Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office

Episode: Alix Earle Speaks on Braxton Berrios Breakup, Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen Having Baby + Sam Heughan Interview: 'Outlander' Final Season + More!

Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Rhiann (Ria) and Fran
Podcast: Barstool Sports

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode captures a whirlwind of pop culture news, focusing on major celebrity relationship updates, the reaction to recent tragedies, and TV/film recaps. The episode features an in-depth interview with Sam Heughan about ‘Outlander’s’ final season and his new cocktail book. Ria and Fran maintain their trademark blend of empathy and wit as they process the week’s heavy news while keeping listeners up to speed on all things entertainment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Addressing Recent Tragedies (01:45–10:00)

• Both hosts acknowledge a “heavy weekend,” marked by mass shootings at Brown University, Bondi Beach in Australia, and a Sweet 16 in Brooklyn, as well as the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife.
• Discussion centers on how hard it is to maintain “Friday energy” in such dark times.
• Fran offers empathy and support to listeners, promising an ongoing space for distraction and community.

Notable Quote:
“We just want to be here for everybody and let everybody know that we are here for them.” – Fran (05:17)

2. Relationship Roundup (11:11–42:43)

a. Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios Breakup (12:13–23:57)

• Alix Earle posts a vulnerable video confirming breakup, revealing emotional maturity and commitment to personal growth.
• The hosts discuss the public’s and fans’ reactions—sometimes unfairly harsh toward Braxton—highlighting the downsides of parasocial relationships.
• Subtopics include the impact of Dancing With the Stars on Alix’s personal development, and social media’s role in amplifying breakups.

Notable Quote:
“If you are not all in it, then there is no reason to stay in it. And I think having that awareness is really great...” – Fran (16:27)
“...these TikTokers, the audience that she has, this young, younger generation, all these comments like, ‘I'm a child of divorce.’ …imagine you make the hard decision to break up and then you’re just bombarded by comments…” – Rhiann (18:20)

b. Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld Pregnancy Announcement (23:57–26:44)

• The hosts celebrate the joyful baby news—welcomed as a reprieve from otherwise sad headlines.
• Cute details about the announcement and Buffalo Bills pride.

Notable Quote:
"Such a cute announcement. So freaking happy for them." – Fran (26:06)

c. Amy Schumer Divorce (27:00–30:24)

• Amy Schumer’s humorous and typo-filled divorce statement is recapped and analyzed.
• Hosts poke fun at media conventions for reporting celebrity breakups.

Notable Quote:
“I thought that this was hilarious because she was making fun of the typical announcement... please respect our privacy at this time.” – Fran (27:18)

d. Love Island’s Ace & Shelly Split (30:48–36:31)

• The couple’s lack of commitment and Ace's egotistical “Ace shrine” bachelor pad are discussed as possible breakup factors.
• The hosts analyze age and maturity differences.

Notable Quote:
“I would imagine that could be a turn off—you step into his house and you see everything dedicated…not even like, his family or…a pet…it’s just me.”—Fran (33:34)

e. Bronwyn (RHOSLC) & Todd Divorce (37:01–41:08)

• Discuss recent studio interview with Bronwyn weeks before the divorce news broke.
• Reflection on “PR answers” from celebrities and the importance of honesty in public appearances.

Notable Quote:
“You don’t marry the guy that swipes that cherry right off your sundae…You marry the guy that orders you the sundae and gets two cherries and gives you both of them.” – Rhiann (40:13)

3. Weekly Watch Report & TV/Film Roundup (43:00–73:07)

a. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Documentary (44:43–54:47)

• Both hosts weigh in—Fran finds it good but not mind-blowing, Rhiann is emotionally moved, with nostalgia for the live concert experience.
• Praise for behind-the-scenes focus on the dancers, Taylor’s vulnerability, and generosity (bonuses).
• Timeline/jumbling in the documentary noted as mildly confusing.
• Mandie Moore’s choreography and Ed Sheeran’s cameo lauded.

Notable Quotes:
“Loved that they spotlighted a lot of the dancers.” – Rhiann (47:39)
“She wants her dancers to represent everybody and to be able to look up there and be like, oh, that’s me.” – Fran (47:09)

b. HBO Dramas: I Love LA & Heated Rivalry (55:01–66:33)

• Recap of Twitter-fueled debate between the creators; ‘Heated Rivalry’ is widely praised for steamy, unique portrayal of closeted gay hockey players, with Fran calling it potentially the better show.

Notable Quote:
“I’m so into this show because I think it is such a good premise and something I don’t think we’ve seen before.” – Fran (58:24)

c. Bravo Shows & More (70:31–75:00)

• RHOSLC, Beverly Hills, Vanderpump, Southern Charm (all discussed with ratings).
• General sentiments: Some storylines feel repetitive (Southern Charm), others off to a slow start (Beverly Hills), but Southern Charm girls elevate the season.

4. Interview with Sam Heughan (‘Outlander’ Star & Author) (83:16–113:46)

a. Sam’s Cocktail Book & Drinking Culture

• Sam shares inspiration behind The Cocktail Diaries, his travels, and experimenting with classic and global recipes.
• Lively cocktail discussion—favorite festive drinks, martinis, and pickles.
• Insights on what makes a great cocktail (“detail,” “good ingredients,” “community”).

Notable Quotes:
“I’m a terrible bartender…but I love meeting people and on my journeys and creating our spirits, got to meet some amazing producers.” – Sam Heughan (90:54)
“There’s so much to explore in Scotland…and in that area.” – Sam Heughan (110:12)

b. Outlander Reflections & Next Steps

• Reflects on the final season: called it “the end of it all,” emotional goodbyes to cast/crew, and how the series ends slightly differently from the books.
• Sam contemplates watching old episodes, shares excitement for future projects, and his ongoing love for “community” in both bar culture and theatre.

Notable Quotes:
“It was really sad. I was ready. But the last year was, honestly, it was like a roller coaster.” – Sam Heughan (104:48)
“We are really close. We’re like, still like family.” – Sam Heughan (106:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 05:17 | Fran | “We just want to be here for everybody and let everybody know that we are here for them.” | | 16:27 | Fran | “If you are not all in it, then there is no reason to stay in it. And I think having that awareness is really great…” | | 18:20 | Rhiann | “Imagine you make the hard decision to break up and then you’re just bombarded by comments…” | | 26:06 | Fran | “Such a cute announcement. So freaking happy for them.” | | 27:18 | Fran | “I thought that this was hilarious because she was making fun of the typical announcement...” | | 33:34 | Fran | “You step into his house and you see everything dedicated…not even like, his family or…a pet…just me.” | | 40:13 | Rhiann | “You don’t marry the guy that swipes that cherry right off your sundae…You marry the guy that orders you the sundae and gets two cherries and gives you both of them.” | | 47:09 | Fran | “She wants her dancers to represent everybody and to be able to look up there and be like, oh, that’s me.” | | 58:24 | Fran | “I’m so into this show because I think it is such a good premise and something I don’t think we’ve seen before.” | | 90:54 | Sam Heughan | “I’m a terrible bartender…but I love meeting people and on my journeys and creating our spirits, got to meet some amazing producers.” | | 104:48 | Sam Heughan | "It was really sad. I was ready. But the last year was, honestly, it was like a roller coaster." |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:45 – 10:00: Addressing weekend’s tragic news
• 12:13 – 23:57: Alix Earle & Braxton Berrios breakup analysis
• 23:57 – 26:44: Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld baby news
• 27:00 – 30:24: Amy Schumer divorce recap
• 30:48 – 36:31: Love Island’s Ace & Shelly breakup
• 37:01 – 41:08: Bronwyn & Todd (RHOSLC) divorce
• 43:00 – 54:47: Taylor Swift Eras Tour documentary review
• 55:01 – 66:33: I Love LA vs. Heated Rivalry TV debate
• 70:31 – 75:00: Bravo shows and more recaps
• 83:16 – 113:46: Sam Heughan interview (cocktail book, Outlander, life beyond the show)

Tone & Language

Hosts’ tone is empathetic and candid, deftly balancing levity and gravity. They use accessible, conversational language with pop culture references and inside jokes typical for their younger-skewing, plugged-in audience. Sam Heughan’s segment is warm, engaging, and peppered with storytelling.

Summary Takeaway

This episode demonstrates “Chicks in the Office” at its best—empathetic, well-informed, and entertaining, moving seamlessly from national tragedy to the joys and pains of celebrity relationships, TV obsessions, and a heartfelt interview with a major TV star. Whether keeping you up to speed on must-watch shows or sharing laughs about martini preferences, Ria and Fran provide the pop culture companionship listeners crave.