Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office – Episode Featuring Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni, Oscar Nominations, and Teddi Swims Interview

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction and Reflections on Past Episodes

In this episode of Chicks in the Office, hosts Rhea and Fran kick off with nostalgic reflections on previous shows where they integrated music seamlessly into their discussions. They reminisce about playing entire albums live, highlighting moments like rating Selena Gomez's "Rare" album and listening to Justin Bieber's works.

Rhea (02:20): "We became disc jockeys."

Fran emphasizes the unique charm of blending music into their podcast, lamenting the recent restrictions from major record labels that have limited their ability to play songs freely.

Fran (02:34): "They came. No more uses. No more using all this music for free. Which, you know, fair checks out."

Weekend Plans and Personal Updates

Rhea shares her excitement about attending the NFC Championship Game with her partner, G, highlighting the challenges of the cold weather but expressing her anticipation.

Rhea (05:46): "We are going to the NFC championship game on Sunday."

Fran discusses her own preparations for her upcoming bachelorette party, detailing plans to rent a princess-themed bouncy castle to add fun and excitement to the event.

Fran (09:20): "We have to get it."

The conversation shifts to Noah, who reveals his plans to attend a comedy show with his mother, showcasing the variety of activities the hosts and their guests engage in over the weekend.

Oscar Nominations Debate

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the latest Oscar nominations, with Rhea and Fran expressing skepticism and disappointment over certain choices.

Rhea criticizes Amelia Perez’s film, arguing that the Academy overlooked stronger contenders and that the movie's music and use of AI for accent enhancement were subpar.

Rhea (25:09): "I just really cannot get behind any praise for Amelia Perez."

Fran echoes these sentiments, highlighting the technical flaws and questioning the legitimacy of the nominations.

Fran (28:33): "People think they can just create films like this and get nominated."

The hosts delve into the controversy surrounding AI-assisted voice modifications in films, particularly focusing on Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist and the ethical implications of such enhancements.

Rhea (33:29): "It's like steroids in sports."

They compare the situation to past incidents, such as Zac Efron's use of voice mixing in High School Musical, debating whether such practices should influence Oscar eligibility.

Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni On-Set Controversy

Rhea and Fran address the ongoing dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, analyzing released on-set footage that has fueled public debate. They discuss Blake's complaints about feeling uncomfortable during a scene and Justin's defense of his actions.

Rhea (52:11): "I've really, I've tried here and I think I have and I still don't really feel strongly towards one side or the other."

The hosts express confusion over the conflicting narratives presented by both parties and the involvement of legal teams, which has further complicated public perception.

Fran (54:07): "That's why it is a good thing that they did have the audio, because then if they didn't, it could just look like he kissed down her neck and said, you smell good."

Ali Luber’s Split and Trace Cyrus’s Heartfelt Post

The episode transitions to personal news within the celebrity sphere, discussing Ali Luber's split from James Kennedy following an altercation related to James's struggle with alcohol. They commend Ali for prioritizing her well-being and express hope for her and James’s future.

Fran (70:30): "But clearly he, you know, slipped back and better for her to get out."

Additionally, the hosts reflect on Trace Cyrus’s emotional Instagram post about his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, addressing concerns over his father's well-being and expressing deep familial love and worry.

Fran (70:53): "It's awful. Clearly, clearly he's not doing well."

Interview with Teddi Swims

A highlight of the episode is an engaging interview with Teddi Swims, who discusses his latest album, I Tried Everything but Therapy Part Two. Teddi shares insights into his journey with music, the importance of trusting one's gut instincts, and the therapeutic benefits of his creative process.

Teddi Swims (76:44): "I'm in therapy too. Just last night at 11 pm I had a little session, you know, so, I mean, I'm cooking. I'm cooking, baby."

He delves into his experiences with songwriting, collaborating with artists like Linkin Park, and his aspirations for future musical projects, including innovative performance ideas.

Teddi Swims (83:35): "I had a chance to write on the Linkin Park record, too. That just came out, too."

Teddi also touches on personal topics such as tattoo experiences, the emotional aspects of upcoming fatherhood, and the challenges of touring.

Teddi Swims (90:03): "I've been in pretty sucky bands for a long time in my life too, you know, so I've always been never afraid to fail."

Trivia Game Segment: Beatrian Fran

The hosts introduce a fun trivia segment named "Beatrian Fran," where they engage with guests Paige and Caitlin in a quick-fire quiz covering topics from TV shows to movie quotes.

Throughout the game, participants answer questions about popular media, demonstrating their knowledge and quick thinking.

Fran (112:46): "We had a blast with Teddy. Wish he could have hung out all day and sang to us all day, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case."

The segment adds an interactive and entertaining layer to the episode, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and the guests' enthusiasm.

Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Promotions

As the episode winds down, Rhea and Fran wrap up with heartfelt messages, promoting their latest interviews and encouraging listeners to tune into future episodes. They also share personal anecdotes about attending live events and the camaraderie within their production team.

Rhea (132:16): "We hope you have an amazing weekend. Go, Eagles."

Key Takeaways:

• Oscar Nominations: The hosts critically examine the recent Oscar nominations, expressing concerns over certain choices and the use of AI in film productions.

• Celebrity Controversies: Detailed discussion on the Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni on-set footage controversy, shedding light on both sides of the story.

• Personal News: Updates on Ali Luber’s split from James Kennedy and Trace Cyrus's emotional post about Billy Ray Cyrus, emphasizing the personal struggles behind the headlines.

• Teddi Swims Interview: An in-depth conversation with Teddi Swims about his music, therapy, personal growth, and future projects, providing listeners with an intimate look into his life and artistry.

• Engaging Trivia Segment: The "Beatrian Fran" trivia game engages guests and showcases the hosts' dynamic personalities, adding an element of fun and competition.

Notable Quotes:

• Rhea on Past Episodes (02:20): "We became disc jockeys."

• Fran on Music Usage (02:34): "No more using all this music for free. Which, you know, fair checks out."

• Teddi Swims on Therapy (76:44): "I'm in therapy too. Just last night at 11 pm I had a little session, you know, so, I mean, I'm cooking. I'm cooking, baby."

• Rhea on Oscar Nominations (25:09): "I just really cannot get behind any praise for Amelia Perez."

• Fran on AI in Films (28:33): "People think they can just create films like this and get nominated."

This episode of Chicks in the Office delivers a blend of pop culture commentary, personal stories, and engaging guest interviews, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained. From dissecting controversial Oscar nominations to delving into the personal lives of celebrities and enjoying a lively trivia game, Rhea and Fran provide a comprehensive and captivating listening experience.