you sang all wrong or a lyric that took on a whole new meaning, share your funniest misheard lyrics with us. You can even sing them on our Speakpipe and make us laugh out loud! We’ll be sharing our favorites in our Facebook group, so don’t miss out on the fun. Who knows? Your lyrics might just make it into the next episode of Well, That Was Awkward!
 
Connect with Us:
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

Only Neighbors – Too Close for Comfort

Welcome to another awkward-filled episode of Well, That Was Awkward with Bree and Mendy! In this intimate installment, Bree and Mendy dive into the theme of awkward neighbor stories. They share their own personal experiences, from sneaky pets to avoiding neighbors while stoned, and even discuss a listener's tale of an unexpected sight during a late-night baseball game. Along the way, they embrace the joy of awkwardness and remind us all that sometimes, the best thing to do is laugh through it.
You'll hear stories about:
Bree’s giant dog Basho, who mastered an impressive disappearing act and lived a double life.
Mendy’s hilarious confession of avoiding her neighbor while under the influence of edibles. (P.S. You can listen to the episode where Bree showed up inadvertently under the influence of THC HERE.)
Jack's awkward dilemma when he accidentally catches his neighbor putting on a rather revealing show.
The episode explores the sometimes-awkward realities of being neighbors, handling embarrassing situations with humor, and offering some practical advice on how to politely address uncomfortable scenarios. Plus, we discuss the value of being upfront (or...maybe a little vague) when things get awkward.
 
Connect with Us:
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

Vacation Mode: Corrupting Canadians, Crockpot Weed, Zoom Moonings and More!

In this episode, Bree and Mendy share the mic with the real-life Dana, whose wisdom and hilarity take center stage. Together, they unpack listener stories, including Denise’s poetic third-grade hustle, Dr. Greg's unforgettable gaseous mishap, and an anonymous caller’s crockpot weed discovery. Plus, they welcome a special WEDDING story from Shaneisha Wofford. Oh, and  Bree gets mooned by a familiar fanny during a Zoom call... Can you guess who it is?
Thank yous:A huge thank you to our surprise guest Dana for joining us -- and to all the callers—Denise, Dr. Greg, Shaneisha Wofford and our anonymous callers, we love your awkward stories.
 
About Shaneisha Wofford:Shaneisha Wofford, JD, MA, is a fourth-year graduate student pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology. A passionate resource to her community, she navigates life awkwardly but adventurously as an introvert who often finds herself wrapped in books and research. Shaneisha’s love for curiosity fuels her daily goal of positively impacting at least one person per day. Follow her story on Instagram.
You can find out more about Shaneisha’s journey on her Instagram @nemos_journey, or visit our full website for more information about her.
Connect with us:
Share your awkward stories with Bree and Mendy! Submit anonymously or not through the Well That Was Awkward form.
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Leave us a voice memo or thoughts on Dana’s advice through the Well That Was Awkward Website!
Support us by buying a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee
Get your Monk Manual with a discount at Monk Manual using code AWKWARD.
We’ll be back next time with more awkward stories—remember to hit follow and join us for more unexpected laughs!
 

We Made It Awkward With An Expert: Dr. Jim Coan

In this episode of Well That Was Awkward, Bree and Mendy dive deep into the world of awkwardness and human connection with their first-ever guest, Dr. Jim Coan, professor of psychology and head of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Lab. Together, they explore the science behind why awkward moments can actually bring us closer, how discomfort creates bonds, and why a cringe-worthy encounter could be the best thing to happen in a relationship.
Dr. Coan shares personal stories of awkward moments, from a mistaken kiss in the car to navigating uncomfortable conversations around sex, revealing how these moments shape relationships in unexpected ways. With a background in affective neuroscience, Dr. Coan brings academic expertise to the emotional territory we all know too well but rarely understand.
Key Topics:
The definition and role of awkwardness in relationships
Personal awkward moments, including Dr. Coan's "Car Kiss" story
How discomfort and vulnerability build emotional bonds
Navigating the blurred lines between cringe and connection
How awkward moments can lead to deepening relationships and personal growth
Guest Info: Dr. Jim Coan is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Lab. He’s also the host of the podcast Circle of Willis, where he explores the brain and emotion through interviews with scientists, researchers, and thought leaders. You can listen to Circle of Willis at circleofwillispodcast.com or find it wherever you listen to podcasts.
Links Mentioned:
Watch Mendy's stand-up sets on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJI1b-eCqCKV-5KqlNtl1w
Listen to Dr. Coan's TED Talk on handholding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UMHUPPQ96c
Explore Dr. Coan's podcast, Circle of Willis: circleofwillispodcast.com
Connect with Us:
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

Stranded in Spain: When Love Goes Off the Rails

In this hilariously awkward episode, Bree and Mendy dive into the story of Matthew, whose European adventures take a turn for the awkward when he finds himself navigating a boomerang relationship. From navigating the tricky dynamics of an on-again, off-again relationship to getting stood up at just the wrong time, this story hits all the right notes of cringe, humor, and surprise.
Key highlights include:
The unique dynamics of boomerang romances and how Matthew found himself in a series of geographical "on-again, off-again" relationships.
The awkwardness of being stranded in a foreign country with no money, no job, and no backup plan.
A sweet moment of redemption when Matthew’s professor offers him a life-changing opportunity.
We want to take Well,That Was Awkward all over the world! So we're selling T-shirts (and other merch), just like Matthew -- Get your awkward merch here: https://www.awkwardsage.com/productionservicesstore/merch
References:
Check out Bree’s high school friend, Nancy (Hilliard) Joyce’s website. Nancy was cool in high school, but she’s phenomenal now! Here’s her website: Nancy Hilliard Art
You can find Nancy on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/nancyjoyceart/
Connect with Us!
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Please, dear listener, do not look to this podcast for relationship or financial advice. We don't know what we're talking about!!!
Correction: When Bree followed up with Nancy Hilliard to get her permission to be mentioned in this episode, Nancy clarified that she did NOT have permission to be in the smokehouse. Oops! Hope we don't get you in trouble, Nancy! 

Why We're Hitting Pause on Weekly Episodes (Spoiler: It’s Awkward)

We’ve got some news, folks! Bree and Mendy are taking a little breather… sort of. While we’re still here for all your awkward needs, we’re mixing things up a bit and going bi-weekly. That’s right, we’ll be dropping new episodes every other week. 
📅 What’s New?
Episode Drops Every Other Week: You can still get your awkward fix, just with a little more anticipation built in!
YouTube Goodness: We’re not leaving you hanging! Between episodes, catch us on YouTube for exclusive video clips. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!
Stay Connected: Join our Facebook group and mailing list to keep the awkwardness flowing. Who says the fun has to stop just because we’re not in your ears every week?
📬 We Want Your Stories!Got an awkward story that’s been sitting on your chest like a heavy, embarrassing secret? Let it out! Send it our way, and it might just end up featured in an upcoming episode. We promise we’ll only laugh a little… okay, maybe a lot.
👯‍♂️ Join the Awkward Squad: Don’t forget to hop into our Facebook group and sign up for our mailing list. Let’s keep this awkward party going!
🔔 Subscribe, Like, and Stay Awkward!Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on YouTube. New content, laughs, and all the awkward goodness you crave—coming your way every other week!
Here’s how to connect with us:
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD

Butterfingers and the Bomb: An Unexpected Journey from Draft to Laughs

In this episode of Well, That Was Awkward, Bree and Mendy share an incredible story from one of their listeners, Paul, whose journey from a law school student to a soldier during the Vietnam War takes a surprisingly hilarious and awkward turn. Get ready to hear about Paul's unique draft experience, his run-ins with bullies during basic training, and an unexpected assignment with nuclear weapons!
Mendy kicks off the episode with a story about her crush on Noam Chomsky and a memorable encounter at MIT, setting the stage for a discussion on parasocial relationships with celebrities. Bree follows up with a hilarious tale of her childhood crush on Ricky Schroder and an embarrassing fan letter gone wrong.
But the real story unfolds when Paul, our listener and self-proclaimed biggest fan, recalls his life-changing draft to Vietnam. With the war raging and uncertainty in the air, Paul navigates the trials of basic training, including gorilla stomps and unusual punishments, only to find himself pulled into an even more bizarre situation—learning to assemble nuclear bombs.
As Paul’s story reaches its climax, he is chosen for a special assignment, leading to a jaw-dropping reveal during a high-stakes NATO inspection. The result? A classic Well, That Was Awkward moment that you won't want to miss.
Tune in for this episode filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and a heartfelt reminder that sometimes, life’s most awkward moments make the best stories.
Question of the week: if you are reading this, who was your first celebrity crush? Email us at wellthatwasawkwardpodcast@gmail.com
Connect with Us!
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
Advice for world travelers from “Paul”: 
 
“I found it very helpful to read up on the places you intend to visit –  not only on the history but also on the current state of their affairs. Then use that knowledge to start conversations with the people who live there and ask for advice about places to visit and where to eat. 
 
Also, read up on the places in said countries you want to visit and try to make sure you get there. 
 
Always be polite, kind and appreciative. No ugly American stuff, and don’t be demanding or rude. Kindness begets kindness😀😘🤗”
 
Top Five Places that Paul recommends seeing in a hippie car.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Florence, Italy
Paris, France
Vienna, Austria
Lugano, Switzerland

Sebastian the Superhero: When A Good Deed Goes Wrong

Welcome to another episode of "Well That Was Awkward," where we dive into the hilariously cringeworthy and downright awkward moments that life throws our way. In this episode, Bree and Mendy are back with stories that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even rethink your next good deed!
In This Episode:
First In-Person Recording: Bree and Mendy share the excitement (and awkwardness) of recording in person for the first time, complete with multi-camera action and all the self-soothing habits they have to leave behind. From picking noses to dealing with the new "hot pink beeper," the transition from audio-only to video is as awkward as it gets.
Awkward Restroom Encounter: Mendy recounts a restroom mishap that builds on their previous discussions about knocking on public restroom doors. What happens when you accidentally cause a minor meltdown over a simple knock? Mendy's tale of awkwardness in a little country store restroom will have you nodding in sympathy (or laughing out loud).
Birthday Awkwardness: Birthdays can be awkward, especially when you don’t like big callouts. Bree shares how two friends cleverly navigated this minefield by sending sweet, understated messages instead of loud birthday wishes. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to celebrate is with a little less fanfare.
Interspecial Awkward Moment: Bree had an unexpected visitor while setting up her new studio—a red-tailed hawk! This majestic bird wasn’t just knocking on her door; it wanted to come inside. Bree talks about her 45-minute encounter with the hawk and the awkwardness of mistaking a bird for a human knocking on her door.
Listener Story - Sebastian the Superhero: The highlight of the episode is Sebastian’s epic (and awkward) tale of good intentions gone wrong. Raised with Eastern spiritual values and a deep commitment to service, Sebastian is the guy everyone wants as a friend. After a concert in the countryside, he hears cries for help from the woods and springs into action. Grabbing a nearby concertgoer for backup, he embarks on a rescue mission that takes a surprising turn. Was it a damsel in distress or something entirely unexpected? Tune in to find out how Sebastian’s heroic intentions led to one of the most awkward moments of his life.
Awkward Rescues and Reflections: Bree and Mendy break down the elements that made Sebastian’s story so delightfully awkward. From the adrenaline-pumping rescue attempt to the realization that not all cries for help are what they seem, they explore how even the best intentions can lead to hilariously awkward situations.
Final Thoughts: The episode wraps up with some practical advice from Sebastian on how to handle unexpected situations. Whether it’s bringing someone along when you’re unsure or learning to laugh at the absurdity of life, there’s a takeaway for everyone.
Shoutout to the Bhakti Boys: Inspired by Sebastian’s story, Bree and Mendy give a special shoutout to Sebastian’s band, the Bhakti Boys. If soulful, groovy music with a spiritual twist is your jam, be sure to check them out! 
Here’s how to find the Bhaki Boyz:
https://www.facebook.com/bhaktiboyz/
https://bhaktiboyz.bandcamp.com/album/bhakti-boyz
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HW4FFxa96TS46YmrAuyEd
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bhakti-boyz/1492767582
 
Connect with Us!
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. 
You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

What Happens When One Woman's High Stakes Life Kinda Stinks

In this episode, Bree and Mendy unravel the hilariously awkward story of Margaret, a high-flying business consultant who unknowingly lets her love for garlic almost derail her career. From her early days as a competitive child to landing prestigious positions at top consulting firms, Margaret's journey is nothing short of remarkable. But when a well-meaning family intervention reveals a very personal issue, Margaret faces an awkward moment that could have jeopardized her professional reputation.
Through laughter and reflection, Bree and Mendy discuss the impact of personal quirks on professional life, the importance of self-awareness, and how even the most embarrassing moments can be turned into valuable life lessons.
Key Points:
Witness Margaret's ambitious rise in the consulting world and the high stakes of her career.
Take notes on how to doctor up a kick-a$$ frozen pizza.
Discover the impact of personal habits on professional reputation.
Enjoy Mendy and Bree’s Top Five Forces for Guaranteed Feelings of Wellbeing.
Learn how to ask trusted friends for feedback on hygiene, appearance, and behavior from an actual consultant.
Affirm the power of turning awkward moments into growth opportunities.
Connect with Us!
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another  episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.
 
 

From Faux Pas to Fabulous How One Girl Owned Her Unique Style

Ever felt that cringe-worthy moment when you wish you could take back something you said or did? Join Mendy and Bree as they celebrate the awkward moments we all experience. This week, we hear a story about our worst middle school nightmare -- getting laughed at by a room full of mean girls! Plus our hosts divulge their own awkward stories from the week. 
Protective Awkwardness
Mendy shares a story about defending her partner at the pool, showcasing how our awkwardness can become a superpower when protecting loved ones. We explore why we're often more assertive in defending others than ourselves.
The Good Morning Challenge
Bree recounts her mission to spread cheer in a quiet Cape Cod neighborhood, revealing how cultural differences in manners can lead to unexpected reactions.
Cotillion Calamity
Our listener Lila takes us back to her 7th-grade cotillion days in Alabama, where a fashion faux pas at the White Ball turns into an unforgettable moment. We discuss:
The world of cotillion and its impact on social etiquette
The importance of reading invitations carefully
How embarrassing moments can sometimes lead to unexpected positive outcomes
Awkward Advice
We share tips on:
Owning your uniqueness, even when it feels uncomfortable
The power of confidence in awkward situations
Why the Electric Slide is a universal language of fun
Bonus: Cotillion Gossip
Hear about the scandalous disappearance of a cotillion president that shook the community!
 
Visual Aid - Mendy's T-shirt Trick
Join the Well, That Was Awkward Facebook Group today to see a sketch of Mendy's T-shirt trick!
Connect with Us!
A special thanks to all of the listeners who took the time to share an episode with your friend this week! (Y'all clearly don't believe in gatekeeping a good dose of schadenfreude...) Did you know that the BEST way to support a podcast is to share it with your friends? It's true!
Aaaand the second best way to support a podcast is to Buy Us a Coffee!
Want a gold star and eternal gratitude from two podcasters? Here are all the ways to connect:
Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists.
You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.