Chicks in the Office – Episode: "Ria Reacts to Surviving Barstool Chaos + Billboard’s Lists Are Ridiculous"

Release Date: January 10, 2025

In this dynamic episode of Chicks in the Office, hosts Ria and Fran navigate through a blend of personal updates, intense discussions on current events, and entertaining pop culture segments. Their candid conversations offer listeners both heartfelt insights and spirited opinions on a variety of topics.

Personal Life Updates: Haircuts and Invisalign Struggles

[01:02 – 03:23]

The episode kicks off with Ria sharing her ongoing journey with Invisalign. She details the meticulous adherence required to maintain her aligners, especially over weekends, and the frustrations caused by production delays. Ria mentions, “I am almost there. The problem is, you have to be super diligent” ([01:08]). Fran reciprocates with her own update, revealing a recent haircut that significantly shortened her hair length after a lengthy growth period. She emphasizes the importance of regular trims: “I had to get a good chop. I was really good about it pre-wedding” ([03:09]).

California Wildfires: Heartbreak and Heroism

[04:18 – 15:49]

A substantial portion of the episode is devoted to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, particularly the Pacific Palisades fire. Ria and Fran express profound sorrow over the loss of homes, memories, and lives, highlighting the relentless efforts of firefighters and volunteers. Fran recounts a tragic incident: “One man lost his life because he was outside his house with the hose, trying to protect his home” ([06:58]). They both lament the heartbreaking footage circulating on social media, criticizing insensitive remarks about affected celebrities.

Ria adds, “There’s really no words to describe what’s happening. It’s just heartbreaking” ([07:00]). The hosts also touch on the role of social media, condemning the lack of empathy from some users who trivialize the suffering by focusing on the wealth of those affected. Fran firmly states, “I think you're actually psychotic if that's the way you think” ([13:17]).

Despite the grim news, Ria and Fran highlight the positive actions stemming from the disaster, such as community donations, meal supplies for firefighters, and various support initiatives. Ria shares hope, “On the good side of it is when you see people coming together, there’s so much good happening” ([15:19]).

Fran’s "Surviving Barstool" Experience: Competition and Controversy

[19:50 – 31:48]

Fran recounts her participation in Barstool Sports' show "Surviving Barstool," detailing her triumph in an immunity challenge that secured her position in the competition. She narrates tense moments involving fellow contestants, notably Biz and Big Cat, who attempted to manipulate the show's narrative for personal gain. Fran describes a scenario where Big Cat tried to control how his exit was portrayed on camera: “He wanted to control the narrative about him leaving” ([22:10]).

The discussion reveals the complexities of reality TV, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity and fairness. Fran expresses her frustration with Big Cat’s tactics, saying, “If you just say, hey, it’s the game, then you can't play both sides” ([30:03]). The segment underscores the emotional toll of prolonged competition and the challenges of staying true to oneself under pressure.

Pop Culture Roundup: Divorces, Movies, and Music Rankings

[31:38 – 60:50]

Jessica Alba’s Divorce

Ria and Fran delve into the news of Jessica Alba's divorce from Cash Warren after 17 years of marriage. They reflect on the longevity and partnership required to sustain a relationship in Hollywood, with Ria noting, “It's a celebration of life, not a divorce” ([37:06]).

Armie Hammer’s "Dark Knight" Movie

The hosts humorously critique Armie Hammer’s new thriller titled "Dark Knight," juxtaposing it with Christopher Nolan’s iconic Batman film. Fran lampoons the choice of title, stating, “I am offended that they’re naming this thriller the Dark Knight” ([39:35]). They jest about Hammer’s fit for the role, given his controversial past, highlighting the absurdity of naming conventions in Hollywood.

Billboard’s Century List Controversy

Ria and Fran express skepticism over Billboard’s latest rankings, particularly Morgan Wallen’s "Dangerous" double album being labeled the biggest of the century. Ria questions the validity due to the timeline discrepancy: “It’s 2025… we’re only 25 into the century” ([44:09]). They debate the criteria used by Billboard, questioning whether chart performance truly equates to an album's cultural impact.

Fran adds, “The Billboard numbers aren’t the end all be all of popularity of music” ([46:41]), advocating for a more holistic view of an album’s significance beyond chart statistics.

Lady Gaga’s 'Fame' Album Recognition

A moment of pride surfaces as Ria celebrates Lady Gaga’s debut album "Fame" making it onto Billboard’s list. Fran reminisces about her favorite tracks, highlighting songs like “Beautiful Dirty Rich” and “Paparrazi,” underscoring the album’s enduring legacy: “Lady Gaga’s debut album is just amazing” ([53:17]).

School of Rock Cast Wedding

Adding a heartwarming touch, Ria and Fran discuss the recent wedding of cast members from "School of Rock." They describe the event’s joyous atmosphere and the reunion of long-time castmates, reflecting on the lasting bonds formed during the show. Ria shares, “I saw the pictures. It’s so crazy” ([60:34]).

Interactive Segment: Beatrian Friend Trivia

[61:49 – 85:18]

The hosts engage listeners with a lively trivia game called “Beatrian Friend,” featuring participants Paige and Caitlyn. The game covers a spectrum of topics, including animated series like SpongeBob SquarePants, sitcoms like New Girl, and iconic movies like Harry Potter. Despite some challenging questions and missed answers, the segment adds an interactive and entertaining layer to the episode, fostering a sense of community and fun.

Notable Quotes

• Ria on Invisalign: “I am almost there. The problem is, you have to be super diligent” ([01:08]).
• Fran on Big Cat: “I think you're actually psychotic if that's the way you think” ([13:17]).
• Ria on Jessica Alba’s Divorce: “It's a celebration of life, not a divorce” ([37:06]).
• Fran on Armie Hammer’s Movie: “I am offended that they’re naming this thriller the Dark Knight” ([39:35]).
• Ria on Billboard’s List: “It’s 2025… we’re only 25 into the century” ([44:09]).
• Fran on Billboard’s Rankings: “The Billboard numbers aren’t the end all be all of popularity of music” ([46:41]).
• Ria on Lady Gaga’s Legacy: “Lady Gaga’s debut album is just amazing” ([53:17]).
• Ria on School of Rock Wedding: “I saw the pictures. It’s so crazy” ([60:34]).

Conclusion: Balancing the Good and the Grim

Wrapping up, Ria and Fran reaffirm their commitment to being a light in listeners' lives amid challenging times. They encourage positive actions and community support, reminding everyone to appreciate both the joyous and the trying moments. The hosts sign off with warm wishes for a wonderful weekend and express excitement for future episodes, maintaining their engaging and supportive connection with the audience.

This episode of Chicks in the Office masterfully balances personal anecdotes with poignant discussions on significant events and pop culture, delivering an engaging and multifaceted listening experience.