Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 353 | Bad Takes Never Heal

Release Date: March 14, 2025
Hosts: Rory and Mal
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Title: Bad Takes Never Heal

1. Religion and Spirituality [01:05 – 04:18]

Rory and Mal delve into the topic of modern spirituality versus traditional religious practices. They discuss the diminishing presence of religious symbols like Ash Wednesday and how contemporary society seems more focused on secular concerns such as taxes.

• Rory: “I think our parents just did the Catholic thing wrong. My generation, after 18, it's like, you mean I don't have to go?”
• Mal: “We're spiritual. That's what we do. I say my 'Our Fathers' in the morning. That's three prayers; all you need.”

The conversation highlights a generational shift towards personal spirituality over organized religion, with Mal humorously referencing daily prayers as a spiritual practice.

2. Social Media Conflicts and Doxxing [04:00 – 06:25]

The hosts discuss recent tensions in the music industry, particularly focusing on Jermaine Dupri (referred to as JD) and incidents of doxxing against Damaris after her comments on Nicki Minaj.

• Damaris: “They were saying, 'defund white kappas,' and I was like, 'don't do that to my friend.'”
• Mal: “We can't fight back on the Internet; they're undefeated.”

Rory expresses empathy for JD, criticizing the backlash he faced after simply posing a question about independent artists' desires. The conversation underscores the challenges of engaging in online discourse without facing severe repercussions.

3. R&B Album Rankings: The "Full Moon" Debate [16:00 – 32:27]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating the greatest R&B albums of all time, with a particular focus on Brandy's "Full Moon." The hosts compare it to Usher's "Confessions" and discuss other classics like Lauryn Hill's works and Marvin Gaye's albums.

• Mal: “Is it too early to call Dolce one of the greats? I like one album. I'm just asking, do we call people greats off from one album?”
• Rory: “Full Moon defined the R&B generation. It's like what JD could say about his legacy.”

They explore the impact of production quality and vocal performance, ultimately celebrating "Full Moon" while acknowledging the subjective nature of musical greatness.

4. Listener Call-ins: Dating and Homelessness [86:08 – 105:35]

Listener interactions bring personal stories to the forefront, discussing the complexities of dating someone experiencing homelessness or living in a van.

• Listener Rory: “I met a girl on a dating app, and when I went to pick her up, she was living in her van with her dog. Has this happened to you guys?”
• Mal: “She took a situation and made it a better one. Ice tea saved everything.”

The hosts debate the practicality and empathy involved in such dating scenarios, emphasizing the importance of understanding and support for individuals facing housing instability.

5. Police Mounted Units and Animal Cruelty [53:24 – 58:42]

Rory and Mal engage in a spirited debate about the use of horses in police work, questioning their necessity and potential for animal cruelty.

• Mal: “Why are cops still on horseback dressed not for combat? They're dressed for style, not doing anything. That's animal cruelty.”
• Rory: “The horses live, those horses are very well taken care of, though.”

They discuss alternative methods for crowd control and law enforcement, highlighting differing opinions on the effectiveness and ethics of mounted police units.

6. Entertainment Discussions: Movies and TV Shows [70:00 – 118:55]

The hosts discuss various entertainment mediums, including movies like Jason Bateman's roles and the TV show "Power." They critique plotlines, production quality, and character development.

• Mal: “Jason Bateman's performance in 'Carry On' was entertaining despite awful reviews.”
• Rory: “Unique's miraculous survival in 'Power' felt too much like a soap opera.”

The conversation extends to horror genres and the blending of reality with fiction, reflecting on how media portrays intense and traumatic events.

7. Rapid Fire and Light-Hearted Banter [109:06 – 112:35]

Towards the end of the episode, Rory initiates a rapid-fire segment asking about the wildest songs the hosts would have sex to. This segment showcases the hosts' humorous and candid personalities.

• Rory: “What is the wildest song you guys would have sex to, whether you've done dirty or not?”
• Mal: “I lost my virginity to a Lloyd Banks mixtape.”

This light-hearted exchange provides listeners with entertaining insights into the hosts' personal preferences and experiences.

8. Promotions and Advertisements [Throughout the Episode]

Adhering to the user's instructions, advertisements and promotional content are omitted from this summary. However, notable mentions include:

• DistroKid: Promoted as a music distribution service.
• iHeartPodcasts and The Volume: Highlighting their partnership in producing "New Rory & MAL."

Notable Quotes:

• Rory on Spirituality:
  “I think our parents just did the Catholic thing wrong... And you know, we're spiritual.” [01:39]

• Mal on Internet Conflicts:
  “You can't fight back on the Internet; they're undefeated.” [04:16]

• Damaris on Being Doxxed:
  “They were saying, 'defund white kappas,' and I was like, 'don't do that to my friend.'” [04:40]

• Rory on R&B Greatness:
  “Full Moon defined the R&B generation. It's like what JD could say about his legacy.” [16:00]

• Mal on Police Horses:
  “Why are cops still on horseback dressed not for combat? They're dressed for style, not doing anything. That's animal cruelty.” [53:35]

Conclusion:

In Episode 353, "Bad Takes Never Heal," Rory and Mal navigate a diverse array of topics ranging from spirituality and internet conflicts to sophisticated debates on R&B music and societal issues like homelessness and animal cruelty in law enforcement. Their candid and spirited conversations, enriched with personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges, provide listeners with both insightful discussions and entertaining banter. The episode underscores the show's commitment to tackling both serious and light-hearted subjects, making it a comprehensive listen for fans seeking depth and levity.