HOLIDAY SLEIGHRIDE: Christmas Lights + Bodegas

Summary

Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone

Episode: HOLIDAY SLEIGHRIDE: Christmas Lights + Bodegas
Release Date: December 17, 2025
Podcast Network: Dear Media

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Episode Overview

Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone return for a festive “Holiday Sleighride” episode, blending their signature humor and warm friendship as they muse on holiday traditions, pop culture, snacks, Christmas lights, and the idiosyncrasies of urban life—especially New York bodegas. In their irreverent, free-associative style, they share stories from their year, reflect on family and chosen family, and debate the finest festive traditions, all while serving quick-witted banter and heartfelt moments.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicking Off Holiday Mode

• Benito and Mary Beth open the episode with their playful back-and-forth, riffing on body dysmorphia in podcasting, festive nail colors, not being made up for recording, and whether they've already said “sex is the greatest aphrodisiac” in another episode.
  • “Sex is the greatest aphrodisiac. Can someone tell us?” – Mary Beth (01:15)
• They joke about holiday personas and the recurring “Duddy” character (“Duddy’s Christmas album,” tartan skirts, and pub antics)—beginning their seasonal storytelling.

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2. Gay Media Recs, Smoothies & Time Jumps

• Tangent about watching “Heated Rivalry” (Robbie GK Riley shout-out, observations about storytelling time jumps).
• Transition to the literary roots of some series ("Is it a book series?").
• Talk about reading sexy beach reads while on vacation, sparking laughter and mock-planning.

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3. Family, Holiday Traditions, and Pub Fantasies

• Vivid, comedic imagining of a family member transforming a tartan skirt into a tube dress for “Duddy” misadventures at a pub:
  • She “orders more food in the middle” (04:44), sparking discussion on the taboo of asking for more in restaurants.
• Longing for the freedom to be “that person” who fearlessly requests food refills.

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4. New Fashion Trends—And Nannies

• Mary Beth narrates experimenting with a Gen Z headscarf, riffing on nannies and dog-sitters donning the same look (05:32), and Benito jokes about looking like someone “frying up” food in a kitchen.

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5. Current Events & Societal Fears

• Joke-juxtaposition: Jeremy O. Harris in a Japanese prison (“Free Jeremy O. Hare”), concern for his well-being (06:20).
• The Saudi Arabia film festival and the moral complexity of participating in cultural events in problematic regimes (06:46).
• Mary Beth reveals anxiety about TSA bag checks and bomb-powder swabs:
  • “What if someone just rubbed bomb powder on me?” – Mary Beth (07:12)
• Drug smuggling “parody law” and latch-locking doors (“Parody law got me through a lot—eight years of my career.” – Benito, 08:01).

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6. Brand Deals, Advertising, and Hustle Culture

• Honest discourse about ads and brand deals—thanking listeners for supporting their partnerships, but referencing ethical boundaries (“We have to sell our bodies in this business—prostitution in a lot of ways.” – Benito, 15:26).
• Mary Beth fantasizes about a “Small Boob Summit,” blending self-deprecating humor with community-building:
  • “I might be one of the first to have notoriety for having small ones... just to put one more thing on my plate.” – Mary Beth (16:17)

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7. Politics, Aphrodisiacs & Skin Battles

• Circle back to “sex as an aphrodisiac.”
• Mary Beth opens up about battling dermatitis and the role of gut health (17:58):
  • “I'm in a war right now with dermatitis, but I'm boldly just here letting it rip.”
• Snack culture in New York (“brands called Pretz for years, Quinn’s”; “Pinky...a billy goat on my body for [Quinn’s]”).

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8. Friendship, Crushes, and Zootopia 2

• Recap of reconnecting with straight guy friends and seeing “Zootopia 2” (20:01+).
  • Extended riff on animated movie “deep cuts,” wokeness, and how “the fox and the bunny won’t kiss” (23:14).
  • Notable:
    • “Jokes per minute in this film...I was belly laughing.” – Benito (22:32)
    • AI-generated fanfic as one “good” use of technology.

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9. Holidays as Adult Children: Christmas Lights

• Benito’s passionate, nostalgic ode to Christmas lights as a symbol of childhood wonder and family connection (35:01–39:09), including parental traditions and the aesthetics of tree decorations.
  • “My parents love a very classic...old world Christmasy vibe. Come on, they made me gay, dude.” – Benito (35:45)
• Both host contrast tasteful lighting with kitschy inflatables—agreeing that quantity can redeem tacky ornamentation.
• Mary Beth describes how removing Christmas décor makes the house lose its “plumpness” (40:41).

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10. Bodegas: The True Heart of NYC Holidays

• Mary Beth’s homage to her neighborhood bodega and its owner, Ihaan (42:48).
• Bodegas as “a fingerprint,” full of unique products, personalities, and comfort:
  • “If Amal is an older sister, bodega is Christmas to me.” – Mary Beth (42:22)
• Snack trends, fridges devoted to a single beverage (“a separate fridge for Poppy”), and the pride of local brands making the shelf.
  • “It can be Christmas every day if you live near a bodega.” – Mary Beth (44:31)
• Bodega types: snacker havens vs. “bong-coded,” and the urban mythos of empty bodegas (45:09).

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11. Christmas Memories & Gift Nostalgia

• Mary Beth’s “magical” eighth-grade Christmas haul: suitcase, pink sweater, mini iPod, Tiffany bracelet (48:10).
• Benito’s highlight: the Wii console, chukka Uggs, and being made fun of—until everyone joined the Uggs trend (49:11).

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12. Wrapping Up With Heart

• Affirmation of chosen family, self-started traditions, and encouragement to make new memories:
  • “I always thought, like, I'm gonna wait to start my own traditions for when I have partner. And now I'm just gonna do it on my own and have this great big beautiful life.” – Mary Beth (50:36)
• Both ride for festive joy: Benito for Christmas lights, Mary Beth for bodegas and the comforts of favorite snacks and neighborhood rituals (51:24).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• (01:15) Mary Beth: “Sex is the greatest aphrodisiac. Can someone tell us?”
• (04:27) Benito (on Duddy at the pub): “And just a little blood comes out from the tip of her tongue. She tastes and goes, pennies, and then pokes someone in the eye. And they're obsessed.”
• (15:26) Benito: “...we have to sell our bodies in this business—prostitution in a lot of ways.”
• (16:17) Mary Beth: “I might be one of the first to have notoriety for having small ones... just to put one more thing on my plate.”
• (22:32) Benito: “Jokes per minute in this film...I was belly laughing.”
• (35:45) Benito: “My parents love a very classic...old world Christmasy vibe. Come on, they made me gay, dude.”
• (39:02) Benito: “And when I drive down that fricking road in Idaho and I see the lights... Christmas lights light up my way.”
• (42:22) Mary Beth: “If Amal is an older sister, bodega is Christmas to me.”
• (44:31) Mary Beth: “It can be Christmas every day if you live near a bodega.”
• (46:11) Benito: “Every bodega, it's like a fingerprint, you know, it's always different. There's no two that are the same.”
• (50:36) Mary Beth: “...now I'm just gonna do it on my own and have this great big beautiful life.”
• (51:44) Benito: “That's just the way. Merry Christmas.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:50 – Announcing “Holiday Sleighride” theme
• 03:41 – Recapping “Heated Rivalry” and time jumps
• 05:33 – Headscarves, nannies, Gen Z style
• 06:20 – Jeremy O. Harris in Japan & political reflections
• 08:01 – Parody law and latch-locking doors
• 15:26 – Honesty about brand deals and podcast funding
• 16:17 – Launching idea for Small Boob Summit
• 20:01 – Zootopia 2 outing & movie commentary
• 35:01 – Nostalgia for Christmas lights and home traditions
• 42:22 – Bodegas & New York snacks as Christmas staples
• 48:02 – Favorite childhood Christmas presents
• 50:36 – Affirmation on forging new solo holiday traditions
• 51:52 – Final words: holiday send-off & gratitude

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Summary & Takeaways

This episode is a joyous, rambling journey through holiday nostalgia, pop culture, NYC life, and the deep friendship at the core of Ride. Benito and Mary Beth deftly mix irreverent humor (holiday archetypes, aphrodisiacs, “bong-coded” bodegas), vulnerability (mental health, loss, self-love), and pop-culture analysis (Heated Rivalry, Zootopia 2). Their sincere appreciation for traditions—both inherited and invented—highlights the importance of forging your own way, finding delight in the small things (Christmas lights, snacks at the bodega), and embracing connection in all its forms.

Listeners leave with inside jokes, a hunger for a bodega snack run, and permission to start their own joyful rituals regardless of relationship status. The warmth and wit in “Holiday Sleighride” are sure to light up anyone’s season.

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Happy Holidays from Ride!

Transcript

[A]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production. Hey, can you come pick me up? Yeah.

[B]

What's wrong?

[A]

Nothing.

[B]

Are you sure?

[A]

Yeah, no, I just need a ride. Ride, ride.

[B]

I just want to have fun.

[A]

Start your engines. Take care.

[B]

I'm Benito Skinner.

[A]

I'm Mary Beth Barone.

[B]

And this is Ride.

[A]

Not this episode, obviously. Are we recording? Because we're already starting the episode. I'm not cutting this. We don't have to say we're not wearing makeup.

[B]

They could figure it out. Yeah, I think all the clues are there. Do I have berries in my teeth?

[A]

No.

[B]

I was maybe gonna ride for smoothies, but it's our holiday sleigh ride.

[A]

It's the sleigh ride.

[B]

Clap. I love your nail color. Linkin Park After Dark.

[A]

So this is gel. So I don't know what they even.

[B]

Oh, could I do headphones? Oh, do you want to or.

[A]

No, I don't ever want to because they make our heads look huge.

[B]

Oh, God, I love. So body dysmorphia can happen in pod. Yeah, that's all I want to say.

[A]

And also in pod and out of pod.

[B]

Sex is the greatest aphrodisiac. Can someone tell us?

[A]

We're trying to figure out.

[B]

Have I already said this?

[A]

We don't. There's no way of knowing. Except if we listened to ourselves on the podcast, which we're simply not going to do. But if anyone's listened to that episode recently. Did we say that sex did like.

[B]

Our favorite aphrodisiac is sex. Just to be clear, when Duddy's slurping down three oysters at once, mind you, she looks at the guy, mouthful of oysters, and goes, I don't care. Sex is the greatest aphrodisia.

[A]

Wait, you know what I was thinking? I think Daddy has a Christmas album. Oh, 100%. Well, she has a good voice before.

[B]

Can I say something? She has a good voice. I really.

[A]

She dated a producer for a while and he was like, we should just get in the studio and do something.

[B]

Oh, my God. She totally was. She dated the guy that was in the studio with Zara Larson. He, like, did sessions with Zara Larson and she's married to him.

[A]

Yeah, but she dates outside the marriage as well.

[B]

Well, yeah, she has to get her kills. Should we talk about her tartan holiday date night?

[A]

I wish you would.

[B]

Your cousin was wearing a fabulous tartan.

[A]

Skirt and it just forgot about this.

[B]

It's crazy because for me, as an artist, I'll see something and it just will, like. It'll just Click for me.

[A]

By the way, I have no zingers today. I have not added to. Because it's the holiday.

[B]

Even warmed up, it's the holiday.

[A]

No, I have no zingers.

[B]

You were so funny last night. Obviously we watched Heated Rivalry because our king, Robbie G.K. riley from Overcompensating Bottoms Gay for Pay. Robbie, we're so proud of you, sweetie. Grace had no idea. I didn't know that that's what Rob.

[A]

Speaking of smoothies after his little nursing shifts at the old folks home.

[B]

You said the funniest thing to me last night. You go, the smoothie place is called Strawberry. I.

[A]

It took me a bit in New York. In the heart of New York City.

[B]

It took me a bit. I. Obviously, we had a titillating time watching. We have one note. And this isn't like, we're not critics really, but just like take a shot or smoke a cig every time, it tells you six months later.

[A]

Yeah. Or any time jump. Even one day. They did a one day time jump.

[B]

Oh, my favorite. They had said two weeks three times. And then they said two weeks. But I know for a fact that's like some kind of weird note that someone was like, when's all this happening?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because it's. It's books. It's a book series, right?

[A]

You say so.

[B]

You don't even care about gay.

[A]

I never heard of it before. It's not been. It's not come across my desk. But I'm glad it has now.

[B]

I know I don't. I don't read the kind of, like, sexy, sweet books, but maybe I. Maybe I will.

[A]

Maybe we should.

[B]

We're going on vacation. So maybe I'll read them on the beach.

[A]

Whoa. The books we read on vacation. So you saw mine? I almost said my niece, but no, it was my cousin. First cousin.

[B]

Yeah. And she had this long tartan skirt on, and I thought. So she was twirling in it and it really, like, kind of flew up. And I thought, well, daddy'd wear that panty less.

[A]

But as a dress. A tube dress.

[B]

A tube dress, of course. So it'd be a tube dress that's belted at the top. She'd do spins and she would be at a pub, and she would do the knife off the top of the Guinness in front of everyone and go, look at this. And then do that. And then she'd lick the knife. Eye contact with one person in the.

[A]

Crowd down, of course. But she knows exactly how much pressure to put on it.

[B]

Yes. And just a little blood Comes out from the tip of her tongue. She tastes and goes, pennies, and then pokes someone in the eye. And they're obsessed. They're, like, completely locked in.

[A]

I mean, mesmerized.

[B]

Yeah. She eats a shepherd's pie that night, too.

[A]

I was going to say two.

[B]

Do you know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah. She orders one, and she goes, please, may I have another?

[B]

I'm still hungry. She does what no one's ever done in the history of man, which is order more food. In the middle, when people say that we can always order more food, I'm like, no, we can't do that. No, we just.

[A]

We just waited and we sat.

[B]

So wait, we're going to restart this whole process.

[A]

It's nice when the waiter lets you have that little fantasy, because sometimes the waiter goes.

[B]

And isn't it just that?

[A]

Isn't it just sometimes the waiter goes, well, we need to put it all in at once for Chef. And I go, can we just have this moment where I say, maybe we'll get more? Where I ask you, did we get enough food? And you say, I think so. And then I say, well, we'll always order more if we're hungry. Let's just accept that that's never gonna happen.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Let's not fight it.

[B]

No.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

This holiday season, promise not to do that, you guys.

[A]

Promise?

[B]

Promise.

[A]

Also, I'm wearing a Gen Z headscarf. So my nanny. Not my nanny. Pinky's nanny, Sasha, she wears this headscarf like this. And then I had a backup dog sitter cause Sasha wasn't available and was also wearing one like this. And I go, I guess this is what the kids are doing these days. So now, don't you think I look like I work in a kitchen?

[B]

Well, like, now I'm frying up. I can't tell. I mean, like, yeah, I guess, but.

[A]

I can't really, because of my ribbed tank top.

[B]

No, I think everything about you, aside from that sweatpants, is saying is saying not a woman cooking in the kitchen at a restaurant.

[A]

I get my hair out of the food.

[B]

I would be so curious what I would look like in it.

[A]

You try it later.

[B]

Yeah, I don't know.

[A]

I know. I'm cooking up duddy shepherd's pie. Well, I guess we can't talk about Jeremy O. Harris being in a Japanese prison, but let's just Google it.

[B]

Let's just Google it. And Jeremy Free Jeremy o'.

[A]

Hare. Let us know what we can do to help.

[B]

Like, we will come get you, sweetie. Wait That's. Oh, my God.

[A]

New Year's.

[B]

Yeah, New Year's.

[A]

We go get him.

[B]

We go get him.

[A]

We go, hey, we get off the plane first. We run to the front of the plane.

[B]

Go get your girl. And it's us getting Jeremy O. Harris out of prison.

[A]

I just got chills all day.

[B]

Jokes aside, we're so worried about him.

[A]

I know. I'm like, are they taking okay care of him? Like, what's happening?

[B]

Like, take care of our girl.

[A]

I need someone who knows everything about 9 11, everything about the recent stuff in Saudi Arabia. And I only say stuff because I know it's really bad. I don't know every specific. I know they, like, killed a journalist. Maybe more. Probably more. But there's people going to the Saudi Arabia film festival, and I'm just like, is that chill? Because with the comedy festival, it felt like it was very not chill. And I was very much on that side of it not being chill. And now I'm just like, well, what they're. But they're doing a film festival.

[B]

I would say everything is confusing and everything is embarrassing. So you just kind of have to find that. And so you find that duality. But yeah. Oh, my God. It's like my greatest fear. Every time they go through my bag, I'm like, when they do that bomb thing that, like, you know, test. I'm like, what if someone just rubbed bomb powder on me?

[A]

What when they do a little thing.

[B]

On your ne look like someone who.

[A]

They would go, like, powder on right.

[B]

Before I. Yeah, that's what scares me in those snitch ass dogs. I looked at one of the dogs, went, shh.

[A]

I did one time accidentally cart drogas from the UK to America. Luckily, I didn't. It didn't get. I'm lucky.

[B]

Say this on pod. I wonder if you can say this.

[A]

It happened.

[B]

It could be lying the world. Exactly. Comedy.

[A]

What are they gonna do?

[B]

All you need to do is look.

[A]

At the camera and I go, parody law that I have been latching.

[B]

Oh, my God. Parody law got me through a lot. Eight years of my career.

[A]

I've been latch locking my door recently because I used to just let it, you know, it locks on its own. But I've been latching it because I thought if the government somehow finds my stand up, which is widely available, they might just bust the door down. And my biggest concern is, like, keep them out. Yeah. Especially if they have big machine guns and stuff. But my big concern if I got detained was, like, pinkies in the crate, so. Or she's maybe not in the crate.

[B]

I'll go get her.

[A]

They won't be there for me. Yeah, I don't think they would either.

[B]

Well, they just.

[A]

If they were going to, they would have after the White House video.

[B]

Oh, absolutely.

[A]

Oh, Biden's trusted messenger.

[B]

I forgot to tell you. A wedding I was at and a woman showed me texts back and forth. Here's my thing. Like every now and then I'll look in my DMs and people will be like, come to my wedding. And I can't stress enough, like, I'll come if someone promises I'll have a good time at a wedding. But it remains to be seen. I was at this wedding and this woman showed me texts and she thought it was so funny. She was like, I sent this vid to a friend of mine who was like a Republican and this is what they sent back. And they're like, I can't believe they let that animal in the White House. And she was like laughing and I was like, this is so not funny. I was just like, this is insane. I think people don't ever think about what they do.

[A]

That is the big message of writing. There's a lot of themes and that's the big message. And I would also say fumbling is.

[B]

Also a huge message.

[A]

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I use Zocdoc all the time. Genuinely. That's how I found my dentist in LA dermatologist. I'm sure I've seen other doctors do Zocdoc as well that I can't think of right now because you guys, I'm really tired. Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com ride to find an instantly book a top rated doctor today. That's Zocdoc.com Ride ZocTalk.com Ride thank you. So I wanted to quickly talk about brand deals. I just feel like we're doing some housekeeping right now. Brand deals are really necessary for us to be able to maintain our lifestyles and I, I just wanted to.

[B]

So I can't imagine a better clip for the holiday season.

[A]

Well, I just wanted to say that.

[B]

I might have to go off air. Really.

[A]

I appreciate people supporting them. It's like I know it's a bummer to see it.

[B]

I know it can't make your day. Sometimes though, I will say that I love seeing my friends brand posts. I'm like that's my girl. Because I think about them on the shoot. I think about them reading whatever the original creative was because there was something else that they then had to tweak.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And so if this is what I'm seeing, I can't even imagine what it was before.

[A]

And I'm trying to be. And as we've always tried to be really thoughtful about the products we're advertising for on the podcast, I will say I've definitely had to say no to some bigger brand deals this year for ethical reasons. It's really hard sometimes, but we're trying to be thoughtful always. And of course, if we misstep and this isn't even in reference to anything. I'm just foreseeing, like, you know, we have to sell our bodies in this business.

[B]

Well, of course, it's a part of.

[A]

Prostitution in a lot of ways. So, yeah, just thanks for liking the posts and even commenting Sometimes if you feel so compelled, we should make a.

[B]

Duddy account so we could do like Shein Target.

[A]

Oh, my Shein Target. AI.

[B]

Yeah, AI.

[A]

If you knew. If they knew some of the brand deals I said no to this year.

[B]

I really want to say season six. God, it's like, can we just let a woman own property? But we can't.

[A]

We can't.

[B]

It's crazy. New York has this thing where it's like you write a letter to the board.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

And I'm like, I got to see this board in my head. I'm Samantha Jones.

[A]

Of course.

[B]

I'm the whore they saw on the Internet.

[A]

Oh, yeah. And they go, you're letting strange men into the building.

[B]

No, literally. And it's you. There's a flat chested young boy who comes all the time.

[A]

My boobs have never been smaller. I appreciate all the attention they're getting.

[B]

I knew they'd have their shining day.

[A]

A lot of people have notoriety for having big boobs. I might be one of the first to have notoriety for having small ones. These little bee stings. I was thinking just to put one more thing on my plate, I kind of want to have a small boob summit next year in New York where, you know, we can just gather as a community. Big boob, big tittied, big melon jugs. All of those would be welcome. But it would be really a celebration and we could have keynote speakers.

[B]

Oh, well, Benny, Nina, Drama in the breastplate.

[A]

She's an E. She's getting a reduction.

[B]

I got E's.

[A]

She can't wait to join the community.

[B]

Well, Duddy's gonna say, I'm getting surgery next week at the. This is at the Irish pub. And they go, for what? And she goes, breast reduction. My lower back hurts.

[A]

They're too big. Don't they just get in the way of everything? She dips one in the Shepherd's pie.

[B]

And then she goes, where do I take a shit around here?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Also, she has, again, her Ugg boots on. They're never not on.

[A]

Well, the. Sorry, fellas. The Ugg boots stay on during sex.

[B]

Someone said don't the pussy thing.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Warm from the Uggs.

[A]

Okay, now that we've talked about politics. Yeah. Can we talk about politics?

[B]

We talk about sex as an aphrodisiac.

[A]

Let's talk about sex as an aphrodisiac. Let's talk about what we ride for. Whoa. I mean, let's get into what we ride for.

[B]

Wait, there was something. There was something else I wanted to say.

[A]

Fuck my Chungus life, but we have to do it quick.

[B]

God. Fuck, yeah. Fuck my Chungus life.

[A]

And having a face is on here as well.

[B]

That wasn't me.

[A]

Are you sure? I feel like that my face is.

[B]

The front of shop. Like, I don't.

[A]

Was I just having a. I think you just said, like, I want to just touch on having a face because it's hard. I feel like because. Because of your. Your battle with your skin. But, I mean, I'm in a war.

[B]

I'm in a war right now with dermatitis, but I'm boldly just here letting it rip. I'm doing zero therapy right now and just using a face wash and letting it all dry up. But I think it's in the gut. It all comes back to the gut. So I'm in the gut right now, and I have to, like, limit a lot of the things I'm eating, and I can't stress enough. Like, it's not that hard. It's. I thought it would be harder, but, like, honestly. Well, not in 2020 in New York City. Like, I would. And I'm spending time with you. You. Like, you've heard about these brands called, like, Pretz for, like, years. Quinn's. Yeah, exactly.

[A]

What was the ones be confused Quints.

[B]

What was the brand that Pinky was like, going. She was a billy goat on my body for. Oh, she's obsessed with stepping act.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Can I just say. Yeah.

[A]

She.

[B]

Last night, though. Okay. This moment happened with Pinker.

[A]

I have to say something about last night. I found a cashew in my bed. So Benny Drama will not be eating snacks in my bed anymore. You can win back the privilege, but with good behavior.

[B]

And I know you were so tired and you saw the cashew and went. And you ate it and a little.

[A]

There was a little blood.

[B]

Exactly. Okay, well, I'm sorry, but you love.

[A]

Those it wasn't a big deal. I just am saying no more food in the bed for right now, baby. What did Pinky do?

[B]

So she was like nestled in a little ball and then I wrapped my arms around her and we were just laying there watching gay sex in heated rivalry. And then I took my hands off and went back. She looked back at me like she was like, I'm good as fudge.

[A]

The fuck.

[B]

Like it was so hard.

[A]

Wouldn't it be cool if I was dating someone who could just like bring her to meet us after this? Like they would just be able to be helpful and just like.

[B]

Yeah. Oh my God. Can I say there's been three straight guys this year that have completely electrified me.

[A]

Like I have three besides Kai. Who.

[B]

Kai met one in London and then there was a recent one that blew me away.

[A]

I would love to know. Is it your friend from college? Lucas?

[B]

Oh my God. Yeah. Well, okay. So I'm back in New York. I'm finally with my college roommates again.

[A]

You're reconnecting with. You're touching grass. Proverbially, I would say I'm touching grass.

[B]

I. They took me to Zootopia 2, which I have to talk about for a sec. Having two straight guys take me to Zootopia 2. And by that I mean I bought the tickets. They got me Coke Zero.

[A]

I'm going to eat fruit leather, please. I've.

[B]

I'm just going to do the best line in. Search party is John Early. What does he say that it was fruit leather. I think about it so often. So good.

[A]

I love fruit leather.

[B]

Oh yeah. This is. Is this on my. Am I allowed to eat this?

[A]

Of course. Just not in my bed.

[B]

So Zootopia 2. Zootopia 2 is.

[A]

What were you talking about before that? Oh, the 3rd street guy you met that blew you away. I need to know who this is. Probably have a girlfriend, but they all do. I know I am.

[B]

Who's in the third?

[A]

Kai doesn't. But most of the good ones do.

[B]

Yeah, it's Kai. Lewis. If you're listening, Lewis from London told.

[A]

That was like ll Flip it around.

[B]

Wicked witch and then. God. Who is the last one?

[A]

Oh, you're getting choked up.

[B]

It was your cousin's husband.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

It was your cousin's husband.

[A]

You met the guy who. My cousin snapped. He stood up and went to go take care of the kids.

[B]

And I completely get their relationship. I love them so much. They're so adorable. And I just like. I love talking to him. And he's just a Doll. But all your brothers. I mean like, are just kind of dolls.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like I don't.

[A]

And they were raised right.

[B]

And don't make me pick.

[A]

I.

[B]

Please don't. Never.

[A]

But you know he has a really.

[B]

Pam, I know you're not listening. Just kidding. You are. But we haven't spent enough time together. But I know it's like all going to come out in the wash happen. But me and Vicki. But. Oh my God.

[A]

I even talk about so much to say. But I needed to read you Pam's text to me the other day. Pam texted me. Glad to hear you will come to visit. When you have a movie filming here. That means a lot.

[B]

Love you, sister. Love you, girl. Christmas.

[A]

Hey, I will come but I need to pay for it down under class. Okay.

[B]

We should do press down in Australia. It was our second biggest on the. The rap. Yeah.

[A]

And obviously we denounce Spotify and their ice ads like it's insane.

[B]

Yeah. What the.

[A]

Yeah. What the actual.

[B]

Bleep it.

[A]

What are we gonna do? All right, let's talk about Zootopia.

[B]

Everything's demonic. Zootopia 2 is not. It is that woke shit.

[A]

But it's anti cop. It's anti.

[B]

Yeah. They're still like. It finds a way to make it feel anti cop and like anti. I would say it's more anti government. It's like corrupt mayors and little fluff on your beard. You know that they're like obsessed. I know these particles. I'm not kidding. The jokes per minute in this film.

[A]

I got to see it.

[B]

Oh my God. I was like. Like belly laughing.

[A]

Really?

[B]

It was unbelievable.

[A]

And I was like, me Naked Gun. Zach Rice.

[B]

Zach Rice. Who's in the room? We love you, Zach. Was it someone he knew?

[A]

His brother.

[B]

His brother.

[A]

I almost said his boyfriend, but he's fully straight.

[B]

He's a fully straight man.

[A]

I don't see straight people.

[B]

Yeah, they're. Yeah. It has to be his gay husband, boyfriend or whatever. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He's a guy. So he has a husband. Did the animated. The scenes where they. I don't want to ruin something. But they reference the Shining. I'm not gonna say. Okay, but it's like.

[A]

That's so cool.

[B]

Oh my God. The like deep cuts in it. The story. I was just completely electrified.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

But the fox and the bunny won't kiss. And that's one thing. As a kid, I would have been like. Because I know other kids were like, I'm looking away. I was like. I'm leaning.

[A]

They don't kiss.

[B]

No.

[A]

So the video I saw of her.

[B]

Pregnant was AI, so that was us consuming AI. But it's the one time I think it's okay.

[A]

Yeah, that's what I should be used for, in my opinion. Yeah, it's like making fan edits. Yeah.

[B]

Fanfic is great, but not like taking jobs. No, but it just. It was crazy to not see it with you. But I know I'll see it a second time with you.

[A]

Of course. I like to. You know me. I love to watch stuff at home. I'm gonna wait till it's out on bod.

[B]

You love to watch Robbie GK on screen getting plowed. Who's major? I loved the episode. I thought he was fantastic. I'm. I'm having so much fun.

[A]

You played gay, like, really well.

[B]

I also love how limited I'm watching people play hockey. I really thought going in, I was going to see some games, which almost to the point where I'm like, I might. I might want to watch a game here.

[A]

A little bit. A little bit on the second.

[B]

I want to see a little. Yeah, a little backwards. When the.

[A]

When people skate backwards, it's all in. We got to go to a Ranger game.

[B]

One of my childhood crushes. Are you ready, Apollo? Anton Ono.

[A]

Of course.

[B]

Die.

[A]

Oh, well, of course. Speed skater. Right, of course, of course.

[B]

Oh, I. I would love you with an Olympian.

[A]

I know, but they have really bad mental health. Not to say.

[B]

Oh, God. Oh, here she goes. Isn't it about time we cancel this fucking witch? Isn't it about fucking time?

[A]

I am totally open to dating someone with poor mental health. Oh, can I just say. And I have. Oh, yeah, and I will again. I'm just saying. I watched a documentary about Olympians mental health.

[B]

Oh, wow. So called.

[A]

I don't remember going for the gold or something like that.

[B]

It's got to be that.

[A]

Yeah. So anyway. But yes, athletes, but not till after the special.

[B]

Yeah. Anyone that wants good mental health.

[A]

Well, totally.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Anyone that wants to date me will unfortunately have to wait till after the special is filmed.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And if you can't wait four months, then I guess you don't want it that bad.

[B]

Hold tight, you know, Stay strong. And I want to see someone really put the work in. I want to see them put on the Ritz. And I'm not one of those people. It's like, cross their arm. It's like, impress me. But it'd be nice if, like, someone, I don't know, did, like, a little.

[A]

Dance for us about lifting a finger. Have you considered what About.

[B]

Oh, my God. I. You know. I know. Like, he was on. I don't want everyone to just keep speculating about you guys, because it's too much for all of us. Edward's, like, one of the few straight men who has, like, taken me to dinner. Like, he has paid, which I'm like, oh, my God, what are you doing with that thing?

[A]

I know. It's.

[B]

And he's laying down the plastic.

[A]

He's putting the plastic down. He's tapping.

[B]

It doesn't always happen. I'll just be honest. It doesn't always happen.

[A]

I know. Well, yeah. My therapist asked me, like, how do you feel about not dating for a bit? And I was like. As soon as I made that declaration, which I'm telling as many people as possible, so I'll stick to it, my nervous system just relaxed a little bit.

[B]

That is so. It's all about the year you had. Take my hands.

[A]

Oh, my God. I have such a funny story.

[B]

Oh, my God. Well, just hold it for a second because I'd love to just say something. Really. This is from me and the kids. We're so proud of you. That was such a fucking dog year. But then also, like, the show came out and you guys were all so sweet about it, and this community of ride is gorgeous. We will be taking kind of a little bit of a break, though, because I don't think.

[A]

Well, we're doing the rerun episodes, and then the season ends in February.

[B]

Yes, we end in February. And we're going to take a little break when we shoot, just because that was a lot. And I just want to make sure when we do this that you never have to think we don't want to do it. I will say, like, it's funny whenever we've been here. Well, if we say that, it's like, in theory, we don't want to work, but this is like heaven.

[A]

It's so cool.

[B]

I would do this with you forever if. If, like, if it was just this and then it. I don't even know to not. Yeah. You didn't have to be thoughtful about the rest of the machine around it. That'd be fabulous.

[A]

And AI accounts, clipping stuff and making you sound psychotic again.

[B]

That's just not us.

[A]

That's not us.

[B]

We would use two filters. Not four at Max.

[A]

Not four, two at ma. We look animated in it.

[B]

Well, I'm not minding it.

[A]

Zach brother did the does those videos, they're animated.

[B]

Fully referencing the Shining.

[A]

Exactly. I went to a craniosacral massage this Week, which was recommended to me my. By my physical therapist. And it was fabulous. But when we sat down, you know when you look someone in the eye and you just go, I know I'm going to start crying as soon as they ask me a question.

[B]

Oh, oh, my year.

[A]

It was instantaneous. She said, ask me about my shoulder, my neck, all that stuff. She's like, and how's your emotional life been? And I was just like, so got dumped, dad died, fully had an eating disorder this summer. And then now I'm in a TV show, which is obviously a bright spot in the air, but it's just like my life is different. I just couldn't not cry. So it was really good though. It was really like impactful. And I'm gonna go back on Monday and I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. Shakira said it best. Try everything. Everything.

[B]

This one is let's turn the dance floor into a zoo, by the way, which is very us. Whoa. That's very ride.

[A]

I'm so down.

[B]

I can't tell if. I guess in Zootopia the whole thing is kind of like there's no cages really. Well, unless it's corruption.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But so I guess like zoos are chill. Like the term zoo is kind of good here.

[A]

In fact, I think it means something different.

[B]

I think it means something different.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, it's funny, in London it was Zoo Zootopolis or something.

[A]

Oh yeah.

[B]

They had like a different. Yeah, obviously cutting that. That was. I'm so glad you guys know that.

[A]

They put their own spin on stuff.

[B]

Yeah. The philosophy.

[A]

We actually legally need to get into what we write.

[B]

Oh yeah. Okay.

[A]

And it's going to be really fast. We had a big intro.

[B]

I will be writing for those Christmas.

[A]

Lights and I'm gonna ride for something that I will explain how it's holiday themed bodegas. Unfortunately, Benny is not here to say article Farticle charticle. So I'll say it in his honor. You guys all know we love article here at this podcast because article makes it effortless to create a stylish, long lasting, lasting home at an unbeatable price. They have curated collections for every style. Article offers a curated range of mid century modern, coastal and scandi inspired pieces that not only shine on their own, but also pair seamlessly with nearly any other article product. Yeah. This thoughtful design approach makes it incredibly easy to mix and match, helping you create a space that feels cohesive and stylish. Article also takes great care in curating its collection, focusing solely on High quality, meaningful pieces that will stand the test of time. There's no filler. Every item is chosen for its craftsmanship, design and lasting value. There's also meticulous packaging. It comes mostly assembled and it has smooth edges, secure joints and sturdy hardware. I mean, we've gotten a lot of use out of the cuck chair and it doesn't wobble, it's completely sturdy and I mean it honestly looks as good as it did the day that it arrived at my place. So if you're in the market for a beautiful new sofa, a dining table or a bed, head over to article.com they also have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee where you can shop with confidence, knowing that if you're not completely in love with your new furniture, you can easily return it. This peace of mind ensures you can invest in your home without hesitation. So go to article.com just see if anything strikes your fancy. If anything would fit in with your either mid century, modern, coastal or Scandi interior design vibe. Thank you Article. Hey you guys, do you want to know the secret to keeping your hair looking like total perfection? It's me, Mary Beth Barone, co host of Ride the podcast. I am doing ads alone this week and Benny will be handling the ads for next week. We just got a lot of ads, you know, we got a lot of ads to do to pump out before the end of the year so that dear media can take a much needed vacation. The secret to keeping your hair looking like total perfection, even if you're doing glam as much as we are these days. Glam Privilege. It's the K18 molecular repair hair Mask. What if you could bleach and color your hair without damage? The K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask isn't just a damage cover up, it's a deep damage fix. Patented K18 peptide actually repairs damage on the molecular level, which is really, really deep. I know you know that, but it's really, really deep. In just four minutes I get stronger, smoother, softer. Bounce your hair like new no matter what I put it through and I put my hair through a lot. Bleach, color, heat, hairspray, you name it. I mean, as you know, for one full year I was blonde. I was blonde for overcompensating and in high school I used to straighten my hair every single day. That's about 450 degrees of heat on my hair every single day. And now it looks good as new and mean. It's essentially virgin hair. Find K18 at your local Sephora and feel the difference for yourself or try it 10% off your first purchase at k18hair.com that's code [e-mail] thank you K18 for keeping all of our listeners Hairs is looking fabulous. Here's the thing about being a great gift giver, whether it be on or off season. When you find something perfect for everyone on your list, you almost don't want to give it away. That's what happened with my Quince order. Everything's so soft and well made. I'm seriously tempted to keep it all for myself. Even the stuff that's not my size. Quince pretty much has your whole list covered. Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 when you would normally pay 200 or more. The kind you'll wear on repeat. Then there's the denim that goes with everything. Silk tops and skirts for when you need to look put together. Cashmere beanies and scarves and down jackets that actually keep you wearing warm. Italian wool coats were at the absolute top of my list. They look designer, they feel luxurious, and they are made with premium materials. But like everything at Quints, the price won't make you panic. We're talking way less than other brands charge. You might be wondering, well, how do they manage that? By working with trusted factories that maintain high standards for both craftsmanship and ethical practices, and by cutting out the middlemen and markups, Quince is able to pass those savings straight to you. There are so many things on Quince's website that I can totally see myself giving each and every person on my list this year, whether it be a scarf or a sweater, a jacket or I don't know, a pillowcase. As you know, Quince has gifting covered beyond clothing too. They have home, bath, kitchen or travel. Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with quints. Go to quince.comride for free shipping on your order and 36065 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q I N C.com ride to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quinn.com ride wait, where are we going?

[B]

Who cares? Ride. You know what I've noticed before I get into Christmas lights. Sorry, I'm just diving right in cuz I know you want me to. I know you want me to. Yep, straight people are obsessed with those huge skeletons in their yard.

[A]

This is so weird that you just said that.

[B]

Do you know what I mean?

[A]

I passed one on the way here. How? It had Christmas lights on it.

[B]

Where'd they put it?

[A]

In the front? Like you know Someone had a little. You know, sometimes in Brooklyn you can have like, there's like a gate and then a thing and then it's a.

[B]

House from like the basement thing.

[A]

Yeah. And I was gonna take a picture and say, so I met someone, but I decided I was just on my way to something and I couldn't stop.

[B]

That's. Is there anything sadder than that? When you think you're about to make content and then you just, your, your fingers hurt.

[A]

You're just like, actually, I can't today.

[B]

No, I can't put myself out there. I can't even put myself out there to marry Beth Barone right now.

[A]

I know.

[B]

So do you know what I mean?

[A]

I'm like, this isn'. Aphrodisiac.

[B]

Sex is like such an aphrodisiac.

[A]

That's true though.

[B]

Are you so horny lately?

[A]

That's something. I've sort of had to dial it back because I don't have. I don't have an outlet for it.

[B]

Cool.

[A]

And I don't want one. Cool. But, but. Short answer.

[B]

Yeah, but can I just. Yes.

[A]

I don't know what you're going to say about Christmas lights. And I'm just excited, like, and I'm not trying to steer the conversation. I'm just genuinely saying I have an excitement.

[B]

I just had to point out these skeletons because like, there's something going on.

[A]

It's like they're huge.

[B]

They're just like straight. People have been like, honey, I'm home and I got something.

[A]

So I did a thing.

[B]

If Duddy sees one, she takes it.

[A]

Down, by the way, 100%. And now that you say that, I'm like, should I get one for the flagpole at my parents house? And it's just holding onto it.

[B]

I would during Halloween.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But when they start adding like, you know, leprechaun hat, that's when I start getting pissed off. It's not your. It's. Come on, it's not a year round thing. So Christmas lights, I am sure they are dog for the environment. So. Or just like in general. They're not. It's waste. So I just want to say that I'm using electricity. But I guess these little things are how we feel better during a fascist regime. So here we are. But as a kid, I loved helping my dad put up Christmas lights. It was so like, I don't know, I just put on my little coat and mittens and I'd be like, yeah, let's go now.

[A]

Did you have the icicle ones or were you doing a more classic vibe.

[B]

So it would change year to year. My parents love a very classic classic. Like warm, light, rainbow of sorts. I mean, come on. They made me gay, dude.

[A]

It was exposure.

[B]

But like very kind of old world Christmasy vibes is kind of the what my parents are doing. Like every ornament on our tree is blown glass.

[A]

It's like tree.

[B]

It's those old. I think they're called old world. It's like the like true. Yeah. Theme. The theme is heavy. But my mom also like every year she gets us a new ornament for it and because she's had to do so many and has so many kids and grandkids now. Like I would say, like it's a loose interpretation of what our year was, you know.

[A]

Oh, it's a meaningful ornament.

[B]

One time she like, she hates salmon. Like she doesn't like eating it. But I like salmon. So she got me a salmon.

[A]

Right?

[B]

And I was like, I see that totally. And that kind of was my 2024.

[A]

It's just about being. My stomach is making crazy. Did you hear that? I don't like that.

[B]

He's kicking.

[A]

I don't like it. He's kicking. That's our big surprise. 2026.

[B]

Our kid.

[A]

So money maker.

[B]

Though of course.

[A]

If we're ever businessman. If we're ever low key.

[B]

Falling off. In finance. Yeah, in finance.

[A]

I just meant. I just meant getting the kid brand deals. But yeah. He also would be one of our greatest mathematical moms.

[B]

Brand deals. I haven't really done one in a while.

[A]

His. They call him Mr. Venmo back home.

[B]

Oh, honey. Oh yeah. I know you guys.

[A]

And I'm Mrs. Milk. I know you got that Venmo stash.

[B]

Christmas lights. I. I do think there's something so chemical about them. It's childlike wonder. I love seeing how ugly they can get too. Like when people just do like dog ones. God, those stupid blow up things. Those do not count. I find.

[A]

Those are not under the umbrella.

[B]

Those are disgusting.

[A]

They're garish.

[B]

But if you have 100 of them, I'm down. If you only have. True.

[A]

Actually totally agree.

[B]

But if you have.

[A]

If you have a community.

[B]

I don't see a fucking stitch of grass.

[A]

Honey. Honey. Then that's kind of like artful.

[B]

And I like when they're interacting.

[A]

Indie sleaze.

[B]

Oh my God. They're literally. It's. It is fully sleaze. It's like, oh, they. They make me sick. Yeah. But there's a few houses in Idaho where they're very Christmas vacation. Which I do think is one of the best Christmas films of all time.

[A]

It's stresses me out.

[B]

But see, here's the thing. It used to as a kid, but now since I know everything that's going to happen, I remind myself of that. And it's almost erp.

[A]

Oh, cool.

[B]

Yeah. But it's. Oh, my God. When he puts up the lights on the house and they finally work and like, oh, my God. And now my parents. Because finally I talked to them and I was like, I don't want you guys on ladders anymore.

[A]

Yeah, we have someone and just do.

[B]

Like a strip of lights for them so they still have it on their house. And when I drive down that fricking road in Idaho and I see the lights and then I see a few weird nativity things, which you know, it is what it is. And get to my house. It just. Those Christmas lights light up my way.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Have you not heard this Coldplay Christmas light song?

[A]

I don't. I guess I don't have it committed to memory.

[B]

I thought you were about to dive right in.

[A]

No, I don't have it off My heart.

[B]

It'll break your heart. It's a perfect Christmas song. But to me, getting in a car. You've been cold outside, your hands freezing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You get a hot cocoa maybe with coconut in it. Oh, yeah, I'm dead. Toasted marshmallow. Or maybe a little coconut. I don't give a. I don't care what your. Is in your hot chocolate. That's what's in mine. Right? Or maybe peppermint from Williams Sonoma. But you would have had to make that at home and then take it in to go. This. I'm more. We're out in the world. We're getting it from a local.

[A]

A mom and pop shop.

[B]

A Mom and pop. You get that. You drive to the. A few of the houses throughout Boise that have the craziest lights. You stay for about two seconds.

[A]

Yeah. It's a drive. It's a drive and go. It's a ghost.

[B]

It's just. I love it. And it's so. It's the simple things. There's this thing in Idaho that has. They light up the botanical gardens. And you walk through that and it's so fun. It's very. Me and my dad in museums. We are there for five minutes.

[A]

Yeah. Well, you stop all you need to see.

[B]

Well, you're freezing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So when it's snowing. But oh my. And every time my mom will just go, that's pretty. Like to add a couple things. And she's like, cool, light. It's like a candy cane.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or like, one time it was a poinsettia. Poinsettia. What do we say?

[A]

Whatever you want. I don't care. It's not words. It's all about just having fun with it.

[B]

To me, poinsettia sounds better.

[A]

Me too.

[B]

You know, poinsettia feels a little. But they had a light version of it. My mom, the way this electrified her like that.

[A]

That's cool, though.

[B]

That's feral joy.

[A]

That's like, when they figured out how to do. I don't really fuck with fireworks. I think they're a huge waste of money. But when they figured out how to do shapes, I was like, that's cool that they did that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, they're innovating. I got it.

[B]

Charlie. Caroline. Christmas.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Let's call that. Let's do that.

[A]

That's the title of the episode. My mom is big into Christmas decorations. It's like, as soon as it's Thanksgiving, it's Christmas season in the house. And thank God we have two trees. I mean, the amount, the volume of Christmas decorations, and it makes the house just feel so full. And then when Christmas season passes and we take it down, the house just feels like, you know, it's just done a round of GLP1. It just looks like totally. You know, you miss the little extra flourishes.

[B]

Well, of course. And they don't look the same.

[A]

Let me say they don't look the.

[B]

Same, but uses that loses that youthful energy.

[A]

It loses the plump. Plumpness.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I have Christmas lights in my apartment year round on my. On my, like, ceiling, as you know. But I've added more Christmas lights because they got a tree, and then I have the multicolored ones in the front.

[B]

I know. I was in there last night, and I thought you were setting the mood for heated rivalry with me, and you kind of were.

[A]

Yeah, I was.

[B]

I was getting into Christmas. It's hard, though, because we're writing right now. I kind of never know what season or day it is and just the times and stuff. So it was nice to, like.

[A]

That's why I have to put up visual indicators, like, Christmas lights.

[B]

Yeah. And actually, the cold weather is helping me. I'm like, oh, yeah, it's.

[A]

It's the Christmas reminder.

[B]

It's the queen.

[A]

But I like that Christmas lights can be secular. Like, you can put up, you know, blue ones, you can put up icicles, you can put up whatever. And I think like just the. Yeah. The integrity of the lights. I called my mom, or my. I should say my mom called me yesterday, just to be historically accurate. She called me and she said that she had bought Christmas lights for the tree. She put them on, and then she realized they were a different brightness than the ones that they already had on there. So she had to take them off and put those elsewhere. Repurpose and then get ones that matched. That's an important thing. And it's like, if you're not thinking if. It's like, my mom is very aesthetic and so she's thinking about that stuff. And that was definitely passed down to me, and I'm really grateful for that.

[B]

I forgot to mention when houses have. There are a few houses in Boise that have, like, concerts that go. That play with the lights, where it's.

[A]

Like, yeah, that's cool.

[B]

That's nuts.

[A]

That's really cool.

[B]

That to me, I can only watch it for three seconds, but I love it.

[A]

Yeah. If you get seizures, maybe don't go there.

[B]

I would definitely not go there. Don't watch the moment teaser and don't go to that. And maybe not. We've done some ride things that maybe.

[A]

Were a little bit. Yeah, well, I won't do ride or die right now.

[B]

Please don't.

[A]

So I'm not.

[B]

Please don't.

[A]

Yes. But I would love to talk about bodegas. So Merry Christmas of you and Merry Christmas are your friends. The bodegas are your friend. If Amal is an older sister, bodega is Christmas to me. Because here's the thing with bodegas. I have lived in the vicinity of many different bodegas. I will say my favorite bodega, in all my time here in New York City, is the one that I live near currently. Which I'm not going to say what it is because I don't want people to, like, triangulate my location.

[B]

They know where we live, but totally.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But let's just say that the man that works at the bodega, I think he owns it. His wife is there sometimes with their kid. His name is Ihaan.

[B]

Oh. Do you know what he told me last night?

[A]

What do you tell you?

[B]

Say hi. Say hi to your friend for me.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

I said, that's not my friend.

[A]

That's my fucking. That's my cheek.

[B]

That's just some girl I go to sometimes. And then he dapped me up in.

[A]

There in a couple.

[B]

And then we knocked foreheads together.

[A]

Yeah, he's. Then I bought it right Now I.

[B]

Bought a cashew nut date.

[A]

So here's the thing with bodegas, I.

[B]

Just are going to pass Cashew nut date.

[A]

We already talked about you eating my bed. So you're so spoiled and loved. I would imagine that getting the bodega account as a sparkling water company, as a protein bar company, as a snack company. I'm assuming there's one person at the top of bodega enterprises and they go, we'll do this brand this year. We're going to do this brand this year. We're going to do this brand this year. We're going to stock all because the bodegas have consistent brands.

[B]

Poppy goes, you'll stalk us.

[A]

They go, what the fuck are you going to do about it?

[B]

What beautiful fridge, right?

[A]

Yeah. Oh honey, we're doing it. What are they called? What are those ones at the end of the aisle called? I don't remember. It was the thing in Mad men kiosk. No, it's like a whole thing in advertising.

[B]

No, I'm telling you, I'm keeping the gun is up.

[A]

The gun is pointed at me and.

[B]

It'S like you will get every God.

[A]

Separate fridge for Poppy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I just think that must be really cool if you're. If you're an entrepreneur and you're starting a new brand that lands in bodegas.

[B]

Do you want to shout out liquid death? I mean you are like I'm going to shout out. Of course I'm fire.

[A]

Shout out liquid death. I'm going to shout out Quinn's. That does the peanut butter filled gluten.

[B]

Free pretzels that's been it turned Pinky into a billy goat.

[A]

But they fly off the shelves. So sometimes they don't have stock and they only have ones with cheese and I can't eat those.

[B]

Obviously they had the cheese of pizza.

[A]

The cheesy pizza.

[B]

They had the cheese of pizza 1.

[A]

But how cool is it to just go into a bodega? Maybe you discover a new snack brand. I mean it all each other but it's like it can be Christmas every day if you live near a bodega. The like, yes, I'm tapping to pay and it's $21 for two cans of water.

[B]

I know they're kind of diva e which I love. Like some of them it's fun.

[A]

Well, it's living crisis.

[B]

Well, of course. And that's what I was going to say. Well, some have just bongs and then others have like a very merry best snacks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's really interesting it's like the one by you is so. It's so like the snack out. Like an Erewhon kind of is the vibe. Like maybe, maybe. Actually it's more of like a Whole Foods Erewhon love child of sorts.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

The one by my hotel right now is. Is bong coded.

[A]

It's very sort of like a smoke shop.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But they still have like the, you know, Schweppes and some of the really big brands.

[A]

Well, the bodegas that are basically empty. I'm so curious, like, what's the financial sit there? It's none of my business. I'm just Ozark.

[B]

It's hard not to think that laundering is a part of some of these things.

[A]

I would imagine that it is. But I like ones that are stocked up and when everything is sort of in a row, like the aisles are pretty, like, tight, and then you can look at it and it just looks like a p. It's picturesque to me. When I see all those little. All those little products in a perfect line and all the colors, I mean, it's just beautiful.

[B]

Yeah. Mental illness is incredible.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The things that can make it feel better.

[A]

Yes. The things that soothe you, which is being in a very tightly packed bodega that might smell like soup or it might smell like eggs, or it might just be like really aerated. Mine smells great.

[B]

Smells so good.

[A]

And I love going in there. There's one right next to this podcast studio that we've popped in. We went in as our Zootopia characters and got a little picture on the security camera. But I just love how every bodega, it's like a fingerprint, you know, it's always different. There's no two that are the same.

[B]

But then there's some that have the same DNA. There's things that we share and Taylor Swift, ambassador to New York City, tourism ambassador. Bodega is your friend and it really is.

[A]

And I love the kitty cats. I love the kitty cat. 20 bucks.

[B]

I have the funniest story about Wally when I called her after the show and I was like, what are you doing? And she was like, I'm working in a bodega. And I was like, why? She's like, I knocked over all these cans and I said, like, I could work to pay it off. And then the guy said, okay.

[A]

She is one of a kind. She is much like a laughing. That's insane. But I love that you could call her and you just never know.

[B]

I never know.

[A]

She'll be.

[B]

When I called her to Tell her we got season two. She was in Mexico holding the world's most venomous snake.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

She had just done that. And she's like, okay, I'll stop. Sorry. Now that we're doing season two.

[A]

Put it down.

[B]

She put the snake down.

[A]

She said, insurance is never gonna.

[B]

It was sucking her neck. And she was like, oh, my God, we got it. Yeah.

[A]

So pop in here. Local bodega. I also think even though it's probably a little more expensive to buy stuff there, I'm like, I like to support this small business. Oh.

[B]

I grocery shop in the boat.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Trust. And all the little Christmas things are out. Like, all the, like, little specific, you know, the limited edition peppermint bark.

[A]

Well, there's.

[B]

That just got me excited.

[A]

Well, I don't know if I can.

[B]

I'm limiting dairy right now. I need to find a non dairy peppermint bark. If anyone has non dairy peppermint bark, let me know.

[A]

Let us know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

There's a company that makes mints that I've noticed are popping up in the bodegas. And I just thought to myself, well, I'm proud. Like, I'm proud of this mint company, this little upstart. It's probably owned by Monsanto, but I think it's cool that, you know, these new brands are making their way into the bodega space. That's just the things that I think about when I'm by myself. Galaxy Brands, when I'm on the train.

[B]

Those AirPods are weighing you down.

[A]

When I have to take my AirPods out because they're too heavy, I. Then my mind can only just wander. So.

[B]

Thank you. Did you say something?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Favorite Christmas present as a kid.

[A]

Whoa. Okay. There was this one Christmas in eighth grade.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Where I was having a tough year. Eighth grade's tough. It's tough for everyone. You're a young teen and especially the social politics of, you know, being a young woman. I got a purple rolling suitcase. I got a Travel the world. I got a pink cashmere sweater from Lauren Taylor. I got a mini ipod that was pink. And I. And if I'm not mistaken, that was the year I got my Tiffany bracelet. I had a huge Christmas spoiled. I'm the youngest. It was like Christmas magic.

[B]

Every now and then it's like, yeah. Like, you know, the youngest comes out and is like, well, eight.

[A]

Let's just say that Jesus wasn't the only person that was born that day. My capitalistic self was also born that day.

[B]

Oh, honey.

[A]

I mean, it had been a while, but I got emboldened that year.

[B]

Nag. Nag Olympics.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

One time my mom's like, did you get everything you got? And I literally. Nina Dramatur.

[A]

I went, not everything. Not everything. Didn't get the laptop with Internet. Oh, my God. That was okay. Next year, I got it when I went to college. And that was what was appropriate.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In that time.

[B]

So I love that.

[A]

Yeah. Favorite Christmas present ever for you.

[B]

I remember the Wii being really crazy because it was so hard to get. But, like, my dad waited in line, which is really sweet. Outside majority.

[A]

I mean, game console culture. I have three brothers.

[B]

These are gay, by the way.

[A]

Of.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

They'Re more queer. Yeah. They're the queerest.

[B]

Xbox says it. And shoots people. PlayStation is like, actually, he might be.

[A]

Good at middle of the road.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He sees, like, libertarian.

[B]

Yeah. He's kind of nice. Gamecube guys. It's like you're bi or gay. So. But. So I was. You know, I was of that. But we of that persuasion. But we.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Me playing we tennis. I loved it. And I was really good at we. We. The flicker is. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So the Wii was huge. Which is. I don't know if people would expect that for me, but I got we and then these chukka Uggs that year.

[A]

Whoa. Yeah.

[B]

And I was like, I got Uggs at school.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As you should.

[B]

And it was. I kind of got made fun of them. But then everyone kind of thought those kind of.

[A]

Those kind of slides Uggs took a minute to come around on. But then once they did, it was like, let's. Can we just all accept that these are comfortable and we want to wear.

[B]

Them and they're more ready for my Uggs for set. They're at your house. They're not ready. You know what you are, Mary Beth?

[A]

Bisexual.

[B]

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

[A]

Of course I ride for Christmas lights. I love the holiday spirit, especially this year. It's holiday cheer. Get into it. I hope people have a lot of good Christmas memories. I know dramatic ones. And make new ones. And here's what I'll say about this. I always thought, like, I'm gonna wait to start my own traditions for when I have partner. And now I'm just gonna do it on my own and have this great big beautiful life. And if someone wants to be a part of it, me and Benny. Drama's life. Then welcome. But.

[B]

And come on in. Come on down, because we'd love to. We'd love to have You. Our hearts are open, and I'm so excited to spend New Year's Eve with you.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Pinky's my midnight kiss. I know. I, of course, ride for bodegas. It's been so nice to have them again and to be able to walk to them and just, like, go and see all the snacks and Tall boy. I'm on a gut health journey right now, so I have to be mindful of, like, dairy and gluten and all those things as I heal my microbiome in my stomach. So it's been really fun, too, to kind of tap into your world of these snacks.

[A]

You're looking at a packaging and you're looking to see all the circles. I'm looking to see if you're looking to see gf.

[B]

And then I'm looking. No, none of that.

[A]

None of that, none of that.

[B]

Check, check.

[A]

And I go, fabulous.

[B]

And that's what I brought last night. And I. Yeah, I had a few nimbles in your bed and maybe a few fell out of my mouth because my jaw was dropped. Seeing a man that you had been with on camera be with a man.

[A]

Yeah, that was shocking.

[B]

So classic you, girl.

[A]

I know.

[B]

That's just the way. Merry Christmas.

[A]

Have a great holiday season with your families or whoever. Chosen family. By yourself, whatever.

[B]

Coming out right at Christmas.

[A]

It's the. It's the last episode of the year before we do Encyclopedia of Ride, which is reruns.

[B]

Oh, I can't wait for our ins and outs and.

[A]

And don't we love a good rerun, folks?

[B]

Hey, let's tune in. It might be helpful. We know a lot of you have joined kind of at random times. I'm sure you're just so confused.

[A]

It's going to be so funny cuz like, so many eras just won't be in there. But this is obviously, you know, it's older. And the video of us, it's going to show you what we used to look like pre plastic surgery.

[B]

Whoa.

[A]

I hate that. I know that just got to. We have to go back and edit those. We love you guys so much. Have a great holiday.

[B]

I love you.

[A]

Merry Christmas. And our Chungus life.

[B]

Oh, my. Exit.

[A]

Danny, babe, eyes in the rose. Then you go. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.