Chicks in the Office – Episode Summary

Episode: Grammy Noms, Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Back On? + Love Island: Beyond the Villa S2 Cast
Date: November 10, 2025
Hosts: Ria (Rhianne) & Fran
Producer/Contributor: Noah
Podcast: Barstool Sports

Episode Overview

This episode is packed with the latest in pop culture, award show buzz, and reality TV updates. Ria and Fran (with contributions from Noah) dive into the just-announced Grammy nominations, breaking down surprises, snubs, and hot takes across categories. They also discuss rumors about Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini rekindling their romance, recap Kris Jenner’s star-studded 70th birthday, and analyze the Love Island: Beyond the Villa Season 2 cast news. The trio wraps up with their Weekly Watch Report, candidly reviewing the shows and specials they've binged lately.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recent Travels and Excitement for Dancing with the Stars (01:44–08:47)

• The hosts talk about their freshly finished live show in Cincinnati and upcoming plans.
• Fran is set to attend a Christmas Joe Bros holiday movie premiere in NYC, expressing excitement about the event and the movie's exclusive feel.
  • Quote: "I'm gonna really take it in the premiere setting, being in the theater, getting to watch it with some snacks, holiday chic attire." – Fran (03:35)
• The girls are invited to the Dancing with the Stars anniversary, geeking out about potentially meeting Tom Bergeron and the special format of this week's episode (ballroom relay dances with former Mirrorball champions).
  • Quote: "The fact that I will be in the ballroom at the same time as Tom Bergeron—watch out!" – Rhianne (04:54)
• Reflections on previous DWTS experiences and anticipation for emotional tribute moments, especially honoring Len Goodman.

2. Grammy Nominations Reactions and Analysis (14:30–36:19)

• The main segment focuses on unexpected Grammy nods, category breakdowns, and lively debate about snubs and deserving artists.
  • Addison Rae gets a nod for Best New Artist, which sparks mixed reactions.
    • Quote: "The big thing for us... was the fact that Addison Rae was nominated for Best New Artist... but we're not mad about it. I'm happy for our girl." – Fran (15:00)
  • On snubs and competition: "You want to be happy for the people that get nominated... but it's always tough for those left out." – Rhianne (16:10)*
  • Category-by-category Breakdown:
    • Record of the Year: Hosts root for Lady Gaga ("I'm pulling for my girl, Gaga" – Fran, 19:31) but acknowledge stiff competition.
    • Album of the Year: Surprise and some confusion about Justin Bieber’s “Swag” and what version got nominated.
      • Noah initially objects: "He wasn't nominated for Album of the Year..." (20:50), but Rhianne confirms.
    • Sub-discussion on category overlap, timing of eligibility, and how TikTok virality influences recognition.
    • Amy song-specific debate (e.g., Dochi's "Anxiety": "Whenever 'Anxiety' comes on, I think it's going to be 'Somebody That I Used to Know', but then it's not" – Fran, 17:28)
    • Detailed reactions to snubs (The Weeknd, Lorde, Benson Boone) and whether industry politics factor into nominations.
  • Reflection on music release strategies and how they fit Grammy eligibility.
    • Quote: "We talk about this every single year with the eligibility, how it's very confusing... but I love an album that gets released in October." – Fran (24:46)
  • Notable nomination moments:
    • Teddy Swims, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande for “Defying Gravity,” K-pop categories, and the presence of multiple former Hype House members (Addison Rae, Alex Warren).

3. Pop Culture News Bites

Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Reunited? (38:06–41:58)

• After reports of a split, the couple are seen together in Scotland and Croatia; eyewitnesses share they looked “very much loved up.”
  • Quote: “They were dancing around, canoodling. It was adorable." – Rhianne (41:03)
• Hosts hope the romance is rekindled but acknowledge speculation—could be a fleeting reunion or just friendly.

Kris Jenner's 70th Birthday Bash (42:00–47:22)

• A rundown of Kris Jenner’s iconic birthday, held at Jeff Bezos’ mansion with a “Double O-70” (James Bond) theme.
  • Quote: “How much bigger can Jeff Bezos’ house be than Kris Jenner’s? But it’s gotta be a lot, you know…” – Fran (42:41)
• All-stars in attendance: Kardashian clan, Justin Bieber, Beyonce & Jay Z, Tyler Perry, Meghan Markle & Prince Harry, and more.
• Light-hearted discussion on Justin Bieber’s mysterious “white substance”—which they deduce was probably powdered sugar from Dunkin' sponsor munchkins.

Stranger Things Drama: Millie Bobby Brown & David Harbour Rumors (49:09–54:58)

• Last week’s rumors of a rift and formal complaint between Brown and Harbour dismissed (for now), as they appeared close and friendly at a press event.
  • Background info: Variety confirmed a complaint was investigated and resolved.
  • The hosts are wary: “It sounds like something must have happened... and maybe it’s been resolved. Maybe they put it aside for just the sake of this new season.” – Fran (52:43)
• Caution against too quickly dismissing complaints just because of public displays of unity; nuanced discussion about fan reactions and studios protecting their shows' PR.

Love Island: Beyond the Villa – Season 2 Cast (55:06–58:03)

• Praise for the inclusion of more singles in the new format, hoping for increased drama and entertainment.
  • Quote: “This seems like much more of that [single drama] this season, which could be interesting.” – Fran (56:16)
• Notable omissions: No Nick & Alandria, Ace & Shelley Hood—possibly by choice, as the most successful ex-couples sometimes forgo the drama.

Weekly Watch Report (58:03–77:44)

Each host reviews and rates what they watched in the past week, along with colorful banter.

Fran:

• Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 – A (“I was so locked in... I have to give it an A.” – 59:40)
• Freakier Friday – C (“I didn’t love it, but it was cute... always gonna love the first more.” – 60:27)
• I Love LA (new episode) – C (liked the premise, prefers E1)
• Dancing with the Stars (this week) – A– (“...it was a nail-biter... so much fun” – 6:29, 61:24)

Rhianne:

• Nobody Wants This – B (“It’s a cute show... chemistry was better in the first season.” – 62:19)
• Selling Sunset – C (fun but formulaic; “I guess I'll watch that.” – 64:58)
• Squid Game: The Challenge (partial) – B (loves the casting and drama)
• Chicago Med & Fire – B
• In Waves and War (documentary) – A (“Locked in the whole time... very well made.” – 67:00)
• Wicked Special – A+ (“fucking amazing... ear to ear the entire time” – 71:59)
• All’s Fair S2, E1 – F/A hybrid (“...it’s bad, but I love that I want to keep watching.” – 73:18)

Noah:

• Chad Powers (finished S1) – B+
• The Murdochs (current episode) – B+
• All Her Fault (Peacock thriller) – B+ (“you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time” – 76:23)
• Dancing with the Stars (this week) – A– (“...because Andy made it through. Happy about that!” – 77:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Dancing with the Stars:
  "The fact that I will be in the ballroom at the same time as Tom Bergeron—watch out!” – Rhianne (04:54)
• On Grammy noms surprises:
  “The big thing for us... Addison Rae was nominated for Best New Artist.. but we're not mad about it. I'm happy for our girl." – Fran (15:00)
• Popstar perspective:
  “You can’t be a celebrity walking out of a party with any sort of white substance on your pants.” – Fran (44:16)
• Media skepticism:
  “To just immediately jump to, ‘No, there’s no way he could do that,’ is like– well, you don’t know. You weren’t there.” – Fran (54:17)
• On reality TV drama:
  “This seems like much more of that [single drama] this season, which could be interesting.” – Fran (56:16)
• On entertainment as passion:
  “When you're locked in like that and you have a lot of passion and feelings towards it, that, to me, means it was good.” – Fran (61:17)
• On hate-watching TV:
  “But like, it’s an F... but I’m locked in. And that’s everything I watched.” – Rhianne (73:35)

Episode Highlights by Timestamps

• 01:44–08:47: Show intro, Joe Bros premiere, DWTS excitement, behind-the-scenes expectations
• 14:30–36:19: Deep dive into Grammy nominations (categories, snubs, viral artist effect)
• 38:06–41:58: Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini relationship update
• 42:00–47:22: Kris Jenner’s 70th party, celebrity sightings, munchkin-gate
• 49:09–54:58: Stranger Things drama; PR and fandom reactions
• 55:06–58:03: Love Island: Beyond the Villa S2 cast
• 58:03–77:44: Weekly Watch Report

Final Thoughts & Tone

The episode is filled with the Chicks’ trademark blend of gossip, industry insight, and vibrant humor. Their commentary strikes a balance between fan excitement and critical analysis, especially when addressing industry politics, PR spin, and viral trends. Throughout, the hosts remain relatable and refreshingly candid about their viewing habits: they’re cheerleaders for pop's biggest names, but not afraid to call out when a show (or Grammy ruling) misses the mark.

For listeners who missed this episode, these notes capture all the key moments, spicy opinions, and candid banter that makes Chicks in the Office the go-to source for a pop culture power-hour.