Podcast Summary: Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone

Episode: Driving School + Kenergy
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host/Author: Dear Media
Title: Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone," hosted by Dear Media, Benito and Mary Beth dive into nostalgic tales from their driving school days and explore the concept of "Kenergy" inspired by the recent Barbie movie premiere. The conversation is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and insightful reflections, making it a captivating listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.

Driving School Memories

Shared Experiences and Anecdotes

Benito and Mary Beth kick off the discussion by reminiscing about their driving school experiences. Benito shares a particularly memorable (and somewhat embarrassing) story from his driver's ed days:

Benito Skinner [26:27]: "I threw someone under the bus. I couldn't believe I did this. But I gave her number to this guy because he... [then] I almost set my sister up with a cop."

Mary Beth adds her own light-hearted memories, highlighting the communal and sometimes chaotic nature of learning to drive:

Mary Beth Barone [25:44]: "You're answering the questions, and you're texting on your Motorola razor on the brakes, and you're just getting through it all..."

Lessons Learned

The hosts emphasize the importance of driving school in their lives, not just as a means to obtain a license but as a formative experience that taught them responsibility and coordination:

Mary Beth Barone [24:28]: "Driving school was sort of a confirmation class in that you got to meet kids from other high schools who are around your age."

Benito reflects on the anxiety and growth that came with these lessons:

Benito Skinner [27:55]: "I threw someone under the bus. I couldn't believe I did this. But driver's ed was... it was the beginning of summer when I took it. It was right around this time of year."

Kenergy: Embracing Inner Strength

Defining Kenergy

The conversation shifts to the intriguing concept of "Kenergy," a blend of Ken's (from Barbie) charisma and energy, especially in the context of the Barbie movie premiere. Benito introduces the term and its significance:

Benito Skinner [31:07]: "Kenergy and the Barbie moment and Barbenheimer brought us there. And the idea of kenergy feels so unbelievably 2014 to me."

Mary Beth delves deeper into the personal and cultural implications of Kenergy:

Mary Beth Barone [32:29]: "Do not think I do. But once you get to know me that you realize that I do."

Experiences at the Barbie Premiere

Benito recounts his experience attending the Barbie premiere, highlighting moments that tested his Kenergy:

Benito Skinner [36:37]: "I go to the carpet. So no photographers are there yet because the carpet, the real carpet doesn't start until 6pm. So I get there with a friend and... it's like, I just thought I'd never have kenergy again."

Mary Beth supports him by emphasizing resilience and finding strength in challenging moments:

Mary Beth Barone [43:01]: "From the ashes he rises."

Emotional Resilience and Self-Empowerment

The hosts discuss how embracing Kenergy helps in overcoming personal setbacks and maintaining confidence:

Mary Beth Barone [44:53]: "We hope that you have some moments this week where you can use the word kenergy."

Benito wraps up this segment by tying back to their driving school memories, underscoring the continuous journey of personal growth:

Benito Skinner [45:25]: "We love you, Terry."

Memorable Moments and Highlights

• Lesbian Wedding Speech: Mary Beth shares her role as a wingwoman at a lesbian wedding, highlighting the impact of their friendship on others' lives.

  Mary Beth Barone [05:47]: "I had to give a speech at the wedding because I was actually there when the brides met each other."

• Kissing Game: An entertaining segment where Mary Beth introduces a party game that sparks laughter and playful competition among friends.

  Mary Beth Barone [14:48]: "It's such a fun game and I think something that's important to note..."

• Jeremy Renner Story Tease: Both hosts tease a future episode filled with celebrity anecdotes, adding anticipation for listeners.

  Mary Beth Barone [09:56]: "One day, I will tell the listeners of Ride My Jeremy Ren Story, and I think they're gonna love it."

Notable Quotes

• Benito Skinner [02:27]: "Save the boobies, baby. I loved it. It was, you know, it was great. It was a great cause and I loved the flair of it all."

• Mary Beth Barone [32:48]: "It's an important concept. There's something freeing about just saying, like, I have kenergy."

• Benito Skinner [43:20]: "I am Kenuff, and so are you, and I think we're stronger every day."

Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Benito and Mary Beth intertwine nostalgic reflections with contemporary cultural discussions, creating a rich tapestry of humor, honesty, and camaraderie. Their exploration of driving school memories serves as a foundation for delving into deeper themes of personal strength and resilience embodied by "Kenergy." The episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to find their own internal energy sources amidst life's unpredictable moments.

Whether sharing embarrassing driving school tales or embracing the empowering vibes of recent cultural phenomena, Benito and Mary Beth prove once again why they're beloved tastemakers and besties. This episode is a testament to their ability to turn everyday experiences into relatable and uplifting conversations.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone.