Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 351 | Superstar

Introduction In Episode 351 titled "Superstar," hosted by Matt and Leah from the Grown Up Stuff podcast under the New Rory & MAL banner by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the hosts delve into a multifaceted discussion surrounding the concept of a "superstar" in the modern music and entertainment industry. Released on March 7, 2025, this episode navigates through topics such as the definition of superstardom, the dynamics between independent and major artists, the intersection of rap and acting, and the enduring public fascination with high-profile legal cases.

1. Tax Season Advice Guest: CPA Lisa Green Lewis

The episode begins with timely advice for small business owners preparing for tax season. Lisa Green Lewis, a Certified Public Accountant, shares crucial insights into common tax pitfalls:

• Overpayment Concerns: “A Forbes study mentioned that a whopping 93% of small businesses overpay their taxes” ([02:18]).
• Gen Z Misconceptions: “17% of Gen Zers believed that you could write off any expense as a business expense” ([02:18]).

These statistics underscore the importance of accurate tax filing and financial literacy for small businesses.

2. Defining 'Superstar' The core of the episode revolves around dissecting what truly constitutes a "superstar" in today's entertainment landscape. The hosts and their guests engage in a spirited debate, exploring various dimensions of superstardom.

• Superstar Criteria:

  • Presence and Aura: Leah asserts, “A superstar is somebody that just has that... it's something about you that people say, I like this” ([61:44]).
  • Talent and Performance: Matt emphasizes the necessity of talent, stating, “I don't think there's a superstar that is not extremely, extremely, extremely talented” ([62:02]).
  • Public Recognition and Impact: Lisa adds, “They have to have star quality already” ([71:19]).

• Notable Examples Discussed:

  • Playboi Carti: Leah passionately defends Playboi Carti’s status, declaring, “Playboi Carti's a superstar” ([66:37]), while Matt remains skeptical, arguing, “He's a superstar, but without the music, I still don't understand it” ([87:41]).
  • Rihanna and Will Smith: The conversation touches on established superstars like Rihanna and Will Smith, highlighting their influence and the labels' roles in their careers.

3. Independent vs. Major Label Artists A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the advantages and challenges of being an independent artist compared to being signed with a major label.

• Freedom and Control:

  • Mo questions the unique perks of independence: “What is the special reason? I don't know” ([92:38]).
  • Lisa emphasizes, “being indie is the freedom to choose the what, when, where, and how” ([49:05]).

• Label Advantages:

  • Matt points out the resources major labels provide: “they could put a crazy budget behind the video” ([75:06]).
  • Leah counters by highlighting that even with labels, success isn’t guaranteed: “sometimes they try it with certain people and it just doesn't work” ([71:19]).

• Superstar Creation:

  • The hosts debate whether major labels can simply "push a button" to create superstars, concluding that while labels provide crucial support, inherent talent and star quality are indispensable for sustained success.

4. Rappers in Acting and Their Superstardom The episode explores the crossover of rappers into acting, assessing their acting prowess and its impact on their superstar status.

• Critique of Performances:

  • Discussions about actors like LL Cool J, Ice Cube, and DMX reveal mixed opinions on their acting skills versus their musical talents.
  • Leah praises their contributions but questions the balance between their rap and acting careers.

• Impact on Superstardom:

  • It is argued that successful acting ventures can enhance an artist’s superstar status, but only when paired with genuine talent and charisma.

5. Casey Anthony's TikTok Advocacy A controversial segment addresses Casey Anthony's emergence as a legal advocate on TikTok, sparking debate among the hosts.

• Public Fascination:

  • Matt expresses skepticism: “If you need legal advice, it's not you” ([24:20]).
  • Leah reflects on the macabre allure of high-profile legal cases: “America is obsessed with murder and crime” ([26:07]).

• Legal and Ethical Considerations:

  • Lisa questions the appropriateness of Casey Anthony offering legal advice, given her history: “She's definitely sick” ([23:54]).

6. Superstardom and Cultural Impact The conversation extends to the broader cultural impact of superstars, their legacy, and the public’s perception.

• Legacy and Longevity:

  • Matt and Leah discuss how superstars maintain their relevance over decades through talent, adaptability, and public engagement.

• Public Perception:

  • Matt notes, “Superstardom is not musically connected all at all times” ([96:10]), emphasizing that a superstar’s influence often transcends their primary field of work.

7. Personal Stories and Friendships Interspersed with the main topics are personal anecdotes and reflections on friendships and conflicts.

• Conflict Resolution:
  • Matt and Leah share experiences about resolving disputes with friends, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and understanding in maintaining relationships.

8. Concluding Thoughts As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate the complexity of defining a superstar, acknowledging that it encompasses a blend of talent, public recognition, personal charisma, and industry support. They encourage listeners to support talented artists, regardless of their label affiliations, and to appreciate the multifaceted nature of superstardom.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt on Superstar Definition:

  • “I don't think there's a superstar that is not extremely, extremely, extremely talented.” ([62:02])

• Leah on Superstar Aura:

  • “A superstar is somebody that just has that... it's something about you that people say, I like this.” ([61:44])

• Mo on Independent Artists:

  • “What is the special reason? I don't know.” ([92:38])

• Lisa Green Lewis on Indie Benefits:

  • “Being indie is the freedom to choose the what, when, where, and how.” ([49:05])

Conclusion Episode 351 of New Rory & MAL offers a deep dive into the essence of what makes a superstar, balancing personal opinions with industry insights. Through engaging dialogue and passionate debate, Matt, Leah, and their guests provide a nuanced exploration of superstardom, the indie versus major label debate, and the evolving roles of artists in the modern entertainment ecosystem. This episode serves as an enlightening listen for anyone interested in the intricate dynamics of fame and success in the music and entertainment industries.