Chill Restaurants + Conversation Starters

Summary

Ride with Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone

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

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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.

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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])

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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]

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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.”

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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.

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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])

Transcript

[A]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[B]

Hey, can you come pick me up?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

What's wrong?

[A]

Nothing.

[C]

Are you sure?

[A]

Yeah. No, I just need a ride.

[C]

Ride.

[B]

I just want to have fun.

[A]

Start your engine. Take it.

[C]

I'm Benito Skinner.

[B]

I'm Mary Beth Barone and this is Ride.

[C]

Ride. Morning.

[A]

We're going to do Morning again.

[C]

Imagine just how, like, how moved on everyone will be. I think that's why Ride is so special to me.

[A]

We're not. We haven't moved on yet.

[C]

Come on, you guys are tastemakers. You should be on the Pulse. And we go, no, no, we'll never.

[A]

Be on the Pulse.

[C]

No, Today we're talking about Interstellar.

[A]

Today we're going to talk about interstellar and how love is the most powerful thing in the universe.

[C]

Do you think it is? Do you really think it is?

[A]

I do.

[C]

I do too. I completely.

[A]

But it's just really hard right now.

[C]

It reminds me of something I would like to talk to you about. I just did it for you and you go, is that a TikTok thing? And I'm so. I'm so proud to report it's actually not.

[A]

It's not.

[C]

This is from a film so recently. Because I'm so excited for Greta Gerwig's Narnia, the Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Wardrobe, which just. Oh, my God, fabulous film. Tilda Swinton is, like absolutely breathtaking in it. Her costumes are insane.

[B]

The costume designer, I've never seen it.

[C]

Oh, it's shocking. You should watch it. I will say at times, because of these weird TVs that exist. It does look like. It's so green screen. Also, I. I was watching Fleabag. I rewatched Fleabag. Oh, my God.

[A]

Okay. Copy me much?

[C]

No. I'm like so obsessed with every move you make. It's like every time I watch it, I'm reminded, like, just how good it is. The part where she says hi to her sister. Her sister's like the guy she loves. And then to the camera. Hi, Claire. Hi. Hi, cla. Hi. That's just like. She's just.

[A]

It's so genius.

[C]

I miss her.

[A]

I miss her, too. Phoebe, if you're listening, we miss you, girl.

[C]

It's very like When Gotham really needed Batman. It'd be a good time for you to come home now, Phoebe. Waller Bridge, we need you, girl, Please. So I'm watching Narnia and this girl, the young girl, I think her name is Lucy. In it, Santa pops out of nowhere. He makes this Crazy cameo in the Chronicles of Narnia. And it's kind of like, okay, miss.

[A]

It's like when Einstein's in Oppenheimer.

[C]

Exactly. I'm like, oh, shit. Okay. So now it's the real world. Because I know. You know. You won't let me talk about him.

[A]

I won't let you talk about Santa.

[C]

No. So the young girl just goes, I thought that wasn't Christmas in Narnia. And I couldn't stop saying it in a way that it's ruining my relationships. But everyone does laugh when they do it with the people around me. I just can't believe I haven't done it to you.

[A]

You haven't. But I also feel like it's more seasonal. Like, this should be, you know, a November, December situation.

[C]

No, see, that's just not how it's gonna work for me. It's gonna be when I see Narnia. It's just gonna happen. So this was just kind of immediate, and I had to get it out there. So to anyone who wants to try this, just look deadpan in a mirror and go, I thought that wasn't Christmas in Narnia.

[A]

And then go. Morning.

[C]

Kerplug is now in two episodes of two episodes. I'm good. That'll be enough. Sorry, you guys. I.

[A]

That's what you said. You say that now.

[C]

I don't think they're gonna fuck with it. I'm scared for my kids.

[A]

We always think that. Give them a chance to surprise you.

[C]

I know when I'm. Guan is not at the level I thought it'd be.

[A]

We haven't really talked about politics in a while, and I just need. I need to speak on it briefly.

[C]

I'm so. Please. The floor is yours.

[A]

Because we're very. It's like. It's really scary right now. Than here at the Geneva Convention.

[C]

Geneva Convention. We love you here in Switzerland. I live here.

[A]

This is long, by the way. What I'm about to say is long. I wrote it down because I get flustered when I talk about it. And then I end up not really saying the things that I want to say.

[C]

I think more people should have full statements, like, written.

[A]

Totally agree.

[C]

We should be able to just do that.

[A]

Written or spoken.

[C]

I had that thought when I was listening to a few, like, you know, like, wedding speeches. When someone just kind of goes off the dome. I'm like, I don't know if that's what that's for.

[A]

No, it's not time for that. You should plan it. Have some restrictions.

[C]

What about the paper.

[A]

Even paper. I do prefer to paper to phone, but right now I'm reading off my phone. Hey, I don't have a printer.

[C]

No worries. We'll blur it in post studio.

[A]

Yeah, please do. I'm noticing, I mean, we're all noticing that some establishment Democrats are. Aren't endorsing Zran Mohamdani for mayor, even though he won the primary by a lot and voters really love him. And now I'm seeing that Kamala has a book coming out about losing the election. So I need to talk about some of these things. It's really bothering me. So I'm just wondering how many Democrats have to lose before the leaders of this party will sort of wake up to what's going on. Yeah, because we don't really want centrist candidates. We don't want weak policies. We don't want bullshit. We want progressive candidates.

[C]

Change, baby, change.

[A]

Who are willing to stand up for the working class, fight for the LGBTQ plus community, preserve democracy. It's very basic things that we're asking of our party. And we are slipping into fascism right now, and people are scared. So we were told time and time again that 2024 was the most important election of our lifetime, that democracy was on the line. The stakes could not have been dropped. It was. The stakes couldn't have been higher.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

We knew exactly what the Republicans planned to do. They literally published it online. It was called Project 2025. And instead of giving us a progressive candidate with a clear platform, we got fan cams of Kamala at rallies set to Beyonce songs. I don't mind that. I love that as a concept.

[C]

Yeah. I love that. With other things within the world.

[A]

Tie it to totally world building.

[C]

Yes, of course.

[A]

But then she's going on interviews, talking about how she supports fracking. No, we can't do that again. And people are literally dying as a result.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Lives are being lost, and they will continue to be lost directly because of Democrats incompetence. So I need to just say that as a baseline. So then we have Donald Trump, who's sending the National Guard into our cities. He's redrawing congressional maps. And I love that Gavin Newsom is doing something. Governor of California.

[C]

He did do a fan edit that. I had to give it to him. Bitches Couldn't get on my incline.

[A]

But it has to be.

[C]

He got me.

[A]

Okay. While he's doing fancams, he's also trying to stay stand up to Donald Trump.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And make a difference.

[C]

Yeah. He gets a handshake from me.

[A]

Totally agree. Yeah. If he wants us to take him seriously as a presidential candidate, he needs to stop having right wing influencers on his podcast. That's just, again, bare minimum, very basic principles.

[C]

It's tough.

[A]

I don't think politicians need podcasts. We need you to govern. Please.

[C]

Please, God, and please govern. Hey, have you ever thought of integrity and standing for something?

[A]

No.

[C]

Also, can you believe gay marriage is back on the old ticket?

[A]

I can. Yeah, I can. Because they told us they were going to do that.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Zaran won the primary because he had a clear platform and he spoke directly to what voters care about. And he has answers when he's asked how he's actually going to deliver on these things that he says he's going to do. As Tyra Banks once said, learn something from this.

[C]

I have never in my life yelled at a girl.

[A]

I have never in my life yelled at you like this.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Your grandmother had her lights turned off to buy you a swimsuit for this competition. That's what I want to say to Democrats right now.

[C]

No, I know.

[A]

So stop trying to appeal to Republicans because they're never going to vote for you.

[C]

No. Oh, my God, no.

[A]

Nothing a Republican candidate can do is bad enough to lose. We literally have a rapist in the White House.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So we can't do lesser of two evils because that doesn't work because the most evil person won. So stop listening to these consultants who are telling you to appeal to the middle. Because after the last election, it's actually not even about winning Republican votes. It's about you have to win back your own party. Your own party didn't vote for you. So if you are a Democratic elected official and you want to take money from corrupt foreign governments, become a stand up comedian and go perform at the Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival. Stop pretending you give a damn about the people that you're supposed to be fighting for. That's what I have to say to our Democratic politicians right now. I'm so frustrated.

[C]

Well, I think it's just this idea of this is what it's always been like. This is how we've done it in the past. And it's like, well, is it working? Because clearly there needs to be a change because that's not working anymore. And I understand that that used to work, but you've lost now, baby girl. It's not working.

[A]

It's not working.

[C]

Change it.

[A]

And people are dying.

[C]

I know. I miss Bernie.

[A]

I miss Bernie, too. And I'm really glad that he and AOC are Out touring the country, getting people excited to stand up to oligarchy. But it's like, we also need good candidates. And I'm really excited because there's a guy in Maine who's running against Susan Collins who I fucking hate.

[C]

He's an oysterman.

[A]

His name is Graham Plantner, I believe. Platner, Plantner. I don't know. I don't know where the N is.

[C]

And just like.

[A]

Just like that, he has a really great campaign video. I already donated to his campaign. I hate Susan Collins so much. I remember when she confirmed Brett Kavanaugh, and I was just like, I'll never forgive you for that. And she's done countless other atrocities, too. But I just hope that we can really show. I mean, Zaran is a case study. Right. It was the most people that ever voted in a New York mayoral primary in history, and he won votes in groups that people said he would never win because of where he stands on these issues. And so I just have to wonder why these establishment Democrats. What's not clocking to you? What's not clocking to you?

[C]

It's just the past. It's living in the past and thinking that those things will still work when it's so clearly that they won't. I mean, it's. I think, also it's something that I see so much in, like, all of, you know, kind of all of these things across the board, which is just a lack of people who are willing to lose based on what they actually believe in and fight for what they actually believe in. And that's where I'm just like, well, then why are you even doing it?

[A]

Why? Why are you doing it? Because. Would you rather take money from, like, a corrupt super PAC and lose?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Or would you rather do a grassroots effort, get a bunch of people excited about what you stand for? And when I'm just. I'm so confused by not being able to pick between those two things, I really don't get it.

[C]

It's no integrity. It's so funny for, like, a progressive party that is. Feels so.

[A]

Well, they just failed us. They literally failed. They failed.

[C]

Favorite part of your hour is when you do pussy in a denim romper. And then the. The sharp.

[A]

Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it.

[C]

There's a sharp cut that I let laugh at your live show in Montreal.

[A]

Well, I'm. Honestly, I'm so fed up, and I just.

[C]

I love giving you the Senate floor. This is so fun. I'm just vibing.

[A]

I really Want to just speak to more of these candidates and people running for reelection because people are not going to get excited by a centrist, by a moderate. We're just not. And you think you're going to win over Republicans? You're not. If they wanted to, they would. They don't want to. They don't want to vote you in, they don't like you.

[C]

It's like the joy would be if someone came in and gave us everything we wanted. So that's what we need to do because their side has done that for them. Of like, oh, you want a fascist racist dictator who's a rapist? Here you go, here you go.

[A]

Here's what I think too. If I looked at how hard each party is working and how strategically you would think the Republicans were the ones fighting to protect people's rights and lives and that the Democrats were just trying to make rich people richer based on how hard they're working. And it's insane to me that these Republicans just fueled by like evil hatred and greed, are able to organize and rally their people behind them and take over, take control of our government. We are. It's authoritarianism, it's fascism. And then we have the Democrats on the side just being like, hey, so yeah, we don't think fracking's that big of a deal. And like, people should have guns, maybe just like fewer guns. And then, yeah, I don't know. I guess like trans athletes, like, they do kind of pose a threat. They don't, by the way. No, look at the science. Listen to voters. Also, for what it's worth, there should already be a Democratic candidate who is making a play for president in a very clear way. Get the basic cited, start listening to people now. Do town halls do all that bullshit? There should be one person that's so obviously going to run and be our nominee and there isn't yet. This is. It makes me crazy because this happened when Biden was in office. We should have been vetting someone, grooming someone to run from the day he set foot in the White House right fucking now. But it's not happening. So anyway, I'm sorry to have to get serious for a minute, but I think you address that. They're like the National Guard. Being in cities is really scary. People are being ripped from their homes. They are. They are law abiding Los Angeles. Oh yeah, yeah, they're law abiding and they have no criminal record and they're being literally ripped from their families when they show up to court to go through the due Process, whatever, do it the right way. Bullshit. So this is crazy. Gay marriage is going to be ruled upon by the Supreme Court. Again, I have to say, I think it's probably going to get repealed or overturned or however they say it.

[C]

I if that happens, I, I, it's really, it just all of this feels so, it's dystopian. It's terrifying.

[A]

Also, painting over the crosswalk, that was for the Pulse nightclub victim.

[C]

I mean, I talked about Dante's Inferno. I know the ring you'll be in.

[A]

DeSantis, Ron DeSantis.

[C]

I'll see you. And it's the same ring. Nancy Reagan's in that witch and Mitch McConnell one time. I'm saying witch in a way, I.

[A]

Know they'll all be there.

[C]

Got to let it burn. Fire, brimstone. I'm telling you, because when I die, I know I'm going to go to hell first to say hi to all.

[A]

Of them, slip them off, just to go. If I'm so crazy, then leave.

[C]

Oh, wait, you can't. You're down here forever. Say hi to Judas for me also. Wait, Judas. I got to talk to you.

[A]

Judas. Let me tell you something real.

[C]

Judas, I want to talk to you. Wait, Judas. I need to show you music video. Cuz it's kind of crazy.

[A]

It's kind of good.

[C]

Thank you so much for your address to the nation.

[A]

Thank you. That's my State of the Union. And I'm going to make more politics for Hot people videos. Please do have a date on the calendar in September. I'm going to explain what a governor does and I will always be posting about candidates that I think are exciting. But when I talk to someone who's more middle of the road, I will of course highlight that there is an election happening and that I think you should vote blue. But it's just harder and harder to get excited about people and make people excited when you're on the fence about some of these really important things.

[C]

I just want to also remind people because I think sometimes you can just see a graphic. But painting over the rainbow crosswalk at Pulse. So those queer people were just at a nightclub at a place where they felt safe and were slaughtered and were killed. It's such a level of evil, I think. And to have any kind of memorial for those people that the families can come to and feel like their memory lives on, it's such a violent level of evil and erasure that it's so. I just cannot believe these people can sleep at night and do something like that. Like I just. That is so disgusting. And these things are happening everywhere. This is pure evil. Like, this is. You've. You've taken something from these families and this community that was terrorized and tortured. It was a terrorist act. To be clear. It's just so.

[A]

It's just. It's beyond Republican versus Democrat now. And I do want to say, because, as you know, I was Republican for a long time. George Bush. Republicans, to me were capitalist. And I understand that that's bad. These Republicans are just. They're fascist. And Stephen Miller, if I ever fudgeing, run into you in the street, you're meeting floor on site.

[C]

It's on site.

[A]

And I'm. Because I'm going to have Benny Drama behind me. He's going to have that arm vein and it's bop.

[C]

It's meeting floor. You know, I'm dying to fight somebody. I'm dying to fight.

[A]

I know, I know. Me in coach also. Oh, the army of Love. We really appreciate the support and how you engage with our content. That's also about politics. 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. Like, we will let you know. And we need you all to be ready.

[C]

Yeah. So they're at Pilates right now. I know, but they're ready. They're listening right now.

[A]

Yeah, they're ready to activate.

[C]

So they'll know because they'll hear a sound. A huge alarm will sound. Come on.

[A]

That's the dog whistle for activating the army of Love.

[C]

I. God, I. I'm so glad you did this. And we know that this is such a, like, safe, private space for people and you get to forget about everything. But sometimes I think we do have to, just because I find myself doing it too, where I read something and I'm like, I need to go on tick tock and watch something that made me so angry and disgusted. And I cannot believe this is the world we live in and this is how we treat people. But I do think at a certain point, we also have to engage and force ourselves to engage. And I think at times, of course, take space when you need to, but come on. Sorry, sorry.

[A]

I wish we didn't have to talk about this. Do you think I want to follow an election happening in Maine?

[C]

No.

[A]

And do you think I want to spend my time.

[C]

Do you want to follow up on your precious podcast, me saying Christmas and Narnia with your State of the Union?

[A]

Like, I don't. I would love to just stick to K, stick to comedy. Hey, I would love to.

[C]

Don't quit your day job.

[A]

You're like, I guess I won't. Comedian.

[C]

You like my jokes, sir?

[A]

And I really don't want to run for office, but if I have to, I will.

[C]

God. Oh, the fan edits of you in Time.

[B]

We're just going to get them.

[A]

I don't want to, that's all.

[C]

And when it goes Justin Bieber, it'll hit. It'll get me because I figure out.

[A]

For Selener because I'll be in the.

[C]

Office every day with fake glasses on. How are we in the polls?

[A]

So let's get into what we ride for.

[C]

So this week I will be riding for. Well actually this is our the big.

[A]

Dinner debate dinner restaurant.

[C]

Which I like because I love bringing up politics out of dinner.

[A]

Oh yeah. And you know what's funny about our debate episodes is that as you said, nothing is debated. We just talk about stuff that relates to each other.

[C]

We're best friends. Be best friends with someone you agree with everything. I love you baby.

[A]

Seriously. Come on. Kerplunk. So I'm writing for chill restaurants.

[C]

And I'm writing for conversation starters.

[B]

Hey you guys, it's Mary Beth. Here I am doing ads in the submersible which is currently in my parents pool. So if you hear water, that's because I'm in the water right now. And also yes, I have pool privilege. So let's just get that out of the way right now. But I want to tell you about another type of privilege and that's Zoc dog privilege. Remember that doctor's appointment you were supposed to make a while ago? The one that you meant to book but you got sidetracked and completely forgot about it until now. You know that dentist disappointment for your biannual cleaning or your overdue annual checkup that's been three years in the making. When I tell you I went to a GPA general practitioner for the first time this year. Yes, I went to my pediatrician until I was in my twenties. Why not book it today? Zoc Dock makes it easy to find the right doctor right now. And it's all online. You'll probably be able to book an appointment by the end of this ad. But also I want your full attention. So don't you dare open a web Browser right now. ZocDoc is a free app and website. Cuz that's really what I'm here to talk about. Where you can search and compare high quality in network doctors and click instantly to book an appointment with Zoc do you can book in network appointments with more than 100,000 doctors across every specialty from mental health to dental health, primary care to urgent care and more. Get in there before the CDC is like totally completely gutted and our health secretary decides that doctors just actually can't practice anymore. As I get older I do catch myself thinking I should go to the doctor more. And after I went to my gp, which I found through zocdoc, I then got a physical therapist. I might go get a cranial something something massage. I mean it's really all happening for me.

[A]

So stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com ride to find and instantly book a top rated doctor today. That's Zocdoc.com Ride Zocdoc.com Ride Are you.

[B]

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[A]

Sorry guys.

[B]

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[A]

Wait, where are we going?

[C]

Who cares? Ride. Oh my God. Can I go first randomly? Is that cool? You gave your address. This is my big address. Yeah.

[A]

I can't wait. Good.

[C]

Here's the thing. Oh and I. I stand by what I said a long time ago. If you don't have a gay friend and you're a woman, you're evil.

[A]

I don't trust you.

[C]

You're evil. I don't trust you. And you're definitely a Republican.

[A]

Susan Collins I don't think has ever met a gay guy so.

[C]

Well, it's so funny to me. It's crazy to me sometimes when I meet a woman and she's not like charmed by like she's not excited by the sight of game like gay people. I'm like babe. Like what the.

[A]

What the.

[C]

Wait. Babe. What the. Yeah, I'm good as the.

[A]

I'm good as.

[C]

So, conversation starters. I was recently on a vacation. Vacation privilege. And I was at this dinner with a bunch of people that I have been to so many dinners with and it doesn't have to be this, but I just all of a sudden I was like, I'm gonna do something crazy. Can I say something crazy? Is that from Frozen?

[A]

I don't know.

[C]

I thought there was a Christian.

[A]

It's very unusual.

[C]

Unusual. So I just go, how did everyone lose their virginity? And we went around the table and we all said it.

[A]

Whoa.

[C]

It was electrifying. And you know what was so interesting in it that we found. And this is why conversation starters are so fun. And don't be afraid of them. I think people get afraid of them because they're like, well, I know everyone. It's like, no, no.

[A]

That's when you do it to learn still.

[C]

That's when you do it.

[A]

Totally.

[C]

So what I learned is that a lot of queer people can't really place it because it's this weird thing, which I have sometimes because I'm like, well, would I count that time with a woman? Or do you want this? But then also that I don't want to really count. So then I'm counting this. And every single queer person at the table did that. It was fascinating. And then we had a discussion about that. And then we all sang sue me, I Wanna be. And then.

[A]

And then you played the kissing game.

[C]

And then we played the kissing game, which has rocked.

[A]

Oh, my God, by the way.

[C]

And we should just ride for that. Like, you know, that's solely. That's a big episode.

[A]

I completely agree. And also, as the moderator, you're supposed to provide a photo as well. I just want to make that clear. If you're moderating the game, are people not. I don't know. I just realized when I explained the rules, I didn't mention that.

[C]

I don't know if this was on the Reddit or in a comment, but someone said they also added in a bunch of random.

[A]

I know it's decoy funny, but that.

[C]

To me, was tricky because I'm like.

[A]

There is a number expert level. It's expert, but if you know there's decoys in it, you could say decoy for that number.

[C]

Whoa. That's where it gets like, none of the above.

[A]

Right? So, on the topic of conversation starters, as you know, my big deal. I love you, too.

[C]

I'm having this moment again. I had it last night.

[A]

The lighting in here.

[C]

You look like Leighton Meester.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

I love her. Jesus.

[A]

My big conversation starter is, of course, asking couples, what's your biggest fight? And actually, Victor Carlessi, who opened for me in Chicago, he's so funny. I'm obsessed with him.

[C]

He's genius.

[A]

He is so goddamn funny. He actually reminded me the other day that he and his boyfriend were the first couple I ever asked that to stop. I said it in the green room because I met his boyfriend, he was telling me how great he was and I just said, like, what's your guys biggest fight?

[C]

Well, if it's so great, let's hear your biggest fight.

[A]

Let's hear about it then.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So I think conversation starters can be so out of pocket. And it's still. Even if you don't get to that actual topic, like, yeah, you can see how people's minds work. It's like in an interview when someone's like, oh, how would you count up all the traffic lights in Manhattan? Or whatever. It's just like, I just want to.

[B]

See how your brain works.

[C]

Like, let's just see this. And this. I just want to hear also, I want to know what your experience is about. Like, also, by the way, these were all like best friends. So I could ask when everyone lost their virginity, which virginity is a construct? We all said that in unison too. But actually this question happened after I did kind of. I. I did something that kind of bombed because it was really boring quickly because I said, what was everyone's rosebud thorn. We gotta get rid of that one.

[A]

I don't like.

[C]

Because it's like, we were all there today. Like, I don't know. Then we're like, I don't know.

[A]

One day. That's crazy.

[C]

The dinner I'm at right now. Like, it just wasn't it. So then once I did that. Incredible. Then the next night, Emily, our dearest friend Emily, she asked the table something that I'm like, this is incredible. She said, what is the first lie you remember telling? It was so.

[A]

That's a great conversation.

[C]

I literally just got chills from it because it was just like, oh, my God. Thinking to that. And then you just realize, also, because which is so fun is like thinking of your friends as kids and they're so themselves. Like, everyone's thing was so themselves. Yeah, but it was just delicious. It was titillating. You know when a dinner's titillating?

[A]

Totally. And it's just titillating. And Vicki did point out to me that titillating isn't a word.

[C]

Well, of course not.

[A]

It's scintillating or titillating. But you've made something totally new and different, which is tintiling.

[C]

Youngest child. It sounds not worse. And you knew exactly what I mean.

[A]

Totally. It's a combination of.

[C]

And I decided not to be ashamed of that anymore. I just kind of like, that's just the thing.

[A]

No, it's just fun to point out that it is new. You're an inventor. You're a creator, you're building worlds.

[C]

Hey, a creative with integrity.

[A]

Creative with integrity. I love the idea of conversation starters. I think another good conversation starter that I've been seeing on the Reddit that anytime someone asks this, it gets a lot of comments. What is the episode of Ride that you send to someone when you want them to get hooked?

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

So if you know you're with Baronies, it's just asking something like that.

[C]

Some people ask me, which is so strange. It's like the work. I couldn't possibly talk about my work in that way. I would say, if I had to. The Ferrero Rocher mom secrets.

[A]

A lot of people say that, but I feel like that's the Love Corn episode, which I'm like, as a starter. That's crazy as a first episode, but.

[C]

That is when I feel like we found our kids. They were finally ours. They were finally in our pocket.

[A]

For that to be someone's first introduction to it is so crazy to me.

[C]

Yeah, that's true. I do think the encyclopedias did a nice job. I was really proud of those, actually. I remember when someone at the time was like, these are so fucking boring. And I was like, I got so mad that day. It was so funny.

[A]

If you get it, you got it. If you don't, you don't.

[C]

I think sometimes people forget that I'm a Scorpio. So I really just like, sometimes I'll read a comment like that. It will make me so sad and sensitive and pissed, and I'll just be like. Like, I don't know. It's just like, nothing hurts worse than that. I was recently at a wedding and someone who was drunk was like, I didn't like the first three episodes of Overcompensating, but then I really loved it. And I was just like, unfortunately, like, you're my op forever. And I wish that wasn't the case.

[A]

That's just a crazy way to say that.

[C]

Well, it's so funny.

[A]

Why don't you just. That you just say you loved it.

[C]

I swear to God. It's like people do this sometimes. They, like, have to say. I don't know if it's just because our jobs are kind of weird. You know what I mean? Like, they're not like, during you. So people are just kind of like, the same rules don't apply. Because I'm like, if I'm thinking of the flip side of that, like, what I could say to you that it's just so insane. Like, that's just crazy.

[A]

There's nothing. There's no equivalent.

[C]

But I looked so cute and my skin was clear. I was pretty bulletproof. But she is officially an OP regardless.

[A]

The enemy of my friend is my enemy. Hate to have to bring that up.

[C]

I'm thinking of some other ones, like, because now they kind of come to me quite a bit. So I've been asked, what's the craziest thing you did in college? Which is helpful for the show? Kind of. I'm kind of like, it's a writer.

[A]

You're mining. You're mining.

[C]

I'm mining. First time you knew you were in love to couples. I think that's really fun because it's always different. Don't do the who said I love you first? That actually will be the biggest.

[A]

I don't want to know that you're.

[C]

About to watch the biggest.

[A]

And in fact, I don't want to know.

[C]

And I don't want to know actually think that too. Like, Rosebud Thorne was good for me because I'm like, oh, wait, I don't really give a fudge. Like, we just did all those things today. Like, I'm actually so curious. Like, a few life things you've done that you and I have not talked about. Like when I found out that you worked at eleven Madison park and you found out I was a gelato boy.

[A]

Totally.

[C]

Which, you know, you would have gotten.

[A]

This scoop asking, what's your, like, least favorite job? I guess. Oh, is it cool one that's really fun.

[C]

What's yours?

[A]

Probably the one that I did for one day, which was to be a waiter.

[C]

Yeah. I think the sweet shop was probably my least favorite. I didn't love editing videos right out of college, but then I would just edit my own videos also. So I guess.

[A]

I guess it's gotta be imbalanced.

[C]

The. The gelato boy on cam. I was on candid cam.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But yeah, I just think, like, these conversation starters, don't be afraid to do them even with just like your partner. Like, it's something so fun. Also, they electrify parents because recently I've been doing it to parents that aren't mine or ones that I don't know well, where I'm like, how did you two get together?

[A]

Yeah, that's.

[C]

I want to hear about it. Yeah.

[A]

And it can be really inspiring.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I know where inspiration is going to.

[C]

Strike and it can rock your world of like, if there's like, they broke up, they got back together. They're like, when they decided I'm just. I love it I'm just, I'm. I'm really having fun with it.

[A]

I love that. I feel like we talk so much for work. It's fun to just be at a dinner and you can kick back and forth, put in your two cents, and then you just can listen and engage and amplify.

[C]

You know what I could always talk about, though? You. I can always talk about you. And I can. I really. It is fun talking about overcompensating.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I will say if people bring up episodes and stuff, I'm like, oh, my God, I've got. You would die if you knew what was going on set that night. You would die.

[A]

I really want to do. I mean, they don't really do this anymore, but it'd be cool to do like a, you know, director's commentary or a writer's creator's commentary.

[C]

I really would like to do the.

[A]

Tea on like what was going on and where things. Inspiration came from, what's real, what's fiction. That sort of thing I think could be really cool.

[C]

I think that'd be fun. It'd be fun to do like a watch watch party of sorts. If anyone has an idea of what that looks like. Like, I love what Katya and Trixie do for Netflix where they watch something, you see their reactions. A version of that. That's like a director's cut thing. Could be interesting with stories and stuff. A side hobby that I have is just reading all of your guys's interviews. Because I just love hearing what you guys say, like you and Wally and Holmes. I'm just like, it's so fun because everyone has obviously a different experience no matter what. So. And we talk about conversation starters.

[A]

We talk about the abuse we suffered on set.

[C]

Exactly. When was the moment you knew you loved me? That's my big one at tables. When was the moment you fell for me and when's the time you were attracted to me?

[A]

Well, I fell for you when you bent over in that first stand up set. You bent over doing your stand up.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

And then when I was attracted to you, intermediary clip that when. When I shout out different Vogue covers and you do the different.

[C]

You're attracted to me when I do that. That's incredible.

[A]

And when you have chest hair, I.

[C]

Would say, yeah, I got it right now. Okay. So mine for you. I knew I was in love with you, actually. What's so funny? I knew I was in love with you the day we shot JVN as Jesus.

[A]

Jesus. Yeah.

[C]

Because when you came over, you already had all this makeup on like, you were ready to go. You were five minutes early. Of course you on the way were like, do you want a coffee? Like, I'll get you one. Like, it just slowly.

[A]

I don't even remember doing that.

[C]

It was so crazy. And you showed up and you had like a bodysuit. You had three other things. And when I showed you the costume, you're like, yeah, I love it. Let's do it.

[A]

Perfect. It was so might as well be a bullseye.

[C]

And I was just like, okay. I'm. I think like, true. If I'm thinking of like though, when I felt like, oh my God, I love this person.

[A]

Mine was at Clusterfest when we did our first sleepover. I was sorry about to say when.

[C]

We watched Big Little I Season 2.

[A]

At Clusterfest in the hotel.

[C]

And when we were running from the diner at like 3am yeah, we were scared. We both got omelets. That was really cute.

[A]

Well, it was Gotham City.

[C]

Barney still existed then, as in San Francisco too. So we went to Barney's together. And I remember that being fun.

[A]

And then.

[C]

And then you had that electric set with your blue eyeshadow.

[A]

My blue eyeshadow.

[C]

I just knew I loved you then. Attracted. Well, how about right now? No, this one night on my birthday a year ago. Two years ago, you had that J.W. anderson kind of silky black dress on and your hair was like bombshell. So my sisters were at this dinner and everyone there was just like, you are so sexy.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like every single person was like, holy fuck.

[A]

It was cool. That was another time when my boyfriend lived in a different country. So that was really all for you guys. I had no. I had no one.

[C]

I go, all this, all this. And she has a parasite.

[A]

And I had a parasite. Also my camera roll is so diabolical right now because if I go back to back to back relationships, if I go back a little bit, it's recent ex. If I go back a little too far, then it's the tube. It's just so. It's horrible. It's horrible.

[C]

So sorry. Mine sometimes will just make me laugh because it will have me and it's like I'm tucked as deliverance.

[A]

Like you have a pretty sweaty belly on.

[C]

Yeah. It's like I really am reminded that I've lived nine lives pretty consistently. Sometimes though lately it's been doing. Because we shot a year ago, it will do Toronto. And I'm like, oh my God.

[A]

Oh, that's really tough.

[C]

Yeah, I want to be back also.

[A]

Dating two straight guys in a row when people Send me memes unexpectedly. I get ptsd because when you date a straight man, you're just getting sent memes literally all day.

[C]

Crazy.

[A]

Their entire waking hours are spent just finding memes to send to you to the level where you couldn't possibly have a unique reaction to all of them.

[C]

No.

[A]

So I went on a date with this girl, and she's lovely, but then she sent me a meme the next day, and I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's slow down.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Let's not get too crazy.

[C]

This chick didn't wake up in my house yet. Let's chill with the memes.

[A]

You can send me a meme when. When we get to that level. But I am so happy not dating anyone right now and not getting memes all day. It's very freeing because I.

[C]

We only love. I only love one thing a week. That's kind of my thing. Like, moaning it.

[A]

My algorithm is so smart. I see so many of the memes that I'm supposed to just on my own, just organically. So I love when Baroni send me memes because I can look at them in my message requests and I don't have to respond necessarily, but sometimes I repost them to my story and I say, okay, so that was perfect. You totally nailed it.

[C]

Like, stuck the landing.

[A]

Totally stuck the landing.

[C]

You get me.

[A]

But some people, I would say, could send me fewer memes. That's all I'll say before I get into chill restaurants.

[C]

Well, this is. Even I have new straight friends. You know, it's like, it's not common for me, but I have been electrified by the sheer amount of videos and memes, and sometimes I have the same thought and kind of. So I would say maybe 80% of them, you thought of me. Interesting.

[A]

Isn't it crazy when made you think. When someone thinks they know you and then they prove that they really don't because they send you a meme that is just so off base.

[C]

Well, the thing that I get the most on the Internet is people being like, you look like me. And I look. And I'm like, I really don't think you know what I look like. Like, not. No. Hate to this person. I just don't.

[A]

You either don't know what I look like or you don't know what you look like. Meanwhile, me, on the other hand, anytime someone tags me in, something saying, like, twin total, like, bullseye, shocking.

[C]

One girl did her makeup as you, and I literally, I said, that's my sister.

[B]

You've probably seen a million ads for hair growth products and thought sure, like that actually works. Literally me all the time with everything. And I did too until I found out that Nutrafol isn't like the rest of them. Yeah, they're not like other hair growth products. Nutrafol is physician formulated, clinically tested and dermatologists recommend it. If you're dealing with hair issues like thinning or shedding, but feel totally stuck on what to try next. I get it. There are so many products products out there and it's hard to know which ones are actually going to do anything. And that's why I think you need to give Nutrafol a closer look. It's not just hype. It's physician formulated, clinically tested and it's endorsed by Sebastian Stan. I mean he's literally one of the avengers for goodness sakes. Nutrafol is the number one dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand trusted by over one and a half million people. That's got to be bigger than the population of a few countries. I don't know. Ask a straight guy, you can feel great about what you're putting into your body. Since Nutrafol hair growth supplements are backed by peer reviewed studies and NSF content certified, the gold standard and third party certification for supplements. Adding Nutrafol to your daily routine is simple. Purchase online, no prescription required. Automated deliveries and free shipping keep you on track. Plus with a nutriful subscription you can save up to 20%. You'll to have access access to one on one naturopathic doctor consults to support you on your growth journey and a headspace meditation membership is included.

[A]

My God.

[B]

This is like full body healing.

[A]

See?

[B]

Thicker, stronger, faster growing hair with less shedding in three to six months with Neutrophil for a limited time, Neutropol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping. When you go to neutral.com and enter the promo code ride find out why Nutrafol is the best selling hair growth supplement brand@new nutrafol.com spelled n u t r-a f o l.com promo code ride that's nutrafol.com promo code ride. This is Mary Beth Brown from my parents pool inside the Titan submersible. Have a good day.

[C]

This episode is brought to you by no cd. Picture this. You're going about your day when suddenly a horrifying thought flashes through your mind. Oh my God. I had one recently where I was driving through an intersection that was just like hit that person and see. I feel sick as I'm saying that. But here's the thing. I would never want to do that. It's ego dystonic. That's what these thoughts are. They are not something you want to do. It is your ocd. Okay? Your heart races, your palms sweat and anxiety washes over you. You're mortified and you feel fully convinced that it's true, even though you know that that isn't who you are. I don't want to commit vehicular any crimes, trust me. But really, any crimes. That's such a good point. But still, the question of why did I think that? Am I a bad person? Do I want to kill Benny? Drama 7 start to consume you and you feel like you have to do something, anything to make them go away. If that sounds familiar, I think NOCD could be for you, my babies. NOCD is a virtual therapy provider for OCD that's here to help anyone struggling with OCD and taboo or shameful thoughts get the treatment and support they need. I feel like my, my voice sounds nice in this moment. It doesn't always to me, but. But I think right now it could be pretty good.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

And that was a nice. It's not all intrusive thoughts with me. Using exposure and response prevention therapy, or erp, the most proven OCD treatment, your NOCD therapist can help you take the power away from OCD and distressing thoughts in live face to face video therapy sessions. NOCD also accepts many major insurance plans and offers always on support between sessions. To learn more about therapy with NOCD, go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15 minute call with their team. That's n o c d.com to learn more and book a free 15 minute call.

[A]

Chill restaurants. I have been going out to a lot of dinners lately all across the globe. And I will say that there are restaurants who are sort of. Their brand identity is like you walk in and immediately they tell you, so we do things a little differently. And I'm thinking, blow my mind. Tell me how you've reinvented the form of serving food at a restaurant. I can't wait to fucking hear this.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And then they say something like, so this is our menu. You're gonna tell me all the food that you want at the same time that's just better for chef. And so we're gonna put in all the food that you're gonna order and then we. So we actually bring the food out when it's ready and then you'll eat it and then you pay the bill and then that's Sort of the end of the experience. And I think, huh. I feel like that's sort of how it always goes.

[C]

So this is a restaurant.

[B]

Restaurant, as you said.

[A]

I'm just like, okay, so, yeah, you. We order, we bring it out, and we eat it.

[C]

Yeah, no, I've done this a couple times. I'm feeling good about it.

[A]

We don't need to make it a whole production, a whole dog and pony show. Also, if I get to a reservation five minutes early and I notice there's 27 empty tables and you won't seat me, let me see if the table's ready. I'm looking at it right now, and it's ready. And I'm so sorry. And I'm not gonna be a bitch to you. I'm gonna just smile and nod and be like, that's so fine. Cause I know you've probably been on your feet all day, and I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt. But I will say it's just like, I think a chill restaurant where you go in, you don't need any explanation. You get the menu, you order, you have that interaction. To me, that's just like, perfect. I don't the. The meal. I'm going. The meal is secondary to the conversation, to the company.

[C]

I keep to the conversation starters. That beats folks.

[A]

Benny Drama is throwing out to the table. So I don't need it to be unique, different. Also, I'm like, to me, small plates are not really a vibe that I. I would love to just order my own thing, and that's that. We just do it that way.

[C]

Well, here's my thing. I'm like, it's just. No matter what a shared plate situation we are, we're all cavemen again. It's just like, I'm fighting. It's fighter.

[A]

It was family style last night. Two people. Perfect. When we're doing family style, when it's 12 people, eight people. Oh, my God, my head's spinning. My head is spinning.

[C]

Bring a gun.

[A]

And just. There's certain people that really can't order. And in that case, just bow out of the process. Bow out of the process. Elect somebody at the table to put the order in for the group. Whatever it is, just please don't embarrass me. Please. All I ask is don't embarrass me.

[C]

I just. There's a few things. Thank you so much for bringing this, by the way. I think we can seat the party. Early is my only thing. Even if we're waiting for somebody, you.

[A]

Know, my Whole theory with that.

[C]

What?

[A]

One restaurant in New York sat an eight top with one person back in the 70s and the other seven people never came.

[C]

Oh, yeah. So they're just like, we're done.

[A]

It's urban legend.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And they have just said, so we just can't do it anymore. No, Sorry. We don't forget. We'll forgive, but we won't forget. And hashtag, never again.

[C]

Yeah, exactly. And we won't let it happen. So. Yeah, that makes sense to me. That's insane. I think if you say you don't want dessert and then when it comes you take a lot of bites, it's not looking good for you. You're an op, my good sis. You're an awe.

[A]

I mean, yes. You didn't like the first three episodes of Overcompensating.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah. If you do some like that, you've lost my respect in every way. Because you said you didn't want it. And the whole time I'm thinking, I thought you said you didn't want dessert.

[A]

I know.

[C]

And now I'm sitting here with the dessert that I so proudly ordered. I put my heart on the line and I said, I want it. I love this dessert. I'm excited to have it. And you're embarrassed and.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

She doesn't know. She never. You never wanted her.

[A]

And maybe they brought it to you. It should go untouched.

[C]

No, that's my second spoon.

[A]

That's for when I want a new, fresh, clean.

[C]

That's when I want that clean, metal taste in my mouth because the other one got diluted with the gorgeous flavors of the dessert that I proudly ordered.

[A]

Also, I. I just want to say one thing, which is that I saw a really funny TikTok the other day that was like, God, I just wish TikTok made people's names more.

[C]

It's just not a part of it. They want you to love the app. That's the big thing.

[A]

She goes, don't invite me to a dinner if you have an eating disorder.

[C]

Unless.

[A]

Unless it's a binge eating disorder.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

It was really funny.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

I laughed. I had a little laugh. Anyway, go on.

[C]

Your article is incredible, by the way. Thank you for New York Mag.

[A]

Thank you so much.

[C]

I think if anyone hasn't read that.

[A]

And I'm sorry, there's a paywall. I didn't. I didn't.

[C]

There's a paywall and obviously a trigger warning.

[A]

I didn't put it there. Yeah, I think so. That read it.

[C]

Quite genius. The world so. Oh, My God. This concept is really interesting because it's also, I will say dinner. Yes. Aggressive at times. It's breakfast. That I find a lot of aggression lately where it's like coffee from another place. Leave it outside.

[A]

Oh, my God. You know, they tried to ban me from. This was so funny. This was actually such a great interaction for me. I ordered a coffee while I was waiting for my table. I ordered a coffee from the window. And then when I'm choking, I'm getting choked up by this.

[C]

Yeah, of course.

[A]

I went to go then get seated at my table and the woman working there, I can't let you in with outside coffee.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I go, oh, it's actually from here. Now take me to my fucking table.

[C]

And then you went all on her head.

[A]

I poured it on her head.

[C]

And you looked her right in the eye.

[A]

While we're talking about restaurants, I'm starting a boycott of this venture backed ghost kitchen incubator called Wonder Kitchen.

[C]

Oh, was this in our. Our deleted episode?

[A]

Yes, this was.

[C]

Oh, this was. So I talked about Carrie Bradshaw.

[A]

Now I need to talk about Wonder Kitchen.

[C]

I also have to shout out Nico. Nico's Wine Shop.

[A]

Oh, of course at Nico's Wine Shop.

[C]

Nico's Wine Shop is fabulous. I was eating at Dune, which is delicious. And they have. They have an interesting seating arrangement thing.

[A]

But I'm not food the old fashioned. They do restaurants the old fashioned way.

[C]

Totally. It's super chill. Is that called Atwater? Am I losing my mind at water? Yeah, yeah, sorry. I don't me. I live in la. You don't. And you know that. Atwater. Nico's. Oh, my God, you're such a darling love. I love my daughter. She brought wine and she goes, I know you hate wine, but here's this one and it was delicious. I had it at a dinner. Go to Nico's. It's such a. I mean, it's a fabulous place with a fabulous font and a fabulous owner.

[A]

Yeah. I can't wait to go with you.

[C]

Benny dramas Two Thumbs way, way up on GrubHub.

[A]

So sort of the opposite of a. A woman owned small business that serves wine. Wonder Kitchen. It was started by a venture capitalist who has recently purchased grubhub as well. So he's just like buying up these.

[C]

He's the Monopoly man.

[A]

He's the Monopoly man for Halloween, maybe. Absolutely. So Wonder Kitchen, it is a hub of ghost kitchens, but when you order it online on a food delivery app, it doesn't necessarily say it's by Wonder Kitchen. So I ordered A burger from, like, Baby's Burgers or something. And I googled it to make sure it was real. They had photos of a real restaurant and real burgers. And then when it came to me, it was so clearly that it had been frozen all day and just defrosted by a robot. When you walk into Wonder Kitchen, I believe there's maybe one or two people working in the back, but they don't have anyone in the front. You just order on an iPad. And it is truly food that is prepared that morning in New Jersey, at least the one in Williamsburg. And then it is sent to these various locations. And then the food just sits there all day until someone orders it. It's devaluing food in general. To me, the experience of eating food, I'm like, it's just slop that arrives and it doesn't taste good. You have to put so much ketchup on it. I will say that some people I know have had okay experiences with the food. If you can order from a locally owned place, a small business, like, please just do that. And like, there's nothing I would love to see more than for Wonder Kitchen to just totally fail because the food is disgusting. It's disgusting. And it's not doing restaurants the old fashioned way. It's trying to, like, I, like, I don't know, it's just trying to make food, like tech. And I'm like, I want food to be food.

[C]

Well, restaurants old fashioned way also just, like, want you to have a great time. They're like, come on down. Like, let's just, like, it's an experience. Come on down. Let's just shoot the shit, dude.

[A]

Let's shoot the shit.

[C]

It says that.

[A]

Come on down. Let's shoot the shoot.

[C]

Let's shoot the shit, dude.

[A]

If the food was cheaper because robots were making it, it wasn't being touched by human hands. I could sort. It's. That's a value product. Yeah, but it's not. Also, you'll be on there looking at a sushi place and then they'll have Mac and cheese. And you go, oh. Because this is part of Wonder Kitchen. It's all being prepared in the same place. I think it's like tricking people into fusion. It's. But it's not. It's so not. That's.

[C]

Don't be fooled.

[A]

Don't be fooled.

[C]

I know you get excited when you think fusion, but don't be a statistic.

[A]

It's just all being made in the same disgusting commercial kitchen. So I would say boycott Wonder Kitchen. But I love the experience of a restaurant where they just. It's everything I've come to know and love about eating out and eating at a restaurant. I, of course, do miss when they used to take the credit card away, do that whole thing. Some restaurants still do that. Now they're bringing over the tap.

[C]

I don't mind the tap.

[A]

I don't like it. I don't like it. I don't like it.

[C]

I kind of like it. It would have been better during the more split phase of my 20s. You know, when you're splitting the bill, really easier.

[A]

But then I like when they take the card away because then, you know, to sort of wrap up the conversation.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Now it's like they come over, you tap it, and you're just like, okay, bye.

[C]

Yeah. There is also an awkwardness where they do that and then they turn their head when they do the tip.

[A]

That is such a specific thing to call out. And it is so funny.

[C]

Do you know what I mean? Where they go?

[A]

Well, they don't want to go. I don't need to see it.

[C]

No, it's ultimate. I don't need to.

[A]

They go, I'm gonna know what you do.

[C]

Well, because they can feel the pressure. And I know that they're freaking feeling the pressure. So I really. On, you know, 25.

[A]

Yeah. Sorry.

[C]

Hey, I'll come out and say it.

[A]

You'll come out and say it. I want to shout out, borgo. We had a fabulous meal, though.

[C]

Oh, my God, that's such a fabulous meal. Z, we love you, Z. Love you. Oh, my God. I just got asked what rode for this morning, which I get asked a lot, what I'm writing for.

[A]

It's like, listen to the podcast.

[C]

I'm like, hi. I'm literally just trying to get coffee right now.

[A]

Oh, you got asked that? I thought you got asked that in an interview.

[C]

Well, that too.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

But yeah, just in general, I'm saying I do get asked what I'm writing for a lot, or people tell me what they're writing for, which really helps me.

[A]

But sometimes I'm like, the conversation started, by the way.

[C]

Oh, it's an incredible. I hope an incredible one. But I think that is really fun. It's like if you were forced to be on a podcast.

[A]

Monetize the friendship.

[C]

Monetize your friendship. What was I gonna say?

[A]

You gotta ask.

[C]

Oh, I said. I said, taking your bestie out on a date, like, it was so hot to dress up for you. I felt good putting on my cute little dress. Hey, Cute jeans. Take mine off me. Nothing wrong with that. And just, like, slapping down the Amex and saying, I got this one, babe. You take a load off. You've had a crazy year. You know what you are, Marybeth?

[B]

Bisexual.

[C]

Well, yeah. But you're also my ride or die. Ride or die.

[A]

Okay. I just want to get into ride or die because I love and ride for conversation starters. And you just reminded me that I was at a barbecue with a couple of people that I know very well. And then the rest of the people were complete strangers to me. And this one guy mentions offhandedly that he was in the armed forces because he had a psychotic break when he was 16. And I go, let me guess. Marine Corps? Totally nailed it.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

And then he went into his whole origin story of joining the marine Corps at 16 and then having to literally go, I think, to Afghanistan for four years. And I just kept asking him questions, waiting until he got to the point where he goes, just like, I don't want to talk about anymore. He lit up like a Christmas tree. He was so happy to just talk about it and share. At least that was my understanding of it. And we definitely got into. We went into some, you know, dark corners.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

But I really enjoyed my conversation with him.

[C]

Why am I having this? Oh, my God. I'm just picturing you listening. And every time he talks about something, you go, folklore.

[A]

That's so specific.

[C]

I don't know why. I think I'm just so tired.

[A]

And it's so hot and so hot.

[C]

That the view of just some bimbo girl. He's selling his horrific work trees. And you keep going, oh, God. He's like, but I have. I told you this story of one time my sister and I were back at. We went. We did go to college together. Hi, Katie. And we were in Georgetown, and we got back from Thanksgiving break a day early. And so I was with one of my friends, and he was notoriously a weed guy. It was his entire personality, which you can still do into adulthood. So we did these bong rips together, and we went to the zoo in D.C. and it was like the. You know, where they left Light it up for the holidays. Where, you know, like, where they light.

[A]

Up the zoo for the holidays.

[C]

Well, they put a bunch of lights on, but I'm like. I'm sure the animals love that. Like, great. But we go. My sister. I mean, we did, like, really, really intense bombs.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

She's completely silent the entire night.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, didn't say a word at all. The next day to me. He goes, dude, your sister's the best. And I. I'm thinking to myself, you loved my sister. She didn't say a single word. And in that moment, I knew straight men.

[A]

Doesn't that speak to the culture?

[C]

Of course. Loud and clear. I got it.

[A]

Sometimes the most powerful conversation starter is saying nothing.

[C]

He's thinking, I want this chick to wake up. Wait a minute. She's. She doesn't say a peep. Silent lore. He's like, wait, what? Why'd you say.

[A]

I'm talking about the bridge I built in the Middle East. He literally built a bridge.

[C]

Jesus.

[A]

Yeah. So anyway, give people space to tell their stories.

[C]

I also. I really ride for chill restaurants because I'm also reminded of a time when you asked for a sauce and they go, the chef prefers if you don't. If you don't. And last night I brought that up, too. And you go, well, is he here?

[A]

Bring him out. I would love to have a word. Talk me through your choice.

[C]

Tell him why I can't have aioli right now.

[A]

Give me aioli. What the fuck? Who's.

[C]

I know it's back there.

[A]

So you make the food, I eat the food. Give me the sauce.

[C]

Come on.

[A]

Come on. He just unplugged his headphone to just not talk too much about what they can't see. So thank you all for, I guess, another what we would call amazing episode of Ride the podcast.

[C]

Yeah, I don't know if these are heritage or something different. I don't know. It's something interesting. But I hope everyone has a chill dinner tonight full of conversation, zingers and politics. We love you so much, Folklore.

[B]

That is so funny.

[A]

The guy did think I was completely insane.

[C]

Oh, my. Exit.

[A]

Benny, babe.

[B]

Eyes on the road.

[A]

Benny.

[C]

We go. Ride, ride, ride, Ride. Ride, ride, ride.

[A]

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