Therapuss with Jake Shane
Episode: Session 74: Ride x Therapuss
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Introduction
In Session 74: Ride x Therapuss, host Jake Shane welcomes two beloved guests, Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, stars of the Amazon Prime original series Overcompensating and hosts of the podcast Ride. This episode combines their unique perspectives and experiences, offering listeners an engaging blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions.
Discussing Glam and Makeup
The conversation kicks off with a playful debate about full glam makeup. Mary Beth proudly announces, “I did full glam. They said, you're not allowed to wear a gown to a podcast. And I said, watch me” (01:58). Benito chimes in with humor, critiquing the lack of bronzer on some male guests: “I'm like. A little bronzer would have helped... Like concealer” (02:24). This segues into a light-hearted exchange about pimples and herpes, aiming to normalize conversations around such topics.
Mary Beth Barone: “Don't watch Bravo.”
Benito Skinner: “He’s wearing a wig.”
Herpes and Stigma
A significant part of the discussion revolves around destigmatizing herpes. Jake emphasizes, “We’re trying to normalize” (02:55), while Benito humorously laments the frequency of his cold sores: “I can’t believe you’re calling that a pimple” (02:44). The trio highlights the importance of open dialogue to reduce stigma.
Jake Shane: “No, everyone has herpes.”
Fainting Episodes
Mary Beth shares a personal story about fainting: “I felt so sick... I must have just, like, passed out on the back floor” (09:05). Benito relates by recounting instances where friends fainted after medical procedures, adding humor to an otherwise concerning experience.
Mary Beth Barone: “Next thing I know, I woke up and my head was three throbbing.”
Experiences with Filming Overcompensating
The guests delve into their experiences filming Overcompensating. Benito reflects on writing scripts years prior and the surreal feeling of seeing Mary Beth as his sister for the first time: “I felt like... this is so crazy” (15:03). They discuss memorable moments from the set, including emoji-laden stories and the creative process behind their characters.
Mary Beth Barone: “We cried. Yeah.”
Stand-Up Comedy and Upcoming Shows
Transitioning to their passion for stand-up comedy, Mary Beth explains how she discovered her love for it through improv classes: “I started taking improv classes... and I decided I was like, wait, this is so fun” (23:38). She mentions upcoming gigs in New York and the Hamptons, while Benito praises her comedic talent.
Benito Skinner: “I have nothing to add. What a perfect moment in television.”
Press Tour Anecdotes and Ellen DeGeneres Lookalike
The conversation shifts to their recent press tour experiences. Jake shares a hilarious encounter where he believes he saw an Ellen DeGeneres lookalike at the Overcompensating premiere: “There was someone that was so strikingly similar to Ellen” (39:10). This sparks a humorous debate about the authenticity of the lookalike and their reactions during the event.
Jake Shane: “Is that not Ellen DeGeneres?”
Friendships and Relationships
Jake opens up about a friend obsessed with male attention, prompting Benito and Mary Beth to offer advice on handling such dynamics. They discuss the complexities of friendships intersecting with romantic interests and the importance of clear communication.
Mary Beth Barone: “What are you trying to gain from it?”
Dealing with Hometown and Social Situations
Addressing common challenges, the trio advises on navigating social interactions upon returning to one's hometown. Mary Beth suggests practical solutions like wearing masks and using accessories to maintain privacy: “A mask and a hat and sunglasses” (49:45). Benito and Jake share their strategies for avoiding uncomfortable encounters, emphasizing the importance of self-care and boundary-setting.
Mary Beth Barone: “Actors, vibes.”
Closing Thoughts and Takeaways
As the episode wraps up, Jake, Benito, and Mary Beth reflect on their discussions, emphasizing the importance of normalization, self-expression, and maintaining healthy relationships. They reiterate key lessons learned and encourage listeners to engage with their projects.
Jake Shane: “Love you guys.”
Benito Skinner: “I love you.”
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jake Shane: “No, everyone has herpes.” (02:56)
- Mary Beth Barone: “We cried. Yeah.” (15:34)
- Benito Skinner: “I feel safe.” (11:58)
- Jake Shane: “Have you guys ever seen the Leftovers?” (52:21)
- Mary Beth Barone: “I didn't watch Glee.” (06:09)
- Benito Skinner: “You need to be expressive.” (07:30)
Conclusion
Session 74: Ride x Therapuss offers a rich tapestry of humor, vulnerability, and camaraderie as Jake Shane, Benito Skinner, and Mary Beth Barone navigate personal anecdotes and professional experiences. This episode not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into destigmatizing health issues, balancing friendships and relationships, and managing social dynamics in various settings. Whether you're familiar with Overcompensating or new to their work, this episode delivers engaging content that resonates on multiple levels.
Note: Time stamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to guide listeners to specific moments discussed in the summary.