New Rory & MAL - Episode 424: "Pearl Necklace"

Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Rory, Mal, and Damaris bring their signature mix of stories, music takes, and irreverent humor. The trio discuss highlights from a recent private listener mixer, review new music from Wale and Summer Walker, dive into the dynamics of approaching in dating, react to viral social media debates, and offer their unique perspectives on everything from sneaker comfort to podcast boxing matches.

Listener Mixer Recap

[03:37–08:14]

• The team recaps a private mixer they hosted at the office with Patreon and Discord supporters.
• Mal and Rory stayed late, closing the night out around 5 AM, while other hosts left earlier.
• Shout outs to listeners Dory, Nene, Kiara (praised for going to the gym hungover), and event organizer Dory who flew in from Atlanta.
• Damaris: “Kiara went to the gym the next day. That bitch better than me.” [05:26]
• Hosts joked about cheekless nights and no romantic outcomes, underscoring the platonic, positive energy.

Office Party Antics

[08:14–14:00]

• Rory recalls a moment at the mixer where he joked candidly with a listener about her “non-practicing monogamy”:
  • Damaris: “This man looked this girl dead on her face and said, ‘Oh, so you hoe?’”
  • Rory: “I’m not literally saying I think she’s a hoe…her situation came off a little hoeish, that’s all.” [07:42–08:08]
• The group discusses “ethical non-monogamy,” with Damaris sharing prior experience and explaining the concept:
  • “Ethical means that you’re honest with all parties about not being monogamous. Some people are non-monogamous and ain’t ethical at all.” [08:53]

Dental Adventures & Physical Glow-Ups

[09:26–13:40]

• Mal talks about dental procedures, having his teeth ground down for new veneers, and the pain/numbness that lasted longer than expected.
• Damaris considers getting dental work at the same place (Glendale Dentistry in Queens), and teases Rory for “an underbite,” to which he reacts:
  • Rory: “If I had an underbite, I would have been at Glendale Dentistry years ago to fix that shit. You got me twisted.” [12:39]
• Rory boasts of his hair braided by Camilla, the only person he trusts with his hair.

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

Wale – Everything Is a Lot

[14:00–18:07]

• High praise for Wale's new album:
  • Mall: “This project…is right on par with everything else Wale has ever put out.”
  • Both hosts agree Wale has a top-tier discography and unmatched intro tracks.
  • Rory mentions only a minor critique with the track “Conundrum”—wishing it had a second verse.
• Discussion on Wale’s attention to detail, versatility (particularly with Afrobeats), and status as an underrated artist.
  • Mall: “It is kind of crazy to me that Wale is still getting better at rapping at this point in his career.” [14:36]

Summer Walker – Finally Over It

[21:30–27:58]

• Positive reviews for Summer’s third entry in the "Over It" trilogy, though Damaris notes it’s her “third favorite” among Summer’s projects.
• In-depth breakdown of standout tracks:
  • “Go Girl” (mixed fan reception online but praised by hosts)
  • “Situationships,” “Give Me a Reason,” “1-800-Heartbreak” featuring Anderson .Paak: “That might be one of my favorite verses of the year…Anderson just got off.” [23:59]
  • “Robbed U” (sampling 50 Cent) discussed for its narrative about vulnerability in relationships.
• Debate about whether the album’s upbeat, less vulnerable content is fitting for the "Over It" trilogy closure.

Sneaker & Style Talk

[19:15–21:27]

• Quick detour into sneaker style and comfort, mainly around Air Max 95s and New Balance 990s.
  • Mall and Rory reminisce about sneaker culture in Baltimore/PG County, and how New Balances became a staple.
  • Discussion of most comfortable shoes ever owned (Y3s and orthopedic New Balances get honorable mention).

Social Media Virality & AI Content

[61:59–64:31]

• The hosts call out the rise in fake/skit content, especially couple "drama" scenarios on Facebook and the prevalence of AI-generated videos.
  • Damaris notes she found an AI-generated animation of her moving in a photo—creepy and unsolicited.
• Conversation on how baby boomers are now more vulnerable to misinformation than kids.
  • Rory: “It was so easy to manipulate kids because they didn’t know any better. Now it’s so easy to manipulate, like, baby boomers…the roles have completely reversed.” [63:49]

Topical Hot Takes

On Pusha T’s Diaper Comment

[51:21–55:17]

• Internet debated Pusha T's Instagram caption thanking his wife for never teaching him how to change diapers or cook.
  • Rory: “Pusha T know how to change a diaper. This is just shit talking. He definitely knows how to do that.” [53:30]
  • Team agrees: their dynamic seems consensual and ideal for them; internet outrage is misplaced.

Nannies and Child Care

[57:00–60:32]

• Damaris advocates for help (nannies) as beneficial even for stay-at-home parents, explaining that with multiple kids, assistance improves quality of time and parenting.
• Rory and Mal discuss the demanding nature of childcare and their admiration for daycare workers.

Visiting Grave Sites

[65:05–68:06]

• On the viral skit of a man catching his fiancée at her deceased ex’s grave: hosts agree the clip was obviously staged.
• Leads to thoughtful discussion on funerals and grief processes:
  • Rory and Mall reflect on not wanting to see loved ones in open casket viewings.
  • Mall: “I want to remember them the way I remember them—not the last flash I have is…just a lifeless body.” [66:49]

Rap Personalities, Petty Matchups, & Versus Debates

[41:35–50:53]

• Discussed photo of Cam’ron, Mase, and Max B sitting together; speculated on the possibility of partnerships—whether this indicates business moves or petty Harlem optics relating to Jim Jones (but hope it’s about positive business).
• Tony Yayo’s challenge to Memphis Bleek for a Verzuz:
  • Mall and Rory break down their respective catalogs; both have enough hits/features to make it a close battle, pushing back on the idea that Bleek would get "washed."

Fights, Boxers, & Celebrity Matches

[71:22–75:33]

• Covers the prevalence of influencer/celebrity boxing (Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua), speculating on the future decline of interest and how streaming/celebrity fights are being promoted for spectacle.
  • Rory: “Not unless you see Terence Crawford vs. Jake Paul…I will be tuning in.” [74:54]
• Speculates about the future of “podcast boxing” if Saudi money enters the game.

Voicemail Segment

[88:04–88:14, 88:12–98:05]

• Caller debate: Is it OK for women to approach men?
  • Mall & Rory: Absolutely, and honestly, men are often oblivious to being flirted with—women should signal more directly.
  • Damaris shares her experience: she often has to shoot her shot because men are intimidated by her strong personality.
    • “I learned…men were intimidated by me…” [91:47]
• Discussion on male and female egos; women can take rejection harder because they’re not used to it.
• The trio laughs about scenarios where someone gets “set up and robbed” after casual hookups.
  • [95:07] Damaris (referencing the episode title): “You can steal that pearl necklace right off your neck after I give her one like that.”
• Lighthearted talk of rejection, dating, and relationship dynamics; Damaris is candid about being “too much” for a lot of men.

Club Etiquette & Women’s Social Circles

[108:31–109:40]

• Hosts wind down with a debate over "club etiquette" and whether women’s club friends are genuine.
  • Mall: “Women don’t be having friends.”
  • Damaris: “I have close friends that I wouldn’t take to the club because they don’t know club etiquette.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mall on the Wale album: “Wale is one of the few rappers that can experiment with different sounds from different regions of the world throughout the album. And it doesn’t feel forced.” [17:25]
• Damaris on vulnerability in Summer Walker albums: “I think I prefer the production on one a little bit more and I prefer the vulnerability on another one a little bit more.” [25:47]
• Rory on Internet rage: “People just be looking for anything to be upset about.” [55:51]
• Rory on being approached: “Nothing is better than when you flirting with a girl and your shit is working. When your material is hitting.” [93:07]

Episode Highlights by Timestamp

• Listener mixer recap: [03:37–06:50]
• “Ethical non-monogamy” banter: [07:42–08:53]
• Wale album review: [14:00–17:25]
• Summer Walker album review: [21:30–27:58]
• Pusha T “super mom” post analysis: [51:21–55:17]
• Sneaker convo: [19:15–21:27]
• Fake skits/AI: COVID-era content: [61:59–64:31]
• Max B x Cam’ron x Mase optics: [41:35–44:27]
• Versuz (Yayo vs Bleek): [47:16–50:53]
• Voicemail segment (women approaching men): [88:04–98:05]

Final Thoughts

This episode sees New Rory & MAL in their comfort zone: mixing event stories, music nerd debates, cultural hot takes, and casual vulnerability, always with a sharp comedic edge. The pace is brisk, the banter unfiltered, and the chemistry as vibrant as ever—making for an episode packed with laughs, debates, and reveals both personal and absurd.

No matter where you’re tuning in, if you missed this episode, you missed the full spectrum: music culture, club rules, dental work sagas, and relationship philosophies—topped off with what might be the best defense ever of getting “robbed” for a pearl necklace.