Summary: Best of Rory & Mal – Week of 5/5

Released May 11, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

In this episode of "Best of Rory & Mal," the hosts curate a comprehensive recap of the week's most engaging moments, blending humor, insightful discussions, and personal anecdotes. Rory and Mal, alongside guest Lex, navigate through a variety of topics, offering listeners both entertainment and valuable takeaways.

1. Product Revival: Degree’s Original Cool Rush Deodorant

The episode opens with Mal sharing exciting news about Degree deodorant. Last year, Degree altered the formula for their popular Cool Rush scent, which led to significant backlash from loyal customers. Demonstrating the power of consumer feedback, Degree listened to the fans and reinstated the original formula.

Mal: “Degree listen and that doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh.” [00:33]

Mal encourages listeners to visit Walmart, Target, and other retailers to try the returning favorite under $4.

2. The Importance of Financial Literacy for Kids

Lex introduces a segment highlighting the critical role of financial literacy in building wealth. Citing a statistic, Lex emphasizes that adults equipped with financial skills amass 82% more wealth than those without.

Lex: “Adults with financial literacy skills have 82% more wealth than those who don't.” [00:33]

They promote Greenlight, a platform designed to teach children essential financial skills like earning, saving, and investing, stressing its affordability compared to other parental investments.

3. Navigating Relationships and Financial Support

A significant discussion unfolds around the complexities of supporting a long-distance relationship financially. Mal shares a personal story about assisting his girlfriend during her job loss and subsequent relocation to California, illustrating the emotional and financial strains involved.

Mal: “She moves to the bay. Don't have any money to move, so I help her. Moving all that money out of my pocket. Sixteen grand.” [14:07]

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing financial aid with personal well-being, with Rory and Lex providing supportive advice on handling such situations gracefully.

4. Political Responsibility and Social Media Missteps

The hosts address the impact of political statements made on public platforms. Lex recounts an incident where his remarks about Donald Trump were misconstrued, leading to unintended consequences.

Lex: “It's very dangerous for us, especially as people of color. You don't understand this.” [04:19]

They discuss the importance of clarity and responsibility when using social media, highlighting how misinterpretations can escalate quickly in the digital age.

5. Behind the Scenes: Podcasting Challenges and Growth

Rory, Mal, and Lex reflect on the demands of running a successful podcast. They explore the struggle of staying present amid continuous planning and the pressure to consistently produce engaging content.

Rory: “I lost so many moments that I wish I appreciated.” [43:08]

Mal adds that while the podcast has become integral to their daily lives, it also poses challenges in balancing personal moments with professional responsibilities.

6. Humorous Strategy: 100 Men vs. A Gorilla

Injecting humor into the episode, the trio imagines a fantastical scenario where 100 men strategize to take down a gorilla. This light-hearted segment showcases their chemistry and ability to entertain while discussing absurd hypothetical plans.

Mal: “We send them 40.” [62:51]

Their playful banter provides a humorous break from more serious discussions, keeping the episode engaging and lively.

7. Skincare and Personal Image

A relatable conversation about skincare routines ensues, with the hosts sharing their personal practices and opinions on societal expectations regarding appearance.

Rory: “I've been on skincare forever. I just have white skin.” [29:06]

They emphasize the importance of self-care and challenge the stigma around men taking interest in skincare treatments.

8. Upcoming Projects: Travel Queens TV Show

The episode highlights the development of their new TV show, "Travel Queens," produced by Vice Sports. The hosts express enthusiasm about showcasing their personalities beyond the podcast, venturing into dynamic storytelling within the sports world.

Unnamed Guest: “We recorded the whole season in two weeks. Yeah, and it was really dope.” [35:38]

They discuss the opportunity to present a different facet of their personas, aiming to connect with a broader audience through diverse programming.

9. Vulnerability and Public Perception

The hosts open up about the challenges of being vulnerable on public platforms. Rory admits to feeling stressed about leaving a lasting impression through his podcast, while Lex and Mal discuss their journeys toward greater transparency and authenticity.

Rory: “My therapist has told me I'm terrible at living in the moment.” [37:11]

They acknowledge the ongoing struggle to balance personal growth with maintaining a genuine connection with their listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Mal on Product Revival: “Degree listen and that doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back.” [00:33]

• Lex on Financial Literacy: “Adults with financial literacy skills have 82% more wealth than those who don't.” [00:33]

• Rory on Living in the Moment: “My only advice to people is that, like, really live. Just shut up for a second. Stop focusing on what's gonna happen next.” [43:10]

• Mal on Relationship Challenges: “She moves to the bay. Don't have any money to move, so I help her.” [14:07]

• Lex on Political Responsibility: “It's very dangerous for us, especially as people of color.” [04:19]

Conclusion

"Best of Rory & Mal: Week of 5/5" offers a rich tapestry of discussions that blend personal experiences with broader social commentary. From reviving beloved products and advocating for financial education to exploring the depths of personal relationships and navigating public perceptions, the hosts provide a nuanced and engaging listening experience. Their ability to balance humor with heartfelt conversations ensures that both regular listeners and newcomers find something valuable in this episode.

This structured summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions and incorporating notable quotes with timestamps. It provides a coherent narrative for those who haven't listened, ensuring they stay informed and engaged with the content shared by Rory, Mal, and Lex.