Podcast Summary: "Lisa Rinna vs Colton Underwood on Traitors, Tell Me Lies Recap + Harry Styles New Song Reaction"

Chicks in the Office with Ria and Fran
Date: January 26, 2026
Hosts: Ria and Fran (with Noah)

Overview

This episode of Chicks in the Office covers a range of hot pop culture topics: the emotional weight of current news, a lively discussion on snow days, Harry Styles’ new single and album, highlights from the Sundance Film Festival, a fiery recap of the latest episode of "Traitors" (with the Lisa Rinna vs Colton Underwood drama), and detailed TV recaps, including "Tell Me Lies." The hosts, Ria and Fran, maintain their signature candid, humorous, and empathetic tone throughout.

Main Topics & Key Segments

1. Acknowledging Heavy Current Events (02:22 – 08:00)

• The hosts begin by recognizing the emotional toll of recent events, particularly distressing news from Minneapolis, and the viral spread of traumatic videos on social media.
  • Fran: “It’s not normal to open your phone and watch a video of someone being killed and then going about your day.” (03:51)
  • Both express heartbreak and solidarity with listeners impacted, urging self-care during turbulent times.
• The conversation offers empathy and gentle encouragement, addressing mental and emotional fatigue.

2. Weekend and Snow Day Nostalgia (08:00 – 18:00)

• Discussion of a major snowstorm and how it brought back memories of childhood snow days.
  • Fran: “Snow days just don’t really exist because you can do remote learning… When I have kids … I’m giving them a snow day. You won’t catch my kids logging on.” (10:53)
• The hosts trade funny childhood stories about snow days, trick-or-treating, and sibling rivalries:
  • Fran: “I would dump my entire pillowcase on my basement floor, and I would put all the M&Ms in one little pile, all the Skittles in one little pile…” (17:24)
• Light-hearted banter about dogs hating winter booties and parents managing remote learning.

3. Football Playoff Chatter (19:02 – 23:42)

• Recap and predictions on the NFL playoffs, with playful rivalry and regional loyalties.
  • Fran: “I think I’m rooting for the Seahawks… My husband is ecstatic because he loves Sam Darnold…” (19:41)
  • Noah: “Never say never. Anything’s possible.” (21:30)
• Speculation about Super Bowl contenders and appreciation of team management.

4. Upcoming Interviews & Chicks in the Office Live Shows (10:03 – 10:53)

• Excitement about upcoming interview releases and a soon-to-be Minneapolis live show, with an acknowledgment of city tensions.

5. Harry Styles' New Single and Upcoming Album (26:23 – 34:55)

Timestamps: 26:23 – 34:55

• The hosts react enthusiastically to Harry Styles’ new single, “Aperture,” and deep-dive into the newly released tracklist.
  • Tracklist Highlights: Notable intrigue about titles like “Season Two Weight Loss,” “American Girls,” and “Pop.”
  • Noah: “Season Two Weight Loss gonna be on my Spotify Wrapped.” (27:38)
  • Fran: “The shorter titles also make me think, ‘Ooh, what could this one be?’” (28:31)
• Initial reactions:
  • Ria and Fran both “vibe” with the new sound and acknowledge mixed reactions online.
    • Fran: “It’s just one of those songs, and I’m just really excited to hear the rest of the album.” (31:02)
  • Reference to LCD Soundsystem as a sonic inspiration.
• Discussion of the music video’s Bowie-inspired visuals and Styles’ continued creative evolution.

6. Sundance Film Festival: Celebrity Sightings and Changes (34:55 – 41:41)

• Coverage of the Sundance Film Festival’s crossover moments:
  • Viral photo of Andrea Swift (Taylor Swift’s mom) and Donna Kelsey (Travis Kelce’s mom) sparks internet amusement.
    • Fran: “What a perfect combination of mother-in-laws… They just make sense.” (35:25)
  • Surprise spotting of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle premiering their “Cookie Queens” documentary.
  • Noted: This is the last Sundance in Utah before it moves to Boulder, Colorado; hosts discuss the reasons and reactions.
    • Fran: “Robert Redford gave his blessing for the relocation before he passed.” (41:38)

7. Celebrity Rumor Mill: Brooks Nader & Ben Affleck (45:00)

• The crew teases Star magazine’s report of Brooks Nader and Ben Affleck “fling,” immediately debunked.
  • Fran: “When you’re out there grinding and working and you are getting all these really cool opportunities and once the fake you’re dating an A list actor rumors start, you’re like, honey, I made it.” (44:13)
  • Joking concern about Brooks’ notorious use of other people’s toothbrushes.

8. "Traitors" Recap: Lisa Rinna vs. Colton Underwood (47:32 – 58:40)

Timestamps: 47:32 – 58:40

• Deep dive into reality TV drama: Recapping the tense dynamics between Lisa Rinna and Colton Underwood on "Traitors".
  • Ria: “Rob is so smart. I hate Colton.” (47:56)
  • Frustration with Colton’s aggressive gameplay and his “hostage” language toward Lisa Rinna.
    • Fran: “The way he’s talking to her, it’s like, condescending… The hostage was unfortunate.” (49:26)
• The hosts debate the ethics of Colton’s presence given his controversial past and how show casting decisions shape public discourse.
  • Fran: “Maybe this isn’t the right person to have on a show like this then… he’s gonna get a lot of criticism for that.” (50:41)
• Praise for Rob’s strategic moves, hopes for Lisa and predictions for how betrayals might unfold:
  • Ria: “Do I want her to go up to Colton and caress his Pearl shirt and be like, ‘I love your pearls, Colton,’ and then... boom, he’s gone.” (56:13)

9. TV Recap Segment: "Tell Me Lies," "The Beauty," and More (Weekly Watch Report: 60:35 – 80:10)

Key Highlights:

• "Tell Me Lies" (60:35 – 64:18): Shock at the Wrigley/Bree twist, discussion of character development, suspense over “Steven’s” role.
  • Fran: “All the credit in the world to Jackson … when he puts on the Steven hat, he is diabolical…” (62:15)
• "The Beauty": Strong recommendations, especially praising Anthony Ramos’ performance.
  • Noah: “I rewatched episode three, like, multiple times, honestly, mainly for Anthony Ramos’s character.” (77:06)
• Other shows covered: "30 Rock," "Scandal," "Salt Lake City Reunion," "Love Island All Stars," various Chicago-based dramas, and the Netflix heist movie "The Rip."
• Overall grades: Most shows receive As or Bs, with detailed justification for each.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Social Media Trauma:
  • Fran: “It’s not normal to open your phone and watch a video of someone being killed and then going about your day.” (03:51)
• On Harry Styles’ new music:
  • Ria: “It’s one of those things where you see the track list, you go, yeah, I like these. And then you try to decide which songs from the track list you are going to like the most without hearing a beat.” (27:26)
• On Lisa Rinna vs. Colton Underwood:
  • Ria: “Why do you think it’s okay to talk to Lisa like this? Like, Lisa will end you, Colton. She will end you.” (47:56)
• On Reality TV Strategy:
  • Fran: “I just think at that point, Rob kind of knows that he could maybe get their forgiveness and … no one’s going to be sniffing towards Rob for a while.” (54:32)
• On Ben Affleck Rumors:
  • Fran: “Once the fake 'you’re dating an A-list actor' rumors start, you’re like, honey, I made it.” (44:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00 – 08:00: Current events and emotional check-in
08:00 – 18:00: Snowstorm stories and snow day nostalgia
19:02 – 23:42: NFL playoff chat
26:23 – 34:55: Harry Styles new song & tracklist reaction
34:55 – 41:41: Sundance Film Festival celebrity gossip and festival changes
45:00 – 46:15: Brooks Nader celebrity rumors
47:32 – 58:40: "Traitors" recap: Lisa Rinna vs. Colton Underwood
60:35 – 80:10: Weekly Watch Report: TV recaps ("Tell Me Lies," "The Beauty," more)

Tone & Closing Thoughts

The episode balances warmth about tough news, humorous banter about pop culture and daily life, and passionate, unfiltered opinions on celebrity drama and reality TV. The hosts maintain their signature chemistry and sense of relatability:

• Ria: “We love you guys so very much… We’ll be back on Wednesday with a super exciting episode that we’re very excited for you guys to hear…” (80:02)

Recommendation:
This episode is a one-stop-shop for pop culture gossip, reality TV recaps, and the pulse of the entertainment world—with moments of honest vulnerability from the hosts. Expect trademark Chicks in the Office banter, deep dives into Harry Styles, and reality drama to keep you coming back.