Podcast Summary: The Toast - "Slumber Party with Lauren Elizabeth"

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Hosts: Lauren Elizabeth and Jackson Claude

1. Reunion and Personal Updates

The episode begins with a warm reunion between Lauren Elizabeth and Jackson Claude. After spending a cozy 18 hours together, they catch up on significant life changes since their last meeting in Nashville. Jackson shares, “[00:59]Jackson Claude: For them. And they're so happy that you're here...” highlighting the joy in their extended friendship and Jackson’s growing family life.

Lauren updates listeners on her postpartum journey, humorously detailing her progress with her pelvic floor health. “[02:10]Lauren Elizabeth: Like, four months postpartum... I don't pee my pants anymore...” This candid discussion provides an authentic glimpse into her life post-motherhood, balancing physical recovery with mental health challenges.

2. Wedding Planning Woes

A major portion of the conversation centers around Jackson’s upcoming wedding. Lauren expresses both excitement and anxiety over integrating a toddler into the ceremony. Jackson muses, “[05:02]Jackson Claude: Thinking about, like, my kids at my wedding, like, that's the only thing that could have made it better.” They debate logistical challenges, such as managing a child during a church ceremony and ensuring guests remain focused.

Lauren reveals her unique bridal style, opting for a surprise dress that deviates from her typically simple aesthetic. “[06:47]Lauren Elizabeth: I wanted to do something different because I feel like my style is very simple...” Her creativity underscores her desire to maintain personal expression while respecting traditional expectations.

3. Transitioning from LA to Chicago

Lauren reminisces about her time in Los Angeles, sharing the cultural clash she experienced upon returning to Chicago. “[10:00]Lauren Elizabeth: I never lost like the Midwest part of me...” She contrasts her former lifestyle as an LA influencer with her current down-to-earth existence as a mother and small business owner, emphasizing the authenticity she values in Chicago.

Jackson supports Lauren’s transition, noting how her friendship remains rooted in her Midwest origins. This segment highlights the importance of staying true to one’s roots despite major life changes.

4. Dog Ownership Challenges

The duo delves into the complexities of pet ownership, especially for busy parents. Lauren shares her struggles with her dogs during her LA years, leading to her mother taking them. “[14:22]Lauren Elizabeth: Now they all live in Charleston...” They humorously discuss the demands of maintaining a household with dogs and toddlers, reflecting on the balance between personal freedom and family responsibilities.

Jackson and Lauren express their affection for Bruno, their King Charles Cavalier, celebrating his gentle nature amidst the chaos of parenting. “[12:52]Lauren Elizabeth: Sometimes it's like, you can't...” Their conversation underscores the therapeutic role pets play in family life.

5. Reality TV and Celebrity Gossip

Shifting gears, Lauren and Jackson dive into the latest reality TV drama and celebrity news. They discuss rumors surrounding Erika Jayne and Jesse Solomon, analyzing the impact of public speculation on personal relationships. “[22:36]Lauren Elizabeth: Did you watch it last night?” Their insights reveal a critical perspective on how reality TV influences public perception of celebrities.

The hosts also touch on Mariah Carey’s unconventional stance on birthdays, dissecting her remarks about not acknowledging the passage of time. “[29:56]Lauren Elizabeth: What in the fuck are you reading?...” This segment blends humor with thoughtful critique of celebrity behavior.

6. Genealogy and Ancestral Connections

A surprising topic emerges as they explore Pope Leo’s alleged genealogical ties to Justin Bieber and Madonna. “[35:12]Lauren Elizabeth: O' clock equals social construct...” They humorously question the validity of such claims, reflecting on the often overblown nature of celebrity genealogy stories. This discussion serves as a light-hearted exploration of how interconnected public figures might be.

7. Book Clubs and Literary Discussions

Jackson introduces Reese Witherspoon’s new podcast for her book club, expressing mixed feelings about its commercial nature compared to their own "Redheads" book club. “[40:37]Jackson Claude: And she's pouncing. So her monthly book club…” They lament the challenges of maintaining an authentic and engaging book club amidst increasing commercialization, showcasing their passion for genuine literary discussions.

Lauren advocates for expanding their book club offerings, dreaming of more frequent podcasts and deeper engagement with authors and influencers. “[41:32]Lauren Elizabeth: But I feel like you guys would have done it better...” Their dialogue highlights the struggle between maintaining authenticity and scaling a community-driven project.

8. Equal Pay in Television

The hosts address actor Jason Isaacs’ comments on equal pay in the hit show "White Lotus." “[50:00]Lauren Elizabeth: Do we have any idea...?” They analyze the significance of all cast members earning the same amount per episode, comparing it to the typical disparities in the industry. This discussion underscores their commitment to fairness and transparency in the entertainment sector.

9. Dear Toasters: Advice Segment

In the "Dear Toasters" segment, Lauren and Jackson provide heartfelt advice to listeners grappling with relationship and bridal dilemmas.

• Cheating on a First Date: A listener seeks guidance on dating someone who has cheated in a previous marriage. Lauren strongly advises against giving cheaters a second chance, emphasizing trust and compatibility. “[62:50]Lauren Elizabeth: Don't trust it...”

• Bridal Dress Concerns: Another listener, Elise, worries about choosing a wedding dress that satisfies her traditional Southern fiancé’s family while reflecting her personal style. Lauren encourages prioritizing personal comfort and authenticity over others' expectations, suggesting practical solutions like using a veil or shawl during the ceremony. “[64:38]Lauren Elizabeth: I don't, I don't think so...”

• Postpartum Intimacy Issues: A new mother grapples with feeling disconnected from her husband post-pregnancy. Lauren and Jackson advocate for open communication and creating an intimate environment to rekindle their relationship, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum life. “[69:04]Lauren Elizabeth: Yeah...”

10. Final Thoughts and Farewell

The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to Lauren for her participation and a tease of future episodes. Lauren promotes her personal brand, encouraging listeners to follow her for more content. Jackson wraps up by expressing gratitude and excitement for continued collaboration.

Notable Quotes:

• “[02:10]Lauren Elizabeth: Like, four months postpartum... I don't pee my pants anymore.”

• “[05:02]Jackson Claude: Thinking about, like, my kids at my wedding, like, that's the only thing that could have made it better.”

• “[06:47]Lauren Elizabeth: I wanted to do something different because I feel like my style is very simple...”

• “[14:22]Lauren Elizabeth: Now they all live in Charleston.”

• “[29:56]Lauren Elizabeth: What in the fuck are you reading?...”

• “[62:50]Lauren Elizabeth: Don't trust it...”

Conclusion

"Slumber Party with Lauren Elizabeth" is a candid and multifaceted episode of The Toast, blending personal anecdotes with insightful discussions on relationships, celebrity culture, and the challenges of modern motherhood. Lauren Elizabeth's authentic voice complements Jackson Claude's thoughtful analysis, creating an engaging and relatable listening experience for the audience.