Chicks in the Office: Did Demi Moore Snub Kylie Jenner? + Justin Bieber Unfollows Scooter Braun

Hosts: Ria Ciuffo & Fran Mariano
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music (Prime Members)

1. Embracing the New Year: Resolutions vs. Routines (02:21 - 07:00)

As the new year unfolds, Ria and Fran delve into the perennial topic of New Year's resolutions. Fran shares her personal goal:

"I need to be off my phone less" (04:00).

Ria echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of starting fresh without the pressão of strict timelines:

"2025 can really start any day you want it to" (02:26).

They discuss strategies to implement lasting changes, such as Fran's decision to begin Dry January later in the month to accommodate her schedule. This flexibility underscores their belief in sustainable habit-forming over rigid resolutions.

2. Struggling with Phone Addiction: A Common Challenge (11:05 - 22:27)

Fran opens up about her battle with phone addiction, detailing how it affects her daily routines:

"I'm always playing something. Whether I'm like having TikTok videos play" (05:38).

Ria relates by sharing her efforts to reduce screen time, highlighting the difficulty of finding comfort in silence:

"We're always stimulated by something at this point" (05:33).

The conversation evolves into practical solutions, such as adopting alternative alarm clocks to minimize morning phone usage. Fran reveals her appreciation for the Hatch Alarm Clock:

"I have one. My problem is, is that my husband has to have, like, a sledgehammer go off to wake him up" (08:49).

Their candid discussion underscores a collective struggle many listeners face, fostering a relatable and supportive atmosphere.

3. Navigating Anxiety Amidst Reality TV Filming (23:26 - 35:24)

Ria and Fran transition to their experiences with the reality show "Survivor Barstool," specifically discussing the "Pink Wedding" episodes. Ria candidly shares her anxiety during filming:

"The anxiety was truly taking over my body" (12:12).

Fran empathizes, explaining the complexities of maintaining friendships under the high-stakes environment of reality TV:

"It's a tough one, but it's just a game" (13:54).

They reflect on the public's harsh judgments, particularly towards Ria, and the challenges of portraying authentic emotions on camera. Fran notes:

"They're playing their own game... It’s just the name of the game" (15:06).

The hosts highlight the thin line between personal relationships and game strategies, offering insights into the psychological toll of such shows.

4. Celebrity Spotlight: Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife Reunion (24:06 - 35:02)

One of the episode's main topics is the rumored rekindling of the relationship between Kate Beckinsale and comedian Matt Rife at the Golden Globes after-party. Fran provides background on their past relationship:

"They dated for about a year in 2017 when she was 43 and he was 21" (30:27).

Ria questions the authenticity of recent reports:

"Some say they were just having funny conversations... I don't think it happened" (24:39).

The hosts analyze varying accounts from sources, debating whether the interaction was mere friendly affection or indicative of a rekindled romance. Fran adds:

"Nicki did a fabulous job pronouncing Demi correctly" (44:35).

Their discussion emphasizes the often ambiguous nature of celebrity interactions and the propensity for media to sensationalize.

5. The Demi Moore and Kylie Jenner Encounter: Fact vs. Fable (46:02 - 55:14)

A significant portion of the episode addresses the viral video where Demi Moore appears to snub Kylie Jenner during an event. Ria and Fran dissect the situation, challenging online narratives:

"I really just think that no matter which one it is like people are gonna want to enjoy seeing the worst things happen to like the Kardashian Jenner clan" (45:40).

Fran contends that the interaction was likely unintentional amidst the chaos of the event:

"Lit back and forth because you know, Kylie Jenner, she wasn't in a movie. She's there supporting her boyfriend" (46:21).

Ria emphasizes the importance of context, suggesting that quick movements and high emotions could lead to perceived snubs without actual intent:

"It’s just a little snippet and it could have been so many different things" (46:21).

Their analysis urges listeners to consider the broader environment before jumping to conclusions about celebrity behavior.

6. Reality TV Wars: Below Deck vs. Real Housewives & Love Island Australia (55:16 - 91:52)

The hosts shift focus to reality TV, debating the merits and popularity of shows like "Below Deck" and "Real Housewives." Fran questions the programming choices of Bravo:

"Why don't they play More Housewives or Summer House instead of Below Deck?" (90:00).

Ria defends "Below Deck" as a staple of Bravo's lineup, acknowledging its fanbase while candidly admitting their personal disinterest:

"I don't watch this... It's up there as one of their top viewed shows" (90:57).

They also touch upon "Love Island Australia," critiquing its production and the rapid dissolution of relationships post-filming:

"Every time she says no was the greatest thing to ever happen to Pete Davidson" (33:12).

The conversation highlights the hosts' varied tastes in reality TV and their perspectives on the authenticity and longevity of such programs.

7. Audience Voicemails: Justin Bieber’s Social Media Cleanse (73:03 - 82:27)

Listener Katrina from Melbourne calls in to discuss Justin Bieber's recent social media activity, specifically his mass unfollowing and blocking of former associates like Scooter Braun:

"He's blocked Scooter, he's blocked Ryan... he's just blocked Pooh Bear" (73:09).

Ria and Fran speculate on the reasons behind Bieber's actions, contemplating personal boundaries versus industry pressures:

"There's probably so much he has gone through that we have no idea about" (74:33).

Fran expresses concern over the potential impact of these changes on Bieber's mental health:

"He was probably not protected the way he should have been" (75:44).

They conclude that Bieber's steps might be indicative of a necessary shift towards healthier personal management, emphasizing empathy and understanding for his situation.

8. Pop Culture Hot Takes: Jennifer Aiden at Jersey Mike’s (86:06 - 95:00)

A voicemail from Alexis sparks a heated discussion about Jennifer Aiden's public outburst at Jersey Mike's in Newark airport. The incident, where Aiden publicly criticized the staff and was caught on camera exhibiting unruly behavior, becomes a focal point:

"She's making herself look like the biggest asshole known to man" (70:15).

Ria and Fran condemn Aiden's actions, highlighting issues of entitlement and the negative repercussions of airing grievances publicly:

"You are going to sound like the worst thing you could be and look like the biggest asshole" (71:31).

They advocate for patience and respect towards service employees, stressing that such confrontations are both unnecessary and unbecoming, especially for public figures.

9. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up (96:47)

As the episode concludes, Ria and Fran reflect on the varied topics discussed, reinforcing their commitment to providing honest and engaging pop culture commentary. They encourage listeners to reach out with their own hot takes and voicemails, fostering a community of shared interests and discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Fran on Phone Addiction:

  "I'm always playing something. Whether I'm like having TikTok videos play" (05:38).

• Ria on Starting Anytime:

  "2025 can really start any day you want it to" (02:26).

• Ria on Personal Anxiety:

  "The anxiety was truly taking over my body" (12:12).

• Discussing Demi's Snub:

  "It could have been so many different things, but...there was no snub of any sort" (46:21).

• Fran on Reality TV Choices:

  "Why don't they play More Housewives or Summer House instead of Below Deck?" (90:00).

Conclusion:

In this episode of "Chicks in the Office," Ria and Fran navigate a diverse array of pop culture topics, from personal growth and challenges to dissecting high-profile celebrity interactions and reality TV dynamics. Their blend of personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and relatable discussions offers listeners an engaging and insightful experience, making complex subjects accessible and entertaining.