Podcast Summary: The Toast – SATs & Pop Culture Conspiracies (January 23, 2025)

Hosted by Jackie & Claudia Oshry

1. The Cyrus Family Saga

Timestamp: 00:03 - 02:00

Jackie and Claudia open the episode by delving into the ongoing drama surrounding the Cyrus family. They express their deep investment in the family's dynamics, citing childhood memories and entertainment value as key reasons for their interest.

• Claudia (00:03): "Happy Thursday. Thursday. The last Thursday I spent in these four walls were not strong enough."

They share a humorous anecdote about misidentifying one of Jackie's children, leading to confusion and comical remarks about the child's sudden change in demeanor.

• Jackie (00:48): "FYI. Thursday is now Thursday, and Friday is Friday."

This segment highlights the family's intertwined personal lives and the challenges of maintaining clear boundaries, especially when integrating family jokes and inside references into their public personas.

2. Reflections on SATs and ACTs

Timestamp: 03:10 - 08:33

The conversation shifts to reminiscing about the standardized tests, SATs and ACTs, discussing their personal experiences and the evolving landscape of college admissions testing.

• Claudia (03:13): "We just feel like every time they're like, oh, maybe she's gonna get bangs. Like, not today."

Jackie recounts her high SAT scores and how they influenced her college admissions, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded application.

• Jackie (08:17): "I got 2040. It was really good. And I feel like that doesn't surprise people who, like, know me now because I've really worked on myself and becoming a smart person."

Claudia shares her struggles with the ACT, highlighting the pressure and competitiveness associated with standardized testing during their high school years.

• Claudia (04:02): "But I also think that the SAT has the writing portion. ACT doesn't have writing, and instead it has, like, science or something. So it differs one."

The duo discusses the shift from SAT to ACT popularity, the introduction of accommodations for learning disabilities, and the overall impact these tests have had on their educational and professional trajectories.

3. Navigating Oscar Nominations and Controversial Films

Timestamp: 19:20 - 25:57

Jackie and Claudia analyze the recent Oscar nominations, focusing on the unexpected prominence of "The Brutalist" and "Amelia Perez." They critique the film's themes and the broader implications of its reception within the industry.

• Jackie (19:39): "You have to see Amelia Perez. I have to say that, like, I'm listening to the Tostada community on this one. They do not fuck with this movie."

Claudia voices her skepticism about the film's acclaim, questioning its cultural sensitivity and the motivations behind its Oscar nominations.

• Claudia (21:17): "Nobody really fucks with this movie. Which is why the amount of nominations that it's getting is really so crazy."

The hosts also debate the performances of actors like Ariana Grande in "Wicked," expressing admiration despite the film's mainstream and commercial nature.

• Claudia (25:14): "She stole the show. She made it her own. She paid homage to the original character. She added flair. She should win."

4. Pop Culture Conspiracies and Celebrity Rumors

Timestamp: 30:16 - 45:19

The conversation ventures into the realm of celebrity rumors, discussing the alleged divorce plans of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as reported by Vanity Fair. They dissect the credibility of such reports and the potential motivations behind public statements.

• Jackie (37:14): "So, this Vanity Fair article, which we didn't talk about, we must have been off."

Claudia challenges the plausibility of the couple considering divorce for a book deal, expressing doubt but acknowledging the media's fascination with their personal lives.

• Claudia (38:00): "But why should they get divorced for a book deal? What about your actual life?"

The hosts also touch upon rumors about the Obamas splitting up and the speculative nature of such claims, emphasizing the need for credible sources before accepting such narratives.

• Claudia (44:00): "But Michelle has spoken very straightforwardly about how she hated being the First Lady... So, yeah, she has been noticeably absent from public life, leading people to wonder."

5. "The Carters" Documentary and Family Tragedies

Timestamp: 59:30 - 64:10

Jackie and Claudia discuss the upcoming documentary "The Carters," which promises an in-depth look into the Carter family's struggles and triumphs. They reflect on the tragic losses within the family, including the deaths of Aaron Carter and his siblings, and the impact of these events on public perception.

• Claudia (60:59): "This is like so dark. I feel like every time you peel back the curtain on the Carter family, it's so much worse than you ever imagined."

They express a mix of anticipation and sorrow, considering how the documentary may shed light on unresolved issues and allegations surrounding Nick Carter.

• Jackie (61:34): "The show will be from the point of view of Angel, who's Aaron's twin sister... and I hope to honor our journey and transform our past into a message of hope and purpose for others facing similar challenges."

6. "Vanderpump Rules" and Reality TV Insights

Timestamp: 52:06 - 58:57

The hosts analyze recent developments in the reality TV show "Vanderpump Rules," specifically focusing on Ali Lobel's split from James Kennedy following his domestic violence arrest. They navigate the complexities of public relationships, personal accountability, and the portrayal of real-life issues on television.

• Jackie (52:50): "She is somebody who has so... and maybe, you know, it could appear that way, like who seems to have a really good grip on sober life... he has to do it on his own."

Claudia critiques the authenticity of certain storylines, suggesting that some conflicts may be fabricated for dramatic effect.

• Claudia (58:51): "It just feels very wishy-washy. So they could also."

They discuss the potential future of the show, contemplating the impact of casting choices and the show's alignment with the broader "Real Housewives" franchise.

• Jackie (58:57): "And a bunch of... And the show concept itself versus, like, the enterprise. I still think there's potential."

7. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Shows

Timestamp: 65:00 - End

As the episode wraps up, Jackie and Claudia share light-hearted banter about transitioning to a new studio setup, hinting at fresh content and new beginnings.

• Claudia (64:36): "It's gonna be a big one. Should we get balloons or stuff? Like, should we do something?"

They encourage listeners to engage with the show on various platforms, emphasizing the community aspect of "The Toast."

• Jackie (65:50): "You guys, thank you so much for listening to The Toast, the only morning show where we deliver stories anytime."

Notable Quotes

• Claudia (21:17): "Nobody really fucks with this movie. Which is why the amount of nominations that it's getting is really so crazy."

• Jackie (25:14): "She stole the show. She made it her own. She paid homage to the original character. She added flair. She should win."

• Claudia (60:59): "This is like so dark. I feel like every time you peel back the curtain on the Carter family, it's so much worse than you ever imagined."

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Toast," Jackie and Claudia Oshry navigate a blend of personal anecdotes, reflections on academic pressures, critical analyses of recent Oscar nominations, and deep dives into celebrity rumors and reality TV dynamics. Their candid conversations, punctuated with humor and poignant insights, offer listeners a comprehensive look into both their lives and the broader pop culture landscape. Notably, their discussions on the Cyrus family's internal struggles and the Carter family's tragic ordeals provide a window into the complexities of fame and personal resilience.

For those who haven't tuned into "The Toast," this episode serves as an engaging exploration of how personal experiences intersect with public narratives, all delivered with the hosts' signature blend of wit and sincerity.