New Rory & MAL Podcast: Episode 362 | "Plan B"

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Rory, Mal, Damaris, Josh
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. School Nutrition and Health Concerns ([02:07] - [07:05])

The episode kicks off with a candid discussion about the quality of school meals, focusing on the overuse of processed ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. Mal recalls, "They started giving us salads when I got to like ninth grade" ([03:02]), highlighting the decline in meal quality. Rory adds his frustration, stating, "It was definitely in a can" ([03:35]), emphasizing the lack of fresh and appealing options for students.

2. Hospital Food Experiences ([07:17] - [08:17])

Damaris shares an alarming tale of visiting a friend’s nephew in the hospital, where he was served grilled cheese and sugary cranberry juice despite battling a respiratory infection. She questions the logic behind such food choices, remarking, "Why would they give you cheese?" ([04:38]). Rory humorously counters, "Because they're investing into their client long term" ([04:38]), sparking a light-hearted yet critical conversation about hospital food standards.

3. Fashion Trends and Personal Style ([00:31] - [01:01])

Shifting gears, Rory and Damaris dive into current fashion trends, emphasizing the importance of designer shoes and versatile clothing. Rory muses, "Want to pull the season's freshest trends? You just need the right shoes," ([00:31]) while Damaris recommends pairing wide-leg jeans with sleek sneakers, providing listeners with practical style tips.

4. Coachella Performances and Music Industry Insights ([11:25] - [35:42])

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Coachella, where the hosts dissect various performances and their impact on the music scene. Damaris praises T-Pain’s enduring influence, stating, "He's somebody who always finds a way to still give us great, great music" ([18:21]). Rory highlights Missy Elliott's dynamic stage presence, saying, "Missy brought her whole vision visually with her videos and things like that" ([19:20]). They also discuss emerging artists like Glorilla and Vibes Cartel, comparing their performances to industry legends and exploring how live shows evolve with technology.

5. Mixtapes and the Rap Industry's Mount Rushmore ([35:42] - [57:59])

The hosts engage in an animated debate over the "Mount Rushmore" of rappers, emphasizing the crucial role mixtapes have played in shaping careers. Rory asserts, "50 laid the blueprint that everyone on that Mount Rushmore used afterwards" ([45:43]), acknowledging his influence on the mixtape culture. The conversation extends to the inclusion of white rappers, with Damaris advocating for artists like Logic, while Rory and Mal discuss the challenges of representation and legacy within the genre.

6. Music Industry Conflicts: 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule ([59:05] - [74:58])

Delving into longstanding rivalries, the episode examines the feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule. Rory reflects on Ja Rule's mature approach in interviews, noting, "Ja Rule was being very mature about the entire thing," ([72:28]) contrasting it with 50 Cent’s combative nature. Damaris adds, "They've probably been in beef longer than half of their lives," ([74:09]), highlighting the deep-rooted tensions and their impact on the artists' careers.

7. Listener's Voicemail: Travel Advice After a Breakup ([89:07] - [112:47])

A humorous and relatable segment features a listener seeking advice on planning a solo trip post-breakup. The hosts offer playful suggestions, debating destinations and the logistics of solo travel. Damaris jokes, "Go to Columbia and get a little fun," ([112:16]) while Mal advises practicality, recommending affordable options like Target for luggage ([115:21]). This segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and ability to blend humor with genuine advice.

8. Parenting and Relationships Dynamics ([75:04] - [98:59])

Transitioning to more personal topics, the conversation shifts to parenting roles and relationships. The hosts debate the best living arrangements for raising children based on gender, with Damaris advocating for mothers primarily raising daughters while fathers focus on sons ([103:38]). Mal and Rory discuss teenage behavior, emphasizing the importance of stability and support for adolescents navigating their formative years.

9. Music Industry Dynamics and Additional Topics ([80:41] - [117:54])

Further discussions touch on various facets of the music industry, including the influence of publicists, the evolution of mixtapes, and the role of technology in modern music promotion. They also briefly review cultural phenomena like "Black Mirror" and upcoming reality series like "Vanderpump Villa," integrating these topics seamlessly into the broader conversation about entertainment and media.

Notable Quotes:

• Damaris on School Food Quality: "Why would they give you cheese?" ([04:38])
• Rory on School Meal Frustration: "It was definitely in a can." ([03:35])
• Damaris on Hospital Food Standards: "Hospitals are really going insane that they're giving this kid grilled cheese… America is the craziest place in the world, bro." ([04:38])
• Rory on Missy Elliott's Performance: "Missy brought her whole vision visually with her videos and things like that." ([19:20])
• Rory on 50 Cent's Influence: "50 laid the blueprint that everyone on that Mount Rushmore used afterwards." ([45:43])
• Damaris on Rap Feuds: "They've probably been in beef longer than half of their lives." ([74:09])

Conclusion:

Episode 362 of "New Rory & MAL" offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from societal issues like school and hospital nutrition to vibrant debates about the music industry and personal life advice. The hosts’ dynamic interactions, combined with their insightful commentary and humorous exchanges, create an engaging listening experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking for new and longtime listeners alike.

Note: Timestamps are indicative and correspond to the transcript provided.