Brooke and Jeffrey

Awkward Thursday: Hello Universe, Are You There?

19 min
Apr 2, 202617 days ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

In this Awkward Thursday episode, hosts Brooke and Jeffrey help listener Joe navigate an unusual relationship dilemma: his girlfriend Emma has rejected his three marriage proposals because she's waiting for a sign from the universe. During an awkward phone call, Emma reveals she made a pact at age 12 requiring Joe to say a specific magic word before she'll say yes to marriage—a word she refuses to disclose.

Insights
  • Unconventional relationship expectations rooted in childhood beliefs can create significant communication barriers even in otherwise healthy, committed partnerships
  • The importance of explicit, direct communication about relationship milestones rather than relying on ambiguous signals or unspoken expectations
  • Long-term commitment (5 years together, shared property, travel) doesn't guarantee alignment on marriage readiness when underlying conditions remain undefined
  • Patience and persistence in relationships have limits; soft ultimatums may be necessary to prompt clarity on non-negotiable expectations
  • Audience engagement and relatability drive podcast success—listeners connect with authentic, unscripted relationship dilemmas over polished content
Trends
Rising interest in astrology and universe-based decision-making among younger demographics influencing major life decisionsPodcast audiences increasingly seek real-world relationship advice and conflict resolution through entertainment formatsUnconventional relationship dynamics and non-traditional marriage timelines becoming more common and openly discussedCall-in show format effectiveness for generating viral, shareable moments through authentic human interactionListener engagement through personal story submissions creating community and parasocial relationships with podcast hosts
Topics
Marriage proposal rejection and repeated proposalsRelationship communication barriersAstrology and universe-based decision-makingLong-term relationship commitment without marriageChildhood pacts and their impact on adult relationshipsSoft ultimatums in relationshipsShared property ownership and cohabitationCall-in radio show formatListener engagement and community buildingRelationship advice and counselingNon-traditional relationship timelinesTrust and patience in partnershipsUnspoken expectations in relationships
Companies
Dave and Busters
Referenced as the location where a listener experienced a marriage proposal rejection that inspired the episode's topic.
ChatGPT
Mentioned as a source consulted by hosts for advice on appropriate number of marriage proposals after rejection.
People
Joe
Called the show seeking advice on how to get his girlfriend Emma to accept his marriage proposal after three rejections.
Emma
Participated in awkward phone call; revealed she requires Joe to say a specific magic word from her childhood pact be...
Brooke
Co-host of the podcast who provided relationship advice to Joe and conducted the awkward phone call.
Jeffrey
Co-host of the podcast who provided relationship advice and commentary during the awkward phone call segment.
Dan
Long-time listener (2-3 years) who shared comment about listening while mowing lawns for his grass-cutting business.
Quotes
"The universe will give you the word when the time is right."
EmmaMid-episode phone call
"You have to trust that the universe is going to reveal it. And it's time. It's you. We just have to wait for it coming."
EmmaDuring phone call
"The thing is the sign it needs to come from you. Baby, I'm very... Oh, yeah, fireworks. We had cheese. I know. I know. I know. That's not the sign."
EmmaPhone call discussion
"When I was 12, I made a pact. And the path was I want to sign from the universe that the man I marry is the right one."
EmmaPhone call revelation
"The only reason that you said no to all of my proposals is because I haven't said the magic word that you came up with when you were 12."
JoePhone call realization
Full Transcript
Hey, it's Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning, and you all love these awkward calls. So we're doing it again on Thursday. We had a brand new awkward Thursday phone call for you today, so I hope you enjoy that episode. Yeah, get prepared for the intro of it. Everyone loves it. Yeah, yeah, Jeff and Andrew. And what are we seeing on the comment sections? Yes, Dan said, hi all, Dan here. I've been listening for the last two to three years now, every day, trying to listen to every episode. I've always wondered what my clients must think as I'm mowing their grass, riding around, laughing in their yard, as I listen to y'all. Wow. Dude, I don't know if it's the same guy. I had a guy come to my room last night who said he's listened to every single second date. He's a farmer. He's farmed over a million chickens, like a ginormous farm, and every morning he plays a show for the chickens. Oh, that's awesome. Isn't that cute? Dude, I just love the visual of a guy mowing your lawn, just laughing maniacally. Look at how backing the mom. That's, I really loves grass. Yeah. Oh, that's awesome. Thank you for listening. Thank you to the farmer too, for being here. Yeah. We got your brand new episode starting right now. Is there anything more cringy than seeing a marriage proposal gone wrong? Oh my gosh. It's like you can't look away as the guy drops down to a knee and then gets rejected, and suddenly the vibe inside that Dave and Busters is all messed up. Oh, dang it. Now, imagine that humiliation happening, not once, not twice, but three separate times to the same dude. Oh my gosh, Crinn. That's where one of our listeners is right now. Oh my gosh. He's not ready to give up just yet. He's seeking the type of advice that only we could provide in your brand new awkward Thursday phone call. Coming up next. It's awkward. It's Thursday. It's awkward. Thursday. Phone call. Brooke, how many times did you make your husband propose before you finally said yes? Whoa. He just did it once. Oh, gave it up to him right away. I know. Yikes. I know. I've always been easy, Jeff. You know it. You know it. Oh my gosh. I was not expecting that. Well, according to chat GPT, who is the expert authority on this show, the most times a man should pop the question after getting rejected is once, maybe twice. My dad proposed, I think, like three times to my mom. They've been married almost 50 years. It looks different for everybody, clearly. But one of our listeners, Joe, needs help because he's already passed the one or two pop the question threshold. Hey, look at that. And he needs a little bit of advice. Joe, welcome to the show. Hey, guys. Joe, you're in a scenario most people never would be in, brother. Yeah. That's OK, though. You know, you're still together. That says something. Like, sometimes when someone proposes and they say, no, it's like, oh my god, we shouldn't be together. The end of it, yeah. Yeah, we have a lot of advice to offer you before hearing anything about your story. Joe, break up. We're pumping him up, Jeff. That's good. Let's hear about the relationship that you're in right now. Yeah, it's my girlfriend, Emma and I. We've been together for five years. Did you say her name was M, like the letter? Emma. Emma. Emma. OK, sorry. OK. I call her M sometimes. Sorry. That makes sense. OK, well, we prefer only formal names on the show, so lock it up. Emma Lificent. You've been with her, you said five years? Yeah, five years. We've done everything together. We've traveled to all kinds of places. We have a dog. We bought a condo together. Have you guys kissed? They bought a condo. Yeah. OK. Yeah, we've kissed. All right, just covering all the. How does she feel about the idea of marriage? This is the thing. We have talked about we both want to be married. OK. So I take action. I go and I propose. And she said no. Wait. Oh, man. Why? Why did she say no? I mean, she's obviously in it with you for the long haul. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know because I then proceeded to propose a couple more times. I've actually proposed three times in the last 18 months. OK. Bro, what are you not getting? Like, I'm not. Where are you doing it? Like, how's it going down? I feel like we need the story behind what. Yeah. Different places, different ways. Two of them I was in public. Like, it was by a beautiful tree in the park. OK. The worst one, if I can let you know. Yes, let's do the worst. That sounds fun. What happened? I paid for a firework. It's like, and you imagine, yes, let's get married. And then a nice 15 minutes of fireworks. But she said no. And then we had to sit there and watch fireworks. You can't just after this, no? You guys cancel it for never mind. Just I'll get a room. Yeah, go home and just go to bed. Oh, my God. That is so funny. I don't get why she doesn't tell you what's wrong. Does Emma say anything about it? Yes, she has told me she's fully ready once the universe lets her know that she's ready. Oh, this is out of your hands. She's ready. Is she really into astrology, like the planets aligning? No, no, I've never. I don't even know it. No. OK, well, what does she mean that the universe will let her know? She just tells me the universe will let us both know when it's the time. I even once proposed, I gave her a card that said, hey, babe, the universe told me I should put a ring on it. That's clever. And her response was, yeah, no, that's not it. Are we wondering if the universe is a person that we need to ask permission from? Yeah. Like my dad's name is universe. That's not a bad idea. Have you talked to her family? Maybe. Well, yeah, yeah, I actually did. I have asked her father for permission all three times. I don't like you after we ask it every time. You went to her dad on three separate occasions to ask for her hand in marriage. No, buddy's now. He comes back. It happened again, brother. Oh, my god. Yeah, he just kind of shrugs his shoulders each time. And by the time he said, well, son, I'm surprised you are still with her. But he called you son. Yeah. Dude, that's so bizarre. So where are you at? Like, are you willing to be patient enough to wait for whatever this universe moment is? Do you even want to keep asking? Yeah. I kind of do. I mean, I get it. Most guys at this point would have said, forget it. I'm done. If the universe is not giving me a green light yet, then maybe we should separate. But she's making it very clear that she does not want to break up. And she's been happy and cheerful. Even when she says no, it wasn't like a down or no. It was like a positive, optimistic. She's like, no. Let's go back to dinner. Yeah, silly. So, OK, you're definitely in a weird position. But what made you reach out to our show for advice? What are you looking for? Looking for some advice on how do I even talk to her about that? I don't want to propose on your show or anything like that. You want to figure out what the universe, like when you'll know. I would like to understand what is she looking for? Yeah. Or help him unlock the key to her heart to say yes. Jeff, you should call her and say you're the universe calling. I like it. I like that. But unfortunately, this is an awkward Thursday phone call. And that means Joe is the one that's going to have to do the unlocking himself. Yeah, that's right. So we're going to come back and give you a little bit of advice to help you call your girlfriend of five years to figure out what sign from the universe is she looking for before she says yes to marriage. All right. It's kind of cute, honestly. It's a little crazy, but we're going to do it. Awkward Thursday, right after this. Hold on. It's awkward. It's Thursday. It's awkward. Thursday. Phone call. You got to feel for our listener, Joe. Now, here's a guy who's been in love with a girl for five years. They're so cute together. And he desperately wants to marry her. She said no three times to his proposals. But in a happy way. Yes. Like a not yet. With a big smile. Yes. Absolutely not. Yeah. And made it clear she doesn't want to break up. She does want to get married. It's just the universe hasn't told her that it's right yet. Whatever that means. Even Joe isn't sure. That's why he's hoping to get some clarity here with us today during this awkward Thursday phone call and find out what exactly is his girlfriend waiting for. What is Joe doing wrong? What's not aligning for Emma to say yes to his proposal? So Brooke, what's your advice? I think you give up on the universe, Joe. I don't think you wait around for any universal sign. I think you tell Emma, listen, I got a three ask limit. I did my part. You understand the universe better than I am. You do the asking now. It's up to Emma now to propose. Give up your man card, Joe. What do you think? It's not a man card thing. Yeah. That's better than just giving up altogether. Yeah. I mean, yes. It makes your life easier, right? Like you don't have to plan anything. You don't have to worry. You don't have to spend any more money. It's all up to Emma. You don't think it'll look like I'm giving up and then that'll make her give up? No. I think you're saying like I don't get the universe. You do. It's just one piece of advice. You can use it or not use it. Jose, what do you think? Well, you said you're OK waiting and proposing again, but that may not be the right move for you, man. You need to give her a soft ultimatum. Oh. Uh-oh. That way, she's like, oh, I'm going to lose him. The universe may speak to her. Yeah, it may speed up her timeline if when to say yes. Oh, I just got a text. The universe said it's time. What do you think, Joe? I do want this to happen sooner than later. It's getting a little expensive. Too many fireworks shows. Kind of don't want to have to meet with her dad. Joe, you don't have to meet with her dad anyway. Maybe I should bring her dad with me. No. No, that's never. Does have her dad do it for you? Like, hey, Joe would like to propose. Will you finally say yes? That would be great. We are officially cutting off the advice. Yeah. And we're just going to dial your girlfriend and see if she answers. You got this, Joe. You're going to find out what the universe wants from you. Thank you. OK. Here we go. I'm going to dial her number right now. Let you make your awkward Thursday phone call. Let's do it. Hello. Hey, baby. Oh, hi. I didn't recognize the number. Hi. What's up, Momar? How you doing, Boobie? I'm doing good. How are you? What you doing? Remind me later. Before you come home, I can't on sale at the supermarket if you can grab some. Some what? Some pumpkin? No, the ice cream that you like, that cherry chip ice cream that you like. I just noticed it was on sale. If you want to grab some on your way home. Oh, yeah. I'll get some. OK. What's up, Booboo? I'm just thinking about us and our love and all of these proposals. And let's talk about it. Or how about we don't? If we don't talk about it, then I'll just be thinking about it all day. I was thinking about the universe. How me and the universe, I don't know how to talk to the universe. Booboo, how many times have I told you you don't talk to the universe? You listen to it. You wait. Yeah. Yeah, well, I haven't heard it. And I listen to it. I know you're confused. And I know I've said this to you before, but you have to trust that the universe is going to reveal it. And it's time. It's you. We just have to wait for it coming. Baby, I have been patient. And I've been listening. I don't know exactly what you're looking for. And I'm not a part where I don't know if it's worth it that we continue. Is that what you want? Wait a second. What are we questioning here? There's none of that. You know, and I know that we're meant to be together. You know, I love you. You know, I want to be with you. I just have to understand I've had this thing. And I just I need to follow it through. What thing? The universe thing? Or I'm confused. What's the thing? Yeah. Well, yeah, if I feel like if I tell you, then it's going to ruin it. Then it won't be the point. Wow. I just need to help. I feel like I'm at my end. I just need a clear path. No, it's not like that even. It's just OK. When I was 12, I made a pact. And the path was I want to sign from the universe that the man I marry is the right one. And so what? You haven't gotten the sign yet? The thing is the sign it needs to come from you. Baby, I'm very. Oh, yeah, fireworks. We had cheese. I know. I know. I know. That's not the sign. Light up. That's not the sign. What kind of? What do you mean, baby? It's a word. OK, so it's a word that is only between the universe and I just we know. And the thing is, it is the time that we've been together so far, you've not said it. Oh, my. The only reason that you said no to all of my proposals is because I haven't said the magic word that you came up with when you were 12. Oh, my God. Hello. Hello. There's a password. I guess. What was that? Yeah. Hello. Hello, Emma. Hello. What's the word? Awkward. Maybe the word was awkward. Maybe. But this is a radio show. We're called Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. Welcome to it. Hi. Joe, what did you do? Oh, goodness. Hey, dude, I was looking for help and they're just going to help us figure it out. Right, guys? It is kind of fun to leave you hanging a little bit, Joe. But I think we should spend the next five minutes just saying words and seeing if we could get it. What do you guys think a 12-year-old came up with a 12-year-old love? Is it a person, place, or thing? Yeah, can we give us guesses? We're good at games. Look, guys, I know you're all trying to help. And I understand that he's frustrated. Yeah, he is. But Joe, the universe will give you the word when the time is right. He just has to get. Can I just guess? Hardbark. Such a maze. Ambulance. Yeah, we don't have enough time for that, Joe. And remember, she was 12 when she made the pact. So you have to think of words that 12-year-old girls would like. Baby, I don't know that many words. Emma, you could be losing the most patient-loving man, the person you're supposed to be with, because you're stuck on this thing that you made up when you were 12 years old. Can I say, baby, you're not losing me. I'm not losing you. But we might both end up in the Looney Bin. OK, that's good. That's positive. All right, all right, honey, baby, boo-boo. We'll talk later over some ice cream. OK, I love you. And I know that the word will come to you. You're not going to tell him? No hint. That defeats the purpose of the whole game, Brooke. Dude. It's not a fun game. Yeah. So wait, is he going to be talking to you in the bathroom while you're brushing your teeth, and he accidentally says the word, and then you just break down in tears and say, yes, I will marry you? That's the question that are directed to the universe. I can't ask the universe questions. I'm only supposed to listen. Like, this is a very complicated relationship with the universe. Joe, I feel like we got a lot of clarity out of this phone call, but we are running out of time. At least you know that there is one word that you need to say to unlock a yes to your marriage proposal. Maybe start playing Scrabble together, and it'll come up, you know? Yeah, but go pick up a dictionary and that's a source. We're going to page every morning to her. Joe, it's really good that you love her because I don't know that anybody else ever grew up. Yeah, somebody will in the next word, though. Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning. I feel for Brooke right now. Because I can't get it out of my head. You could hear how badly she wants to know what the word is. Dude, honestly. Well, people couldn't see this on the radio, but Brooke actually whipped out her checkbook and was prepared to write a large sum of money just to bribe the woman into finding out the magic word. Dude, do you know how many listeners would be grateful if I were to able to do that? But Brooke held back, so I'm proud of you for that, Brooke. It is crazy, though, that they've been together for five years. They do everything, vacations and shopping and home ownership, and not once has he said the word that entire time. It has to be like unicorn or glitter. Yeah. Those are too normal, too. I have a feeling he's just going to accidentally say it one night in his sleep, and she's going to wake him up and be like, oh my god, we're getting married. They're going to say it during a fight. Oh, no. She's well-great. Now you have to propose. There it is. Well, Brooke, if we come to learn that the word is moist, do you want to know? Or do you want to be kept in the dark on that one? I love the word moist. Oh, god. OK. It is not moist. Absolutely. It could be. You never know. Talking about cake, you guys. Yeah, sure. And we can, by the way, the word that we can do for you is help. We can help you with your personal life if you ever need it. Attempt to help. Yeah, we'll try. Can't promise much, but reach out to us, and we can give you an awkward call whenever you need it. Go follow us online wherever you get your podcasts. We're available at Brooke and Jeffrey.