Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office – Episode Featuring Ekin-Su and Pop Culture Insights
Podcast Information:
- Title: Chicks in the Office
- Host/Authors: Ria Ciuffo and Fran Mariano from Barstool Sports
- Episode: Ekin-Su Interview: Pilot Pete's Mom Ships Them + Gwyneth Paltrow on Intimate Scenes w/ Timothée Chalamet
- Release Date: March 19, 2025
1. Introduction and Banter [02:01 – 03:26]
The episode kicks off with Ria and Fran engaging in their typical playful banter, setting a casual and energetic tone. They joke about Ria's shirt and Fran's Friday energy on a Wednesday, establishing their dynamic rapport.
Notable Quotes:
- Ria: "I do love that feeling [of spring nearing]." [02:41]
- Fran: "Welcome to the Best show on Earth." [02:54]
2. Pop Culture Discussions [03:26 – 22:56]
The hosts delve into various pop culture topics, ranging from TV shows to food trends.
a. TV Shows and Entertainment:
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Righteous Gemstones: Fran and Ria discuss the charisma of Walton Goggins, highlighting his standout performances across HBO shows like "White Lotus" and "Righteous Gemstones." They praise his ability to make even unlikable characters endearing.
Fran: "With righteous, gentle, like he, you still want to see him and watch him because he has that charisma." [08:54]
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The Pit: Fran shares her experience watching the medical drama "The Pit," comparing it to "Grey's Anatomy" and appreciating its accurate portrayal of the emergency room.
Fran: "Some of the ones that I liked were taken off early, but that's okay." [10:02]
b. Food Trends:
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Crumbl Cookies: Fran reviews her disappointing experience with Crumbl Cookies, criticizing the texture and flavor discrepancies between the regular and mini versions.
Fran: "It was disgusting. Really, really did. Really disappointing." [11:32]
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McDonald's Breakfast: Fran passionately endorses McDonald's breakfast offerings, emphasizing the versatility and deliciousness of items like hash browns and the Big Breakfast.
Fran: "The opportunities with McDonald's breakfast are endless because it is the best." [13:15]
c. Celebrity News:
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Pete Davidson Dating a Non-Celebrity: The hosts discuss Papermill’s exclusive report on Pete Davidson dating a non-celebrity woman, highlighting the approval from his family and the positive impact on his happiness.
Fran: "Give the normies a chance yeah, exactly. They deserve a chance." [34:15]
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Taylor Swift's Awards: Donna Kelsey proudly shares Taylor Swift's achievements at the iHeartRadio Awards, celebrating her numerous wins and contributions to music.
Ria: "Taylor took home six of these fan-voted awards tonight." [44:23]
d. Movie Insights:
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Grind Movie Review: Listener Nicole shares her negative experience watching the movie "Grind," leading Ria and Fran to caution others against wasting their time on it.
Ria: "Do not watch Grind. You'll be wasting your time." [56:58]
3. Special Guest Interview: Ekin-Su [71:07 – 108:54]
The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, a reality TV personality known for her appearances on "Love Island" and "Traders." The discussion covers her experiences on reality TV, her recent marriage, and her perspectives on fame and authenticity.
a. Life on Reality TV:
Ekin-Su shares her journey from scripted Turkish soap operas to reality TV, emphasizing the differences between performing and being authentic on camera.
Notable Quotes:
- Ekin-Su: "I love being on TV. I love being myself on TV." [75:24]
- Ria: "You should not be something you're not." [Dialogue around authenticity]
b. Relationships and Personal Growth:
Ekin-Su discusses her relationship with Curtis, how they met on "Love Island All Stars," and the importance of authenticity in their connection. She reflects on overcoming insecurities and the challenges of maintaining privacy in the public eye.
Notable Quotes:
- Ekin-Su: "We have to be a bit sensitive on Instagram... I want to be a good example for young girls." [95:04]
- Fran: "Never know what could happen." [Dialogue on unpredictable relationships]
c. Balancing Public and Private Life:
The conversation delves into managing public persona on social media and maintaining genuine relationships away from the camera. Ekin-Su emphasizes the importance of selective sharing and setting boundaries to protect personal well-being.
Notable Quotes:
- Ekin-Su: "Instagram is a toxic place. We all have our own issues." [96:15]
- Fran: "There is a lot that people keep private, but it's nice to have people feel like they're in the know." [Dialogue on boundaries]
d. Future Endeavors:
Ekin-Su hints at upcoming projects without disclosing specifics, expressing excitement for future opportunities both in America and possibly returning to the UK.
Notable Quotes:
- Ekin-Su: "Things will be a good year. I have a new team on board as well." [104:35]
- Ria: "You're next." [Supporting her future plans]
4. Popculture News and Segments [22:56 – 71:07]
Throughout the episode, Ria and Fran intersperse their discussions with various segments and advertisements, maintaining an engaging flow.
a. Product Promotions:
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Truly Hard Seltzer: The hosts promote Truly as their official hard seltzer partner, highlighting its flavors and low-calorie content.
Fran: "Truly has you covered." [Popcorner Segment]
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Rocket Money App: Ria introduces Rocket Money, a personal finance app designed to help listeners manage subscriptions and save money.
Ria: "Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money." [Advertisement]
b. Listener Voicemails:
The hosts engage with listener questions and comments, offering advice and sharing personal anecdotes.
Notable Voicemails:
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Maddie from Cincinnati: Asks about her mother-in-law using her signature perfume without permission, leading to a discussion on personal boundaries and etiquette.
Fran: "That is so weird... That is a boundary being crossed." [54:28]
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Maeve from Pennsylvania: Shares a critical take on Bobby Flay, sparking a conversation about celebrity chefs and the impacts of competitive cooking shows.
Fran: "I don't think it's a hot take." [60:19]
5. Conclusion [108:54 – End]
The episode wraps up with heartfelt congratulations to Ekin-Su on her recent marriage and expressions of excitement for her future projects. Ria and Fran maintain their signature enthusiasm, reinforcing their bond with the audience and each other.
Notable Quotes:
- Ria: "Congrats to her on him." [34:04]
- Fran: "Best show on Earth. We love you guys so very much." [Finale]
Overall Insights and Themes
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Authenticity vs. Performance: A recurring theme is the balance between being genuine and performing for the camera, especially in reality TV settings. Ekin-Su emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures.
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Navigating Public Life: The hosts discuss the challenges of maintaining privacy and personal boundaries in the age of social media and constant public scrutiny.
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Pop Culture Engagement: From TV show critiques to celebrity news, the episode underscores the hosts' deep engagement with contemporary entertainment and their ability to contextualize it for their listeners.
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Support and Community: The camaraderie between Ria and Fran, along with their interactions with guests and listeners, highlights a supportive community centered around shared interests in pop culture.
Key Takeaways
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Ekin-Su's Journey: Ekin-Su's candid discussion offers listeners an insider's perspective on reality TV, emphasizing personal growth, relationship dynamics, and the significance of authenticity in the public eye.
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Celebrity Relationships: The episode sheds light on Pete Davidson's new relationship with a non-celebrity, portraying it as a positive and refreshing change for the comedian.
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Industry Critiques: Fran's critique of Crumbl Cookies and the discussion on Bobby Flay reflect the hosts' willingness to provide honest opinions, even when they diverge from mainstream sentiment.
End of Summary
