Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 368 | Business Decisions
Released on May 6, 2025, "New Rory & MAL" is a vibrant podcast hosted by Rory and Mall under the banners of iHeartPodcasts and The Volume. Known for their fresh stories, humor, and unfiltered discussions, this episode delves into a variety of topics surrounding business decisions, cultural identity, financial literacy, and the evolving music industry.
1. Corporate Responsiveness and Brand Management
The episode kicks off with a discussion about Degree deodorant's recent decision to revert to its original Cool Rush formula after customer backlash. Rory highlights how rare it is for companies to listen and act on consumer feedback so transparently.
Notable Quote:
Rory [00:00]: “Degree listened. That doesn't happen often.”
2. Promoting Financial Literacy for Kids
Rory and Damaris transition into the importance of teaching financial literacy to children, introducing Greenlight as an effective tool for parents. They emphasize that investing in financial education is crucial for securing children's future success.
Notable Quote:
Damaris [01:46]: “Start prioritizing their financial education and future today with a risk free trial@greenlight.com.”
3. Cultural Identity and Ancestry Conversations
The hosts engage in a lighthearted yet meaningful conversation about their DNA test results, exploring their diverse ancestries. This leads to a broader discussion about cultural identity and the complexities of representing one’s heritage accurately in today's world.
Notable Quote:
Damaris [03:11]: “Yo. 29 is just a wild number.”
4. Parenting Styles and Discipline
Millie and Damaris debate modern versus traditional parenting styles, particularly focusing on the concept of "gentle parenting." They argue the merits of instilling discipline and respect in children to prepare them for real-life challenges.
Notable Quote:
Millie [16:05]: “Life is hard and you'll never survive it. If you survive it and learn how to find beauty in it.”
5. The Impact of Cancel Culture and "Woke" Society
The conversation shifts to reflect on the effects of cancel culture, especially in the wake of the tumultuous events of 2020. Rory and Damaris discuss how media and social timelines have distorted genuine activism, leading to increased suppression of individual voices.
Notable Quote:
Rory [18:18]: “With Greenlight, you can teach your kids financial literacy skills like earning, saving and investing.”
6. Podcast Guest Selection and Content Strategy
The hosts deliberate on the criteria for selecting podcast guests, using figures like Candace Owens and R. Kelly as case studies. They discuss the balance between engaging content and ethical considerations, ultimately deciding to avoid interviews that don't align with their core values or would lead to unproductive conversations.
Notable Quote:
Damaris [35:24]: “We could do the one on one. I'll produce that one same way we did the DJ Head shit.”
7. Personal Experiences in the Music Industry
Rory interacts with guest Millie, delving into Millie's journey in the rap industry. They discuss mentorship from industry legends like Kiss, the challenges of breaking into the competitive East Coast hip hop scene, and the importance of maintaining authenticity while navigating industry expectations.
Notable Quote:
Millie [50:31]: “Like, I'm really on the outside of the industry because I never had a major push.”
8. Evolution of Rap and Music Consumption
The conversation explores the changing landscape of rap music, comparing the authentic storytelling of the '90s to the gimmicky, viral-focused tracks of today. The hosts advocate for a return to "real" rap that reflects genuine experiences, criticizing the influence of platforms like TikTok in diluting musical depth.
Notable Quote:
Millie [100:08]: “So if you want that, like, that is out there, you know?”
9. Listener Engagement and Advice Segments
Towards the end, Rory and Millie address listener voicemails, focusing on how new artists can maintain authenticity while achieving mainstream success. They emphasize the importance of adapting to new consumption habits without sacrificing lyrical substance.
Notable Quote:
Millie [99:29]: “I'm talking about the movie 300, that they were born and raised.”
10. Reflections on Success and Community Support
Millie shares personal anecdotes about growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the unique challenges faced by artists from less recognized regions. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and authentic connections in overcoming industry barriers.
Notable Quote:
Millie [75:02]: “I feel like you see the videos and they think it's like really some Hollywood shit. They don't understand how treacherous it is.”
Concluding Thoughts
Throughout Episode 368, Rory and Mall blend humor with critical insights, offering listeners an engaging exploration of business decisions within the context of personal and cultural dynamics. They underscore the value of authenticity in both business and artistic endeavors, advocating for genuine engagement over superficial trends. The episode serves as a compelling narrative on navigating the complexities of modern business and cultural identity.
Final Quote:
Rory [116:01]: “Millie's, we appreciate you, man, and we'll see you soon, man. Love.”
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 368, highlighting key discussions and insights while maintaining the natural flow of the conversation. Notable quotes are included with proper speaker attribution and timestamps to provide context and authenticity.