Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone
Episode: Having 1 Labubu + Letting People Pay
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Introduction: Welcome Back and Season Transition
The episode kicks off with Benito and Mary Beth warmly welcoming listeners back to the podcast. They humorously discuss the transition from previous seasons, emphasizing that the podcast's essence remains unchanged despite taking a short break.
Notable Quote:
Mary Beth Barone [00:42]: "It's now you3 me."
AMA Segment: Listener Questions and Personal Insights
The hosts dive into the "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session, addressing questions sourced from their podcast's Instagram followers. This segment highlights their personalities and offers listeners a deeper glimpse into their lives and perspectives.
1. Advice on Turning 26
Mary Beth celebrates her 26th birthday, prompting listeners to seek advice for this milestone.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [01:31]: "I think you just have to not judge yourself so much. I feel like that's all I've done for, like, 10 years."
Mary Beth Barone [01:57]: "I didn't start respecting myself until I was 28. So you have two years until you can really hold yourself accountable for your decisions."
Insights: Both hosts emphasize self-compassion and personal growth, encouraging listeners to enjoy life without undue self-judgment.
2. Favorite Outfits in Hometown
A question about what outfit they'd wear in their hometown leads to a discussion about personal style and comfort.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [05:06]: "What would I wear? Eileen Baggy when I'm in Idaho? Because I'm home and I'm just comfortable."
Mary Beth Barone [05:06]: "I just wore baggy jeans, baggy sweatshirt, and baseball cap."
Insights: They prefer comfortable, casual attire when in their hometowns, reflecting a desire for ease and familiarity.
3. Favorite Gregorian Chant
The question about favorite Gregorian chants sparks a humorous exchange, revealing their playful dynamics.
Notable Quotes:
Mary Beth Barone [08:07]: "Oh, I don't actually know what that means. Can I be honest?"
Benito Skinner [08:59]: "The bells. Bells. That's how I'm taking Gregorian chant."
Insights: Their lighthearted approach showcases their ability to navigate unexpected or unconventional questions with humor.
Nostalgia Dive: Childhood Cartoons
Benito and Mary Beth reminisce about the cartoons they grew up watching, highlighting the influence of Nickelodeon and Disney on their childhoods.
Notable Quotes:
Mary Beth Barone [03:00]: "It's nature versus nurture. And we were kind of fucked on both sides."
Benito Skinner [03:17]: "Nickelodeon parents were idiots. Disney, they were dead."
Insights: They critique the quality of children's programming from their past, expressing a mix of nostalgia and critical reflection on how these shows impacted them.
Behind the Scenes: Filming "Overcompensating"
The conversation shifts to their experiences working on the film Overcompensating, sharing favorite and most challenging scenes.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [08:00]: "Favorite scene to film... the scene with Wally in the Domino's parking lot... I just felt like, oh, I think we're gonna make exactly what's in my head."
Mary Beth Barone [10:28]: "The only scene that was hard for me was the Halloween I did. We were in a really dusty warehouse."
Insights: They highlight the emotional depth and personal significance of certain scenes, illustrating their dedication and passion for their craft.
Letting People Pay: Navigating Social Etiquette in Dating
One of the central themes of the episode is the social nuance of allowing others to pay for meals, particularly in dating scenarios. Benito and Mary Beth offer practical advice and share personal anecdotes to underscore their points.
Notable Quotes:
Mary Beth Barone [23:39]: "When the check is coming and the person that you're with takes out their wallet and they say, 'I got this,' all you have to do is say, 'Thank you so much.'"
Benito Skinner [24:29]: "You're a cheap bitch."
Insights: They advocate for graciously accepting offers to pay, discouraging unnecessary back-and-forth that can create awkwardness. Their candid and humorous take makes the advice relatable and engaging.
Consumer Culture and Conspicuous Consumption
Benito and Mary Beth discuss the impact of consumer culture, particularly focusing on the allure of collectible items like Labubus.
Discussion Points:
- Labubus: A collectible toy that Benito becomes obsessed with, representing a return to childhood joy and whimsy.
- Conspicuous Consumption: They critique the excessive consumption mentality, tying it back to environmental concerns and personal fulfillment.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [35:10]: "Tell me they don't. I'm sorry. Terry was even like, it looks like you."
Mary Beth Barone [41:05]: "I ride for getting one labubu. I think it speaks to the conspicuous consumption to just have one."
Insights: Their conversation highlights a tension between enjoying small, meaningful purchases and the broader implications of overconsumption, advocating for mindful consumer habits.
Final Thoughts: What We Ride For
Wrapping up the episode, Benito and Mary Beth share personal declarations of what they "ride for," encapsulating their values and passions.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [23:39]: "I ride for having one labubu."
Mary Beth Barone [23:28]: "I ride for letting people pay."
Insights: These declarations serve as personal mantras, reflecting their commitment to simplicity, joy, and positive social interactions.
Conclusion
In Having 1 Labubu + Letting People Pay, Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone blend humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful commentary to engage listeners. From navigating social etiquette in dating to critiquing consumer culture, the episode offers a rich tapestry of discussions that are both entertaining and insightful. Their dynamic interplay and candid conversations make the podcast a relatable and enjoyable listen for those seeking both laughter and meaningful dialogue.
Note: Advertisements and promotional segments have been intentionally omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the core content of the episode.