Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone: Episode Summary Episode Title: Kelly Rohrbach's Instagram + Dante's Inferno
Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, the hosts delve into a multifaceted discussion that intertwines celebrity culture, classical literature, and the challenges of navigating online negativity. Skipping the initial advertisements and standard introductions, the episode swiftly moves into substantive conversations that offer both humor and insightful commentary.

Handling Online Negativity

[01:05] Mary Beth Barone: The episode kicks off with Mary Beth addressing a concerning comment directed at Benito's podcast, reflecting on the broader issue of online hate. She emphasizes the importance of transparency by saying, “I like that they commented it and they didn't DM it. Because I think it's important for people to see the type of like, stuff that people say to us.”

[02:53] Benito Skinner: Benito expresses his emotional response to negative comments, stating, “Oh, fuck. It's kind of making me want to cry, babe.” This candid moment underscores the personal impact of online criticism on public figures.

[03:45] Mary Beth Barone: Mary Beth advises against giving attention to trolls, asserting, “I'm going to put you at the forefront if you want to come for me like that,” highlighting a proactive approach to handling negativity.

Kelly Rohrbach's Instagram: A Glimpse into Celebrity Privacy

The conversation seamlessly transitions to a deep dive into Kelly Rohrbach's Instagram and her decision to retreat from the public eye.

[15:25] Mary Beth Barone: Mary Beth provides background on Kelly Rohrbach's rise to fame, noting her significant Instagram following and her abrupt cessation of posts in late 2018: “November 25, 2018, is the last time she posted.”

[17:02] Mary Beth Barone: She reminisces about Kelly's Instagram presence, describing it as “like you have gone into a time machine and gone back to the 2010s,” and highlights posts that capture Kelly's vibrant lifestyle and engagement with followers.

[19:47] Benito Skinner: Benito admires Kelly's ability to step away from fame, stating, “She walked away from being a public figure, which is something that I think more of us should think about doing.”

[20:14] Mary Beth Barone: They discuss Kelly's personal decision to marry in 2019 and her subsequent withdrawal from the limelight: “she literally said, I'm, I fell in love. I'm going to be happy and have a life for myself off the Internet, and this is goodbye.”

Dante's Inferno: Exploring Classical Literature in Modern Context

The second major segment of the episode focuses on Dante's Inferno, drawing parallels between the poem's depiction of Hell and contemporary societal issues.

[25:27] Mary Beth Barone: Mary Beth introduces Dante's Inferno, outlining its structure and thematic elements: “Inferno is the first part of Italian writer Dante Alighieri's 14th-century narrative poem, the Divine Comedy. It describes a journey of a fictionalized version of Dante himself through hell, guided by the ancient Roman poet Virgil.”

[28:07] Benito Skinner: Benito shares his personal connection to the text, mentioning its impact during his high school years and its enduring relevance: “I remember having to draw this out. And of course, you know, I did it to hell.”

[33:06] Benito Skinner: He draws a parallel between the circles of Hell and current societal struggles: “I think the Inferno is about the strength of the human spirit. I mean, we can endure so much, and we are right now. And I definitely never thought we'd be living through another, like, sort of civil rights era.”

[35:20] Benito Skinner & Mary Beth Barone: The hosts propose a book club to further explore Dante's works, blending their literary discussion with personal reflections and humor: “I think we should start a book club. Let's read Dante's Inferno together. What do you think?”

Personal Banter and Friendship

Throughout the episode, Benito and Mary Beth intersperse their discussions with personal anecdotes and playful exchanges, reinforcing their camaraderie.

[36:27] Mary Beth Barone: Mary Beth shares her positive experience with the group's dynamic: “I loved it. And people aren't abusing the group chat. They're not constantly talking in it. They're saying things when they have something to say.”

[37:43] Benito Skinner: Benito reminisces about a visit to Benihana with their post-production team, blending humor with social commentary: “Watching the coworker catch meat in their mouth, like, you're not going to see. It's the most human thing I've ever seen.”

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Benito and Mary Beth reflect on the themes discussed, emphasizing resilience and mutual support.

[33:09] Benito Skinner: “Hold your bestie close, Virgil. See, all the lessons I learned.”

[35:59] Mary Beth Barone: She reaffirms their supportive relationship: “Only a couple things make my lower back sweaty. And I think I've really warmed up to group chats.”

[39:23] Benito Skinner: Benito concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Kelly Rohrbach: “We love you, sweetheart.”

Notable Quotes

• Mary Beth Barone [02:53]: “We know this is your burner.”
• Benito Skinner [02:33]: “I just can't believe you say things like that. That's so Dante's Inferno coded.”
• Benito Skinner [33:07]: “We're getting close to nine.”
• Mary Beth Barone [23:01]: “You respect the work.”
• Benito Skinner [35:07]: “I think we should start a book club. Let's read Dante's Inferno together.”

Conclusion

This episode of Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone skillfully blends discussions on celebrity privacy, classical literature, and the personal impacts of online interactions. Through their engaging banter and insightful analysis, Benito and Mary Beth offer listeners a nuanced perspective on balancing public life with personal well-being, all while navigating the complexities of modern media and enduring friendship.