Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL
Episode 347 | "Not Guilty"
Release Date: February 21, 2025

Hosts: Rory, Mal, Baby D, and Guest Roy Wood Jr.

1. Health Concerns and Personal Updates (00:25 - 01:30)

The episode opens with Baby D addressing the show's recent bout with illness, mentioning they've been "about 50 ginger shots deep" in an attempt to combat lingering flus. Rory humorously reassures her, suggesting she might be "a little mono."

Notable Quote:
"I don't think I've ever had mono, honestly." – Mal [00:26]

2. Shout-Out to First Episode Guest Adam "Pac Man" Jones (01:30 - 02:45)

Rory and Mal reflect on their inaugural episode featuring Adam "Pac Man" Jones. They commend his on-field prowess and off-field personality, reminiscing about the challenges faced during the interview process, including technical difficulties while filming at a golf store.

Notable Quote:
"He was a great guest, especially on Zoom and him being at a golf store with a golf simulator." – Mal [02:01]

3. Launch of "Rory and Mal Don’t Know Ball" Show (02:45 - 04:18)

The hosts announce their new show, maintaining their focus on sports, music, and cultural topics without venturing into unsolicited "skip takes." They discuss a notable moment from their first episode where Pac Man Jones claimed that Future owes Young Thug a thank you, sparking a debate on musical influences.

Notable Quote:
"We are launching a new show on our same YouTube platform, same audio platform, Rory and Mall. Don’t Know Ball." – Mal [02:11]

4. Festival Season and Music Releases (04:15 - 14:00)

Rory and Mal delve into the excitement surrounding upcoming live performances and new music. They highlight St. John's latest project, "Festival Season," praising its high energy and meticulous production. Additionally, they discuss tickets and shows from Boyz II Men and New Edition, expressing enthusiasm for attending these events live.

Notable Quote:
"St. John is one of those artists that, you know, he really cares about his craft. He’s very meticulous, pays attention to every detail." – Rory [04:19]

5. Analysis of New Edition's Meet and Greet Protocols (04:32 - 11:05)

A significant portion of the episode critiques the unconventional meet and greet setup for New Edition, where fans are separated from the artists by glass barriers. The hosts express frustration over the lack of personal interaction, pondering reasons behind this change—from health precautions to possible ulterior motives.

Notable Quote:
"This is absolutely insane. First of all, that young lady had to walk into that slot, walk past Johnny, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, and Ronnie... She had to walk past them and then turn around and stand in between a column." – Rory [07:09]

6. Discussion on Celebrity-Endorsed Alcohol Brands (11:05 - 19:44)

Rory and Mal explore the trend of celebrities launching their own alcohol brands, debating their authenticity and success. They reference various brands like Chicas Divertitas by Rihanna and Teremana by The Rock, discussing market reception and the sustainability of such ventures. The conversation touches on the challenges celebrities face in maintaining credibility in the competitive alcohol industry.

Notable Quote:
"I'll just take your word for it, don't even see it." – Mal [35:29]

7. Interview with Comedian Roy Wood Jr. (56:46 - 138:38)

a. Career and Comedy Insights
Roy Wood Jr. shares anecdotes from his early career, including his experiences with prank calls and opening for renowned comedians. He recounts attempting to prank J. Prince, highlighting the cultural nuances and risks involved in such endeavors.

Notable Quote:
"So I went on Letterman and I don't remember the setup of the joke, but essentially it was about Mexican farm workers and just. I don't wages or some." – Roy Wood Jr. [123:07]

b. Censorship and Media Challenges
Roy discusses the increasing censorship in mainstream media, especially in late-night shows. He expresses frustration over restrictive content guidelines, limiting comedians' ability to address sensitive or political topics freely.

Notable Quote:
"You got to have motherfuckers just gotta be mad." – Roy Wood Jr. [90:35]

c. Political Commentary and Media Representation
The conversation shifts to the portrayal of political figures and events in the media. Roy critiques the lack of substantial policy discussions, emphasizing the need for genuine conversations over superficial praise or criticism.

Notable Quote:
"I think that freedom of speech is just freedom of speech so long as it doesn't fuck up my bread." – Roy Wood Jr. [91:17]

d. Cultural Impact and Legacy
Roy reflects on influential figures like Robert Townsend and the struggles of Black comedians in mainstream media. He underscores the importance of creating authentic platforms to tell Black stories without compromising artistic integrity.

Notable Quote:
"He continues to give back to the culture that made him. And he's never stopped that. I think he's definitely one of the most unsung people, one of the most unsung architects, without a doubt, of Black culture." – Roy Wood Jr. [64:07]

e. Personal Experiences and Future Endeavors
Towards the episode's end, Roy shares his aspirations to return to covering Black-centric stories using humor. The hosts and Roy exchange light-hearted banter, hinting at future collaborations and mutual support.

Notable Quote:
"We have to keep that more because it’s a panel show, too. I can’t bring on some Republican congressman. Fucking John... Our show, if I’m speaking specifically to Saturday nights, we get to do whatever we want, bro." – Roy Wood Jr. [78:58]

8. Closing Remarks and Future Plans (138:39 - End)

Rory and Mal wrap up the episode by promoting their Patreon and encouraging listeners to engage through voicemails. They tease upcoming content and express excitement for future interviews and discussions.

Notable Quote:
"We're gonna do something new with the voicemails too. I think when people start leaving great voicemails, I think we're gonna start Zoom calling them." – Rory [51:38]

Conclusion:
Episode 347 of "New Rory & MAL" offers a blend of humor, cultural critique, and insightful conversations. From dissecting unconventional meet and greet protocols to delving into the challenges of censorship in comedy, the hosts provide a multifaceted discussion. The interview with Roy Wood Jr. serves as a highlight, offering listeners an in-depth look into the evolving landscape of comedy and media representation.

Overall Notable Quote:
"I’m happy that Rocky is not going to jail and not facing any more criminal charges. So shout out to Rocky and his team." – Rory [24:35]