Podcast Summary: The Toast – "Benedict Ray Cyrus: Tuesday, January 21st, 2025"
Hosted by Jackie and Claudia Oshry
Introduction
In this episode of The Toast, hosts Jackie and Claudia Oshry navigate through a series of engaging topics, ranging from studio transitions and social media upheavals to in-depth discussions on recent documentaries and notable performances in the music industry. The conversation is punctuated with personal anecdotes, insightful analyses, and lively debates, making it a comprehensive listen for fans who seek both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.
1. Studio Transition and Theme Song Competition [00:36]
Jackie and Claudia begin by reflecting on the significance of their studio, which has been their creative haven since 2020 amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Claudia announces that their current studio will be their last full week, signaling a monumental shift for the podcast.
Claudia: "Thank you for opening up the space for me. This is my final full week in this studio which has housed us for so many years." [00:36]
They seamlessly transition into discussing The Toast's theme song competition, sharing their enthusiasm over selecting the winner and the excitement surrounding the recording process with a renowned Grammy-winning producer.
Jackie: "We have not you and I officially selected the winner." [02:20]
2. TikTok Shutdown and Social Media Dynamics [02:37]
The conversation shifts to the abrupt shutdown of TikTok for 14 hours, a situation that left many users bewildered. Claudia shares her personal frustrations and the broader implications for content creators who rely heavily on the platform.
Claudia: "It's giving fatigue. It's giving will they, won't they?" [05:26]
They delve into the potential long-term impacts on TikTok's ecosystem and explore alternatives like Instagram Reels, critiquing its algorithm and user experience in comparison to TikTok's dynamic environment.
Jackie: "Reels. I'm sorry. And I know you, like, love it. It is not a sufficient alternative to TikTok." [09:02]
3. The Molly Mae Documentary and the Movie "Conclave" [12:09]
Claudia reviews the ongoing Molly Mae documentary, expressing her reservations despite watching the latest episodes. The hosts analyze Molly's personal struggles and the portrayal of her relationship with Tommy, offering a nuanced perspective on her journey.
Claudia: "I actually feel like this isn't for me." [14:44]
Subsequently, they discuss the movie Conclave, highlighting its complex narrative involving the selection of a new pope and the unexpected plot twists that challenge traditional perceptions of the Vatican's inner workings.
Claudia: "I was like, what the hell did we just watch?" [21:36]
4. Musical News: Carrie Underwood and Billy Ray Cyrus [30:37]
The hosts cover recent musical events, starting with Carrie Underwood's impromptu acapella performance of "America the Beautiful" during the inauguration. They commend her ability to adapt gracefully amidst technical difficulties.
Claudia: "She rallied the room, honestly. Thank God that they moved it indoors." [31:09]
Transitioning to Billy Ray Cyrus, they express concern over his erratic performance at the Liberty Ball, speculating on underlying issues that might have influenced his behavior on stage.
Jackie: "He looks like something that just, like, washed up on the beach." [36:40]
5. Social Media News: Justin Bieber and Spencer Pratt vs. Alex Cooper [41:37]
The discussion moves to Justin Bieber's social media activity, specifically his temporary unfollowing of his wife, Haley. The hosts analyze the incident, debunking rumors of hacking and suggesting possible personal motivations behind the action.
Claudia: "I don't think he got hacked by an unidentified third party." [43:08]
Additionally, they explore Spencer Pratt's public feud with Alex Cooper over the promotion of Heidi Montag's song, critiquing Pratt's approach and the dynamics of influencer relationships.
Jackie: "He said, he said respectfully, if I keep my platform and I keep being an A list rich celebrity, she's so fucked..." [50:13]
6. Relationship News: Rachel Kirkennel's Breakup [53:38]
Jackie and Claudia delve into the tumultuous breakup between Rachel Kirkennel and Matt James, based on claims from Rachel's sister, Trinity. They discuss the suspicious timing of the breakup announcement and encourage open communication and evidence collection in such sensitive situations.
Claudia: "Call the police, comma, call their mothers." [71:32]
7. Dear Toasters: Listener Advice [61:14]
In their signature segment, Dear Toasters, the hosts respond to listener queries with practical advice. One listener seeks help regarding her husband’s questionable bathroom habits, prompting Jackie and Claudia to offer humorous yet thoughtful solutions.
Claudia: "You're not someone who can be embarrassed. And maybe he needs to be a little bit embarrassed so he starts flushing the toilet." [65:32]
Another listener grapples with online harassment post-breakup, leading the hosts to recommend documenting evidence and seeking professional assistance.
Jackie: "Just find out. This would be a great opportunity." [72:53]
8. Closing News: Grammy Awards Host Announcement [59:03]
The episode concludes with the announcement that Trevor Noah will return as the host for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his fifth consecutive year in the role. Jackie and Claudia express their mixed feelings about his hosting style and speculate on potential improvements under new influences.
Jackie: "Nikki Glaser will force him to like step his Travis up." [60:23]
Notable Quotes
- Claudia: "Hopefully this means the week will go by quickly. Not to rush things along." [00:20]
- Claudia: "It's giving fatigue. It's giving will they, won't they?" [05:26]
- Claudia: "I was like, what the hell did we just watch?" [21:36]
- Jackie: "He looks like something that just, like, washed up on the beach." [36:40]
- Claudia: "I don't think he got hacked by an unidentified third party." [43:08]
- Claudia: "Call the police, comma, call their mothers." [71:32]
Conclusion
This episode of The Toast offers a rich tapestry of discussions that blend personal insights with broader cultural commentary. Jackie and Claudia navigate through complex topics with humor and empathy, providing listeners with both entertainment and meaningful takeaways.
Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections have been deliberately excluded to focus on the core discussions and narratives presented by the hosts.
