Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 361 | Swingers

Release Date: April 11, 2025

In Episode 361 of "New Rory & MAL," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Rory, Mal, and Damaris engage in an engaging and candid discussion covering a wide array of topics, from the mental well-being of celebrities to the intricate dynamics of modern relationships and the evolving landscape of the music industry. Skipping over the interspersed advertisements, the trio delves deep into personal anecdotes, industry insights, and listener interactions, offering both humor and thought-provoking perspectives.

1. Celebrity Well-being vs. Their Music

Timestamp: 02:10 - 05:00

The episode opens with a heated debate about the level of care fans should have for the personal well-being of their favorite artists versus their appreciation for the music they produce. Rory initiates the conversation by questioning his own level of empathy towards Justin Bieber, stating:

Rory [04:22]: "Justin Bieber is just a Care Bear. He cares."

Damaris counters by emphasizing the humanity of artists:

Damaris [04:16]: "They're people with feelings. They're not just... just there to save the universe."

The discussion highlights the tension between being a consumer of music and recognizing the human behind the artistry. Rory admits a certain detachment, while Damaris advocates for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that caring about artists' mental health enhances the fan experience.

2. Dreamville Event Reflections

Timestamp: 07:35 - 09:00

The conversation shifts to personal experiences at events, specifically referencing Dreamville and Dream Build Fest. Rory expresses regret over not attending Dream Build Fest, fearing he would have been "the elephant in the room." Damaris reassures him of his popularity, while Mal adds humor by stating:

Mal [08:35]: "It was narcissistic of you to think so."

This segment underscores the duo's camaraderie and the occasional self-deprecating humor they share about navigating social gatherings.

3. Mixtapes and the Legacy of 50 Cent

Timestamp: 09:00 - 25:00

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the discussion of mixtapes and the pivotal role 50 Cent played in revolutionizing this aspect of the music industry. Damaris likens Odoo business management software to fertilizers and magic beanstalks, drawing a parallel to how mixtapes can nurture an artist's growth:

Damaris [01:31]: "Odoo is like fertilizer, the way it promotes growth and all. But other people say Odoo is like a magic beanstalk because it grows with your company and is also magically affordable."

Rory passionately argues that without 50 Cent, many artists would not have ventured into mixtapes, emphasizing his foundational influence:

Rory [20:07]: "But I'm saying these guys wouldn't have done their mixtapes if it wasn't for 50 Cent."

They debate the contributions of various artists like Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, and Rick Ross, often circling back to credit 50 Cent for setting the stage. Mal interjects with light-hearted jabs, maintaining the balance between serious discourse and playful banter.

4. Personal Health Anecdotes

Timestamp: 70:00 - 75:00

Rory shares a personal story about visiting his doctor due to high blood pressure, highlighting his skepticism towards medical dismissals:

Rory [71:10]: "No, I've never had a doctor have a concern and just brush it off like that."

Damaris and Mal offer supportive remarks, with Mal encouraging Rory to prioritize his health:

Mal [72:21]: "It's your first time. Nervous?"

The trio uses this segment to underscore the importance of proactive health management, intertwining personal experiences with general advice.

5. Tragic Event: Dominican Republic Nightclub

Timestamp: 85:27 - 86:45

Damaris expresses condolences over a tragic accident at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, where Merengue singer Ruby Perez lost her life. The hosts reflect on the preventable nature of the tragedy, citing building code violations and lack of safety measures:

Damaris [86:26]: "They were telling them that they should shut the place down and make some changes to the structure and everything like that. So it's just tragic that it happened because it seems like it could have been avoided."

Rory and Mal echo these sentiments, discussing the broader implications of negligence in event safety and offering prayers for the victims and their families.

6. Listener Voicemails: Superstars in Hip Hop

Timestamp: 88:19 - 99:00

Listeners contribute voicemails discussing the concept of superstars in the modern hip-hop scene. Rory critiques the current generation's lack of sustained success, referencing artists like Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, Lil Baby, and Playboi Carti. He laments the absence of superstars akin to Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, asserting:

Rory [89:00]: "We've had great artists, but they've never even remotely come close to the superstar role the way those guys have."

Damaris and Mal provide counterpoints, acknowledging the dedication required to achieve superstar status and debating whether current artists possess the necessary consistency and commitment.

7. Listener Voicemails: Sexual Preferences and Lifestyle Choices

Timestamp: 90:15 - 118:56

A thought-provoking voicemail poses a hypothetical situation about choosing between partners based on physical appearance and sexual compatibility:

Listener [90:15]: "Would you rather be with someone who is like a dime, but their sex is just boring, or someone who looks a little mid but has more adventurous inhibitions?"

The trio navigates this sensitive topic with a mix of humor and serious reflection. Damaris critiques the concept, suggesting that those into swinging or unconventional sexual arrangements might have underlying insecurities. Rory contemplates the balance between physical attraction and deeper emotional connections, ultimately advocating for finding partners who align with one's values and desires.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 118:56 - End

As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate key points from their discussions, emphasizing the importance of health, meaningful relationships, and the evolving nature of the music industry. They encourage listeners to engage thoughtfully with the topics at hand and to consider the broader implications of personal choices on both individual well-being and community dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory [04:22]: "Justin Bieber is just a Care Bear. He cares."

• Damaris [04:16]: "They're people with feelings. They're not just... just there to save the universe."

• Rory [20:07]: "But I'm saying these guys wouldn't have done their mixtapes if it wasn't for 50 Cent."

• Damaris [86:26]: "It's just tragic that it happened because it seems like it could have been avoided."

• Rory [89:00]: "We've had great artists, but they've never even remotely come close to the superstar role the way those guys have."

• Listener Voicemail [90:15]: "Would you rather be with someone who is like a dime, but their sex is just boring, or someone who looks a little mid but has more adventurous inhibitions?"

Conclusion:

Episode 361 of "New Rory & MAL" offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful commentary on contemporary issues within the music industry and personal relationships. The hosts effectively balance light-hearted banter with serious discussions, creating an engaging narrative that resonates with a diverse audience. From dissecting the legacy of mixtapes to exploring the complexities of modern relationships, Rory, Mal, and Damaris provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful analysis.