Podcast Summary: The Toast – Episode "Stronger Than Expected" (December 5, 2024)

In this engaging episode of The Toast, hosts Claudia and Jackie Oshry delve into five compelling stories that span social media drama, celebrity biopics, royal rumors, music event announcements, and insider revelations from the world of comedy. Here's a detailed breakdown of their discussions:

1. Social Media Showdown: Madeline Healy vs. Azealia Banks

Timestamp: [19:36]

Claudia and Jackie kick off the episode with a heated discussion about the recent Twitter feud between Hurts frontman Madeline Healy and rapper Azealia Banks. The conflict ignited when Banks launched a verbal assault on Healy's fiancé, Charlie XCX, initiating a storm on social media.

• Madeline Healy's Response: Healy acknowledged his limitations on social media, stating, “Guys, I don't have the right kind of intelligence slash emotional maturity... I'm actually just going to stick to music” ([20:22]).

• Azealia Banks' Retaliation: Banks escalated the conflict by attacking Healy’s personal life and professionalism, criticizing his musical choices and personal conduct. Claudia summarizes Banks' tirade: “She attacked Maddie Healy for kissing a man on stage, doing Nazi salutes, watching violent porn...”

• Hosts' Take: Jackie expressed empathy for Healy, emphasizing the harshness of Banks' attacks and the unreasonableness of such public feuds: “If I ever end up in a place where Azealia Banks is talking about me on her social media, like, actually take me out back and shoot me, I couldn't handle it” ([22:35]).

2. Casting Conversations: Amy Adams and Taylor Swift’s Publicist Biopic

Timestamp: [25:30]

The duo transitions to the fascinating topic of Amy Adams responding to a fan-led petition to cast her as Tree Pain, Taylor Swift's publicist, in a potential biopic.

• Amy Adams' Reaction: On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Adams expressed enthusiasm for the idea, saying, “That would be amazing. That would be so fun. If it got closer to Taylor, then that would be fun” ([25:31]).

• Tree Pain's Role: Jackie provides an in-depth look at Tree Pain’s pivotal role in Taylor Swift's career, highlighting her exclusivity and influence: “She handles all of Taylor's media relations and is like an advisor to Taylor. I think Taylor trusts her so much” ([27:12]).

• Amy Adams' Credentials: The hosts delve into Tree Pain’s impressive background, outlining her ascent in the public relations industry and her exclusive partnership with Taylor Swift since 2014. Jackie states, “She started her own firm, Premium PR, and her first and only client was Taylor Swift” ([30:33]).

• Potential Biopic Insights: Claudia muses on the depth such a biopic could explore, suggesting, “Maybe she would write a memoir or something... 'Memoirs of a Tree'” ([28:43]).

3. Royal Rumors: Meghan and Harry's Divorce Speculations

Timestamp: [31:50]

Claudia and Jackie address the swirling rumors surrounding the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, discussing recent public appearances and statements.

• Divorce Rumors Oversight: Claudia shares Harry’s remarks dispelling the rumors: “He said, it's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it” ([32:31]).

• Separate Engagements: Meghan's attendance at a Tyler Perry event contrasts with Harry's appearance in New York, fueling speculation about their relationship dynamics.

• Hosts' Perspectives: Jackie expresses skepticism over the rumors, suggesting they are likely exaggerated: “I never take them seriously” ([32:23]).

• Emotional Support: Claudia emphasizes her hope for the couple’s happiness, stating, “I genuinely do. I just want to say I hope I do not want them to get divorced at all” ([34:16]).

4. Music Milestone: Carrie Underwood to Headline 2025 New Year's Rockin' Eve

Timestamp: [40:19]

The conversation shifts to the exciting announcement that country superstar Carrie Underwood will headline the 2025 New Year's Rockin' Eve alongside host Ryan Seacrest on ABC.

• Event Details: Carrie will perform in Times Square, amidst other artists like Megan Maroney Love and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, marking a global celebration with Diana Torres co-hosting from Puerto Rico ([42:08]).

• Hosts' Insights: Jackie compares the event to previous New Year's Eve celebrations, noting the shift in viewership demographics: “Young people like Gen Z... might be watching live streams on TikTok instead” ([43:30]).

• Entertainment Industry Perspective: Claudia highlights Carrie’s dual role as a performer and American Idol judge, positioning her as a versatile and elevated artist beyond country music ([42:18]).

5. Inside SNL: Pete Davidson Reveals Cast Salaries

Timestamp: [45:14]

Claudia and Jackie delve into Pete Davidson’s candid revelations about how much Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast members are paid, as reported by New York Magazine.

• Salary Insights: Davidson disclosed that SNL cast members earn approximately $3,000 per episode, estimating annual salaries to be around $54,000 to $66,000 based on the number of episodes ([45:29]).

• Hosts' Reactions: Jackie expresses surprise at the modest compensation, contrasting it with the high profiles of former cast members: “I feel like it's one of those jobs... it's not glamorous. It's like, six days in a row...” ([46:48]).

• Career Trajectories: Claudia notes that despite the grind, SNL serves as a launching pad for many successful careers, though it doesn't guarantee stardom: “Nothing in life is guaranteed, but every time you watch any comedy movie, like all the second and third they have been on SNL” ([46:16]).

• Notable Alumni: The hosts reminisce about famous SNL alumni like Chris Farley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and newer talents like Bowen Yang, discussing their diverse career paths post-show ([51:07]).

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Claudia and Jackie Oshry offer insightful commentary on each story, intertwining personal reflections with broader cultural observations. Their dynamic discussion provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of each topic, enriched by memorable quotes and thoughtful analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Healy on Social Media Limitations:

  • "Guys, I don't have the right kind of intelligence slash emotional maturity... I'm actually just going to stick to music." ([20:22])

• Azealia Banks' Critique of Healy:

  • "Everything about you is a failure. Just rap, bro." ([21:18])

• Amy Adams on the Biopic Idea:

  • "That would be amazing. That would be so fun. If it got closer to Taylor, then that would be fun." ([25:31])

• Pete Davidson on SNL Salaries:

  • "It's not glamorous. It's like, six days in a row, you don't go home, you're up until 4 in the morning." ([46:48])

This episode of The Toast masterfully navigates through diverse stories, offering listeners a blend of entertainment industry insights, celebrity news, and personal anecdotes from the Oshry sisters. Whether discussing high-profile feuds, casting choices, royal rumors, major music events, or behind-the-scenes revelations, Claudia and Jackie ensure a captivating and informative listening experience.