Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL | Episode 334 | Fighting Irish

Hosts:

• Rory
• Mall
• Damaris

Release Date: January 7, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Local Updates and Celebrations

Congestion Pricing in New York

• Rory and Mall kick off the episode discussing the newly implemented congestion pricing in New York City, highlighting the increased tolls and their skepticism about its effectiveness as a genuine traffic reducer.
  • Rory (01:00): "This is just a money grab today."
  • Mall (01:36): "Traffic's still the same."

Mal's Birthday and Founders Day

• The hosts congratulate Mall on his birthday while humorously noting they couldn't get him a cake due to budget constraints caused by the new tolls.

  • Rory (02:14): "Happy birthday to Mall... your rebirth to the Stars and Stripes."
  • Mall (02:32): "Yes, it's my fourth birthday."

• Rory shares his experience attending a Founders Day party for the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in Passaic, New Jersey, enjoying the blend of old-school and younger partygoers.

  • Rory (02:40): "This is a regular Monday for us. I didn't feel it at all."

2. In-Depth Discussion: Fox Sports Lawsuit

Overview of the Lawsuit

• Rory delves into the recent lawsuit filed by Ms. Faraji against Fox Sports for sexual harassment claims involving prominent figures like Skip Bayless and Charles Dixon.
  • Rory (15:08): "Ms. Faraji filed a lawsuit against Fox Sports basically for sexual harassment against Skip Bayless."

Key Players and Allegations

• Joy Taylor, a co-host and personal hairdresser to Ms. Faraji, is implicated in fostering inappropriate relationships within the network.

  • Rory (15:09): "Joy Taylor was married... trying to find her community."

• Skip Bayless is accused of making unsolicited advances, including an outrageous offer of "$1.5 million" to Ms. Faraji to overlook his inappropriate behavior.

  • Rory (21:25): "How do you send a woman $1.5 million?"
  • Mall (17:52): "Skip, ain't no pussy worth $1.5 million."

Moral and Ethical Debates

• The hosts debate the ethics of accepting monetary compensation in situations of workplace harassment, discussing the power dynamics and the pressures faced by victims.

  • Damaris (24:17): "If you're being sexually harassed at the workplace, I don't care what they're paying you."

• They emphasize the importance of addressing harassment proactively rather than waiting until after employment ends.

  • Mall (24:41): "Wrong is wrong. But right is right."

Impact on Fox Sports and Individuals Involved

• The potential repercussions for Fox Sports, Skip Bayless, and Joy Taylor are analyzed, with predictions that the allegations could lead to significant changes or departures within the network.
  • Rory (30:15): "This is a huge deal. I don't know if it cripples FS1."

3. Music Industry Insights and AI Concerns

LiAngelo Ball's Record "Fighting Irish"

• The conversation shifts to LiAngelo Ball's new record, assessing its potential to climb charts and its reception among listeners.
  • Rory (48:07): "I think it'll actually last. I think it'll be a record this year."

The Role of AI in Music Production

• Rory and Mall explore the growing influence of AI in creating music, using Kanye West as a prime example of an artist who might release a full AI-generated album.

  • Mall (85:27): "I'm never supporting a full AI album. Never."

• The debate centers on the authenticity and emotional depth of AI-produced music versus that created by human artists, expressing concerns over the erosion of artistic integrity.

  • Rory (86:00): "It's crazy... but that's where it stops."

Drake's Leaked Music and Industry Reactions

• Discussing Drake's leaked snippets, the hosts speculate on his motivations and the potential impact on his relationships within the industry.

  • Rory (55:35): "But I think we'll find that out around the time Thug puts a project out when Gunna ends up being on that album."

• They highlight the polarized reactions from fans and the music community regarding the quality and intent behind such releases.

  • Damaris (50:28): "It's a viral song."

4. Personal Stories and Listener Engagement

Gun Incidents During Podcasting

• Rory recounts incidents involving the accidental discharge of firearms during podcast recordings, emphasizing the importance of safety.
  • Rory (84:32): "Let's see if you'll do it where you leave it."

Listener Voicemail: Women Approaching Men

• A listener question about whether it's acceptable for women to approach men is addressed with anecdotes and reflections on modern dating dynamics.

  • Rory (125:37): "Women should shoot their shit."
  • Mall (126:10): "I like when women are aggressive… it says something about that woman."

• The discussion touches on confidence, societal expectations, and the balance between initiating contact versus waiting for men to make the first move.

  • Damaris (127:55): "I'm not gonna say that to her getting shot."

5. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

• The hosts wrap up the episode by acknowledging changes in the podcast team, with Julian leaving the show.

  • Rory (144:34): "Clearly he's no longer part of the pod."

• They tease upcoming topics, including predictions for 2025 music releases and further discussions on industry controversies.

  • Rory (147:53): "I saw that you had on our list…"

• Encouraging listeners to support their Patreon for exclusive content.

  • Rory (334:43): "My 2025 predictions are live on Patreon right now."

Notable Quotes:

• Rory (01:00): "This is just a money grab today."
• Mall (01:36): "Traffic's still the same."
• Rory (15:08): "Ms. Faraji filed a lawsuit against Fox Sports basically for sexual harassment against Skip Bayless."
• Rory (21:25): "How do you send a woman $1.5 million?"
• Mall (17:52): "Skip, ain't no pussy worth $1.5 million."
• Damaris (24:17): "If you're being sexually harassed at the workplace, I don't care what they're paying you."
• Mall (24:41): "Wrong is wrong. But right is right."
• Rory (48:07): "I think it'll actually last. I think it'll be a record this year."
• Mall (85:27): "I'm never supporting a full AI album. Never."
• Mall (126:10): "I like when women are aggressive… it says something about that woman."

Conclusion: Episode 334 of New Rory & MAL delves deep into significant topics ranging from high-profile lawsuits in the sports media world to the evolving landscape of the music industry with the advent of AI. The hosts engage in candid discussions, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful debates, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging experience. Notable moments include their critique of New York City's congestion pricing, a thorough analysis of the Fox Sports lawsuit involving Skip Bayless, and a passionate conversation about the implications of AI in music production. The episode also features relatable stories about podcasting mishaps and addresses listener questions on modern dating dynamics. As the hosts tease future content, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned and support the podcast through Patreon for more exclusive discussions.