Summary of "New Rory & MAL" Podcast Episode 331 | Our Best Of 2024
Introduction and Holiday Reflections [00:00 - 03:09]
The episode kicks off with Rory sharing some impromptu song lyrics, setting a playful and relaxed tone ([00:00]). Shortly after, the hosts dive into their holiday experiences, discussing the challenges and joys of hosting family gatherings during the festive season. Mal mentions his father's extended stay, while Rory recounts a hectic time managing his daughter Amara at indoor playgrounds.
"Struggle and salute to everybody that's struggling around the holidays. You know, it's a real thing, holiday depression." ([02:46] - Mal)
High School Memories and Racial Undertones [03:10 - 05:18]
Rory and Mal reminisce about their participation in church nativity scenes during Christmas, highlighting roles that inadvertently touched on racial themes. Mal expresses discomfort about being cast as a lamb, drawing parallels to historical racial dynamics.
"See, I don't like that I had to be a lamb as a black man. You were the shepherd. Yeah. Which is kind of like slave owner like type of vibe." ([02:01] - Mal)
Music Highlights: Top Rap and R&B Albums of 2024 [05:19 - 35:29]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing and ranking their favorite rap and R&B albums of 2024. Rory presents his top 10 rap albums, with Freddie Gibbs' "You Only Die Once" securing the top spot ([20:43] - Rory). The conversation explores various artists, including Dochi, Vince Staples, Tyler, The Creator, and SZA, with each host sharing personal favorites and reasons behind their choices.
"Freddie Gibbs, you only die once." ([20:43] - Rory)
Mal concurs with Freddie Gibbs as his favorite rap album, while also praising Belly's "96 Miles from Bethlehem" for its significant message and impact on the hip-hop landscape.
"I think that's probably the most important rap project of 2024." ([23:26] - Mal)
The R&B segment features discussions about SZA's "Scissor," Leon Thomas' "Glimmer of God," and other notable releases. The hosts delve deep into SZA's evolving artistry, debating whether her new releases signify a fresh era or a continuation of her previous work.
"SZA is incredible at doing that too. If we don't have a list, but for me, what I played that had the most replay value for me this year." ([68:55] - Mal)
Pop Culture Moments of 2024 [35:30 - 60:00]
The hosts shift their focus to significant pop culture events from 2024, including memorable Grammy performances, reality TV moments like "Love Island USA" season six, and high-profile celebrity controversies. They critique how certain events overshadowed others and discuss their personal takes on these happenings.
"Love Island USA season six phenomenon." ([47:22] - Rory)
Listener Voicemails and Shoutouts [61:00 - 77:00]
Interacting with their audience, Rory and Mal give shoutouts to listeners, notably Jack from Free Range Wine and Spirits, who has been actively supporting their podcast. They also address past interactions, reflecting on how listener engagement has grown over time.
"Shout out to every single person. One star review." ([91:37] - Damaris)
Advice Segment: Handling a Sibling's Problematic Behavior [77:00 - 115:00]
A listener named "Anonymous" reaches out seeking advice about his brother's concerning behavior—specifically, sending explicit content to adults online and a history of inappropriate interactions as a minor. The hosts provide thoughtful guidance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue with compassion and understanding, while also considering safety and future implications.
"He was already sending nudes to grown ass adults, so, yeah, you should try to nip this in the butt now and get him the help he needs." ([106:19] - Rory)
The conversation touches on the complexities of such situations, including the impact of online actions on personal and professional lives, and the challenges of confronting a loved one about their harmful behaviors.
Humorous Side Chats and Nostalgic Banter [115:00 - 116:51]
Injecting humor into the episode, the hosts engage in lighthearted conversations about deodorant scents, high school memories, and amusing personal anecdotes. They share nostalgic moments about products like Old Spice and Speed Stick, reminiscing about their teenage years with laughter.
"The first nude you got... was, it was a good memory." ([97:09] - Rory)
Conclusion and Holiday Wishes [116:10 - End]
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts extend their holiday greetings to listeners, encourage them to engage on Patreon, and inform them about taking a short break before returning in the new year. They remind listeners to enjoy their time with family and catch up on previous episodes.
"Happy holidays to everyone. Whatever you celebrate. Thoughts and prayers. We're with everyone that's having a tough time during this holiday." ([115:50] - Rory)
Notable Quotes:
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Holiday Struggles:
"Struggle and salute to everybody that's struggling around the holidays. You know, it's a real thing, holiday depression." ([02:46] - Mal)
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Handling Arguments:
"I was very proud of myself of just shutting the fuck up. And I'm not going to change anyone's mind." ([17:35] - Rory)
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SZA's Artistic Evolution:
"SZA is incredible at doing that too. If we don't have a list, but for me, what I played that had the most replay value for me this year." ([68:55] - Mal)
-
Advice for "Anonymous":
"He was already sending nudes to grown ass adults, so, yeah, you should try to nip this in the butt now and get him the help he needs." ([106:19] - Rory)
-
Nostalgic Reminiscence:
"The first nude you got... was, it was a good memory." ([97:09] - Rory)
Conclusion:
Episode 331 of "New Rory & MAL," titled "Our Best Of 2024," offers a comprehensive and entertaining recap of the year's highlights through the lens of personal stories, music critiques, pop culture analyses, and listener interactions. The hosts blend humor with meaningful discussions, creating a rich and engaging listening experience that resonates with both regular listeners and newcomers alike.