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Episode 7 — No Pineapple, Please! The Pizza of Perspective

In this fun and flavorful episode of Just Two Cents, Eric and Sarah explore one of the most entertaining metaphors from Eric’s book It Is Just Two Cents:
Advice is like pizza—everyone has their own toppings, and not all of them belong on your slice.

Eric opens with his now‑famous “No Pineapple” stance—not as a culinary attack, but as a reminder that advice always comes with cultural, regional, and personal seasoning. What works on the West Coast doesn’t always land in Manhattan, and Deep South wisdom doesn’t always translate in Los Angeles.
Advice has a regional flavor, and ignoring that is how misunderstandings get baked.

The episode dives into the “American Beauty Shop” as a cultural kaleidoscope. Eric and Sarah walk listeners through how the same question—“What should I do?”—gets wildly different answers depending on where you’re sitting:

• Los Angeles: “Let your inner glow shine. Don’t try too hard.”
• New York City: “Be bold. Take risks. Own the room.”
• The Deep South: “Choose something timeless. Something that feels like home.”

Each region offers advice through its own lens, proving that even well‑meaning guidance is shaped by local norms, values, and expectations.
From geography, the conversation shifts to generational advice gaps. Sarah represents the “ramen and existential dread” decade of the 20s, while Eric speaks from the sunscreen‑and‑retirement‑planning 50s. They unpack how people often give advice based on their decade, not yours—leading to mismatched expectations and unhelpful guidance.
A 50‑year‑old telling a 20‑year‑old to “relax and enjoy the ride” is like telling someone in a hurricane to enjoy the breeze.
Finally, Eric and Sarah tackle the “Wish I Did That” phenomenon—when friends project their own desires onto your life. Whether it’s pushing dating apps, daring adventures, or lifestyle changes, people often give advice based on the movie trailer they wish they were living.
But as Eric reminds listeners: You’re the director of your own story. You don’t have to film someone else’s script.

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Episode 6 — The Wobbly Block: Why Your Past Shapes Your Advice Filter

In this lively episode of Just Two Cents, Eric Ebron and co‑host Sarah dive into one of the core ideas from Eric’s book, It Is Just Two Cents:
Your precedents dictate your incidents.
In other words, your past experiences shape how you interpret advice, react to challenges, and make decisions today.

Eric opens with his signature metaphor—life as a giant Jenga tower—where every choice becomes another block stacked on the last. Some blocks are solid. Others? Not so much. These “wobbly blocks” represent the shaky precedents we carry from past failures, disappointments, or bad advice. And when someone tries to give us guidance, those old blocks start trembling.

Sarah jumps in with humor, reminding us that sometimes it feels like the world is pulling pieces out of our tower just to see what happens. Together, they explore how bad advice, especially when given without context, can destabilize someone’s entire structure.

Eric then shares the unforgettable “Ninja Cat at 3 AM” story—an example of how perception can trick us into seeing danger where there’s only a sock‑chasing feline. It’s a perfect illustration of how our minds interpret advice through the shadows of our past, not the facts in front of us.

The conversation shifts to the givers of advice, highlighting a deeply personal moment from Eric’s life. When he was struggling emotionally, one family member offered a well‑intentioned but unhelpful cliché. Another stepped in with the real wisdom: sometimes people don’t need answers—they need presence.
Advice isn’t about control; it’s about support.

Eric closes with the episode’s core truth:
Advice is a conversation, not a command.
If guidance makes your internal tower wobble, you’re allowed to set it aside—even if it comes from an “expert.” You are the author of your own life, and your experiences matter.

Sarah wraps things up with a laugh (and a promise to finally fold her “ninja socks”), while Eric invites listeners to subscribe, share feedback, and explore the book that inspired the show.

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Podcast Title: Just Two Cents with Eric Ebron Episode Title: Russian Speaker / Chinese Grammar (Episode 5)

Hey everyone, welcome back to "Just Two Cents," the show where we ponder life's big questions, offer unsolicited opinions, and occasionally get things hilariously wrong. I'm your host, Eric Ebron, and today we're diving into a topic that's as old as time itself: taking advice from people who aren't exactly experts.

We've all been there, right? Listening to a sports commentator analyze a play like they're Shakespeare himself, only to realize they probably couldn't dribble a basketball to save their life. Or maybe you've heard a politician wax poetic about the latest tech trends, making you wonder if they've ever even turned on a computer.

You've heard of the politicians talking to the Google CEO about facetiming or the politician that mentioned island tipping due to too many people. There comes a point when WE as the hearers need to evaluate what's going in our ear holes!

But here's the thing, folks. Just because someone isn't a pro doesn't mean their advice is worthless. It's like a dancing hippopotamus trying to do ballet – sure, it's hilarious, but it might also teach you a thing or two about grace under pressure. (Pause for laughter)

Take that sports commentator, for example. They might not be able to dunk, but their passion and knowledge of the game can offer valuable insights. Maybe they point out a subtle strategy you missed, or explain the rules in a way that finally makes sense. It's like having a friend who's obsessed with fantasy football – annoying sometimes, but they do know their stuff.

And that politician who's clueless about coding? Well, they might not be able to build the next killer app, but their understanding of how technology impacts society can be incredibly insightful. They might ask the tough questions about ethics and privacy that the tech whiz is too busy coding to consider.

Then there's the language professor who's fluent in grammar but has never actually visited the country they teach about. Their knowledge of the language is invaluable, but they might miss some of the cultural nuances that only come from actually living there. It's like a food critic who's never tasted the dish they're reviewing – they might know all the ingredients, but they don't know how it actually tastes.

So, how do we navigate this minefield of non-professional advice? Well, it all comes down to using our noggins – and a healthy dose of skepticism. Consider the source. What's their passion? What's their knowledge base? Are they biased in any way?

Remember, sometimes the most insightful perspectives come from unexpected places. That enthusiastic sports fan might just change the way you watch the game. The tech-challenged politician might spark a conversation about the future of AI. And that armchair traveler language professor might inspire you to learn a new language and book a flight to a far-off land.

So, the next time you're faced with advice from a non-professional, don't dismiss it outright. Listen with an open mind, but also remember to use your own judgment. And hey, if you're ever really unsure, you can always consult a real expert – or maybe just ask a random stranger on the street. Who knows, they might have the two cents you need!

Thanks for tuning in to "Just Two Cents." Remember, advice comes in all shapes and sizes, just like the people giving it. Until next time, keep those ears open and those minds questioning!

Remember to go to Justtwocents.com and send me a voice message. I'm excited to hear about the best advice you've ever received, or for you to request for my Two Cents (Dear Abby style) on your scenario.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember, it's "Just two cents"!