Fool Coverage is BACK! We have a lot to discuss…

Podcast: Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee
Release Date: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Manny MUA & Laura Lee

Overview

The highly anticipated return of "Fool Coverage" kicks off 2026 with Manny MUA and Laura Lee in a brand new studio, re-energized after their holiday break. As OG beauty influencers and self-made entrepreneurs, they dive into major personal updates, the realities of life after a break, navigating long-distance relationships, self-development, fitness routines, the challenges of online cancel culture, and what’s been keeping them entertained. Along the way, they serve up their signature blend of humor, openness, tangents, and hot takes — giving both loyal fans and new listeners an authentic catch-up “hang” with two of beauty’s funniest besties.

Major Topics & Discussion Points

1. New Year, New Studio, New Energy (00:42–02:16)

• Major Move: Manny and Laura share that they’ve moved to a brand new studio space with a killer LA view. The set is a work in progress: “We just moved in late last week and so—we’re lucky to even have furniture.” (01:37)
• Visual Upgrades and Growth: Both describe how their physical environment is a metaphor for their mental state — embracing change and growth for 2026.

2. Personal Evolutions & The Mindset Reset (02:16–04:01)

• 2026 Ambitions: Manny feels that every year brings growth, but this time it’s a “leap, not a step.”

• Self-Development: Laura spent the end of 2025 deep-diving into self-development content, emphasizing that change can start anytime, not just Jan 1st.

  “You don’t have to wait till a new year… You can change on February 2nd. If that is your day, then that’s your day to change.” – Laura (02:32)
  

• Breaks for Reflection: The pair discuss how their end-of-year break gave them clarity and a chance to evaluate what they truly want.

3. Manny’s Long Distance Relationship & Online Support (04:01–14:15)

• Relationship Recap: Manny recently ended a five-month long-distance situation that was “super chill, very amicable.”

• The Instagram ‘Like’ Dilemma: The duo unpack how social support on Instagram (or the lack of it) can impact relationships, especially among content creators.

  “What I thought was strange is that he was liking all these thirst traps of these guys… and not liking mine.” – Manny (10:02)
  

• Red Flags:

  • Laura calls out the lack of reciprocation as a dealbreaker: “If his account was just dead, I’d get it. But he’s booked, he’s busy over there, honey.” (11:45)

  • Manny opens up about the challenges of dating as a public figure — is someone genuinely interested, or are they “clout demons”? Their close friend group always gives unfiltered opinions!

    “Sometimes I don’t know—and I can’t tell at times when it’s like a genuine connection or is it that they’re entranced by the fact that I’m Manny MUA?” – Manny (14:15)

• Audience Engagement Request: Manny and Laura ask listeners for their thoughts about social support in relationships when one or both are creators (18:23).

4. Navigating Single Life & Adulting (20:07–21:12)

• The ‘Streets’ after Breakups: Manny jokes about hating “the streets” (being single and dating again), bemoaning the process of getting to know someone anew.

• Respect & Fidelity: Even though their relationship wasn’t technically monogamous, Manny says he avoided hooking up out of respect.

  “Sounds like you’re not a cheater.” — Laura (22:06)
  

5. Fitness and Cardio: Goals, Struggles & Inspiration (22:15–35:00)

• New Volleyball League for Manny: Preparing with cardio after years off the court, facing the “fight or flight” feeling of pushing your limits.

• Laura’s Running Journey: She aims for a half marathon and possibly a full, having started fitness in her 30s:

  “My goal for 2026 is to run a half marathon — and then I hope I creep my way on up to a full marathon. Finally.” – Laura (27:32)
  

• Mental Game: Both stress that running and fitness are “90% mental,” with Laura sharing tips for building stamina and confidence at any age.

• Trend Talk: Running as the hot workout trend, and why it’s resonating culturally right now.

• Online Motivation: Both feel it’s worth posting their progress for the few people who find it inspiring:

  “I’m posting for the people that I made sign, or got signed up for a class, and to show my progress, but to inspire. …if it doesn’t do that for you, then it wasn’t for you.” – Laura (47:32)
  

6. Growing Wiser Online: Handling Haters, Being True (48:03–50:10)

• Both open up about not letting online negativity get to them in their 30s.

• Reflection on how social media culture, especially during their 20s, made self-acceptance difficult due to bullying and rapid changes.

  “I just think it’s, like, a really beautiful thing, because I didn’t feel like this when I was in my 20s.” – Manny (49:33)
  

7. Career Longevity and Creator Evolution (50:10–51:21)

• Manny and Laura realize it’s been over a decade since their influencer journeys began: “Not me being an OG. What the—” (50:45)
• They reminisce about how quickly time has passed, and the OG beauty YouTube community.

8. TV, Pop Culture & Miscellaneous Catch-up (51:21–64:03)

• Housewives Salt Lake City:
  Laura raves about the Utah-based Housewives for their lack of “PR training,” making the drama more authentic and wild (51:31–52:47).
• The Traitors:
  Laura discusses the addictiveness of this reality show — this season involves a secret traitor and some iconic casting.
• Survivor & Drag Race:
  The hosts’ love for Survivor and Drag Race, celebrating representation and strong female contestants.
• Heated Rivalry:
  Positive takes on this groundbreaking queer hockey drama, applauding more joyful LGBTQ storytelling.
• Stranger Things & Fandom:
  They discuss disappointment with the Stranger Things finale and reveal their inside jokes about being fooled by fan rumors.
• Nostalgic YouTube Ships:
  Excitement over former YouTubers Carly and Brett reuniting (“It was history...I was thrilled!” — Manny, 61:03)
• New Hobbies:
  Manny tried adult Lego sets for the first time and finds it a surprising source of screen-free joy.

9. Aging, Inspiration & Social Media (44:23–45:17)

• Both are excited to see older creators thriving and breaking stereotypes online — “It’s so beautiful to see all ages and all walks of life online.”

10. Final Reflections & What's Next (64:57–66:16)

• Both hosts state how transformative their holiday break was, giving them much needed “reset energy.”
• Laura committed to skipping all beauty events in January for self-care.
• Tease for next week: a full episode on the differences between 2016 and 2026 beauty trends and culture.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On evolving for 2026:
  “Every year we evolve, like, as people, like, we’re always taking a step further. But this year, I’m taking a leap.”
  — Manny (02:16)

• On Instagram support:
  “It’s weird, right? ...What I thought was strange is that he was liking all these thirst traps of these guys and not liking mine.”
  — Manny (10:02)

• On being real about dating:
  “The second you tell me I can’t do something is when I do it just way better.”
  — Manny (26:13)

• On running & fitness:
  “The challenge is fun for me. Running builds a lot of confidence in people… it’s a mental game. All running is, like, so little is physical. The whole—”
  — Laura (39:10)

• On online critics:
  “I’m not posting for you. I’m posting for the people that I made sign or I got signed up for a class, of course, and to show my progress, but to inspire for the people I’ve inspired.”
  — Laura (47:37)

• On LGBTQ media representation:
  “For the first time it’s a gay story, but without as much trauma. And we finally get… just give us something nice... not tragic.”
  — Laura (58:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment / Topic | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:42–02:16 | Brand new studio, life upgrades, evolving for 2026 | | 04:01–14:15 | Manny’s long-distance relationship, Instagram support drama | | 18:23 | Audience call-out: Instagram support in relationships | | 20:07–21:12 | On being single and respect in non-exclusive dating | | 22:15–35:00 | Fitness goals: Volleyball, running, mental side of exercise | | 44:23–45:17 | Seeing older creators thrive online | | 51:21–64:03 | Pop culture obsessions: Housewives, Traitors, Survivor, etc. | | 64:57–66:16 | Reflections on break, tease for next episode |

Summary

This lively "return" episode is a seamless blend of personal vulnerability, practical self-care advice, and playful best-friend banter, embodying the “fool coverage” spirit that longtime listeners cherish. Manny and Laura are candid about relationships, ambition, and the challenge of balancing authenticity with public scrutiny. Whether you want the inside scoop on influencer culture, a push to start (or restart) your fitness journey, or just a good laugh at reality TV tea, this episode is a perfect catch-up on where these two OG “fools” are headed in 2026.

Next up:
Stay tuned for their deep dive on “2016 vs. 2026” culture and trends in the next episode!