Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 340 | Fat, Juicy, & Trash

Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In Episode 340 titled "Fat, Juicy, & Trash," hosts Damaris, Maul, and Rory dive deep into the latest musical collaborations, cultural critiques, and a myriad of light-hearted topics. This episode is a blend of sharp commentary, humorous exchanges, and insightful discussions that reflect the dynamic chemistry between the hosts.

1. Bruno Mars & Sexy Red: A Culture Vulture Debate

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about Bruno Mars's recent collaboration with Sexy Red on the track "Fat, Juicy, & Wet." The hosts dissect the implications of the collaboration and debate whether Bruno Mars is exploiting the West Coast sound for commercial gains.

• Rory's Critique:
  "We're gonna get to that." [00:31]
  Rory expresses his strong dissatisfaction with the song, labeling it as "trash" and accusing Bruno Mars of being a "culture vulture" for appropriating the West Coast sound without genuine connection.

• Damaris's Perspective:
  "Bruno a culture vulture. When Bruno did the same thing on this song that he does on all other songs." [01:53]
  Damaris reinforces the notion that Bruno consistently appropriates cultural elements to fit his commercial agenda.

• Maul's Take:
  "He's been a culture vulture for years." [02:00]
  Maul aligns with Rory and Damaris, pointing out Bruno's longstanding pattern of cultural appropriation.

The trio delves into the broader impact of such collaborations on the representation of Black women in music, discussing how oversexualized content can pigeonhole artists like Sexy Red and Megan Thee Stallion into limited portrayals.

• Damaris on Representation:
  "People who respect women and respect black women know that we're not all a monolith." [15:04]
  Damaris emphasizes the importance of diverse representations and cautions against allowing one artist's portrayal to define an entire demographic.

2. Valentine's Day Voicemail Challenge

Transitioning from music critique, the hosts introduce a playful segment centered around Valentine's Day—a "Riz Challenge" where listeners are encouraged to send in their best poetic attempts to win a date.

• Rory's Announcement:
  "Whoever sends me the best voicemail, I'll go on a date with you." [27:03]
  Rory sets the stakes high, teasing the possibility of exclusive dates for the best submissions.

The ensuing banter showcases the hosts' comedic rapport as they joke about setting boundaries, chaperoning dates, and the absurdities of their own dating preferences.

• Maul's Comment:
  "You don’t think it's disrespectful that they took Nipsey last time that I checked and changed it to fat, juicy and wet?" [03:22]
  Although slightly out of context, this reflects the ongoing theme of cultural appropriation and respect within their discussions.

3. Social Media and Online Interactions

The conversation shifts towards the dynamics of social media, particularly focusing on platforms like Discord and Patreon, where the hosts engage with their listeners.

• Damaris on Twitter Deactivation:
  "I'm not a fan of the song. I like the song because I like Bruno Mars. But once the verses come on and Sexyy Red starts, I'm over the overly sexualized shit." [03:28]
  Here, Damaris touches upon her personal disapproval of oversexualized content, hinting at broader societal concerns regarding media consumption.

• Maul's Frustration with Social Media Notifications:
  "Why y'all was in spaces, though? Like, why would. Why were y'all in spaces? Y'all never text my phone and be like, yo, we going to." [50:38]
  Maul expresses his irritation with unwanted notifications and the intrusion of virtual spaces into their personal lives.

The hosts discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity online while navigating the expectations of a digital audience.

4. Parenting and Social Etiquette

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to parenting experiences and the etiquette surrounding interactions in public spaces like playgrounds.

• Rory on Managing Playground Dynamics:
  "There are three of them. They have mad space over here. Now they're doing front flips from one trampoline to the other. Where Amar is chilling." [80:16]
  Rory narrates a scenario at an indoor playground, highlighting the protective instincts of a parent amidst chaotic interactions among children.

• Maul’s Advice on Setting Boundaries:
  "You have to teach them. Yeah, you do." [80:48]
  Maul emphasizes the importance of teaching children boundaries to foster respectful interactions.

This segment underscores the hosts' shared experiences and differing approaches to parenting, weaving in humor with practical advice.

5. Sports Talk: NFL and Super Bowl Predictions

Shifting gears, the hosts engage in spirited discussions about the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl contenders, and opinions on refereeing decisions.

• Rory’s Super Bowl Predictions:
  "Hardest with Philly. Money is on Kansas City. My heart says 31. 27. Philly. My money says 27. 16." [104:14]
  Rory predicts a close game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing his analytical side.

• Maul on Patrick Mahomes:
  "He's obviously the face of the NFL. I think he's probably right now already the third greatest quarterback in NFL history." [100:26]
  Maul praises Mahomes' prowess while also expressing loyalty to traditional legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana.

• Damaris's Take on Service Jobs:
  "Men should not be instacart drivers." [44:39]
  Although slightly tangential, Damaris touches upon societal roles and perceptions related to service jobs.

The hosts debate controversial refereeing decisions, team strategies, and the impact of star players on their respective teams' successes.

6. Music Critiques and Recommendations

Returning to music, the trio evaluates various artists, albums, and emerging trends, offering both praise and constructive criticism.

• Discussion on UK Rap:
  "It took me a while to get into UK rap. Like, out the sound. Cool." [60:10]
  Rory shares his journey into appreciating UK rap, highlighting the nuanced differences from American hip-hop.

• Teddy Swims and Album Progression:
  "I think he was in a weird position where it's one of those." [56:34]
  The hosts discuss Teddy Swims' album progression, noting the challenges artists face when a breakout single overshadows their subsequent work.

• Travis Scott Single Review:
  "I mean. I don't know. I do like that lotto record. I am curious where that's gonna go." [117:03]
  Rory critiques Travis Scott's latest single, balancing his appreciation for the music with reservations about lyrical content.

The segment underscores the hosts' deep engagement with contemporary music, reflecting their diverse tastes and critical perspectives.

7. Listener Interaction and Predictions

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a connection with their audience through shout-outs, acknowledgments, and interactive segments.

• Voicemail Predictions:
  "We got any voicemails? Yes." [105:19]
  Rory and Maul engage with listener-submitted questions, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

• Spring Cleaning and New Beginnings:
  "Everything doesn't have to be a soap opera." [51:32]
  Damaris emphasizes the importance of maintaining positivity and avoiding unnecessary drama as the year progresses.

These interactions highlight the show's commitment to involving listeners, making them an integral part of the conversation.

8. Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on their discussions, offer condolences for industry losses, and tease upcoming content.

• Condolences for DJ Unk:
  "Another Atlanta icon that we lost over the weekend. Classic, you know, songs." [117:01]
  The hosts honor the late DJ Unk, acknowledging his contributions to the music culture.

• Upcoming Releases and Projects:
  "A new record will be coming out relatively soon, depending on this post fire thing." [25:12]
  Rory hints at forthcoming music releases, maintaining excitement for future episodes.

• Final Shout-Outs:
  "Shout out to the listeners on Discord." [25:07]
  The hosts express gratitude towards their audience, encouraging continued support through platforms like Patreon and Discord.

Notable Quotes:

• Damaris on Oversexualization:
  "I've told y'all that on this podcast before. I am over the overly sexual shit." [03:31]

• Rory on Authenticity:
  "Pop artists take what's currently popping and they make it their own." [22:07]

• Maul on Artist Collaboration:
  "That's part of the talent of an artist is do people like you? Do people wanna work with you?" [11:46]

• Damaris on Representation:
  "One black woman does not represent our entire race." [15:04]

• Rory on Parenting Challenges:
  "Yo, what is going on in your house?" [80:25]

Conclusion

Episode 340 of "New Rory & MAL," titled "Fat, Juicy, & Trash," offers a compelling mix of cultural critique, personal anecdotes, and interactive fun. The hosts navigate through complex topics with humor and candor, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary. Whether debating the integrity of popular music collaborations, sharing parenting woes, or forecasting Super Bowl outcomes, Damaris, Maul, and Rory deliver an episode that's as engaging as it is insightful.

For those who haven't tuned in, this episode serves as a testament to the show's ability to blend serious discussions with light-hearted banter, making it a must-listen for fans of dynamic and multifaceted podcast content.