Episode 1304 - It's Friday the 13th!! (What's Up With THAT?!) - Friday, February 13, 2026

·13 min·1 clip

Norval Lee's mother explains why teasing hurts and how to become a hero instead.

The episode begins with Jim Lord noting it's Friday the 13th and promising to explain its origin another time. He introduces National Get a Different Name Day, mentioning people change names for marriage, acting, or personal preference. Lord transitions to a hero story called 'Norval Lee' about a girl named after her father's twin brothers, Norval and Lee, who died as military heroes. Norval Lee moves to a new school in fifth grade, where kids tease her about her name, making her want to change it. Her mother explains the teasers are immature and advises Norval Lee to learn about others and be kind, turning her into a hero. Lord reflects on teasing, urging listeners never to tease others because there's always an unknown story. He then reviews lessons from 'my old Irish pappy' from Monday to Thursday: don't complain, respect parents, listen in disagreements, and care a lot. For Friday, pappy advises always telling the truth to build trust and avoid lying spirals. Lord presents the question of the day: what was Michael J. Fox's original name and the word for fear of Friday the 13th, with answers to be emailed. He shares yesterday's correct answer from Timothy about the Gettysburg Address and 1776. The episode concludes with a segment on making good impressions, comparing self-marketing to product packaging for job interviews. Lord signs off, promoting The Character Network.

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