Podcast Summary: Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone Episode: Owning Your History + Bald Guys
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the playful banter between co-hosts Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, setting the lighthearted and irreverent tone that listeners have come to love. From the outset, both hosts establish their camaraderie, teasing each other and sharing amusing anecdotes.

Owning Your History

A significant portion of the episode delves into the theme of owning one's history. Both hosts share personal stories and reflections on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's journey, including the embarrassing or challenging moments.

• Reflecting on Embarrassing Moments:

  • Benito Skinner shares a moment where he felt embarrassed by his past actions, mentioning how "people will look through their camera rolls and find images of you from a time you couldn't even imagine" (02:03).

• Discussing Past Fights:

  • Mary Beth Barone brings up a past fight with a friend, highlighting how "sometimes when you're with someone, you will just fight about stuff like that, and it can be really hard, but ultimately rewarding" (11:35).
  • Benito adds, "It's like owning all these things we did and just being like, you know what? I know the kid that did that, and I know the hurt kid that did that, and I think it's funny and I think it's beautiful." (27:24).

• Embracing Past Identities:

  • Benito recounts his experience attending a party in a fairy-themed costume, feeling self-conscious yet later embracing it as part of his history. "I'm proud of where it got me. And I think we all have to own our history." (27:50).

• Mary Beth’s Modeling Past:

  • Mary Beth reflects on her time in the modeling industry, humorously describing old headshots that once haunted her. "It's like, no, I'm owning this thing that I did, that there is photographic evidence of, and it's okay." (26:20).

Notable Quote:

"There's nothing more owning your history than overcompensating." – Mary Beth Barone (43:31)

Intrusive Thoughts and Mental Health

The hosts touch upon mental health, specifically addressing intrusive thoughts and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

• Benito’s Experience with OCD:

  • Benito candidly discusses his struggles with OCD, explaining how intrusive thoughts can make individuals feel like monsters. "OCD latches onto these thoughts and can make you feel like a monster, even though that isn't true." (34:00)

• NOCD Therapy Promotion:

  • While promoting NOCD, the hosts emphasize the importance of specialized therapy for OCD, ensuring listeners that seeking help is a safe and beneficial step.

Notable Quote:

"If that sounds familiar to you then here's the thing about those disturbing, unwanted thoughts. They're more common than you think." – Benito Skinner (30:37)

Embracing Baldness

In the second half of the episode, Mary Beth and Benito explore the topic of baldness, celebrating men who embrace their bald heads. They discuss societal perceptions, personal preferences, and the confidence it takes to rock a bald look.

• Personal Preferences:

  • Mary Beth shares her appreciation for bald men who choose to shave their heads as a stylistic choice, citing actors like Jason Statham and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as inspirations. "I ride for bald guys. I think it's amazing. I think it's hot, it's sexy." (35:20).

• Encouraging Confidence:

  • The hosts encourage listeners to embrace baldness, whether it's a natural change or a deliberate style choice. "Let it shine. Put some oil on it and rub a dub dub." – Benito Skinner (41:13).

• Shoutouts to Bald Icons:

  • They give shoutouts to various bald celebrities and personal acquaintances who embody confidence and style without hair, reinforcing the theme of self-acceptance and empowerment.

Notable Quote:

"It can be sexy and fun and playful and don't hide it. Let it shine." – Benito Skinner (41:13)

Audience Interaction and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, Benito and Mary Beth share humorous personal stories and interact with audience comments, creating an engaging and relatable atmosphere.

• Humorous Misadventures:

  • Benito recounts his humorous attempt at a fairy-themed costume at a party, blending self-deprecation with genuine pride in his past actions.

• Relationship Dynamics:

  • Mary Beth and Benito discuss their evolving relationship, emphasizing friendship and mutual support. "You're also my ride or die." – Mary Beth Barone (42:10).

Looking Forward

As the episode wraps up, the hosts hint at upcoming topics and future episodes, maintaining listener anticipation for continued discussions on personal growth, cultural observations, and entertaining themes.

Notable Quote:

"Owning your history can be so powerful. I think we need to do it more." – Mary Beth Barone (43:31)

Conclusion

"Owning Your History + Bald Guys" offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of self-acceptance, personal growth, and embracing one's identity. Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone skillfully blend personal anecdotes with broader cultural commentary, providing listeners with both entertainment and meaningful insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Benito Skinner (02:03): "There was something today that I thought that I did, that I thought no one would see ever again."
• Mary Beth Barone (11:35): "Sometimes when you're with someone, you will just fight about stuff like that, and it can be really hard, but ultimately rewarding."
• Mary Beth Barone (43:31): "There's nothing more owning your history than overcompensating."
• Benito Skinner (35:20): "I ride for bald guys. I think it's amazing. I think it's hot, it's sexy."
• Benito Skinner (41:13): "It can be sexy and fun and playful and don't hide it. Let it shine."

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and themes of the episode.