Podcast Summary: New Rory & Mal – Episode 365 | I’m a Dog, I’m a Mutt

Release Date: April 25, 2025

In Episode 365 of New Rory & Mal, titled "I’m a Dog, I’m a Mutt," hosts Rory and Mal dive deep into a mix of candid conversations, societal observations, and an exclusive interview with rising R&B star Leon Thomas. This episode seamlessly blends humor with serious discussions, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful commentary.

1. Bottled Water Debate

The episode kicks off with Rory and Mal engaging in a spirited discussion about the state of bottled water in America. The conversation is sparked by alarming statistics about bottled water consumption:

• Leon Thomas cites, "65 or 68% of bottled water is actually just tap water" ([02:14]).
• Rory expresses skepticism, stating, "I feel like that's low. I feel like 90%. It's a lot of water. It's all markets and plastic" ([02:18]).

The duo debates the environmental impact and the authenticity of bottled water brands, ultimately ranking their least favorites:

1. Dasani – Leon unequivocally brands it as the worst.
2. Aquafina – Both agree on its dubious quality.
3. Evian (plastic bottle) – Rory criticizes its packaging, though he concedes its glass bottle variant.
4. Propel & Crystal Geyser – Criticized for their lack of distinction and quality issues.
5. Poland Spring – While accessible and affordable, its quality is questioned compared to other brands.

A notable moment includes Leon's humorous yet sharp remark: "Any water in a glass bottle cold. I can get enticed to go in a white van and get kidnaped" ([02:58]).

2. Controversy Surrounding Shannon Sharpe

Transitioning from lighter topics, Rory and Mal address the allegations of sexual assault against NFL legend Shannon Sharpe. This segment is both intense and informative, exploring the implications of these serious claims on Sharpe's career and public image.

Key Points Discussed:

• Nature of the Allegations: It’s alleged that Sharpe engaged in non-consensual sexual activities with a 19-year-old woman, raising significant ethical and legal concerns ([07:07]-[08:44]).

• Legal Representation: The discussion critiques Sharpe’s lawyer, Tony Busby, labeling him a "clown lawyer" and questioning his credibility and methods ([08:44]-[10:50]).

• Age Gap and Consent: The hosts dissect the problematic age difference between Sharpe and the accuser, emphasizing the ethical issues even if the relationship was consensual ([12:42]-[15:17]).

• Impact on Sharpe’s Career: They speculate on how these allegations could tarnish Sharpe's media presence and business negotiations, though acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the outcome ([16:51]-[19:12]).

• Public Perception and Media Influence: Rory notes a shift in how allegations are perceived in the modern era, suggesting that public accusations may not carry the same weight they once did ([17:31]-[19:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: "I'm not here to say anyone's innocent or guilty. I want to see just do through everything" ([10:41]).

• Leon Thomas: "Any water in a glass bottle cold. I can get enticed to go in a white van and get kidnaped" ([02:58]).

3. Exclusive Interview with Leon Thomas

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Leon Thomas, a talented songwriter and rising R&B artist. Leon discusses his journey in the music industry, his latest album "Mutt," and the intricacies of modern music production and promotion.

Topics Covered:

• Album "Mutt": Leon shares insights into his creative process, emphasizing the importance of live instrumentation and vulnerability in his music. He describes "Mutt" as a blend of catchy hooks and deep emotional content ([56:42]-[58:48]).

• Music Promotion in the Streaming Era: He advocates for continuous promotion post-release, highlighting how remixing and creating additional content can keep a track relevant on platforms like TikTok ([57:02]-[58:28]).

• Collaborations and Inspirations: Leon talks about working with industry legends like Mariah Carey and future collaborations with artists like John Mayer and Charlie Puth. He underscores the value of mentorship and paying it forward within the music community ([62:23]-[69:19]).

• Navigating Fame: Discussing the transition from being known for a hit single to establishing a solid artist identity, Leon emphasizes the balance between maintaining authenticity and adapting to industry demands ([61:56]-[66:32]).

• R&B Identity: The conversation delves into the evolving identity of R&B, debating its boundaries and how artists like Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey have shaped the genre's landscape ([44:00]-[81:16]).

Notable Quotes:

• Leon Thomas: "My whole argument was, it's the title track and it's upbeat. And I think we only have two months to roll this out. This is a great opportunity to pull people's eyes back into the other copyrights." ([56:42]).

• Elliot Wilson (Leon’s collaborator): "The truth is, if she is telling the truth, I'm so upset that she got the lawyer that she got, because that was your biggest mistake that you could have done." ([19:35]).

4. Listener Voicemails: Navigating Relationships and Financial Struggles

In the "Voicemails" segment, a listener named Josh reaches out with a personal dilemma about accepting financial help from his girlfriend after facing financial setbacks. The hosts offer a blend of humor and practical advice on maintaining masculinity and relationship dynamics in times of need.

Listener's Concern:

• Situation: A 26-year-old man, the primary provider for his family, faces financial strain after losing money in investments. His girlfriend offers financial assistance, which he finds hard to accept due to societal pressures to remain the sole provider.

Advice Given:

• Rory: "Know your worth, King. Let her give you that money. You don't pay her back. It's a soft era." ([90:21]).

• Elliot: "She sees everything you're going through, and you're probably venting to her. It's not a bad thing." ([91:26]).

• Leon Thomas: "You take that money from your girl, man, she gone, bro." ([90:29]).

• Josh: Emphasizes the importance of not equating financial assistance with diminished masculinity and encourages balancing current struggles with future financial planning ([91:16]-[93:56]).

Notable Interaction:

The conversation takes a humorous yet heartfelt turn as the hosts debate the implications of accepting help, blending serious advice with light-hearted banter about relationships and societal expectations ([93:05]-[94:56]).

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Guest Tease

As the episode nears its end, Rory and Mal briefly touch upon upcoming segments and tease future content, maintaining the podcast’s dynamic and engaging tone. They wrap up the episode by reaffirming their support for both their guests and listeners, ensuring a well-rounded and thoughtful conclusion.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 365 of New Rory & Mal masterfully balances lighthearted debates with profound discussions, encapsulating the essence of contemporary podcasting. Whether dissecting the bottled water industry, navigating the fallout of high-profile allegations, or exploring the depths of musical artistry with Leon Thomas, Rory and Mal deliver content that is both entertaining and enlightening. This episode serves as a compelling listen for anyone interested in genuine conversations about everyday issues, celebrity culture, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Leon Thomas ([02:14]): "65 or 68% of bottled water is actually just tap water."

• Rory ([02:18]): "I feel like that's low. I feel like 90%. It's a lot of water. It's all markets and plastic."

• Rory ([10:41]): "I'm not here to say anyone's innocent or guilty. I want to see just do through everything."

• Leon Thomas ([19:35]): "But you y'all in this story are doing what the patriarchy has told you is acceptable and is not."

• Rory ([90:21]): "Know your worth, King. Let her give you that money. You don't pay her back. It's a soft era."

• Elliot ([91:26]): "She sees everything you're going through, and you're probably venting to her. I don't know if you're taking therapy for everything that you're going through."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 365, providing a clear and engaging overview for both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.