Podcast Summary: The Toast – Super Bowl Licks: Monday, February 10th, 2025

Host/Authors: Jackie & Claudia Oshry
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Episode: Super Bowl Licks: Monday, February 10th, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this lively episode of The Toast, hosts Jackie and Claudia Oshry delve deep into their experiences surrounding Super Bowl Sunday, providing a comprehensive recap of the game, halftime performances, commercials, and personal anecdotes from their weekend. Despite battling illness, Claudia showcases her commitment by joining Jackie to dissect the multifaceted events of the Super Bowl.

Weekend Reflections and Personal Updates

Claudia opens up about her weekend while being sick, humorously sharing that she "laid in bed and watched the Super Bowl every minute" only to nod off during the first two quarters ([00:37]). Jackie contrasts her experience, explaining that her Super Bowl was far less enjoyable due to her illness: "I couldn't eat nachos, hot dogs, nothing. I can't even suck" ([04:23]).

The conversation takes a personal turn as Claudia discusses her impending glucose test, sparking a relatable dialogue about health and pregnancy. She humorously recounts her TikTok mishap regarding gestational diabetes, stating, "I'm taking my glucose test next week. Like, it's only fruit and seltzer from here on out, girls" ([02:25]).

Super Bowl Game Recap

The heart of the episode centers on the Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, culminating in a decisive Eagles victory with a final score of 40-22 in New Orleans ([18:06]). Jackie and Claudia express their disappointment with the Chiefs' performance, highlighting uncharacteristic mistakes and a lack of coordination:

• Claudia: "Everybody forgot how to play and, like, do their jobs... Travis Catch. Patrick throw. I don't know" ([18:44]).
• Jackie: "The temperature control issues of this flu are unlike anything I've experienced. This flu this season is not to be messed with" ([06:48]).

They critique the Chiefs' offensive strategies, particularly the offensive line's inability to protect the quarterback, leading to numerous sacks: "They ended up breaking a record last night for the most sacks in a Super Bowl" ([19:20]).

Despite the Eagles' triumph, both hosts lament the anticlimactic nature of the game, noting the overproduction and the high cost of tickets: "Average price of a ticket last night was around $5,000" ([19:12]).

Halftime Show Analysis

The hosts transition to discussing the Super Bowl's entertainment segment, focusing on the halftime performances:

Lady Gaga's Opening Act

Lady Gaga captivated audiences with a poignant rendition of "Hold My Hand," honoring victims of recent tragedies. Claudia praises the emotional depth and cultural representation:

• Claudia: "It was so unbelievably beautiful. I was really moved by the whole thing" ([32:24]).

Jackie adds that Gaga's performance was both appropriate and aesthetically pleasing, blending somber notes with the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Performance

Kendrick Lamar delivered a 13-minute set featuring guest SZA and a surprise appearance by Serena Williams. While Jackie admired the visual execution and choreography, Claudia critiques the choice, questioning Lamar's mainstream appeal:

• Claudia: "I thought the performance was actually flawlessly executed... I don't know, he has one of those songs. Sit down, be humble" ([38:35]).

Claudia suggests that while the performance was technically sound, Lamar may not have resonated with the broader Super Bowl audience accustomed to more universally recognized hits from performers like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.

Commercials Breakdown

Skipping the advertisement segments, Jackie and Claudia offer their candid opinions on the array of commercials aired during the Super Bowl:

• Mountain Dew: Claudia finds it "fucking funny" with its creative concept ([51:47]).

• UberEats: Both hosts express frustration with the overuse of celebrities, deeming the commercials unfunny and a waste of resources.

  • Claudia: "I feel like every year, UberEats spends the most money on celebrities, the most amount of commercials... they're extremely difficult to portion accurately."

• Taco Bell: Mixed reviews as they discuss the brand's attempt to engage consumers without relying solely on big celebrities.

  • Jackie: "The person in the room's like, what if we got Adam Divine to call his wife? So, like, we need more Pringles."

• Poppy: The duo criticizes Poppy for sending out expensive vending machines to influencers, leading to social media backlash.

  • Claudia: "It's literally marketing for Tart. And honestly, I think it's better money better spent than being one in 55 commercials last night."

Overall, Jackie and Claudia lament the lack of memorable or impactful commercials, noting the scarcity of emotionally engaging ads this year.

Social Media and Celebrity Interactions

The conversation shifts to social media dynamics during the Super Bowl, referencing viral TikTok trends and the hosts' observations of celebrity interactions:

• Claudia: Observes the animated spend on influencer marketing and the irony of brands like Poppy facing backlash despite their marketing efforts.

  • Claudia: "It's a lot about, like, northeastern Boston culture... people online, instead of getting mad at Poppy, like a startup business that's working with influencers, should get mad at the big celebrities."

• Jackie: Discusses the nuanced relationships between celebrities attending the Super Bowl, using examples like Taylor Swift and Serena Williams facing booing from the predominantly Eagles fanbase.

  • Jackie: "Like, we know it's the third time... It was so Albertious for the whole country."

The hosts highlight the complex interplay between fan loyalty, celebrity presence, and social media perceptions during major sporting events.

Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Looking ahead, Jackie and Claudia preview the upcoming 50th-anniversary Saturday Night Live special, featuring performances from Bad Bunnies, Sabrina Carpenter, John Mulaney, Tom Hanks, and more. They express excitement over the diverse lineup and the potential for nostalgic tributes:

• Claudia: "Love to see Sabrina out here just like getting gigs, booking things, you know?"

They wrap up the episode by congratulating Philadelphia Eagles fans on their team's success, emphasizing the passionate and zealous nature of the fanbase:

• Claudia: "I'm happy for you."

Notable Quotes

• Claudia at [00:03]: "Happy Monday. And if there ever was a Monday that felt like a Monday, today is the one."
• Jackie at [00:19]: "The Monday after Super Bowl Sunday is seriously like, our Super Bowl."
• Claudia at [02:25]: "I'm taking my glucose test next week. Like, it's only fruit and seltzer from here on out, girls."
• Claudia at [32:24]: "It was so unbelievably beautiful. I was really moved by the whole thing."
• Claudia at [38:35]: "I thought the performance was actually flawlessly executed... I don't know, he has one of those songs. Sit down, be humble."
• Claudia at [51:47]: "Mountain Dew, where they had Seal up on a rock as a seal singing a kiss from a rose. That was fucking funny."
• Claudia at [57:25]: "It's literally marketing for Tart. And honestly, I think it's better money better spent than being one in 55 commercials last night."
• Claudia at [74:53]: "Zealous."

Conclusion

In this episode, Jackie and Claudia offer an unfiltered and engaging analysis of the Super Bowl, blending sports critique with personal narratives. Their candid discussions on performance choices, commercial strategies, and the fervent world of fandom provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the day's events, all while maintaining the humorous and relatable tone that The Toast is known for.

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the content-driven discussions between Jackie and Claudia.