Send us a text

Episode 3 — The Mischievous Brain Genie: Why Your Mind Plays Tricks on You

In this playful and insightful episode of Just Two Cents, Eric and Sarah crack open one of the most entertaining concepts from It Is Just Two Cents:
Your brain is a mischievous genie—brilliant, unpredictable, and occasionally unhinged.

Eric kicks things off by explaining why he compares the human mind to a genie: sometimes it grants dazzling “Aha!” moments, and other times it sends you spiraling into illusions, conspiracies, and tinfoil‑hat thinking. Perception, he reminds us, isn’t about being right or wrong—it’s about how your personal lens colors reality, even when the facts have stepped out for lunch.

Sarah jumps in with her own Brain Genie moment—searching for sunglasses that were literally on her head—setting the tone for an episode full of relatable mental misfires.

The conversation moves into the now‑legendary “Ninja Sock at 3 AM” story. Eric recounts mistaking a neighbor’s cat for a shadowy intruder, proving how quickly the brain can turn a harmless moment into a full tactical alert. From lost keys to phantom threats, they explore how the mind can hide the obvious or invent the dramatic.
The lesson: when advice sounds wild, it might just be someone else’s Brain Genie seeing a ninja sock instead of a cat.

In Segment 3, things get even more delightfully chaotic as Eric and Sarah unpack the limbic system—the emotional “dragon on your shoulder.” From impulse buys (like a lifetime supply of chia seeds) to the sudden urge to yodel in an elevator, they explore how emotions can hijack logic in hilarious and revealing ways.
Understanding the “why” behind these impulses, Eric says, is how we regain control without losing our sense of humor.

The episode wraps with a grounded takeaway:
Reality isn’t just what happens—it’s how we interpret it.
When your brain (or someone else’s) throws you a curveball, check the lighting, breathe, and don’t be afraid to laugh at the absurdity. Lightheartedness is often the best antidote to mental rabbit holes.

Sarah heads off for coffee, Eric promises logic, and together they tease the next episode: The Busybody vs. The Altruist.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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"!

Send us a text

Episode Title: Myriad of Circumstances: Curveballs, Not Fashion Trends

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Just Two Cents, where we're all about the funny, surprising, and sometimes confusing ways we give, take, and sometimes throw away advice.

We're expanding on the Myriad of Circumstances that affect our Advice giving, taking and reasons we should just throw it away. Today we're tackling a topic that's universal yet uniquely personal: life's curveballs.

Now, life's problems can come at you like rogue dodgeballs in the schoolyard. You know, those moments where you're left wondering if you should dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge? And like Patches O'Houlihan said, "if you master the 5 D's, no amount of balls on Earth can hit you." Some of you got that reference.

The good news is, these curveballs change over time. It's like a bizarre fashion show where each decade gets its own unique set of challenges. Thankfully, some of those trends, like men's high water pants, will fade away, never to return...hopefully.

In our twenties, it's all about ramen dinners, questionable life choices, and the ever-present existential dread of "What am I doing with my life?"

Then come the thirties, where career ladders, mortgages, and the ticking (or not ticking) biological clock take center stage. Advice shifts to "Work hard, play hard," "Find balance," and the ever-so-subtle "Tick-tock, tick-tock" drumming in your psyche.

Fast forward to the fifties, and it's all about retirement planning, grandkids, and figuring out what to do with the rest of your life. The advice now ranges from "Travel the world" to "Enjoy your golden years, but wear sunscreen!"

But here's the thing, folks. Life's curveballs aren't one-size-fits-all. We each have our own unique journey, shaped by our passions, backgrounds, and the communities we're part of. The musician in a small town faces different challenges than the tech whiz in Silicon Valley. The single parent juggling work and childcare has a different set of worries than a couple navigating the complexities of raising 2.5 kids and the family dog.

So, what's the takeaway here? It's simple: the best advice isn't a universal formula. It's a supportive hand extended with understanding and respect for the individual navigating their own path. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey, seek advice that resonates with your heart, and remember, your perspective is a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Now, before we wrap up, let's not forget that our challenges and the advice we seek are shaped by where we live and the communities we're part of. From the casual vibes of the West Coast to the Southern hospitality of the Southeast, each region brings its own flavor to the table... (Pause)

And that, my friends, is what the previous episode was about!

Thanks for tuning in to "Just Two Cents." Remember, life's curveballs may be unpredictable, but how you catch them is entirely up to you. And hey, if you're still wondering about those low-rise jeans, just trust me – they're not coming back.

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"!

Send us a text

Episode Title:
Myriad of Circumstances: A Pizza Slice of American Diversity
Host: Eric Ebron

I'm your host, Eric Ebron and I'm ready to dish out some bite-sized insights on the wild and wonderful world we live in.

I want to share that I have a "Record a Message" option available on the Justtwocents.com website. I hinted at this last week but I want to bring you into this fun ride. Go to the site, Justtwocents.com, and click on the upper right, "Send a message". And send me your questions for me to answer, send me your best advice you've ever received, or send me, like Dear Abby, a situation that you would want my "Two Cents" on. I'm excited for where we are going with this...

Our cultural experiences or where we grew up, plays a particular perspective to how we give, take and throw away if the best advice!

Segment 1: West Coast Fusion

Alright, folks, first stop: the West Coast! Think sun-kissed beaches, tech innovation, and a dash of everything under the sun. From the growing Latino communities in California to the vibrant Asian American hubs in cities like Seattle, this region's like a fusion pizza, bursting with fresh and unexpected ingredients.

Midwest Medley

Next up, we're heading to the heartland! The Midwest might be known for its cornfields and friendly folks, but its cultural landscape is anything but bland. From the rich African American communities in cities like Chicago to the growing Hmong and Somali populations, this region's like a hearty casserole, full of depth and surprising flavors.

To understand advice differences, you can explore how international food festivals are popping up next to traditional county fairs, creating a unique blend of old and new.

Northeast Nostalgia with a Modern Twist

Our final destination is the Northeast United States, a historical melting pot that's still simmering with fresh ideas. This region is like a classic pizza with a gourmet twist – you've got your classic Italian, Irish, and Jewish communities, but now you're also seeing vibrant Latino, Asian, and African populations adding new spices to the mix.

We'll talk about how bustling Chinatown neighborhoods in NYC coexist with traditional Irish pubs in Boston, creating a delicious tapestry of cultures.

Outro

And that's a wrap for today's episode, folks! The goal was to start you thinking that different regions in the US alone, is cause for concern when we are getting advice. Advice comes in many formats HOURLY, like the internet, social media, television, or family member spread out across the country. How you best friend in Tennessee would handle that situation may be completely different from your friend in Southern California, meaning two people who care deeply for you can give you two opposing pieces of advice... AND expect you to take it!!

Remember, this is just a taste of the incredible diversity that makes America so unique. Each region's people have their own stories to tell, so get out there and explore the cultural flavors that make up our great nation – but realize that they have their own rules on advice giving and taking.

This has been Just Two Cents. Next week, we continue to talk about the Myriad of Circumstances we find ourselves in AND we will talk about how those circumstances shape 'how' we think others should live so that OUR advice makes sense... it'll make sense next time!

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"!

Send us a text

Podcast Title: Just Two Cents Episode Title: Perception is Reality

Host: Eric Ebron

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Just Two Cents, where we're all about the funny, surprising, and sometimes downright confusing ways we give, take, and sometimes throw away advice. I'm your host, Eric Ebron.

First, I want to share that I have exciting news! Go to the site, Justtwocents.com, and click on the upper right, "Send a message". And send me your questions for me to answer, send me your best advice you've ever received, or send me, like Dear Abby, a situation that you would want my "Two Cents" on. I'll read a couple of them on air and we'll go over it! I'm excited for where we are going with this... remember, Justtwocents.com website.

Ok, today, we're diving back into the wacky world of perception. Because sometimes, our brains decide to take a little detour from reality. And that can lead to some pretty interesting experiences.

Let's start with the classic "seeing is believing" plot twist – hallucinations. Now, I'm not talking about seeing ghosts, but more like sensory experiences that dress up in costumes. You might see, hear, or even smell things that aren't really there.

But hold on, because now we're flipping the script. Sometimes, our brains get a little too good at hide-and-seek. I'm talking about conditions like agnosia, where a sense gets temporarily disconnected from reality. You might stare at your keys, but your brain refuses to acknowledge them. Or someone could be speaking perfect English, but all you hear is gibberish.

As a grad student, I was people affected with aphasia, which is a a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate effectively with others. Aphasia can impair a person's ability to speak, understand, read, and write. I saw the therapist pointing to a picture of the client's son and say who is this, and the person would say, "cheeseburger"... they couldn't find the right word AND they were frustrated because they knew that what they were saying was NOT what they were trying to say.

I compare that to someone who really WANTS to give good advice to someone they love but can never say the right thing or say something the right way. They can't connect what their heart wants to say to what their mind spits out of their mind... chaos, right?!

When dealing with someone that give terrible advice, but you know their heart is in the right place... it's not BAD advice, per se, it's just a disconnection – but you most likely shouldn't take that advice!

These are the whispers of our limbic system, the emotional part of our brain, trying to outsmart our logical side. Some impulses are harmless, even fun. But others? Not so much. The trick is understanding why we have these impulses and finding healthy ways to cope.

That's all for today's episode of Just Two Cents. Remember to go to Justtwocents.com and send my a voice message. I'm excited to hear your best advice you've received, or your request for my Two Cents on your scenario.

Next time your brain throws you a curveball, remember, it's not trying to be malicious. It's just a little quirky sometimes. Embrace the weirdness, seek help if you need it, and don't forget to laugh. After all, a little laughter is good for the brain, even when it's playing tricks on you.

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

Send us a text

Episode Title: Perception is Reality (Part 1)

Welcome back to "Just Two Cents," your weekly dose of real talk and lighthearted fun. I'm your host, Eric Ebron, and today we're diving into a topic that's both mind-boggling and entertaining: perception is reality.

How "Advice will relate" segment:

Today we're diving into a topic that's a little spooky, and a little silly: The Illusion of Reality. We're about to take a wild ride through the twists and turns of our own minds.

The Illusion of Reality

Ever feel like you're living in a simulation? Okay, maybe not that extreme, but we all know that feeling when we completely misinterpret a situation. It's like our brains are playing a game of telephone with reality, and the message gets a little garbled along the way.

That's the thing about perception – it's our filter, our lens, our very own pair of reality goggles. But sometimes those goggles get a little smudged, and we end up seeing things that aren't really there.

It is OK to have a bit of skepticism of what's there but the important thing is to cultivate a healthy skepticism – not a full-blown conspiracy theory kind of thing. You can still have that little voice in the back of our heads that says, "Hold on, Ebron, are you sure you saw what you think you saw?"

Playing Hide-and-Seek with Reality

Now, this whole illusion of reality thing can be pretty hilarious too. Like, have you ever been absolutely certain you saw someone out of the corner of your eye, only to turn around and find... nobody? It's like playing hide-and-seek with your own senses.

Or how about those times when you're frantically searching for your keys, swearing you just had them a second ago, only to find them sitting right there on the counter? It's enough to make you question your sanity.

Our brains are wired to make sense of the world around us, but sometimes they take a few shortcuts. They fill in the blanks, connect the dots, and create a narrative that might not be entirely accurate. It's like a magic trick and our brains are the magicians, and we're the easily fooled audience.

The Curious Case of the Ninja Sock Cat

Speaking of fooled, let me tell you about the time I thought a kid was running across the highway at night. It was about two in the morning and after a long day of work and then partying, I probably shouldn't have been out.

It was late at night, and I was sure I saw a shadowy figure darting across the road. I pressed the brakes hard and performed a small swerve to avoid the 'perceived' kid.

The real issue happened when my roommates woke up and was preparing to brace for anything but when I shared to them what I 'saw', there was no evidence to corroborate the story.

Turns out, exhaustion can create your worst nightmares. Yeah, I know, I know... it probably wasn't exhaustion but in my defense, it was really dark out, and I really thought that I saw the kid.

The whole thing was pretty embarrassing, but it also taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes the most logical explanation is the right one. That was a time that I couldn't convince them of my reality because there wasn't enough evidence.

When we explain our issues sometimes, we can't really describe the reality in a way that others can see it. So when the people in our lives attempt to give us advice, they are looking through their lens... not ours... and the advice can be waaay off!

Outro

Tease next weeks podcast: Alright, folks, that's all the time we have for today. Next week, we pick back up with Perception is Reality talking about how our own senses can deceive us. If we can't trust our own senses... why should we trust what your senses are telling you to tell me?