Podcast Summary: The Toast with Jackie & Claudia Oshry
Episode: The Free Toast with Suzy Weiss
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Hosts: Jackie Schimmel & Claudia Oshry
Guest: Susie Weiss, Culture Critic for Free Press
1. Welcoming Susie Weiss
The episode kicks off with Jackie Schimmel warmly welcoming Susie Weiss, a respected culture critic from the Free Press, highlighting their familial connection through Bari Weiss, Susie's sister. [00:05]
Jackie Schimmel: "It's like Parent Trap. It's like, halle, we're sisters."
2. Inside the Free Press
Susie delves into her role at Free Press, emphasizing its foundation as a family-run entity. She shares anecdotes about the vibrant office culture, including humorous moments like tickling sessions orchestrated by Barry Weiss.
Susie Weiss: "We're literally parallel, but so different because like we're... But it's all the same."
3. Navigating Pop Culture and Media
The conversation shifts to Susie's expertise in pop culture, where she discusses trends such as wellness drops on TikTok and the evolving landscape of internet culture. Jackie praises Susie's insightful writing, particularly her recent essay on Ozempic.
Jackie Schimmel: "I was actually, like, sending quotes to Claudia because it was also... You're a very funny writer."
4. Health & Wellness: The Ozempic Discussion
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the weight-loss drug Ozempic. Susie articulates its impact, likening its potential to the birth control pill in granting women autonomy over their bodies.
Susie Weiss: "I think it's gonna be like Tylenol, where it's like, ah, I feel a little bigger."
Jackie Schimmel: "It's like, go up the mountain if you want, but there's like a car right there if you want to get in it."
5. Celebrity Sports Encounters
The hosts transition to discussing recent Knicks games, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere following their latest victory. They also delve into the public displays of affection by celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Timothy, pondering the sustainability of such relationships.
Jackie Schimmel: "I'm starting to feel like Kylie's a good luck charm for the Knicks."
6. Restaurant Culture and Trends
Susie and Jackie explore the evolving restaurant scene, critiquing the rise of QR menus and ghost kitchens post-COVID. They reminisce about traditional dining experiences and express nostalgia for the tactile joy of restaurant visits.
Susie Weiss: "It just cannot be improved upon."
7. Pop Culture Commentary: Anthony Bourdain and Sydney Sweeney
Susie shares her provocative take on Anthony Bourdain's legacy, sparking a discussion on how his influence is perceived in modern media. They also discuss Sydney Sweeney's collaboration with Dr. Squatch, humorously debating the authenticity of the "bathwater bliss" soap.
Susie Weiss: "It's a lot. Some things maybe are good for longevity, but... I don't like all these things that are like, that's so true."
8. Controversial Celebrity Moments
A heated segment covers Victoria Beckham's alleged spotlight-stealing moment at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding, with sources claiming Marc Anthony's ill-timed praise disrupted the event. The hosts debate the implications of such actions on personal relationships and public personas.
Susie Weiss: "She's like, I could have Marc Anthony."
9. Release of the Chrisleys from Prison
The episode touches on Julie Chrisley's release from prison, with Susie commenting on her transformed appearance and newfound freedom. They muse over the public's reaction and the potential impact on her public image.
Suzy Weiss: "To get out of the slammer, I wouldn't care what my hair looked like."
10. Queenie and Weenie of the Week
In a lighthearted finale, Jackie and Susie nominate their "Queenie" and "Weenie" of the week. Jackie honors Claudia's recent motherhood, while Susie praises Hailey Bieber's resilience amidst public scrutiny.
Jackie Schimmel: "Claudia has had an incredible Queenie like week giving birth, new motherhood."
Susie Weiss: "My queenie is Hailey. ... She is just really good at being a celebrity and she's really good at giving the people what they do."
11. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with the hosts expressing mutual appreciation for Susie's insights and promoting her work with Free Press. They encourage listeners to engage with their content and look forward to future collaborations.
Jackie Schimmel: "This is the crossover of the century for three free thinkers everywhere."
Notable Quotes:
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Jackie Schimmel [01:38]: "I have so many questions about the behind the scenes of Common Sense Free Press."
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Susie Weiss [06:29]: "It's sort of what people liked about old media. Curiosity, independence, questioning."
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Susie Weiss [11:13]: "It's like, you're just giving me words. Sometimes it's adjectives. Sometimes it's like, juicy."
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Jackie Schimmel [22:25]: "What happened to Bruno's teeth?"
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Susie Weiss [43:09]: "We're healing."
This episode offers a rich blend of media insights, pop culture analysis, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations about health and celebrity dynamics. Susie Weiss's expertise complements the hosts' engaging style, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining discussion.
