Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office - "Our Magical Day at JONASCON! + Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s New Album Speculation"

Host: Barstool Sports
Hosts: Ria Ciuffo & Fran Mariano
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music (Ad-free for Prime Members)

1. Our Magical Day at JonasCon

Ria and Fran recount their exhilarating experience hosting and attending JonasCon, a massive fan event dedicated to the Jonas Brothers. Held at the multifaceted American Dream Mall, the event seamlessly blended an amusement park atmosphere with extensive fan interactions.

• Excitement & Exhaustion:
  [02:02] Fran Mariano: "It's chicks in the office with Ran Fran giving you that Friday energy on a Monday. Happy Monday, everybody. Hopefully everyone is feeling marvelous today."

  [02:19] Ria Ciuffo: "Exhausted."

  The duo describe the adrenaline rush of hosting multiple sessions, interviewing various celebrities, and managing live performances, which left them both physically drained yet immensely proud of their accomplishments.

• Interactions with the Jonas Brothers:
  [06:13] Fran Mariano: "I was like, this is so great for us, like, as a show for our careers and just to keep growing and to do things at higher levels each year."

  The hosts express their admiration for the Jonas Brothers, highlighting the warm and professional interactions they had. They mentioned receiving personal acknowledgments from the band, such as shout-outs to their show and collaborations.

• Event Highlights:
  The session included interviews with Jonas Brothers members, performances, and special appearances by bands like Big Time Rush and The All American Rejects. Ria shares nostalgic moments, reminiscing about attending Jonas concerts in her youth.

• Behind the Scenes:
  [04:28] Fran Mariano: "All of the sessions broke up for the people that weren't there. There were two sessions. So one that was in the morning, one was in the afternoon."

  The hosts detail the event's structure, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution that ensured everything ran smoothly despite the large crowd and diverse activities.

2. Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s New Album Speculation

Transitioning from the high-energy JonasCon, Ria and Fran delve into discussions about Selena Gomez's latest album, produced by longtime collaborator Benny Blanco.

• Album Reception:
  [34:23] Fran Mariano: "Selena Gomez released her new album 'I Said I Love You First' on Friday. Produced by Benny Blanco. They've been doing a lot of press together. I love it. I actually can't get enough of watching their interviews."

  The hosts express their excitement and positive reception of the album, praising Selena's vulnerability and the seamless production quality brought by Benny Blanco.

• Song Highlights:
  [37:24] Fran Mariano: "Don't take it personally. I think people love that younger and hotter than me. 'I Can't Get Enough.' The one with J. Balvin, I really love that."

  They highlight favorite tracks such as "Sunset Boulevard," "Blue and Flame," and collaborations like the one with J. Balvin, noting the album's blend of personal lyrics and catchy beats.

• Commercial Memorabilia:
  [38:19] Ria Ciuffo: "He sold his Alex Russo wand for just $4 as part of a rare beauty campaign, making memorabilia accessible for fans."

  The hosts discuss Selena's fan-friendly initiatives, including affordable memorabilia that allows fans to own a piece of her iconic roles.

3. Celebrity News

Ria and Fran transition to recent happenings in the celebrity world, covering sightings and speculations about various stars.

• Jennifer Aniston & Pedro Pascal:
  [44:14] Fran Mariano: "Jennifer Aniston and Pedro Pascal were seen leaving Sunset Tower Bar in LA together—a pairing that has fans buzzing."

  They speculate on the potential relationship between the two, noting the celebrity allure and the chemistry observed during their outings.

• Channing Tatum’s New Relationship:
  [50:10] Fran Mariano: "Channing Tatum has been photographed with his new girlfriend, Inca Williams, a 25-year-old model. Their age difference has sparked conversations online."

  The hosts discuss Channing's relationship dynamics, including his humorous Instagram posts about his fitness journey and gratitude towards his trainers.

• Noah Centineo & Zoe Kravitz:
  [50:40] Fran Mariano: "We're keeping our eye on Noah Centineo and Zoe Kravitz—are they dating or collaborating on a movie? We're still trying to find out."

  They explore the rumors surrounding Noah and Zoe, contemplating whether their association is professional or personal.

4. Weekly Watch - TV Show Reviews

Ria and Fran provide their insights and ratings on various TV shows they've been following, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of their viewing experiences.

• White Lotus:
  [60:19] Fran Mariano: "White Lotus last night really fucked me up."

  They discuss the intense emotional impact of the latest episodes, particularly focusing on character developments and plot twists.

• Severance:
  [61:10] Ria Ciuffo: "I haven't watched the finale yet, which is killing me."

  The hosts delve into their theories about the show's enigmatic characters and the suspense surrounding the finale, praising the direction and acting, especially by Patrick Schwarzenegger.

• Summer House & Southern Charm:
  [73:35] Fran Mariano: "Summer House was a C plus for me. It had some interesting drama but nothing too compelling."

  They critique the dynamics and developments in reality shows, highlighting relationship tensions and production choices that influence viewer engagement.

• The Pit & Dope Thief:
  [71:38] C: "I gave 'The Pit' an A minus. It's a really good episode that kept me on the edge of my seat."

  Their ratings reflect a mix of enjoyment and constructive criticism, balancing strong performances with occasional narrative weaknesses.

5. Final Thoughts & Upcoming Content

As the episode wraps up, Ria and Fran share their enthusiasm for future content and express gratitude towards their listeners.

• Appreciation & Teasers:
  [98:22] Fran Mariano: "Thanks for watching the Best show on Earth, everybody. We love you so very much. Thank you always for supporting us in all our endeavors, including JonasCon yesterday."

  They tease upcoming episodes that will delve deeper into their JonasCon experience and continue to explore pop culture topics.

• Merchandise & Promotions:
  While advertisements were present throughout, Ria and Fran ensure listeners are aware of exclusive merchandise and upcoming collaborations, maintaining a balance between content and promotions.

Notable Quotes:

• [06:13] Fran Mariano: "This is so great for us, like, as a show for our careers and just to keep growing and to do things at higher levels each year."

• [14:19] Fran Mariano: "We will be putting out the two sessions that we did with them. It was two separate 15-minute sessions that we'll combine together."

• [32:33] Fran Mariano: "It just gave me a lot more confidence to be able to accomplish these things and... use code chicks for $20 off."

• [55:04] Ria Ciuffo: "You still look cute."

Conclusion

In this episode of Chicks in the Office, Ria and Fran offer an engaging blend of personal experiences, celebrity news, and in-depth TV show analyses. Their enthusiastic recounting of JonasCon provides listeners with insider insights, while their discussions on Selena Gomez's album and recent celebrity activities keep the content fresh and relevant. The episode concludes with thoughtful TV reviews, showcasing their ability to balance entertainment with critical analysis. Whether you're a fan of pop culture or seeking comprehensive podcast content, this episode delivers a well-rounded and captivating listening experience.