Podcast Summary: The Toast – Econ 101: Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Host/Authors: Jackie & Claudia Oshry
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Episode Title: Econ 101

1. Welcoming Remarks and American Idol Discussion

Claudia Oshry [00:05]:
Claudia kicks off the episode with her signature greeting, welcoming listeners to "The Toast" and setting an upbeat tone for the show.

Jackie Oshry [00:26]:
Jackie responds enthusiastically, “They sound amazing,” sparking the duo's lively banter.

Claudia Oshry [01:09]:
The hosts transition into a discussion about the recent changes in American Idol, particularly focusing on Carrie Underwood’s role as a judge. Claudia mentions seeing Carrie’s impactful performances on TikTok, highlighting a viral audition where Carrie empowers a stay-at-home mom to recognize her potential beyond domestic roles.

Claudia Oshry [01:19]:
Carrie’s comment, “You are not just a stay-at-home mom,” resonates deeply, showcasing her empowering presence.

Jackie Oshry [02:33]:
Jackie echoes Claudia's sentiments, describing the current American Idol as “softer” compared to its more ruthless past, emphasizing the absence of harsh criticism and the shift towards a more supportive judging environment.

2. Scientology and Tom Cruise Debate

Claudia Oshry [04:05]:
The conversation shifts to Tom Cruise and Scientology. Claudia posits that Tom Cruise is at the helm of a powerful cult within Hollywood, discussing the influence and prominence of Scientologists in the industry.

Jackie Oshry [04:13]:
Jackie expresses skepticism, stating, “I don't know... I feel like he wouldn’t know,” implying uncertainty about the extent of Tom Cruise's control over Hollywood events like the Olympics.

Claudia Oshry [04:47]:
Claudia highlights Elizabeth Moss as a significant yet under-recognized Scientologist, contrasting her limited fame with Tom Cruise’s high-profile status.

Jackie Oshry [05:39]:
Jackie critiques the perceived power dynamics within Scientology, noting that Elizabeth Moss's involvement doesn’t equate to widespread influence, and humorously dismisses the idea of her as a prominent Scientologist.

3. Personal Updates: Claudia’s Pregnancy Announcement

Claudia Oshry [07:42]:
In a heartfelt moment, Claudia announces her decision on the baby’s name: Bowie. She shares that Jackie's son, Harry, has been calling the baby in her belly "Bowie," a name that felt right and resonated with both Claudia and her family.

Jackie Oshry [08:18]:
Jackie expresses her affection for the name, noting its originality and classic appeal, “It's a beautiful name.”

Claudia Oshry [08:34]:
Claudia elaborates on her growing connection to the name, emphasizing its uniqueness within their family and the sentimental value imbued by her children’s choices.

4. Pregnancy Symptoms and Culinary Adventures

Claudia Oshry [10:02]:
Claudia delves into her pregnancy symptoms, describing intense hunger and thirst, “I was so skinny and full,” after enjoying homemade Crunchwrap Supremes made with a 12-inch tortilla, inspired by Kristen Cavallari's TikTok recipe.

Jackie Oshry [12:04]:
Jackie shares her experience with creating Crunchwrap Supremes, humorously mentioning her meticulous use of a tape measure to adhere to the recipe’s specifications.

Claudia Oshry [13:06]:
The conversation turns to seasoning preferences, with Claudia expressing disdain for homemade taco seasoning concocted by her husband, favoring reliable brands like Old El Paso for better flavor consistency.

5. White Lotus Review and Personal Reflections

Claudia Oshry [16:46]:
Post-ad break, Claudia and Jackie discuss their thoughts on the TV show White Lotus. Jackie reflects on the show’s lack of significant plot developments, while Claudia critiques a particular incestuous scene, expressing discomfort and setting personal boundaries regarding such content.

Claudia Oshry [19:07]:
The duo debates the portrayal of complex relationships and inappropriate relationships within the show, highlighting standout performances by actors like Thomas Ravenel and Jason Isaacs.

Claudia Oshry [20:10]:
Claudia commends Parker Posey’s unpredictable and nuanced performance, suggesting she deserves accolades for creating a compelling character that transcends scripted dialogue.

6. Celebrity Health Update: Tracy Morgan

Claudia Oshry [56:28]:
Towards the end of the episode, Claudia shares an update on Tracy Morgan, who was recently seen vomiting courtside at a Knicks game. She expresses concern and relief upon learning from a follow-up that Tracy is recovering well from a bout of food poisoning, highlighting his status as a beloved Knicks fan.

Jackie Oshry [56:30]:
Jackie humorously quips, “Get well soon trace face,” adding levity to the serious update.

7. Business News: Forever 21 Bankruptcy

Claudia Oshry [57:29]:
The hosts discuss Forever 21’s second bankruptcy filing, attributing the brand’s downfall to its failure to evolve in the competitive fast fashion market. They lament the closure of iconic stores and critique the brand’s inability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Claudia Oshry [60:07]:
Claudia contrasts Forever 21 with brands like Abercrombie and H&M, which successfully rebranded and stayed relevant, underscoring Forever 21’s stagnation as a primary reason for its decline.

8. Business Acquisition: PepsiCo Buys Poppy

Claudia Oshry [61:16]:
The discussion moves to PepsiCo’s acquisition of the prebiotic soda brand Poppy for nearly $2 billion. Claudia speculates on the strategic nature of this move, recognizing the growing trend towards healthier beverage options.

Jackie Oshry [62:01]:
Jackie reflects on the competitive landscape, noting Coca-Cola’s entry into the prebiotic soda market with Simply Pop and debating the merits of acquiring versus building such brands internally.

Claudia Oshry [62:45]:
Claudia emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses and praises Poppy’s delicious flavor, advocating for its integration into mainstream venues for broader accessibility.

9. Listener Advice Segment: Dear Toasters

Claudia Oshry [66:44]:
In the "Dear Toasters" segment, Claudia and Jackie address listener-submitted dilemmas:

1. Listener 1:
   Problem: Concern over parents reading a steamy book series (Fourth Wing), fearing awkward discussions once explicit content is introduced.
   Advice: Both hosts reassure the listener, suggesting that parents may lose interest before reaching the more intense parts of the book and emphasizing that not all books are solely about explicit content.

2. Listener 2:
   Problem: A secretary persistently calls her husband with personal issues, creating workplace discomfort.
   Advice: The hosts recommend maintaining professional boundaries and considering the appropriate actions to address potential misconduct without overstepping.

3. Listener 3:
   Problem: Future mother finds out her fiancé’s family is planning to incorporate mascots from his favorite MLB team into bridal events, which she finds unappealing.
   Advice: Claudia and Jackie suggest setting clear boundaries, expressing personal preferences kindly yet firmly, and ensuring that the wedding remains focused on the couple rather than external interests.

10. Closing Remarks and Final Updates

Jackie Oshry [77:29]:
In her final remarks, Jackie wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe and leave five-star reviews, ensuring they stay connected with "The Toast" across various podcast platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Claudia Oshry [01:19]: “You are not just a stay-at-home mom.”

• Jackie Oshry [02:33]: “It's a softer American Idol.”

• Claudia Oshry [04:05]: “Tom Cruise is at the helm of an extremely powerful cult within Hollywood.”

• Claudia Oshry [08:04]: “Bowie. So much so Charlie, Jackie's other son who like barely talks, he only says the word basketball. He's over here saying Bowie.”

• Claudia Oshry [19:44]: “I'm sorry. That third friend... she seriously one of the biggest losers.”

Conclusion:

In this episode of The Toast, Jackie and Claudia Oshry navigate a mix of pop culture critiques, personal life updates, and pressing business news with their characteristic wit and candidness. From dissecting changes in beloved shows like American Idol and White Lotus, to celebrating personal milestones like Claudia's pregnancy, the hosts deliver a rich tapestry of discussions that blend humor, insight, and heartfelt moments. Their advice segment further underscores their connection with listeners, offering practical solutions to real-life dilemmas. This episode exemplifies The Toast’s ability to engage audiences through relatable content and dynamic conversations.