The Essence of Herb | Episode 132

In this lively episode of the BrandX Podcast, hosts John Jamingo and Deuce are joined by the long-awaited return of Maak, along with Diane, who provides background commentary and laughter. The conversation kicks off with stories about retirement, including Maak’s recent transition into retired life and reflections on what it means to leave the workforce after decades on the job.

The episode's heart dives into hilarious and sometimes outrageous stories from their years in sales, particularly focusing on their interactions with a cast of memorable colleagues and bosses—most notably, their eccentric former boss Herb. Tales of office politics, “inner circles,” and questionable management decisions are exchanged, with the hosts’ signature banter and good-natured roasting.

Throughout, the group shares laugh-out-loud anecdotes: from Herb’s penny-pinching ways and awkward attempts at office camaraderie to sales reps skirting the rules, “milk runs,” and the infamous “crew work” trips to the Jersey Shore. Stories about office romances, misguided attempts at matchmaking, and the hazards of team dinners (including Herb pocketing cash and double-dipping expenses) paint a vivid picture of the quirks and camaraderie that shaped their office culture.

Amidst the laughter and tales of misadventures, the episode also touches on personal growth, the bonds of long-term friendship, and the way nostalgia colors memories. It’s a mix of behind-the-scenes antics, workplace wisdom, irreverent humor, and storytelling only old friends can pull off.

Topics:

• [00:00:25] Reunited hosts and the return of Maak; Diane joins as background commentator  
• [00:01:07] Maak discusses early retirement and the adjustment period  
• [00:04:11] Introductions to old workplace characters and division “inner circles”  
• [00:07:12] Workplace legends: flaky sales reps and unique colleagues like Lafrieda and Becker  
• [00:12:13] Remembering classic boss Leo’s “thanks a lot” retirement speech  
• [00:16:04] Office politics and prepping for management evaluations  
• [00:17:41] Clandestine support during workplace reviews  
• [00:19:04] Unfair relocation offers and refusing bad deals  
• [00:20:39] Herb's obsession over expense money and attempts to control staff  
• [00:22:26] Office matchmaker fails: Herb gives out Diane’s number secretly  
• [00:25:09] Anecdotes about workplace gambling syndicates  
• [00:27:17] Odd part-timers and infamous “milk runs” in sales territories  
• [00:31:00] Sales ethics: homegrown business strategies and stretching rules  
• [00:35:00] Cigars, product placement, and consignment sales tricks  
• [00:43:34] Chain-store dealings: schmoozing clients and time-wasting meetings  
• [00:46:56] Herb's micromanagement and backhanded praise  
• [00:54:01] Sales scams: forced overstock and strong-arm tactics  
• [01:08:21] Infamous office coffee recipe and breakroom rituals  
• [01:11:39] Workplace health woes: stress, diabetes, and getting older  
• [01:20:02] Podcast rage quit story and viral “donut donut donut” sound bite  
• [01:34:41] Social geography: North, Central, and South Jersey debates  
• [01:43:36] Listener call-in featuring the Duchess  
• [02:12:54] Discussion about hosting and producing independent podcasts  
• [02:43:38] Classic “Herb story”: the Crab Trap dinner scam
• [02:51:01] Reflections on decades of friendship, office social life, and closing thoughts