New Rory & MAL: Episode 342 | Cee-Lo Walked, Teddy Swims

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Hosted by Rory Farrell and Jamil "Mal" Clay, "New Rory & MAL" delivers fresh stories, laughter, and spontaneous hot takes that listeners crave. In Episode 342, titled "Cee-Lo Walked, Teddy Swims", the hosts navigate through an array of topics, including new music releases, the tumultuous Grammy Awards, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their lively conversation.

1. Release Week and New Music

The episode opens with Damaris announcing her latest single in collaboration with Leon Thomas.

Damaris [01:43]: "It's release week... my single comes out for my second album with Leon Thomas... available February 7th."

Rory congratulates her, emphasizing the quality and anticipation surrounding the new track.

Rory [02:02]: "Finally putting this album out. It's a great album, great song, great music on the way... download that. Stream that. Great song, great music."

2. TikTok Promotion and Challenges

The conversation shifts to innovative promotional strategies, with Damaris suggesting TikTok challenges to boost their single's visibility.

Damaris [03:59]: "Let me do the first verse challenge on TikTok for my single with Leon Thomas... Maybe do street team promo in the city."

Rory engages in playful banter, highlighting the collaborative spirit of their promotion efforts.

3. Family Matters and Office Cleanliness

The hosts delve into personal stories about organizing a birthday party, addressing the state of their office, and maintaining professionalism.

Maul [11:03]: "Have you used that bathroom?"

Damaris [11:40]: "Oh, I found so much ash behind that first toilet... people smoke in the bathroom."

This segment underscores the balance between personal life and maintaining a clean, professional environment.

4. Grammy Awards Discussion

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the recent Grammy Awards, covering everything from hosting styles to controversial performances and award outcomes.

a. Red Carpet and Hosts

Trevor Noah's hosting is praised for keeping the show engaging and addressing pertinent social issues.

Damaris [26:07]: "I like Trevor Noah hosting for the most part... he kept guilt tripping everyone in there and ruining their night... love that he kept guilt tripping everyone in there."

b. Controversial Performances and Moments

The hosts discuss notable red carpet moments, including Kanye West's controversial appearance and Babyface's experience.

Rory [38:16]: "This is America. You gonna be all right."

Damaris [40:56]: "Kanye did a lot with art-driven nudity which I can appreciate, but now it's just... that's not tasteful."

c. Award Outcomes and Opinions

Kendrick Lamar's sweeping of major categories and Dochi winning Rap Album of the Year spark discussions about the Grammy voting process and industry biases.

Damaris [50:33]: "I think they do a lot of this, and rightfully so. I think Dochi deserves it."

Rory [52:15]: "How are they voting? What are they looking at?"

The hosts express skepticism about the transparency and criteria of the Grammy voting system, questioning the integrity behind award selections.

5. Listener Call-In: Divorce and Moving

A listener named Eric Crumble from Kansas City calls in seeking advice on whether to relocate due to an ongoing divorce, contemplating moving within the US or overseas.

Listener [109:51]: "I'm 29 years old, from Florida, going through a divorce. I need to decide if I want to move to a different city, place, or out of the country."

Rory and Damaris offer perspectives on finding personal well-being versus addressing familial responsibilities.

Rory [115:24]: "If overseas and Europe is calling you... Do what makes you happy."

Damaris [115:24]: "Don't stay ten toes in town and make yourself more miserable to prove a point."

6. Voicemails and Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts interacting with listener voicemails, providing humorous critiques, and encouraging quality submissions.

Rory [120:00]: "This was a poem entitled Merlot for Baby dad... I'm telling you, when I start doing this, you gonna have a long night."

They conclude by celebrating award winners, sharing final thoughts on performances, and maintaining a positive outlook.

Damaris [127:56]: "This is a good poem... I was never crushing grapes."

Rory [128:03]: "Peace. New warrior now."

Notable Quotes

• Damaris [01:43]: "At least Josh is clapping for me. That is why so many people don't want to share the good things going on in their life."

• Rory [02:02]: "I just didn't know we were doing a commercial at the top of the show for the single."

• Damaris [50:33]: "I think they do a lot of this, and rightfully so. I think Dochi deserves it."

• Rory [52:15]: "How are they voting? What are they looking at?"

• Rory [115:24]: "If overseas and Europe is calling you... Do what makes you happy."

• Damaris [127:56]: "This is a good poem... I was never crushing grapes."

Conclusions

In Episode 342, Rory and Damaris provide candid and insightful commentary on the music industry, particularly scrutinizing the Grammy Awards' outcomes and processes. Their discussion intertwines professional opinions with personal experiences, creating a relatable and engaging narrative for listeners. The episode highlights themes of authenticity, industry bias, personal growth, and the impact of public perception, all delivered with the hosts' signature humor and unfiltered honesty.