Podcast Summary: Good Guys – "Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose"
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Hosts: Josh Peck and Ben Soffer
Guest: The Queen of Melrose (Cosmo Ensenado)
In this engaging episode titled "Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose," hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer dive deep into personal histories, cultural influences, relationships, and lifestyle choices with their vibrant guest, The Queen of Melrose. The conversation is peppered with humor, noteworthy anecdotes, and insightful discussions that provide a comprehensive look into the lives of the hosts and their guest.
1. Warm Welcome and Introductions (00:00 – 04:59)
The episode begins with the hosts' trademark humorous banter, setting a lighthearted and inviting tone. Josh Peck introduces the show, humorously emphasizing the podcast's identity as "the good guys," and warmly welcomes The Queen of Melrose to the conversation.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck [00:01]: "What are ya nuts?!"
- Ben Soffer [00:26]: "We're the good guys."
2. Upbringing and Mob Associations (05:00 – 07:35)
Josh and Ben share stories about their upbringing in Harlem, highlighting familial ties to mob figures. Cosmo elaborates on his father's peripheral involvement with the mob and the consequent FBI surveillance, painting a vivid picture of their youth spent amidst these influences.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Soffer [05:00]: "My father was kind of implicated in that Goodfellas Lufthansa thing where FBI was sniffing around."
- Cosmo Ensenado [05:26]: "Growing up in Spanish Harlem with those Mafia connections was like living in a real-life Godfather movie."
3. Cultural and Religious Influences (07:35 – 15:31)
The hosts delve into the impact of religious backgrounds on their childhoods. Cosmo recounts his grandmother’s strict adherence to Jehovah’s Witnesses, leading to a tumultuous home environment. Ben adds his perspective on blending cultural identities, mentioning the closure of the iconic Palm restaurant and its significance in their community.
Notable Quotes:
- Cosmo Ensenado [07:35]: "They threw out all my Barbie dolls. Trauma. Traumatized."
- Ben Soffer [07:55]: "My grandmother stood Jehovah. It didn’t work, so they moved us to Queens."
4. Life in Harlem and Queens (15:31 – 30:00)
Discussion shifts to the cultural vibrancy of Harlem and Queens. The hosts reminisce about classic New York eateries, such as Pink's Hot Dogs, and compare the authenticity of New York food to that of Los Angeles. They highlight the nostalgic elements of their neighborhoods and the unique experiences that shaped their identities.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Soffer [24:00]: "They named the hot dog after me, Queen of Melrose. I was honored."
- Cosmo Ensenado [24:25]: "The New York dog has the sauerkraut and mustard and the red onions. Love that."
5. Smoking Habits and Health Choices (30:00 – 43:00)
A candid conversation about smoking habits ensues, with the hosts discussing their preferred cigarette brands and the transition to American Spirit for perceived health benefits. They share personal stories related to smoking, including health scares and efforts to quit or reduce consumption.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck [26:09]: "I'm a Newport smoker. I hate myself."
- Ben Soffer [26:34]: "I switched to American Spirit because Marlboro has arsenic and all those things."
6. Relationships and Celebrity Rumors (43:00 – 55:00)
The conversation veers into relationship dynamics, with each host sharing their current status. They discuss the pressures of modern relationships, referencing celebrity couples like Halle Berry and Adrien Brody. The hosts offer humorous takes on relationship rumors and the complexities of maintaining long-term commitments.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck [10:59]: "I think Ben's wife... crushes Ben. I know he married well."
- Olivia [12:10]: "She's had unbelievable long Halle Berry. I want to know if the 2.9 is erect or soft."
7. Relationship Advice Segment: "Speak Pipe" (55:00 – 65:00)
In the "Speak Pipe" segment, listeners' relationship dilemmas are addressed. One notable question comes from "Anxious Girly," who expresses anxiety over her partner's delayed proposal despite mutual intentions. The hosts provide advice on managing expectations, communication, and the importance of patience in relationships.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck [55:00]: "You're gonna mess this up because of your expectations."
- Olivia [56:20]: "If he's marrying a nervous Nelly, you know... Just do it."
8. "What are You Nuts?" Segment (65:00 – End)
The final segment features the hosts airing their pet peeves and grievances. Olivia criticizes jaywalking drivers with infants, while Ben and Cosmo share amusing stories about overzealous customers in their store who misuse services without making purchases. The hosts use humor to highlight everyday annoyances, reinforcing the show's relatable and entertaining nature.
Notable Quotes:
- Olivia [61:04]: "You can risk your own life risking the baby. Nuts. Nuts."
- Cosmo Ensenado [63:00]: "Have a little shopping etiquette, you know what I'm saying?"
Closing Remarks and Promotions (End)
The episode concludes with promotions for Cosmo's fashion ventures and social media platforms, encouraging listeners to follow and engage with their content. The hosts wrap up with light-hearted interactions, maintaining the show's engaging and personable atmosphere.
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Peck [59:15]: "Follow Queen of Melrose on all social media platforms."
- Ben Soffer [59:46]: "We're on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube. Follow us everywhere."
Key Insights and Themes
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Cultural Identity and Upbringing: The hosts explore how their mixed cultural backgrounds and familial ties to the mob shaped their identities and life choices.
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Religious Influence: The impact of strict religious practices during childhood is highlighted, showcasing the challenges and eventual liberation from those constraints.
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Authenticity and Nostalgia: There's a strong emphasis on appreciating authentic cultural experiences, particularly in food and community interactions, contrasting New York's vibrant scene with Los Angeles.
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Health and Lifestyle Choices: The discussion around smoking habits underscores the balance between personal indulgences and health awareness, reflecting broader lifestyle considerations.
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Relationship Dynamics: The hosts offer a blend of humor and sincere advice on relationships, addressing modern pressures and the importance of communication and patience.
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Everyday Grievances: The "What are You Nuts?" segment ties the episode together by adding relatable humor about everyday annoyances, enhancing listener engagement.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Josh Peck [00:01]: "What are ya nuts?!"
- Ben Soffer [05:00]: "My father was kind of implicated in that Goodfellas Lufthansa thing where FBI was sniffing around."
- Cosmo Ensenado [05:26]: "Growing up in Spanish Harlem with those Mafia connections was like living in a real-life Godfather movie."
- Josh Peck [10:59]: "I think Ben's wife... crushes Ben. I know he married well."
- Olivia [61:04]: "You can risk your own life risking the baby. Nuts. Nuts."
- Ben Soffer [26:34]: "I switched to American Spirit because Marlboro has arsenic and all those things."
Conclusion
"Mob Adjacent with The Queen of Melrose" offers a rich and engaging exploration of the hosts' personal histories, cultural influences, and modern-day relationships. Through candid storytelling, humor, and insightful discussions, Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, alongside their guest Cosmo Ensenado, create a relatable and entertaining experience for listeners. The episode seamlessly blends serious reflections with lighthearted banter, making it a standout installment in the "Good Guys" podcast series.