Don’t Ask Me To Talk

The podcast pals are together in studio again! Stacy is in town for a “bloodletting,” and because she’s en route to a wedding in CT. The blood draw was for a health update, and it only took the vampire/phlebotomist a few tries to get the four vials. Meanwhile, Eric’s Waterpik is so effective it dissolved the tooth that was put in as a temp. Now Eric has two missing teeth and food sensitivity which lends itself to finding a dentist as a show sponsor. Eric’s planning a trip to Point Roberts, WA, a peninsula you access by...

On this special edition of Don't Ask Me To Talk- we present some of our favorite Cultural Blind Spots or CBS (it's better than IBS) segments where we both ended up watching the same classic movies. You'll get dueling takes on Whatever Happened To Baby Jane, Modern Times and Robocop!

Thinking about a stay at Veranda Beach? Visit https://www.verandabeach.com/ or call 509-476-4000 and mention Don't Ask Me To Talk and get 10% off your stay.

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Stacy is bringing even more Veranda Beach vibes to the pod than usual since she’s recording from ON her veranda this week. With kids, their plus ones, and plus ones visiting for the July 4th holiday weekend, it’s hard to eek out quiet space. The good part is kids visiting, great weather and fun adventures to wineries and mini golf; the flipside is that even adult children want to be fed three meals EVERY day! Aside from that, VB is an awesome spot to celebrate the holiday in a lowkey, family fun, and classic way. Eric and “The GF...

Stacy is back in her happy place at Veranda Beach enjoying sunburn, social time, and solo watch parties tackling her Cultural Blind Spots. Eric rocked out with his band Battersea at The Valley in Tacoma last week; looking cool with his blue tint shades (is it less distracting or does he just enjoy the vibe?). Apparently, his missing tooth saga did not deter his singing although his Sonicare toothbrush DID deter his sleeping – the ghost of cavities past?! Should Stacy get a Waterpik flosser? Should she cover the bathroom (and herself) in plastic when using it? Eric has a si...

Stacy has been on the road a lot of late; first off to Cali to see her twenty-something son before going home to San Antonio for a quick trip. The visit with Charlie involved multiple trips to IKEA and a lot of resisting the urge to clean and organize. Two highlights were Stacy celebrating her 34th wedding anniversary with Pete and putting a foot in the ocean. Meanwhile Eric continues to have fun filling the gap in his mouth and is looking forward to pulling a Cindy Brady for his upcoming Battersea show at The Valley (June 20th) in...

Stacy has descended a new rabbit hole that makes this episode even more exciting than usual; however, it’s a Cultural Blindspot so she’s forced to wait to share even though it’s become her LIFE. Speaking of holes, Eric continues to recover from his dental surgery with his tooth hole intact. He and “the Girlfriend” did something perhaps no one has ever done, they crashed into a bird enroute home from Veranda Beach – a traumatizing experience all around. On the same ride he realized his car’s data center wasn’t working thus begins “The early Morning Plight of the Chev...

Did Eric and Stacy just become best friends?!? Eric, "The Girlfriend," and Gertie visit Stacy's cottage at the Veranda Beach Resort (the show's sponsor and Stacy's happy place) for Memorial Day weekend. A visit to Canada included A&W and their "teen" burger, poutine, and soda with real sugar naturally.

Eric also had his periodontal post op visit and for the next four months is ready to suck Jello shots through his teeth. They also discuss PlayDoh and Irish Stew which apparently is deemed Irish if made from lamb - a smell that triggers Gertie. Speaking of...

Eric’s tooth extraction revealed a sinus infection and now he’s cosplaying as a prospector. To add insult to injury he pulled out his stiches out while practicing for Battersea’s upcoming show on June 20th at The Valley in Tacoma, WA. Like the good boyfriend he is, Eric waited too late to get “The Girlfriend” a birthday cake so perhaps we’ll have to celebrate when they come to Veranda Beach for the weekend. Stacy’s week includes a continuation of her dress quest and finds out she’s a yeasty girl (on her scalp) so as predicted by com...

Today’s show starts from the top addressing the topic of vices with Eric confessing to his weekly 12oz can of cider, such depraved morality. Whereas Stacy started drinking cocktails slowly but joined select social drinking especially once at her lake house. Stacy visited Austin this week while Eric once watched MTV’s Austin Stories. Stacy also waited almost two hours for Franklin’s Barbeque while Eric is still waiting for Arby’s to have the meats! One thing they both have in common is their wariness about roller coasters. While at Six Flags in Fiesta, Texas Stacy rode the Ferr...

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere and to celebrate Stacy has a gin and tonic and learns the correct way to say sláinte (slawn-che) which means health. In other news worth toasting Veranda Beach is offering listeners of DAMTT 10 percent of their stay (during the summer of 2026)! Stacy rants about the expense of weddings and how wedding gift registries have changed since she was a bride-to-be and Eric has his and her vacuums that really suck which may be the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Far better than part two of his upcoming gum graft surgery and tooth...

Eric, TG (the girlfriend) and Gertie are finally (probably) going to visit Veranda Beach! It’s especially exciting since Veranda Beach is our new show sponsor; it’s easy to promote something you already love! What Stacy DOESN’T love is eye doctors that suggest blepharoplasty and dress shopping. Eric had been “dating” himself by going alone to concerts, including seeing The Wedding Present and Art Brut. When it comes to how they spend their free time, Stacy and Eric are an odd couple which also happens to be Stacy’s Cultural Blindspot this week – The Odd Couple movie based on a Neil Sim...

Eric heard a song from the elusive “Booty Jamz” compilation while at the grocery store which reminds them of the revelation about what B stands for at HEB grocery stores. He also learned that DJ Casper and Mr. C are the same person – Willie Perry Jr. And speaking of dance, shout out to the Hungarian politician who danced like no one was dancing, it’s tough doing your own thing when dancing unless it’s a 15 second TikTok dance! Stacy attended Cornyation for San Antonio’s annual Fiesta which was almost as spicy as the bumper stickers Eric saw recently. Fo...

Stacy starts the show more subdued than usual having just been to therapy before recording where she explored being “too much.” Don’t worry, her self-awareness quickly goes out the window. Now that her house in Washington has closed, she and her husband continue to explore their new environs like HEB (B for Butt!?). Talk of the two-step devolves into a conversation about quirky songs like the Casper Slide, Scatman, Cotton-Eyed Joe and Crazy Frog. Eric is brack at making tea brack, but cherries are too expensive in this economy! As for Cultural Blindspots, Stacy finished watching Song Sung Blue wh...

The highest of all (Catholic) Holy days happened (Easter) and now Stacy has hymns stuck in her head (you can really rock out to; Here I Am Lord). The conversation did yield new information about Eric; he did the readings at church which gave him the confidence to hone his talent for talk. In addition to hymns and ham, Stacy met “the boyfriend” (her daughter's new bf) and Eric went to the movies. The former went very well, and the latter included unfinished popcorn and heavy breathing which could be solved if seating assignments were more like the college roomm...

Stacy shares the tale of getting her Texas license which involves the straight-out-of-central-casting Dept. of Public Safety in the town of Frederickburg. While Stacy’s husband was a wreck anticipating the process, Stacy eased in like a drawl and the process went down like sweet tea! What’s the difference between a Farmer’s Market and a Maker’s Market? See if you agree. Speaking of makers, Eric ventured to the new Maker’s Lab at the Tacoma Public Library to create a masterpiece of modern engineering; the process is ongoing and involves a free Hoover vacuum. Continuing to tick off i...

Stacy isn’t the only one that lives far away, it turns out there’s DAMTT listeners all over the country (and world)! But how many of them have experienced Buc-ee’s? Stacy and her husband made the pilgrimage and as promised, it’s a lot, from “Beaver Chips” to brisket and bathing suits, Buc-ee’s delivers. Eric had a less in-your-face time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with tea brack and colcannon. He also has FSA money to spend so let the loophole search on how to spend it best begin. Eric’s Cultural Blindspot of the week is on the AFI 100...

Stacy is still getting adjusted to life in San Antonio with days mostly punctuated by sun, heat, deliveries, and service calls with folks like the grumpy clock guy. She’s also learning about life with hard water which Eric is surprisingly well-versed in. His update is less sunny as he found out he didn’t read the fine print about his gum graft surgery; like that there’s a part two!! It’s enough to make you wonder about the ROI on dental procedures. But in good news, Battersea played another great show even if Eric did spill his drink. S...

The band is back together, except not really since Stacy is finally in her new home in San Antonio. While Eric has been prepping for his latest Battersea gig at The Central Salon and adjusting to Daylight Savings, Stacy has been unpacking, learning the two-step at Stable Hall, and trying out local bars. At Otto’s Icehouse she ran into Spurs Jesus which was not a religious experience although Stacy and Eric had some thoughts on adding other biblical icons to make a sort of Peanuts-esque gang for SJ to hang with at games. As for Cultural Blindspots, Stacy finally...

In this episode of Don’t Ask Me to Talk, Stacey preps for a chaotic move to San Antonio while debating whether her Cabo trip will actually happen. Eric tries to play voice‑of‑reason as they detour through Texas heat, Buc‑ee’s culture, and the mystery of H‑E‑B.

They dive into their cultural blind spots—from Empire Records to America’s Next Top Model—touch on the darker side of reality TV, swap hilarious pet‑bathroom stories, and debate who their dream corporate sponsors would be (Diet Coke and Rickenbacker Guitars, naturally).

Next week’s topic te...

In this lively new episode of Don’t Ask Me to Talk, Stacy and Eric are back together in studio! The conversation kicks off with an exploration of regional snacks, including Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, disappointing Devil Dogs, and the disappearance of penny candy. From inflation to claw machines to the mystery of red pistachios.

The duo then embarks on an unexpectedly serious civic mission: naming the official Pacific Northwest groundhog. Move over Punxsutawney Phil — it’s time for Metaline Mike, Washington’s very own furry weather forecaster. And yes, the marketing plan is already in the works.

DAMTT: Love, Getting Help, and Zaddies

It’s been a minute since Stacy and Eric asked listeners to leave a review and get 15 seconds of fame and appreciation; you too can join the fun! Speaking of fun, Eric celebrates 15 years with “the gf” with dinner at Indochine and a movie while Stacy celebrates her daughter who is twice as old (30). Stacy shares a story about her mother’s “vintage” mattress and the “vintage” dance partners she had while visiting her mother. It reminded Eric of the old Craftmatic adjustable recliner ads with Art Linklater. Thanks to checking off their Cultur...

Snarcasm might just be Stacy’s new favorite blended word, like complisault or frenemies, thanks Eric! While Eric went shopping during “the big game,” Stacy was en route to visit her mother in PA and not even new pants, sneakers, a shirt too much ketchup can beat hearing 80-something year old women discuss Bad Bunny grabbing his crotch. Eric makes a hilarious point about how when we’re 80-somethings we’ll look back fondly on the days when the Red-Hot Chili Peppers played with Flea only wearing a sock to cover his peni$. Speaking of Eric’s love of sports, he’s...

What does Eric do during the big game?” He goes shopping naturally. Stacy ignores the game, scrolls on her phone and grazes at snacks; clearly, they’re the sporty types. Does having access to two screens (phone and TV, laptop or tablet) diminish the primary experience you’re supposed to be present for? Is there a superior sense between hearing and seeing? Do you get more nuance from the former or the latter? Does Eric have undiagnosed ADHD? Are all kids with easy and early access to screens doomed to have it too? Should there be a component of drivin...

DAMTT: Where is Everybody?

Don’t Ask Me to Talk has listeners from around the world, not just C-eh, n-eh, d-eh which is a surprise to no one except Stacy and Eric. In other news Eric survived not just his gum graft, but his gum graft post-surgery diet and his cold is gone which means to keep him humble the universe sent him an eye that looks like he went a round. Naturally this resulted in a conversation around how wearing sunglasses may be the one vanity thing that works – covering something lame with something that makes you l...

After missing a week-long hiatus due to an ever-changing schedule, the duo is reunited and it feels so good! While Stacy was in the sunshine of San Antonio, Eric was driving his sunshine (which is case you’re wondering, is not stored in the cloud). After a lesson on how solar works, sharing about how forgettable the Alamo is, and learning about the ideal post-gum graft recovery plan– a no exercise, all carb, and soft food diet, the pals are mostly caught up. For his Cultural Blindspot Eric checked off something old and something new; he saw the new movi...

DAMTT: Stella, Marching Bands and Overrated Daily Rituals

Are you surprised that Stacy has no problem talking with strangers or injecting in their conversations? Neither is Eric as he pulls a quote from a Simpson’s episode that parodies A Streetcar Named Desire. This leads to a story about Ethan Hawke. Eric is prepping for his gum grafting surgery which sounds hideous and led Eric to declare, “NO.” Did you feel the earth move too?? Meanwhile Gertie awaits her checkup results – fingers crossed she’s doing better! Stacy’s story arc has shifted from ankle updates to moving hassle...

Join DAMTT as we look back on our top topics of 2025! But before that we reminisce about our post Xmas week and talk about the pieces of culture we consumed.

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On this Boxing Day edition of DAMTT! Your podcast pals are back to discuss everything from Christmas decoration massacres to Josh Brolin's many turns as film villains, including his latest turn as an evil priest in "Wake Up Deadman". Plus Eric checked a big Cultural Blind Spot of his list by watching Casablanca! Lastly, they discuss weird food combos. DAMTT is on Facebook and Instagram as @dontaskme to talk or email asking@dontaskmetotalk.com Next Time: Looking back on 2025

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It’s the most festive time of year, unless you’re Stacy trying to find shiny red balls for your Christmas tree! While they’ve been elusive, tinsel isn’t and is currently tormenting Stacy’s grandcat much to Eric’s dismay (tinsel butt plug!). His favorite ornaments growing up doubled as cat toys. While Stacy stresses, Eric doesn’t sweat it since his tree typically goes up on Christmas Eve. He has been enjoying watching his neighbor’s “legs.” Stacy gave Eric a book on Easter Island, mistaking it for Stonehenge because of rocks, duh. Eric shares a health update on Ger...

After missing a week due to sickness, Stacy and Eric are together again! Stacy is knee-deep in prepping her house for sale, which is making her way less enthused to decorate her house, while per tradition, Eric’s place is decorated, save for the tree which will go up eventually. Naturally this leads to a rabbit hole about real versus fake trees and holiday smells. Speaking of smells, Stacy had a sensory shopping experience that was doggone awful! Eric has some recent wins with both his deck and solar panels finally being done, just in time for the rain. As...

This episode seems to mark the beginning of a busy season. Stacy went down a rabbit hole making decisions about what to get rid of (does it have value? Do the kids want it? Do I care?), she went to a show at The Showbox with Sir Mix-A-Lot and Macklemore along with a bunch of talented kids, saw “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” and had all four kids come home for Thanksgiving! Eric shared a Gertie update, a story about the dermatologist and the latest on his various home projects. He also got a free turkey which r...

Eric had a great birthday with lots of cake. Meanwhile Stacy has been rowing to build strength a la Hanz & Franz from SNL in the late 80’s. Supposedly there was going to be a movie with Arnold Schwartzenager, but he was too busy to make it happen – Eric said they did a read-through on Conan O’Brian and it was funny! Birthday goodness. Gertie is also dealing with lame healthcare processes and isn’t even cheering up for green beans! Eric dislodges a core childhood memory for Stacy when he says the phrase, “Chicken & Rice,” while he recalls the Saturday morn...

It’s Eric’s birthday along with the Earl of Sandwich and Steve Zayn. Stacy fetes the big day with Nothing Bundt Cakes and kind words; after all, it is World Kindness Day! The latest for Eric is his almost complete deck, the newly installed solar panels, and his (and Gertie’s) medical checkup. Ironically both father and (dog) daughter have high cholesterol for which one of them takes a pill the size of a grain of rice. Eric is healthy otherwise, but Gertie might need a little extra help. Although Eric does need periodontal surgery and in sharing his pr...

In this episode of "Don't Ask Me to Talk," Stacy and Eric pull the thread on a variety of stories and musings, from the embarrassing (for Stacy) moment of pulling a hair off her male friend’s sweater only to realize it was still attached to his chest, to the should have been awkward moment of a waiter spilling Coke on Eric’s girlfriend’s sweater (he was deft so it was fine). This leads to a rabbit hole about how Europeans drink soda without ice (Stacy is NOT a fan), Eric's ice-chewing habit, the common practice of offering women...

Stacy's back from Italy and Eric's still back from Iceland, The UK and France. together they talk about their adventures in site seeing, lingering illnesses, best impulse buys and more. Next week: video games.

DAMTT is on Facebook and Instagram as @dontaskmetotalk Email asking@dontaskmetotalk.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The gang is back together again, although not in studio so the sound may be different in this episode. Eric is just back from his European vacation and Stacy is on the eve of leaving for her trip to Italy. For the first half of the show, Stacy peppers Eric with questions about his trip – “the roses” or highlights and “the thorns” or struggles. Unsurprisingly the biggest thorn was the stress of wondering whether the apartment Eric booked in Paris would let him in as he had no communication prior to his arrival. While it all worked out in the end (t...

DAMTT: Rats & Cats, Mahjong and Holiday Décor Debates

In this episode of "Don’t Ask Me to Talk," Stacy shares while visiting “Joan” (her mother), she’s been painting ladybug rocks for her mother and friends, sparking memories of “A Bug’s Life” and Denis Leary’s hilarious ladybug character, Francis. Things take a turn as Stacy reveals an unfortunate update about a now-infected cat scratch from her grandcat Wilson—cue the Dr. Pimple Popper reference—which leads Eric to recall a classic Seinfeld moment questioning how dermatologists save lives. The duo debates the credibility of certain medical profe...

Stacy and Eric kick things off trying to figure out a smoother transition into the show besides “How you doin?” like Joey from Friends. Somehow that leads to conversation about Seinfeld episodes that touch on the infamous J. Peterman catalog and the evolution from collecting CDs to streaming favorite shows on demand now. Eric reports in from his European travels, sharing highlights from his multi-city trip—sightseeing, catching shows, and wondering if he’ll spot the Northern Lights in Iceland. Stacy questions Eric about his radio career beginning in Alaska, he goes on to describe the unique seasons and travel q...

In this episode of "Don't Ask Me to Talk," co-hosts Eric Reidar and Stacy Heller kick things off with their signature upbeat banter and a shout-out to their intro music creator, Dave Nelson. Eric discusses the ups and downs of planning his trip to the UK, debating hotel choices and the reliability of online reviews, while Stacy shares updates about her ankle injury and her cats. They also touch on navigating small talk, with Eric recounting an awkward interaction with an acquaintance, and Stacy (in Dear Crabby mode) offering advice on how to handle conversations about pregnancy with sensitivity...

In another classically tangential episode of Don’t Ask Me to Talk, Stacy sips from her trusty Owala bottle while sparking a debate on banning plastic water bottles and recycling schemes that may or may not involve mailing empty bottles to Pollywood. Meanwhile, Eric recounts his misadventures at a Nicky Glazer show—complete with a surprise Amanda Knox comedy set and losing his car in a mystery garage while “The Girlfriend” battles a bug. Stacy continues to battle her ankle injury and referees a feline feud that ends with her “grandcat” Wilson scaling her leg like a tree. The duo swaps wi...