The Toast - Episode: "Jax Takes a Back Seat" | February 7, 2025
Hosted by Dear Media
Opening: Navigating a Sick Day
The episode kicks off with a lighthearted yet heartfelt interaction as one host, Claudia Oshry (B), welcomes listeners while managing a challenging day due to illness. Jackie Oshry (A) humorously laments her condition, saying, “[00:30] A: Hey, turd. I've been better. I think this is the sickest I've ever podcast...” Their camaraderie sets a relatable tone, addressing listeners with warmth and authenticity.
1. Craig Conover & Paige’s Breakup on Southern Charm
A significant portion of the episode delves deep into the highly publicized breakup between Craig Conover and Paige McCullough from Southern Charm. The hosts analyze Craig’s recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live, where he discusses the end of his relationship with Paige.
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Craig’s Denial and Public Perception: Claudia highlights Craig’s emotional state post-breakup, noting his “denial and shock” ([03:31] B) and the backlash he faces online for seemingly pretending the relationship was still intact shortly after the split. Jackie adds, “[17:26] A: I didn't think that was weird either from the way that he told the series of events,” illustrating their understanding of Craig’s predicament.
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Impact of Rumors and Social Media: They discuss the detrimental effects of internet rumors, especially allegations of Paige cheating, and Craig’s reluctance to defend her publicly. Claudia asserts, “[20:07] B: Baseless rumors, making shit up a thousand percent,” emphasizing the unfair scrutiny both parties endure.
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Mutual Respect Despite the Split: Despite the breakup’s turmoil, both hosts express empathy towards both Craig and Paige, with Jackie stating, “[22:09] A: Yeah. For me, there's not a bad guy in this story. It's like, two people who I. Stan and I once shipped, and then, like, they broke up in a very amicable way.”
2. NFL Honors Highlights
Transitioning from reality TV drama, the hosts shift focus to last night's NFL Honors event, sharing their observations and reactions.
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Haley Steinfeld & Josh Allen’s Red Carpet Debut: Jackie and Claudia celebrate the debut of Haley Steinfeld alongside NFL quarterback Josh Allen at the event. Jackie remarks on Josh’s genuine display of affection, “[25:39] A: She did a clear blue ad, which I just loved. I'm. I'm. I'm very intrigued by the clear blue of it all.”
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Dave Portnoy and Braxton Barrios Controversy: They briefly touch upon the tension surrounding Dave Portnoy’s interactions with Braxton Barrios, highlighting issues within the sports and media landscape. Claudia comments, “[25:25] B: Oh, I want to talk about Haley and Josh, but I do want to fill you in…”
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Joe Burrow’s Unfortunate Incident: The episode mentions the bizarre occurrence of Joe Burrow’s home being robbed, with burglars flaunting his custom diamond necklaces, sparking jokes about “bling rings” ([31:59] B).
3. Chapel Roan’s Grammy Speech and Public Response
A compelling segment focuses on Chapel Roan’s bold statement at the Grammys, advocating for record labels to provide healthcare and livable wages for artists.
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Chapel’s Challenge and Jeff Rabhan’s Response: Chapel takes on Jeff Rabhan, a former music executive, by challenging him to match her $25,000 donation to support struggling musicians. Jeff responds critically, questioning the feasibility and approach of Chapel’s proposal. Claudia summarizes, “[35:03] A: Yeah, his name is Jeff. Jeff Rabhan…”
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Halsey’s Support for Chapel: The discussion highlights Halsey’s staunch support for Chapel, applauding her efforts to shed light on industry issues. Jackie shares, “[36:31] A: She chewed him up. Everyone's chewing each other up…”
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Hosts’ Perspectives: While Jackie remains skeptical about Chapel’s understanding of the music industry, Claudia acknowledges the audacity and impact of her actions, stating, “[38:21] A: Like, she… she was a lightning rod…”
4. Ugly Betty Rewatch Podcast Announcement
The hosts introduce an exciting development for fans of the classic show Ugly Betty—a Rewatch podcast hosted by Michael Radke and Amanda Newton.
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Podcast Details and Hosts: Claudia enthusiastically notes, “[40:05] B: Oh. Oh, oh, okay. Well. Oh, oh, okay. Well…” while Jackie expresses mixed feelings about rewatch podcasts but remains supportive of the hosts’ involvement.
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Appeal to Fans: Despite their reservations, they acknowledge the nostalgic value and potential insider insights the podcast could offer to long-time fans of the show.
5. Madison Lacroix’s Pregnancy Announcement
The episode highlights joyful news from Southern Charm, as Madison Lacroix announces her second pregnancy with husband Brett Randall.
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Announcement and Public Reaction: Claudia shares Madison’s heartfelt announcement via a Clearblue ad, celebrating her growing family despite Brett’s recent health challenges. Jackie adds, “[46:16] B: Agreed. I love her. I'm so happy for her…”
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Madison’s Personal Journey: They commend Madison’s resilience and the couple’s ability to embrace new beginnings amidst personal trials, reinforcing the theme of growth and positivity despite adversity.
Queenie and Weenie Awards
Towards the end of the episode, Jackie and Claudia introduce their weekly “Queenie and Weenie” awards, celebrating positive behaviors and calling out less favorable actions.
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Queenie of the Week: Jackie nominates Michael Buckner and gives an honorable mention to Onija Andrew Robinson, praising their supportive and admirable actions.
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Weenie of the Week: Claudia criticizes reporters from AP for asking inappropriate questions to NFL player Travis Kelce, labeling the behavior as disrespectful and intrusive.
Closing Remarks: Support and Appreciation
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express gratitude towards their listeners, especially Jackie for her unwavering presence despite being ill. They encourage listeners to subscribe and engage with their content across various platforms.
- Final Sentiments: Claudia concludes, “[55:20] A: Happy today because they didn't have to see them. [55:22] B: So true. It's a dream for the frame haters,” showcasing their friendly banter and appreciation for their loyal audience.
Notable Quotes:
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Jackie Oshry (A):
- “[00:30] A: Hey, turd. I've been better. I think this is the sickest I've ever podcast…”
- “[17:26] A: I didn't think that was weird either from the way that he told the series of events…”
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Claudia Oshry (B):
- “[03:31] B: Yeah. But she was like, first of all…”
- “[20:07] B: Baseless rumors, making shit up a thousand percent.”
- “[35:03] A: Yeah, his name is Jeff…”
- “[38:21] A: Like, she was a lightning rod…”
Conclusion
In "Jax Takes a Back Seat," Jackie and Claudia Oshry navigate a mix of personal challenges and high-profile entertainment news with their characteristic humor and insightful commentary. From dissecting celebrity breakups and public controversies to celebrating joyous life events and critiquing media behavior, the episode offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the week's notable happenings. Their genuine interactions and thoughtful perspectives provide valuable context, making the episode both informative and relatable for listeners.
