Ride with Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone

Episode: Chill Restaurants + Conversation Starters
Release Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Dear Media

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone return to bring their irreverent, comedic chemistry to the topics of “chill” restaurants and the art of conversation starters. With their trademark blend of pop culture, personal anecdotes, and sharp social commentary, the two besties bounce between lighthearted banter about dinner table dynamics and a searing critique of the current American political climate. This episode is equal parts witty chaos, heartfelt frustration, and practical advice for anyone looking to elevate their social experiences—or their activism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Vibes & Pop Culture Musings

• Morning Rituals & Inside Jokes: The duo open with playful banter about their signature “Morning!” bit, referencing the continuity and charm of their friendship.
• Interstellar & Love as a Universal Force ([00:51]):
  • Benito: “Today we're going to talk about Interstellar and how love is the most powerful thing in the universe.”
  • Both agree that, though love is powerful, current times make it hard to feel hopeful.
• Narnia & Fleabag Shout-outs ([01:12]–[02:04]):
  • Fascination with Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia film.
  • Tilda Swinton’s performance and outlandish costumes.
  • Loving rewatching “Fleabag” and missing Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
  • <em>Quote</em>: “Phoebe, if you’re listening, we miss you, girl.” – Benito ([02:01])

Political Rant: Disillusionment & Demands for Change ([03:29]–[16:27])

• Democratic Party Critique:
  • Frustration with establishment Democrats’ reluctance to support progressive candidates like Zran Mohamdani.
  • Disappointment over centrist platforms and performative politics (e.g., fan cams of Kamala Harris).
  • Memorable quote: “Stop trying to appeal to Republicans because they're never going to vote for you... The most evil person won.” – Mary Beth ([07:02])
  • Calls for politicians to stop podcasting and start actually governing ([06:25]).
• Anecdotes & Pop Culture Parallels:
  • Tyra Banks’ “learn something from this” as a metaphor for party leadership.
  • Bernie Sanders and AOC touring the country as a hopeful note.
  • “Would you rather take money from a corrupt super PAC and lose, or do a grassroots effort and get people excited?” ([09:23])
• Dystopian Realities:
  • Fear over rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, especially gay marriage ([12:03]).
  • Outcry about the painting over Pulse nightclub memorials ([12:30], [13:37]).
  • “This is pure evil... I just cannot believe these people can sleep at night.” – Benito ([13:43])
• Personal Stake & Call to Action:
  • Frustrated hope for grassroots candidates (e.g., “oysterman” Graham Plantner in Maine).
  • “We also need good candidates.”
  • “Sometimes we have to get serious, but we also like to have a lot of fun… When we need to activate the army of Love, we will let you know.” ([15:00]–[15:18])

Main Themes: Chill Restaurants & Conversation Starters

Conversation Starters: Bringing Zing to Dinner ([17:22]–[31:43])

• Why It Matters:
  • Benito rides for chill restaurants; Mary Beth rides for conversation starters.
  • Emphasis on “the conversation is the main course”—the meal is just a setting.
• How to Break the Ice:
  • Mary Beth suggests bold questions even among friends: “I just go, how did everyone lose their virginity?” ([23:10])
  • Insight into queer experiences about defining ‘losing virginity.’
  • Favorite prompts include:
    • What’s your biggest fight? (for couples) ([24:41])
    • First lie you remember telling ([26:05])
    • Craziest thing you did in college ([29:09])
    • Least favorite job ([29:41])
    • First time you knew you were in love ([29:10])
  • Warns against “Rosebud Thorn”—a played out prompt ([25:45]).
• Building Intimacy & Fun:
  • Encouragement to keep trying, even with parents or new friends.
  • “Don’t be afraid to do them even with just your partner… electrify parents!” ([30:10])

Chill Restaurants: The Dinner We Deserve ([39:54]–[48:53])

• What Makes Restaurants 'Chill':
  • Frustration with overcomplicated, “we do things differently” restaurant concepts ([40:00]).
  • Preference for classic dining: “You get the menu, you order, you have that interaction. To me, that's just like, perfect.” – Benito ([40:55])
  • Annoyance with “no seating before your whole party arrives” and dogmatic reservation rules ([40:55], [42:27]).
  • Critique of “shared plates” culture at large tables—“fighting, it’s fighter” ([41:46]).
• Dealing with the Unchill:
  • Outrage at people who say “no dessert” and then “take a lot of bites” ([43:00]).
  • Stories of servers refusing basic requests (“the chef prefers if you don't have aioli”) ([52:52]).
• Small Business vs. Tech-Driven Food Delivery:
  • Warning against “Wonder Kitchen,” a ghost kitchen conglomerate: “It's devaluing food in general... It's just slop that arrives.” ([46:15])
  • Rallying listeners to support local, independently-owned spots (shout out: Nico's Wine Shop, Dune, Atwater) ([45:18]–[45:51]).
• Petty Joys:
  • The awkward dance of splitting bills with new tap card technology ([48:15]).
  • Pet peeves about meme-sending etiquette in friendships and dating ([34:22]–[35:28]).

Sweet Moments & Friendship Love

• When Did You Fall for Me? ([31:43]–[33:37])
  • The duo exchange heartfelt memories of when their friendship “clicked.”
    • “I knew I was in love with you the day we shot JVN as Jesus.” – Mary Beth ([32:28])
    • Clusterfest sleepover stories, blue eyeshadow, and diner runs.
• Support Through Laughter:
  • Their distinct comfort with vulnerability, sharing moments of insecurity about negative feedback and online comments ([27:44], [28:21]).

Memorable Quotes

• “People are not going to get excited by a centrist, by a moderate. We're just not. If they wanted to vote for you, they would.” – Benito ([10:02])
• “I just want to say... Sometimes the most powerful conversation starter is saying nothing.” – Benito ([52:28])
• “You make the food, I eat the food. Give me the sauce.” – Mary Beth ([53:11])
• “Don't be afraid of conversation starters… electrify parents!” – Benito ([30:13])
• “Bisexual. Well, yeah. But you're also my ride or die.” – Mary Beth to Benito ([49:57])

Notable Moments with Timestamps

• Political Statement & Frustration: [03:29]–[10:33]
• Critique of Modern Restaurant Concepts: [39:54]–[41:34]
• Dinner Table Faux Pas (Dessert-gate): [43:00]
• Ghost Kitchen Rant (Wonder Kitchen): [45:55]–[47:55]
• Heartfelt Friendship Exchanges: [31:43]–[33:37]
• Favorite Conversation Starters: [23:10], [24:41], [26:05], [29:09], [31:09]
• Parent Electrifying Tactic: [30:10]

Episode Tone & Style

• Playful, Honest, and Relatable: Their banter juggles dry wit and vulnerable candor, brimming with pop culture references and personal pet peeves.
• Culturally Savvy but Grounded: They’re tastemakers and online darlings, but their concerns about community and authenticity run deep.
• Friendship as Foundation: The episode constantly circles back to the joy, support, and enduring bond between Benito and Mary Beth, celebrating the comfort of a best-friend dynamic that “gets it.”

Takeaways for Listeners

• For fun dinners, dare to ask zesty, revealing questions—even of familiar faces.
• Support local restaurants and beware tech-driven ghost kitchens that sacrifice quality for convenience.
• Don’t let political fatigue turn into apathy—organize, advocate, and demand more from those in power.
• Cherish your ride-or-die friends, and don’t be afraid to get real in every context.

Signature Sign-off:
“Hope everyone has a chill dinner tonight full of conversation, zingers and politics. We love you so much, Folklore.” – Benito ([53:27])