Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone
Episode: IT'S A HITCHHIKE
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host/Authors: Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone
1. Celebrating Heritage Month Finale
Timestamp: [12:00 – 13:17]
In the finale of their Heritage Month celebration, Benito and Mary Beth decide to keep the episode intimate by featuring only themselves, avoiding random guest appearances. Mary Beth shares feedback from listeners who prefer consistency over unexpected guests, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a familiar and trustworthy environment for their audience.
Notable Quote:
Mary Beth Barone [13:01]: "We didn't want to just get a guest that felt random because we... don't get guests that feel random. So we're not gonna do that."
2. An Unforgettable Evening with Lady Gaga
Timestamp: [21:20 – 26:38]
Benito recounts his experience moderating a press conference for Lady Gaga in New York. He describes Gaga as a phenomenal artist and a genuine person who deeply appreciates her fans. Mary Beth echoes his sentiments, highlighting Gaga's unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community and her ability to create a loving and inclusive atmosphere.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [22:27]: "I just got to be with my... my girly pop, and I got to meet Gaga at this Mayhem press event."
Mary Beth Barone [25:17]: "She has never turned her back on the queer community. And she was writing for the LGBTQ+ before it was chic."
The hosts express admiration for Gaga's authenticity and the strong community she fosters, drawing parallels to the supportive environment they aim to create with their podcast.
3. Defining Ride's Core Values
Timestamp: [14:03 – 14:22]
Benito and Mary Beth outline the core values that guide their podcast and personal lives. They emphasize the importance of passion, love, science, and an open-minded approach to the unknown.
Core Values:
- Do What You Love: Pursue your passions as long as they don’t harm others.
- Love is the Most Powerful Force: Emphasizing love as a central theme in life and interactions.
- Believe in Science and Vaccines: Trusting scientific advancements and public health measures.
- Believe in Ghosts: Embracing the mysteries of the universe and remaining open to the unexplained.
Notable Quote:
Mary Beth Barone [14:10]: "We believe in science, vaccines, and then shortly thereafter, we believe in ghosts."
4. Listener Engagement: The Hitchhike Segment
Timestamp: [21:34 – 52:30]
The episode features the "Hitchhike" segment where listeners submit voice notes expressing what they "ride for." Benito and Mary Beth engage with these submissions, providing humorous and heartfelt responses.
Highlights:
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Songs That Break Hearts: Various listeners share their favorite emotional songs that elicit strong feelings. The hosts discuss the power of music in evoking emotions and personal memories.
Notable Quotes:
Stephanie [30:37]: "Cashmere Pulaski day by Sufjan Stevens. No matter, Sufjan did a lot for the songs that break your heart."
Benito Skinner [31:13]: "Skeletons. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Kills me. Absolutely wrecks me."
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Creative Expressions and Humorous Interactions: Listeners suggest quirky and amusing reasons to "ride for," such as "Tiny Little Tops" and "Dinner Drunk," which Benito and Mary Beth respond to with witty banter and laughter.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [42:50]: "I love that we targeted like two rancid at Kitson. I'm like, really?"
Mary Beth Barone [45:11]: "Put that on a T-shirt."
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Personal Anecdotes and Community Stories: The hosts share personal stories about handling awkward social situations, emphasizing the importance of community support and shared experiences.
Notable Quotes:
Mary Beth Barone [38:19]: "I had to go to a dentist in Hollywood and... found them on Zocdoc and thank God I had that option."
Benito Skinner [47:37]: "He gets embodied. It's crazy. And I just kind of say bye and, and he found his way back home, but I was kind of like, he's missing."
5. Addressing Personal Challenges and Growth
Timestamp: [10:35 – 12:10]
Benito opens up about his struggle with rosacea, a condition he initially mistook for dermatitis. After a diagnosis, he shares his journey towards simpler skincare routines and the impact of using effective products like the De La Cruz sulfur mask.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [10:41]: "I did get into see a dermatologist, and I had, I believe it's called rosacea."
Mary Beth Barone [11:55]: "It's fabulous."
Benito and Mary Beth discuss the importance of self-care and the positive changes they've made in their routines to address personal health challenges.
6. Upcoming Season and Future Plans
Timestamp: [49:30 – 51:17]
As the episode wraps up, Benito and Mary Beth hint at exciting plans for the next season, including more listener interactions and new segments. They express enthusiasm about continuing to engage with their community and explore diverse topics.
Notable Quotes:
Mary Beth Barone [49:16]: "We have so many more to get through. And you said all you need to say and you ate that."
Benito Skinner [50:03]: "We're gonna open season three with it. I go, I don't know why this person's famous."
They also touch on the humorous and candid aspects of their friendship, promising more relatable and entertaining content for their audience.
7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [52:30 – 53:04]
In their final moments, Benito and Mary Beth reflect on the episode's highlights and the strong connection with their listeners. They encourage continued engagement and express gratitude for the support received.
Notable Quotes:
Benito Skinner [52:47]: "Thanks so much for hopping in the car. I'mma let you make me do. Plug your ears, Amelia."
Mary Beth Barone [53:04]: "Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services."
Key Takeaways:
- Community and Inclusivity: The hosts emphasize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, drawing inspiration from influential figures like Lady Gaga.
- Personal Growth: Both Benito and Mary Beth share personal challenges and growth, highlighting the importance of self-care and authenticity.
- Listener Engagement: The "Hitchhike" segment showcases the strong bond between the hosts and their audience, fostering a sense of community.
- Humor and Relatability: Through their witty banter and candid discussions, Benito and Mary Beth make the podcast relatable and entertaining.
- Future Excitement: They hint at exciting plans for the next season, promising more engaging content and listener interactions.
This episode of "Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone" successfully blends personal stories, listener engagement, and mutual support, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to being a space for meaningful and entertaining conversations.