Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone - Episode: Basic Manners + Puss in Boots
Release Date: July 9, 2025

In this vibrant episode of "Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone," hosted by Dear Media, Benito and Mary Beth navigate a delightful blend of pop culture commentary and social discourse. Centered around the themes of basic manners and the beloved character Puss in Boots, the episode offers listeners a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful insights.

1. Setting the Stage: Summer Kickoff and Personal Updates

The episode begins with Benito and Mary Beth exchanging casual greetings and sharing updates about their current environments—Mary Beth in Los Angeles and Benito in New York. This light-hearted introduction sets a relaxed tone for the ensuing discussions.

Notable Quote:

• Mary Beth Barone [00:55]: "Well, seasons are a construct. It's freezing in New York. Maybe it's warm today. I'm not sure."

2. Deep Dive into Puss in Boots and Shrek Sequels

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the "Puss in Boots" franchise and its connection to the "Shrek" series. Benito reminisces about the original "Shrek" movie, praising its impact and the seamless continuation in its sequels.

Notable Quotes:

• Benito Skinner [16:14]: "But they did. Dare I say, as good as the original. Some people say better."
• Mary Beth Barone [17:08]: "And he does the best possible voice performances."

The hosts express admiration for Antonio Banderas's portrayal of Puss in Boots, highlighting the character's blend of charm, wit, and complexity. They discuss the animation quality of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," noting its painterly aesthetic and mature themes that appeal to both younger and older audiences.

Notable Quote:

• Benito Skinner [19:54]: "It's very. It has this painterly quality to it where everything just looks like a painting."

3. Exploring the Thematic Depth of Animated Films

Benito and Mary Beth delve into the deeper themes presented in "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," such as confronting mortality and existential reflections. They commend the film for its ability to balance entertainment with meaningful messages, making it a standout in animated cinema.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Beth Barone [20:31]: "And it was totally shocking."
• Benito Skinner [20:37]: "How do you live your life?"

4. The Decline and Revival of Basic Manners in Society

Transitioning from animated films, the duo shifts focus to the societal erosion of basic manners. Mary Beth passionately advocates for the reinstatement of simple courtesies like holding doors open, making eye contact, and offering genuine compliments. She argues that these small gestures can significantly enhance interpersonal relationships and foster a more considerate community.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Beth Barone [28:29]: "I think we've really lost basic manners in our current society... it's really the basic stuff."
• Mary Beth Barone [30:26]: "Having a dog has actually helped me because I can't really go for a walk and text at the same time... I have to stop."

Benito humorously shares his discomfort with prolonged eye contact, especially emphasizing his sensitivity to blue eyes, adding a relatable and comedic layer to the discussion.

Notable Quote:

• Benito Skinner [33:38]: "Jackson, I have blue eyes. Well, sweetie, that's why I kind of have to. I give you a little bit and then I have to look away."

5. Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Exchanges

Throughout the episode, Benito and Mary Beth intersperse their discussions with personal stories and playful banter. Benito recounts a childhood memory of presenting at the Boise Zoo, filled with humorous apprehensions about his peers' reactions, while Mary Beth shares amusing tidbits from her performances and interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Benito Skinner [07:20]: "I was in this room presenting, and then all of them start laughing... It was just a threesome."
• Mary Beth Barone [35:26]: "I did it live for the first time at a show last night."

Their chemistry shines through these exchanges, making the conversation engaging and relatable for listeners.

6. Emphasizing Empathy and Positive Interactions

Reinforcing the importance of basic manners, Mary Beth emphasizes the role of empathy in fostering positive interactions. She highlights how small acts of kindness and genuine engagement can uplift someone's day and promote a more empathetic society.

Notable Quote:

• Mary Beth Barone [31:53]: "Maybe this week is... your time to shoot your shot with your crush."

7. Concluding Thoughts and Shared Support

As the episode draws to a close, Benito and Mary Beth reaffirm their support for each other's endeavors and the importance of maintaining civility in daily interactions. They encourage listeners to implement the discussed manners in their lives, fostering a more respectful and kind community.

Notable Quotes:

• Benito Skinner [38:23]: "I ride for manners. I think it's what we were talking about. It's like, I think we all have to take care of each other."
• Mary Beth Barone [39:02]: "I think it could be fun."

Key Takeaways:

• Puss in Boots Appreciation: The hosts' enthusiasm for the character and the "Shrek" series underscores the cultural impact of these animated films.
• Manners Matter: Mary Beth's advocacy for basic manners highlights a societal shift towards more considerate and empathetic interactions.
• Balancing Humor and Insight: Benito and Mary Beth adeptly blend humor with meaningful discussions, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

This episode serves as both a heartfelt homage to beloved animated characters and a compelling call to reintegrate simple courtesies into our daily lives. Whether you're a fan of witty banter or looking for thoughtful social commentary, Benito and Mary Beth deliver an episode that is both entertaining and enlightening.