Podcast Summary: The Toast – Season 8 (And Left No Crumbs): Monday, January 6th, 2024
Host: Jackie Oshry & Claudia Oshry
Episode Release Date: January 6, 2024
Description: Take a bite out of The Toast, weekdays with Jackie & Claudia Oshry.
1. Welcome Back and Personal Updates
Claudia:
- Opens with humor about returning after a break, sharing personal mishaps to illustrate feeling disoriented.
- [00:16]: “We are back after what felt like, for me, an extremely brief break, but for others, apparently felt endless.”
Jackie:
- Echoes the sentiment of missing their routine and welcomes listeners to the new season and year.
- [00:30]: “Welcome to 2025. Welcome to season eight.”
Notable Quote:
- Claudia: “I locked myself out of the apartment. Like, that's how disoriented I was.” [00:30]
2. New York’s Congestion Tax Debate
The hosts delve into the newly implemented congestion tax in New York, expressing strong opinions about its impact and execution.
Claudia:
- Criticizes the congestion tax as a means for the MTA to raise funds, highlighting the financial burden on daily commuters.
- [02:04]: “It's making a significant debt in their salary, and it's not being covered by their jobs.”
Jackie:
- Questions the practicality and fairness of the tax, especially for those without an Easy Pass.
- [04:22]: “So all across New York and they've been putting these cameras in for a couple of years... if you don't have an Easy Pass, they'll charge you more.”
Key Points:
- Implementation Issues: Installation of $500 million worth of cameras with ongoing pushback from Uber and Lyft lobbies.
- Economic Impact: The tax disproportionately affects low-income workers who rely on driving to essential jobs.
- Comparative Analysis: Contrasts New York’s approach with London’s more efficient and beloved congestion pricing system.
Notable Quotes:
- Claudia: “It's giving Tammany Hall.” [03:10]
- Jackie: “It's classist to exclude people, first of all. And it's also, it's ageist.” [05:20]
Conclusion:
Both hosts agree that while environmental goals are commendable, the execution of the congestion tax is flawed and exacerbates existing societal inequalities.
3. Secret Santa and Family Traditions
Jackie and Claudia share their experiences with Secret Santa within their family, highlighting humorous and thoughtful gift exchanges.
Claudia:
- Recounts last year's failed Secret Santa where Ben gave Margot a Cameo video, sparking family amusement.
- [19:01]: “So last year, he got Margot and he bought her a cameo, which is just like the worst gift ever.”
Jackie:
- Describes her own thoughtful gift of a putting green for Ben, reflecting improvement over last year’s mishap.
- [19:37]: “I got Ben a coccydinia pillow, which sucks. First of all, who wants to get, like, a medical device for Secret Santa.”
Notable Quote:
- Claudia: “So, you are still a co-worker.” [05:00]
Key Points:
- Gift Selection: Transition from impractical to more meaningful and usable gifts.
- Family Dynamics: Light-hearted banter about Ben’s gift-giving tendencies and their effort to keep the tradition engaging.
4. Celebrity Relationship Breakup: Paige Desorbo & Craig Conover
The hosts discuss the recent breakup of Paige Desorbo and Craig Conover, exploring the dynamics and public reactions surrounding their split.
Claudia:
- Analyzes the reasons behind Paige and Craig’s breakup, emphasizing differing life paths and inability to compromise on living locations.
- [34:41]: “They thought that they could surmount these really big things, and they are kind of insurmountable.”
Jackie:
- Expresses empathy for both parties, stressing the importance of personal growth and mutual respect in ending relationships.
- [35:24]: “They had to come to that realization because, yes, ... it's that the person you marry should be bigger than all of that.”
Notable Quote:
- Claudia: “Rip. Pour one out for these two. Thanks for the memories.” [45:25]
Key Points:
- Public Speculation: Addressing rumors of infidelity and reinforcing support for Paige.
- Personal Growth: Highlighting the necessity for both individuals to prioritize their personal aspirations and well-being.
5. Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against The New York Times
A heated discussion ensues over Justin Baldoni’s $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, responding to coverage of his dispute with Blake Lively.
Claudia:
- Criticizes the public’s swift shift back to supporting Justin after his legal actions, arguing that his claims actually support Blake’s allegations.
- [50:54]: “The fact that Justin accuses Blake of things he admitted himself really validates Blake's complaint.”
Jackie:
- Defends Blake Lively’s position, scrutinizing the validity of Justin’s rebuttals and emphasizing the importance of understanding legal nuances.
- [51:29]: “Blake is suing, she's taking the proper legal steps.”
Notable Quotes:
- Claudia: “Blake has said that there wasn't an intimacy coordinator present... Justin’s proof supports her claims.” [52:54]
- Jackie: “I have never changed my stance and be like, let's say everything Blake Lively said is a lie.” [25:52]
Key Points:
- Legal Proceedings: Differentiating between complaints and lawsuits, and the importance of legal steps in such disputes.
- Media Influence: Examining how media narratives sway public perception and support both parties.
Conclusion:
Both hosts maintain support for Blake Lively, questioning the validity of Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit and emphasizing the need for audiences to critically evaluate the information presented.
6. Golden Globes Recap
Jackie and Claudia provide an extensive review of the recent Golden Globes, focusing on standout moments, performances, and the overall reception of the event.
Claudia:
- Praises Nikki Glazer’s hosting performance, highlighting her comedic prowess and ability to engage the audience effectively.
- [69:24]: “She was so good. I left. Ben was dying. The Sandler Chalamet thing was his favorite. We were laughing so hard.”
Jackie:
- Shares her mixed feelings about the award outcomes, noting that many awards seemed bestowed based on vibes rather than merit.
- [75:16]: “Just vibes, like based on vibes.”
Notable Quotes:
- Claudia: “I laughed, she crushed, I left. Ben was dying.” [70:07]
- Jackie: “My only issue with the show is I felt like, like every...the thing is, it's just vibes.” [75:16]
Key Points:
- Hosting Excellence: Nikki Glazer’s solo hosting lauded for balancing humor and grace, reminiscent of Joan Rivers.
- Award Controversies: Critique of certain categories and winners, questioning the legitimacy of some award choices.
- Red Carpet Fashion: Discussion on celebrity outfits, notably critiquing Kerry Washington’s Balenciaga dress and applauding Zuri Hall’s presence.
Conclusion:
While celebrating successful moments like Nikki Glazer’s hosting and Adrien Brody’s win, the hosts express disappointment over perceived misjudgments in award allocations and overall show execution.
7. Additional Celebrity News
Molly Mae and Tommy Fury:
- Discuss the surprising sighting of Molly Mae and Tommy Fury kissing on New Year's Eve despite their recent breakup.
- [93:57]: “Percance Molly Mae and Tommy Fury were spotted kissing on New Year's Eve five months after they split.”
Kristen Useche’s Partnership:
- Excitedly covers Kristen Useche’s collaboration with Emma Greed to launch her sports apparel brand “Off Season,” highlighting its potential and alignment with high-end fashion standards.
- [100:03]: “Kristen use check has partnered with Emma Greed to launch her brand off season...”
Megan Markle’s New Show:
- Reviews the trailer for Megan Markle’s upcoming Netflix cookery show “With Love Meghan,” discussing its format and public reception.
- [103:05]: “Megan’s trailer dropped for the show With Love.”
Notable Quotes:
- Claudia: “If your job requires you to ask a woman what she weighs, like, unless you're the doctor, you're in the long.” [55:10]
- Jackie: “She was so funny, so funny.” [73:58]
8. Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the discussions, emphasizing their continued support for certain narratives, and teasing upcoming content and personal anecdotes.
Jackie:
- Encourages listeners to engage with the podcast on various platforms and expresses gratitude for their support.
- [112:00]: “Thank you so much for listening to The Toast and Monday Morning Show...”
Claudia:
- Shares personal updates, including changes in her laugh as a pregnancy symptom, adding a personal touch to the episode.
- [16:36]: “...my new laugh never goes back. I was never in love with my laugh.”
Final Thoughts
In this episode of The Toast, Jackie and Claudia Oshry offer a blend of personal anecdotes, sharp critiques of public policies and celebrity behaviors, and in-depth analyses of current events within the entertainment industry. Their candid discussions, enriched with humor and insightful commentary, provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the week’s most pressing topics.
Highlighted Quotes:
- Claudia: “It's classist to exclude people...type of way.” [05:20]
- Jackie: “I'm here with Justin. I'm back on the pod.” [49:07]
- Claudia: “Rip. Pour one out for these two. Thanks for the memories.” [45:25]
- Jackie: “I will never regret believing her and taking her side.” [25:52]
Recommendation:
Listeners seeking a blend of humor, personal insight, and critical analysis of current events and celebrity news will find this episode engaging and informative.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and reflect key moments within the episode.