Chicks in the Office – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Amanda Batula & Kyle Cooke Split, Brooklyn Beckham Blasts Victoria & David Beckham + Anthony Ramos Interview
Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Ria & Fran (Barstool Sports)
Special Guest: Anthony Ramos

Overview

This episode is packed with major pop culture news and an in-depth interview with Anthony Ramos. Ria and Fran discuss the highly-publicized Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke split, Brooklyn Beckham's explosive public statement against his parents, drama within the Queer Eye cast, and new music from Harry Styles. The episode finishes with listener calls ("Popcorner") and a wide-ranging, candid conversation with Anthony Ramos about his new show, his acting career, and life choices.

Key Discussion Points

1. Weather Chat & Life Updates (03:05–14:02)

• The hosts open with some light banter, discussing their travel plans, New York's bitter winter, and amusing stories (Ria chasing a lost hat in the wind).
• Discussion about "New York Metro Weather" Instagram account for easily digestible weather forecasts (11:40).
  • Quote: "He makes weather digestible. That's why people like it... it's not in, like, weather jargon." – Fran, (11:42)

2. Amanda Batula & Kyle Cooke Split (14:02–29:32)

Timeline Breakdown

• Announcement: Amanda and Kyle both posted a mutual Instagram story announcing an amicable split.
  • Quote: "After much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple." (15:13)
• Host Reactions:
  • Ria always advocated for Amanda to leave Kyle, calling him a "man child" (18:47).
  • The hosts speculate the relationship had been over for a while, referencing spending holidays apart and living separately (16:54, 17:57).
• Analysis:
  • The split seems well-timed ahead of the new Summer House season, where their incompatibility will likely be obvious on-screen (22:58).
  • Speculation around prenups and joint business interests, especially with Loverboy (23:57–24:45).
  • Discussion if Amanda and Kyle can remain friends and work together post-divorce, predicting Amanda will move on sooner (25:44–26:55).
  • Pop culture implications: now that Kyle’s out, could Amanda reconcile with former friends Paige and Hannah? (27:05)
  • Notable feelings: “Honestly, it’s like one of those things where we’re not shocked but shocked at the same time. I’m not surprised.” – Ria, (28:59)
• Memorable Moment: Revisiting old clips of Kyle acting immature, reinforcing they were “never going to be the person [Amanda] deserved to have.”

3. Brooklyn Beckham vs. Victoria & David Drama (29:39–58:45)

Rapid-Fire Recap

• Brooklyn’s Public Statement: On Instagram, Brooklyn makes accusations about his parents controlling media narratives, sabotaging relationships, and wedding drama.
  • Quote: "My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding. And it hasn't stopped." – Brooklyn (32:28)
  • Claims Victoria canceled Nicola’s wedding dress last minute, created drama around seating, and ruined the first dance with Marc Anthony, adding her own “inappropriately close” dance with Brooklyn (33:48–36:05).
  • Says he and Nicola feel “so much better without them,” referencing overwhelming anxiety since stepping away (36:05).
• Host Analysis:
  • Ria and Fran believe Brooklyn, drawing parallels to other celebrities who sever family ties (38:33).
  • They dissect the layers of family rivalry, suggesting both families—Beckhams and the billionaire Peltzes—are “a little nuts” (41:14).
  • Extensive debate about brand control, the Beckham surname, prenup issues, and business interests (46:46).
  • Quote: "When you have a brand that you make so much money off of from just your name alone... what is she allowed to do with that name?" – Fran (47:01)
  • Raised questions about jealousy and control between Victoria and Nicola (51:23), plus issues of power and money.
  • Draws comparisons to Prince Harry's split from the Royal Family (56:06).
  • Social media’s reaction: mixed with both empathy and mockery ("the memes...about what Victoria dancing inappropriately...are so funny," 60:47), but also a sense that it's all deeply sad for Brooklyn.
  • Big Picture: Both hosts agree Brooklyn's revelations likely signal the end of any reconciliation. “It's really sad to see a family come apart like this.” – Ria (44:59)

4. Queer Eye Cast Drama (62:28–70:24)

• Incident: Karamo withdraws from Season 10 press, citing “fear of being bullied.” (62:51)
  • Quote: "I'm just listening to my own advice...don't put yourself in situations that are going to hurt you." – Karamo, (63:13)
• Other Cast Reactions:
  • Antoni describes being "surprised," says “families are complicated” (63:22).
  • Jonathan Van Ness expresses support for Karamo “centering his own needs.”
  • Underlying issue: Karamo recently unfollowed and possibly blocked other cast members. Longstanding rumors about interpersonal drama and group fractures.
• Prediction: The hosts predict tell-all memoirs or a documentary “behind the scenes” in the future.
  • Quote: "It’s going to be a race to see who does the behind-the-scenes doc or memoir first." – Fran (69:58)

5. New Harry Styles Music: "Aperture" (70:25–77:26)

• Excitement over new single: Discussing what the song “Aperture” could sound like, dissecting the title, and how the UK/US time difference impacts the release for American fans.
  • Quote: "Please, Harry, delight us all with this single. I'm not putting pressure on it. It's going to be very good." – Fran (77:26)
• Host Banter: Playful argument about time zones and predictions for whether the song will lean disco or something else.
• Broader Reflection: The anticipation highlights their ongoing affection for Harry Styles as a pop culture force and show regular.

6. Popcorner (Listener Questions & Hot Takes) (79:28–99:34)

Highlights:

• Traders Shield Mechanics (80:38): Listener proposes that shields should work at the round table; hosts discuss the logic and drama of game strategy tweaks.
• Hans Zimmer Composing Harry Potter Show Music (84:19): Fran expresses excitement and faith in Zimmer’s work, listing favorite scores (“The Holiday,” “Interstellar,” “Pirates of the Caribbean…”).
• Crazy Rich Asians Sequel Delays (88:50): Discussion about John Chu’s commitment to “Wicked” causing delays. The excitement for a sequel has diminished due to the long wait.
• Winter Olympics Fandom (94:08): Listener claims to prefer Winter over Summer Olympics; both hosts love Olympic coverage, especially figure skating, and delight in Olympic-themed merch.

7. Anthony Ramos Interview (from 101:45)

Show: "The Beauty" on FX/Hulu

• Premise: A satirical, chilling Ryan Murphy show about a drug that makes you the “best version” of yourself.
  • Quote: "It's a crazy concept about a drug that can turn you into the best version of yourself... and there's a lot on the market kind of available, you know, to help us achieve that." – Anthony (101:47)
• Anthony’s Role: The Assassin—a layered, charismatic, fashion-forward killer sent to maintain corporate control of the beauty drug.
  • He calls it his "favorite role ever." (105:20)
  • Quote: "[He's] psychotic...but he's charismatic and he likes to have fun killing people, which is crazy. Like, he's having a great time." – Anthony (105:48)
• Inside Ryan Murphy Productions:
  • Ramos was brought in early and had creative input.
  • Praises Murphy for wanting to create “the role you always wanted to play.”
• On the Show's Message:
  • Explores society’s obsession with unattainable beauty, the risks of body modification, and the futility of “perfect” aesthetics.
  • Quote: "Beauty is different to everyone, and...we're essentially trying to achieve something that's impossible." – Anthony (138:09)
• Acting Life and Career Stories:
  • Contrast between long, exhausting days on set vs. Broadway routine (117:04).
  • Stories from Hamilton—celeb audience stories (Busta Rhymes, Obama), relationships with cast, and reflecting on leaving Broadway behind (“Do you miss it?” “No. Not one bit.” 121:12).
  • New York roots, splitting time with Miami (“Yo, that seasonal depression is crazy.” – Anthony, 128:46)
  • Hilarious, humbling tale of early days—playing an unspeaking role on Law & Order and being roasted by his old landlord Lucille (126:27).
  • Quote: "Lucille, I'll be on TV...Did you see it? ‘You didn’t say much.’ I was like, okay Lucille." – Anthony (127:17)
  • Fun facts about film production: using ice cubes to hide actors’ breath for winter shooting in "Twisters" (133:17).

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “Is it very sad... Yeah. But I also think it could be really happy for both of them... He just was never gonna be the person she deserved.” – Ria on the Amanda/Kyle breakup (18:47)
• “Kids don’t just separate themselves from their parents for no reason out of nowhere.” – Fran, on Brooklyn Beckham family drama (38:33)
• “When you have a brand that you make so much money off of from just your name alone... what is she allowed to do with that name?” – Fran, on Beckham family disputes (47:01)
• "I'm just listening to my own advice...don't put yourself in situations that are going to hurt you." – Karamo's letter (63:13)
• “Please, Harry, delight us all with this single. I’m not putting pressure on it. It’s going to be very good.” – Fran, on Harry Styles’ new song (77:26)
• “It's a crazy concept about a drug that can turn you into the best version of yourself.” – Anthony Ramos, describing “The Beauty” (101:47)
• “Beauty is different to everyone, and...we're essentially trying to achieve something that's impossible.” – Anthony Ramos (138:09)

Timestamps for Segment Highlights

• Amanda & Kyle Split – Discussion begins: [14:02]
• Beckham Family Drama: [29:39]
• Queer Eye Drama: [62:28]
• Harry Styles New Single Chat: [70:25]
• Popcorner / Listener Calls: [79:28]
• Anthony Ramos Interview: [101:45]

Tone and Vibe

Upbeat, irreverent, and deeply engaged with both pop culture and their listeners. The hosts provide both insightful analysis ("We're about to watch it all unfold... on TV" – re: Amanda/Kyle) and relatable humor (Fran’s weather obsession, lost hat saga). The Anthony Ramos interview is friendly, unfiltered, and full of candid stories and life advice, blending pop fandom with authentic industry insights.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In Yet

This episode delivers the full Chicks in the Office experience: breaking down big relationship splits, celebrity family scandals, behind-the-scenes entertainment news, and a big-hearted, funny guest interview—plus plenty of laughter, gossip, and hot takes.