Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office - "Justin Baldoni’s 2am Voice Note to Blake Lively + The Bachelor Premiere" Release Date: January 29, 2025

1. Unexpected Bartending Experience on "Watch What Happens Live"

Ria and Fran kick off the episode by sharing their surprise involvement with the popular talk show "Watch What Happens Live." Initially invited to attend as audience members, a last-minute request changed their plans, leading them to bartend during the second show.

• Fran (02:09): "But now we're listening to this post tense. But currently I'm freaking out."
• Ria (02:29): "Yeah. We thought we were just hanging out back."

The duo humorously recount their preparation mishaps, from inappropriate outfits to makeup concerns, highlighting their unanticipated leap from audience members to on-air bartenders.

• Fran (04:01): "This time we should just show up in Chicks in the office merch if we had any here to put on."
• Ria (05:08): "Watch what happens live."

Despite initial jitters, they embrace the opportunity, expressing excitement and a willingness to adapt on the fly.

2. Justin Baldoni’s 2am Voice Note to Blake Lively

A significant portion of the episode delves into the controversy surrounding Justin Baldoni's voice note to co-star Blake Lively. The voice note, sent at 2 AM, has sparked widespread discussion regarding its content and implications.

• Ria (22:03): "We could not, like, they just don't mix in any way."
• Fran (22:17): "I was reading it from our Instagram and I see March 9, 2026..."

Key Points Discussed:

• Content of the Voice Note: Baldoni's lengthy apology addressing a rooftop scene and expressing a desire to work collaboratively.

  • Ria (23:21): "It's like, he could never play a lame president. Look at him. He's a JFK type."

• Public Perception: The hosts express skepticism over the internet's glorification of Baldoni's emotional intelligence, questioning the sincerity behind his apology.

  • Fran (25:36): "Why does that mean we have to worship the ground Justin Baldoni walks on?"

• Legal Implications: While the voice note itself isn't indicative of harassment or assault, it has fueled narratives that may influence public opinion prior to the upcoming trial in 2026.

  • Ria (27:04): "Maybe that's just how Justin Baldoni talks, and some people like that and appreciate that, and Blake Lively doesn't."

The conversation underscores the complexities of interpreting personal communications within professional settings, especially under public scrutiny.

3. ASAP Rocky’s Trial and Rihanna’s Attendance

The hosts shift focus to the high-profile trial of ASAP Rocky, detailing the charges and the involvement of Rihanna.

• Fran (37:46): "And Rihanna will be there because a part of the trial..."
• Ria (38:32): "The gun was actually a prop gun."

Case Overview:

• Charges: ASAP Rocky faces up to 30 years in prison for alleged felony assault involving the shooting of former friend ASAP Relly.

• Rihanna’s Role: As a significant figure associated with Rocky, Rihanna's attendance is expected to influence jury perceptions, given her popularity and brand affiliations.

  • Ria (42:44): "He is working because everybody... he's really trying to be kind and supportive."

• Defense vs. Prosecution: The prosecution relies heavily on Relly's testimony, while the defense casts doubts on Relly's credibility, suggesting motives of jealousy and deceit.

  • Fran (44:08): "But I don't think Justin's team is... being wrongfully accused..."

The hosts debate the potential outcomes, the evidence presented, and the broader implications for those involved, highlighting the intense media coverage surrounding the case.

4. The Bachelor Premiere Recap

Fran and Ria provide a detailed overview of the latest episode of "The Bachelor," focusing on the first impressions and interactions among the contestants.

• Ria (45:29): "Honestly, Stunning."
• Fran (47:58): "Yep."

Highlights:

• Contestant Introductions: The premiere showcases a diverse group of women, each bringing unique personalities and gimmicks to the mansion.

  • Fran (49:32): "One girl, Alex, came in with a llama."

• First Impressions: The host, Grant, engages in various activities, including meeting the contestants' families and experiencing unexpected surprises like a llama in the mansion.

  • Ria (50:57): "Cruising right along. Grant season, baby."

• Contestant Dynamics: The episode emphasizes the balance between authenticity and dramatics, with contestants bringing props and engaging in playful antics to stand out.

The hosts express optimism about the season’s potential, noting the promising start and the captivating interactions that set the stage for future episodes.

5. Popcorner: Listener Voicemails and Hot Takes

In the "Popcorner" segment, the hosts respond to listener voicemails, offering their perspectives on various pop culture topics.

Featured Voicemails:

1. "The Traitors" Debate:

   • Kelly from Atlanta asks whether the hosts would prefer to be a traitor or a faithful in the show.

     • Fran (55:01): "I'd want to be a traitor for sure."
     • Ria (55:18): "I think you want to be in the mix, but not trying too hard."

2. Austin Butler’s Acting Skills:

   • Lauren from Philly critiques Austin Butler as an overrated actor, questioning his performances and comparing him to Drew Starkey.

     • Fran (56:40): "I would be a horrible jury member for this case."
     • Ria (57:20): "I didn't see him enough in enough things."

3. Cameron Diaz’s A-List Status:

   • Kat from Canada debates whether Cameron Diaz remains an A-list celebrity despite stepping back from acting.

     • Fran (65:43): "Absolutely. Not even a question in my mind."
     • Ria (66:31): "Cameron Diaz is part of that for sure."

4. Executive Producers as Cast Members:

   • Katy from Maryland questions the fairness of executive producers also being cast members in reality shows like "Southern Charm."

     • Ria (72:46): "I don't know how much Whitney is involved in what is aired."
     • Fran (72:46): "It was in the Thomas years... but I'm not too familiar."

Discussion Points:

• Authenticity vs. Strategy: The hosts weigh the benefits and downsides of participating strategies in reality shows.

• Celebrity Relevance: Debates focus on the longevity of celebrities' statuses and their impact on public perception.

• Fairness in Production Roles: Ethical considerations of having executive producers as part of the show's cast, potentially influencing dynamics and fairness.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Chicks in the Office," Ria and Fran navigate unexpected live opportunities, dissect high-profile celebrity controversies, and engage with their audience's hot takes. Their candid discussions offer listeners a blend of humor, insight, and critical analysis of contemporary pop culture phenomena.

Notable Quotes:

• Fran (02:09): "But now we're listening to this post tense. But currently I'm freaking out."
• Ria (22:03): "We could not, like, they just don't mix in any way."
• Fran (55:01): "I'd want to be a traitor for sure."
• Ria (65:45): "Cameron Diaz is part of that for sure."

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