New Rory & MAL: Best of Rory & Mal – Week of 7/28 Summary

Release Date: August 3, 2025
Hosted By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: New stories, new laughs, new random hot takes that no one asked for... New Rory & Mal

1. The Transformation of the "T App"

From Safety Tool to Gossip Platform

The episode kicks off with Rory and Mal diving into their experiences with the "T App," originally designed to help women identify potentially dangerous men by highlighting red flags such as criminal history or abusive behavior.

Rory:
“I was trying to figure out if a man I was entertaining was gay or a serial killer because he was too perfect. Something had to be wrong.” [02:25]

However, over time, the app's purpose shifted drastically. Instead of solely focusing on safety, users began using it to share personal grievances and gossip about men’s personal qualities.

Mal:
“It stopped becoming about safety and started just becoming about gossip... like, 'his dick is whack' or 'his butt stinks.'” [05:10]

Data Breach and User Fallout

The transformation culminated in a significant data breach where users' personal information, including IDs and selfies, were exposed publicly.

Rory:
“It's supposed to delete them the moment they have them, but there was a huge data breach.” [05:20]

This breach led to widespread criticism, with users blaming the app for mishandling their data and turning a safety tool into a platform for public shaming.

Rory:
“If the app was used for what it was originally created for, I understand why it exists. But making it about personal, stupid stuff? It just sucks.” [05:35]

2. Recognition in Hip-Hop Media Rankings

Celebrating a Top 10 Spot

Rory and Mal express their excitement about being ranked number nine on Complex's top 10 hip-hop media platforms. They reflect on the honor and significance of this achievement within the industry.

Mal:
“We ended up being at number nine. Congrats to everybody here. Thank you for everything you guys do.” [12:35]

Discussion on Rankings and Competitors

They discuss their opinions on other entities in the rankings, such as Bootleg Kev and Black Boy Max, debating their deserved positions and contributions to hip-hop media.

Rory:
“Bootleg Kev should have been higher. He's been smoking shit.” [15:44]

Mal:
“Lists are cool, but don't think you're not doing good work just because you didn't make the list.” [16:24]

Debate Over Kai’s Position

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Kai's positioning as the top hip-hop media platform. Rory and Mal analyze whether Kai truly represents hip-hop media or if his content is too diverse to warrant the top spot.

Rory:
“Does Kai belong number one on a streamer list? I don't think so. Is he a hip-hop platform just because Offset is a rapper?” [20:19]

Mal:
“He listens to hip-hop and has big moments, but is that enough to define him as hip-hop media?” [21:52]

3. Aspirations in Professional Wrestling

Dreams of the Ring

Transitioning from media rankings, Rory and Mal explore their playful aspirations to enter the world of professional wrestling. They discuss the training, challenges, and humorous scenarios that would come with such a venture.

Rory:
“We would need four years of training, maybe five. It’s not easy.” [50:34]

Mal:
“Signing liability forms in case you die? That's serious!” [49:28]

Inspiration and Role Models

Tamara, a guest speaker, shares her journey into wrestling, inspiring Rory and Mal with her determination and vision to create a legacy for future generations.

Tamara:
“I want my daughter to say, ‘my mom did this,’ and that’s inspiring to me.” [45:01]

Humorous Banter on Wrestling Personas

The trio engages in lighthearted banter about potential wrestling personas, walkout songs, and the dynamics of a mother-daughter tag team.

Rory:
“If we come up with a good name, is that even worth going to Orlando?” [51:05]

Mal:
“Triple H will come out and kiss your feet. We cracked the code!” [57:28]

4. Addressing Colorism in Media

Critical Analysis of Stereotypes

Rory and Mal engage in a deep conversation about colorism in television and media, specifically referencing the portrayal of Pam in the show "Martin." They debate whether the jokes made about her character were rooted in colorism or simply character dynamics.

Rory:
“No, but maybe Machikawa was trying to be funny without thinking about the implications.” [38:00]

Mal:
“Colorism is so embedded that sometimes we call something colorism when it’s not.” [38:53]

Historical Context and Modern Perspectives

They discuss how societal stereotypes have historically influenced character portrayals and whether current interpretations are a reflection of that legacy or something more intentional.

Rory:
“Darker skin women have been labeled in ways that are real. Light-skinned girls are labeled as prettier and softer. That’s real.” [39:31]

Mal:
“But Martin Lawrence wasn’t intentionally being harmful. It was more about character dynamics.” [40:28]

5. Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Future Endeavors and Community Support

The episode concludes with discussions about future projects, community support, and maintaining positivity within the hip-hop and media landscapes.

Rory:
“Top ten hip-hop media means something. We're grateful and appreciate it.” [15:44]

Mal:
“Continue doing good work and keep putting hip-hop first. That's what matters.” [18:44]

Final Lighthearted Banter

The hosts wrap up with humorous conversations about their wrestling dreams and the potential impacts on their personal lives, emphasizing their camaraderie and playful spirit.

Rory:
“If they play our walkout song, I might actually train.” [55:10]

Mal:
“That's one of the greatest rap songs ever. It’d be epic!” [55:40]

Notable Quotes

• Rory on the T App's Original Purpose:
  “If the app was used for what it was originally created for, I understand why it exists.” [05:35]

• Mal on Hip-Hop Media Rankings:
  “Lists are cool, but don't think you're not doing good work just because you didn't make the list.” [16:24]

• Tamara on Inspiring the Next Generation:
  “I want my daughter to say, ‘my mom did this,’ and that’s inspiring to me.” [45:01]

• Rory on Colorism in Media:
  “Darker skin women have been labeled in ways that are real. Light-skinned girls are labeled as prettier and softer. That’s real.” [39:31]

Conclusion

In this episode of New Rory & MAL, Rory and Mal navigate through impactful discussions ranging from the unintended consequences of a safety app's evolution, their recognition in hip-hop media, aspirations in wrestling, and the critical examination of colorism in media. Their blend of insightful analysis and playful banter offers listeners both depth and entertainment, making it a standout episode for those keen on hip-hop culture, media dynamics, and engaging conversations.