Chicks in the Office — Episode Summary

Episode Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Ria & Fran (Barstool Sports)
Main Topics: Alix Earle & Tom Brady PDA, Heated Rivalry Craze, Timothée Chalamet Shouts Out Kylie Jenner, Celebrity Couples, Holiday Recaps, Pop Culture Roundup

Overview

This episode of Chicks in the Office marks Ria and Fran’s return to the studio post-holiday, bringing high-energy pop culture commentary for the new year. They recap their holiday experiences, discuss hot relationship rumors (notably Alix Earle and Tom Brady), analyze Timothée Chalamet’s recent awards season adventures and his relationship with Kylie Jenner, and share opinions on current TV and film including the much-talked-about series Heated Rivalry. The tone is casual, candid, and often hilarious, with signature banter and deep dives into internet discourse.

Episode Breakdown

1. Welcome Back & Holiday Catch-Up

[00:12–18:43]

• Ria and Fran return after a two-week break, both in matching influencer fleeces—an unplanned sign of cohost synchronicity.
• The duo discusses “winter depression” after the holidays, the awkwardness of New York City post-Christmas, and the need for cozy, joy-bringing decor.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “I almost straight up, like, cried in my Uber back into the city last night.” – Ria [03:37]
• Both share their holidays:
  • Ria: Lots of family time (NYC, New Jersey, Florida), providing bagels for her family on Christmas morning, mom’s gag gifts, and a snowy holiday. She reads many book recommendations from listeners and reviews “Broken Country.”
  • Fran: Also in Florida after being acutely ill (flu), recounts getting stuck at a friend’s house, emotional fever dreams about Timothée Chalamet, and resurrecting to make it to family Christmas.
• Discussion of the social media discourse around the holidays and hosting etiquette (Nick Viall TikTok hosting drama).
• Both find reading is “in,” referencing the continued expansion of bookstores.

2. Pop Culture News Rapid Fire

[38:09–53:56]

• Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner’s PDA at Critics Choice Awards
  • Chalamet’s polarizing Critics Choice speech, his shout-out to Kylie, and the widespread internet reaction.
  • The hosts debate Club Chalamet’s superfan access, with “No problems. No problems.” as a tongue-in-cheek reference to internet rumors.
  • Quote:
    • “I saw a clip from Tyler the Creator talking about this, which is what inspired me to bring this up, because… Timothée Chalamet is so good at what he does. And he was like, fuck all that imposter syndrome bullshit. When someone's like, oh, I don't know if I'm that good. Where Timothée Chalamet is like, no, I'm great...” – Fran [43:13]
• Timothée’s viral rap collab and recurring shout-outs to Kylie Jenner
  • General approval from the Chicks ("I will continue to listen to this rap on Instagram and as many times as I want." – Fran [55:18])

3. Alix Earle & Tom Brady: The Viral St. Barts PDA

[55:56–74:10]

• The story drops of Alex Earle and Tom Brady’s close, flirtatious interactions in St. Barts.
• Ria and Fran share how they received the video ~20 minutes before it went viral and dissect internet reactions, emphasizing that they see it as a “do it for the plot” moment.
• Hosts break down generational reactions: Gen Z is scandalized (“Tom Brady is literally her dad’s age!”), Millennials find it iconic, and Boomers barely know who Alex Earle is.
• Quote:
  • "If my friends had that opportunity, I'd be like, I'm not saying go fucking date Tom Brady. No, yuck. But to have the story of, 'I had a night with Tom Brady'? Do it!" – Fran [63:11]
• Discuss double standards (Braxton Berrios' “karma” after breaking up with Sofia Culpo for Alex Earle).
• Analyze the celebrity guest list on the St. Barts yacht, billionaire hosts, “Palm Tree Crew,” and the mechanics of influencer-billionaire intersections.
• Commentary on “yachting” misconceptions and how big TikTok stars (like Alex) can shift perceptions on classic celebrity and luxury culture.

4. Celebrity & Entertainment News Roundup

[87:19–92:33]

• Joe Jonas goes public with Tatiana Gabriella
• Role Model & Dakota Johnson’s emerging relationship
  • Dakota’s romantic pivot from Chris Martin to the much-younger musician.
• Zach Bryan’s marriage to Brianna’s doppelganger
  • The hosts find his behavior “insane” and express genuine concern:
    • “Honestly, when I saw that this girl married him, I thought, oh my God, somebody watch out for her.” – Fran [79:58]

5. Relationship Plot Twists: Reality TV Stars & More

• Kelsey Ballerini & Chase Stokes’ Social Media Drama
  • They analyze the public breakup, blocking discourse, and reunion posts.
  • “At this point, I’m not rooting for them or against them. I’m just like, good luck, best wishes. You do you.” – Fran [77:40]
• Kyle Richards & Mauricio’s Aspen “Reconciliation”
  • Hopes for a TV-ready family reunion.
• Gorga-Judice Holiday Reunion
  • The Real Housewives family comes together at Christmas.
  • “If Teresa can bite into a sprinkle cookie, anything can happen.” – Ria [96:21]

Weekly Watch Report: TV & Film Recs & Reviews

[99:17–147:21]

Heated Rivalry — The Craze Explained

[99:17–113:57]

• The Chicks and Noah all watched and adored Heated Rivalry (six episodes, A+). Shock at having to wait until 2027 for season two!
• Discussion of the book adaptation, the show’s structure, the chemistry between leads Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Story), and nuanced critique of the show’s balance between “sex sells” and substantive story.
• Pull-quote: “Rarely do I sit and watch, like, the end credits of a show, but I sat there and thought, Oh my God...” – Ria [108:06]
• Special love for Scott & Kip's storyline and Rose Landry’s narrative. Rueful commentary on spoiler culture and book vs. show adaptation.
• Praise for the representation, the emotional depth, the Russian accents, and the wide reach of Heated Rivalry's popularity.
• “I have not been into a show like this in a long time. Like this attached to the characters, thinking about them 24–7.” – Fran [108:25]

Movies & Shows Mini Reviews

[113:57–147:21]

• Eternity (A–): Sweet, unique romantic film starring Miles Teller and Callum Turner. The Chicks rooted for “Larry” and enjoyed the imaginative “afterlife” world-building.
• Begonia: Strong performances, especially by Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone (A–). Some debate over the ending.
• Marty Supreme & Song Sung Blue: Both given A's for different reasons; praise for Gwyneth Paltrow’s acting, some debate over character arcs.
• I Love LA: Mixed initial reviews, improved over time (B/B+); strong comedic moments, found its narrative as the show went on.
• Palm Beach Members Only: Intended as “trashy TV” but not ultimately engaging (no grade).
• Emily in Paris (B–): Entertaining, light.
• Gone Girl (A–): Always a rewatchable classic.
• Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Documentary (B+ to A–): Insider look at the tour, emotional performance moments, great for Swifties.
• Stranger Things, Season 5 (Noah—D+): Criticized for lackluster, forced storytelling and underwhelming acting.
• Assorted Films (Noah's List):
  • Uncut Gems (A), Almost Famous (A), This is Spinal Tap (A–), Running Man (D), Sentimental Value (A–), Heat (B+), Good Fortune (B–), and others.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “[Timothée Chalamet], I saw a clip from Tyler the Creator… ‘When someone's like, oh, I don't know if I'm that good. Where Timothée Chalamet is like, no, I’m great, and I'm gonna tell everybody I'm great.’” — Fran [43:13]
• “No problems. No problems.” — Ria, repeating Club Chalamet’s tweet [49:37]
• “If one of my friends had that opportunity… to have the story of I had a night with Tom Brady, do it!” — Fran [63:11]
• “If Teresa can bite into a sprinkle cookie, anything can happen.” — Ria [96:21]
• “Rarely do I sit and watch the end credits of a show, but I sat there and thought, Oh my God...” — Ria [108:06]
• “I have not been into a show like this in a long time... attached to the characters, thinking about them 24–7.” — Fran [108:25]
• “At this point, I’m not rooting for them or against them. I’m just like, good luck, best wishes. You do you.” — Fran (re: Kelsey Ballerini & Chase Stokes) [77:40]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:12 – Hosts' return & matching fits
• 05:34 – Holiday recaps, book talk, NYC blues
• 38:09 – Timothée Chalamet award season/Jenner PDA
• 55:56 – ALIX EARLE & TOM BRADY: The St. Barts viral saga, breakdown
• 74:10 – Kelsey Ballerini & Chase Stokes, Zach Bryan, Joe Jonas, Dakota Johnson
• 87:19 – Gorga–Judice family Christmas reunion
• 99:17 – Heated Rivalry: TV review and book adaptation talk
• 113:57 – Movie & TV reviews (Eternity, Begonia, Marty Supreme, more)
• 124:23 – “What we're leaving behind in 2025…” Good Wipes ad break (end of main content)

Episode Tone & Style

Conversational, witty, and incisive. Fran and Ria skillfully balance humor, relatable venting (about winter, illness, or social dynamics), and earnest pop culture nerding. The episode is packed with pop culture references, quick takes, and internet-savvy commentary, serving both as entertainment news and a touchstone for fandom.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode…

This episode is an essential catch-up for anyone interested in social media-driven celebrity culture, messy holiday family drama, and buzzy streaming-viewing recommendations. If you want smart, funny, quick-witted takes on everything from award show etiquette to which influencer-coded romance is most likely “for the plot,” Ria and Fran are your guides.

Don't forget: “If Teresa can bite into a sprinkle cookie, anything can happen.”