New Rory & MAL – Episode 421 | "Maldani"
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Rory, Mal, Damaris, Amara, Cam
Special Guests: Ms. Pat (featured during the week), various recurring voices
Episode Overview
In this lively post–Election Day episode, the crew dives into the aftermath of New York City's dramatic mayoral race, the city’s shifting energy, and all the wild cultural and musical happenings of the week. True to form, the conversation ricochets through politics, viral moments, relationships, and music, all stitched together with irreverent humor and genuine takes. Notably, the legendary comedian Ms. Pat is highlighted for her recent appearance on the show and her approach to men's mental health.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. On "Songs That Should Have Been Bigger" and Hip-Hop Trends
- The crew debates why certain tracks, such as Drake's "Blem", never become hits, despite their quality.
- This segues into a conversation about Jay-Z’s "Off That" (Blueprint 3), acknowledging that most things Hov said were "off", actually never went out of style (chains, oversized clothes, fame-chasing, Timbs).
- Quote:
"Everything he said in Blueprint 3, we continue to do."
— Damaris (04:26) - Memorable Exchange:
- Cam: "The stock on chasing [fame] definitely went up." (04:47)
- Damaris: "Oversized clothes are back. Chains never went away. Making it rain—still happening." (04:54)
- Quote:
2. NYC Politics & The Mayoral Election
- The recent election sees Zoran Mamdani winning the mayoral seat, promising big changes for NYC.
- Cam jokes about the drama:
"Zoran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City. ... No matter who you voted for, Mamdani is your mayor." (12:34)
- Cam jokes about the drama:
- Discussion about NYC’s status, with hot takes on the idea that it's the 'second most powerful seat' in America.
- Damaris: "There's too many checks and balances. Like, the mayor can only do so much." (10:44)
- The crew calls out doomsayers who threaten to leave NYC over politics:
- "I'm calling your bluff. Do it." — Damaris (13:10)
3. Curtis Sliwa, Cats, and New York Lore
- In a wild segment, Damaris references a viral Curtis Sliwa cat documentary where he claims rats will self-abort if they sense a cat nearby.
- Cam: "If the female rat smells a cat, it will abort the pregnancy on its own." (14:52)
- The group riffs on the absurdity, spinning an entire comedy sketch about buying cats as a form of birth control.
"Buy a cat for your girl when she's pregnant." — Cam (16:08)
4. NYC Energy & Mayoral Candidates
- More lighthearted banter about local candidates, the unique vibe in NYC post-election, and prospective realities under Mamdani.
- Playful speculation about changes to come (e.g., legalized prostitution, congestion pricing, revival of the “old New York”).
5. Viral Moments & Social Media
- Damaris reflects on going viral for “the things I go viral for,” wishing it was for something lighter—like someone liking Pepsi (19:11).
- The group discusses Ms. Pat’s recent visit, noting her genuine, heartfelt humor and the positive impact of having her around for “Men’s Mental Health Month.”
6. Ms. Pat’s Guest Appearance & Men's Mental Health
- Recap of the episode with Ms. Pat, who brought her signature blend of care and comedy to the conversation around dealing with trauma.
- Damaris: "She made me feel seen while laughing." (20:57)
- The crew recommends checking out Ms. Pat’s Netflix special and her show “Ms. Pat Settles It.”
7. Travel, Safety, and Airport Hassles
- The team discusses the recent plane crash in Kentucky (27:40), the rise of conspiracy theorists enlisting “real experts,” and frustrations with airport security (clear, TSA PreCheck, Real IDs).
- Amara: "They're cutting. The people aren't showing up to work. Nobody's showing up to work because they're not getting paid." (31:53)
8. Life at Home, House-Spouse Fantasies, & Cooking
- Jokes about being a stay-at-home husband/wife and the therapeutic value of cooking.
- Cam: "If you like really know how to cook, I feel like you can go anywhere in the world and be fine." (37:05)
9. Train Journeys & Travel Dreams
- Amara expresses a desire for a scenic European train journey. Discussion veers into the Orient Express and joking about the “racy” connotations of its name.
- Damaris: "That just feels racist. I don't know why." (39:48)
10. NYC Vice & Prospective “New” New York
- Hypothetical fun about Times Square’s future, potential return of brothels, New Year’s Eve shenanigans, and the red light district vibe.
- Cam: "I think that's what will help bring back the vibe of New York City..." (45:00)
11. Music Industry & Legal Beefs (Cam’ron vs. J. Cole)
- The Cam’ron/J. Cole lawsuit is addressed, with sympathy for both sides and a call for squashing the beef via real conversation rather than courts.
- Damaris: "I want them to have this conversation on Cam show." (50:45)
12. Upcoming Biopics: Michael Jackson & Mike Tyson
- Excitement and apprehension about the new Michael Jackson biopic starring his nephew, Jafar Jackson.
- Damaris: "This is the real Michael Jackson movie." (52:35)
- The upcoming Jamie Foxx–led Mike Tyson series is also anticipated.
13. Boxing Drama: Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis
- The Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis fight is canceled, with controversy over promotion and Tank’s legal issues.
- Cam: “If you support this man, you support the most vile sin a man can commit…” (read from Jake Paul statement, 63:22)
- Debate on whether the cancellation is really about morals or business.
14. New Music, Star Power, & Rap Ratings
- Kodak Black’s new album garners praise, with discussion on whether he’s a better rapper than NBA Youngboy.
- NLE Choppa’s “star power” is debated—are people more interested in artists’ personalities or their music?
- Amara: "People care more about them than their music." (76:09)
- Plan for hosts to each listen to an unfamiliar artist and report back with reviews—an effort to broaden musical horizons.
15. Listener Questions & Relationship Advice
- Josephine from Amsterdam calls in, asking for advice on dating and finding a “cool and also cringy” guy after years of bad dates (88:53).
- Amara: "If something isn't coming to you... higher powers want you to focus on something else." (90:15)
- Damaris: "I think getting back out there, unfortunately, is a volume game." (91:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Jay Z's cultural predictions:
"The stock on chasing [fame] definitely went up." — Cam (04:47)
-
On cats as birth control (absurd humor):
"If the female rat smells a cat, it will abort the pregnancy on its own." — Cam (14:52) "Buy a cat for your girl when she's pregnant." — Cam (16:08)
-
On the changing spirit of NYC post-election:
"The energy is already different in the city." — Damaris (05:48)
"I saw AK on 42nd in a brand new Honda Civic with BBS's on it. That's how I knew that energy was... I've never seen BBS's on a Honda Civic before." — Damaris (11:44) -
On viral moments:
"I wish I could go viral like Mall for liking Pepsi." — Damaris (19:20)
-
On Ms. Pat's approach:
"She made me feel seen while laughing." — Damaris (20:57)
-
On life goals:
"If you like really know how to cook, I feel like you can go anywhere in the world and be fine." — Cam (37:05)
-
On the allure of European train rides:
"I want to ride the Wild Wild West train." — Damaris (40:20)
-
On settling and relationships:
"Can you settle for something you love?... Not settle. I choose this." — Cam (93:25)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Jay Z/Drake & Music Trends: 03:35–05:15
- NYC Mayoral Election & Zoran Mamdani: 07:00–14:00
- Curtis Sliwa Cat Abortion Story: 14:24–17:20
- Ms. Pat, Trauma & Men’s Mental Health: 19:52–21:23
- Plane Crash & Airport Woes: 27:40–34:40
- Orient Express & Travel Dreams: 39:45–43:15
- NYC Vice, Brothels, and Times Square Riffs: 45:00–47:00
- Cam’ron vs. J. Cole Lawsuit: 48:47–51:57
- Michael Jackson Biopic Discussion: 52:00–56:56
- Boxing: Jake Paul/Tank Davis Canceled: 59:52–67:02
- Listener Relationship Question: 88:32–95:55
Takeaway
This episode brims with the irreverent chemistry that makes New Rory & MAL a favorite in hip hop podcasting. With biting humor and authenticity, the crew fearlessly discusses local and pop culture, politics, music, and life’s absurdities. Highlights include the deep NYC mayoral dive, zany Curtis Sliwa stories, real-life relationship advice, and meta commentary on the ever-changing music and media landscape.
For Further Listening
- Replay the Ms. Pat guest episode and check her Netflix special (“Ms. Pat Settles It”).
- Cue up Jay Z’s “Off That,” Drake’s “Blem,” and Kodak Black’s “Just Getting Started.”
- Watch for Rory, Mal, and friends’ upcoming reviews of new music artists (Mike, Sasha Keeble, NLE Choppa, and Renee Rapp)—the musical homework assignment will return!
End of Summary