The Toast

All Roads Lead to the Road: Thursday, January 15th, 2026

January 15, 2026

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  • The hosts find comfort in the shared understanding that other drivers will actively avoid collisions, despite one host admitting to hitting a pole. 
  • The hosts discussed the 2026 iHeartRadio Podcast Award nominations, noting their own nomination for Best Comedy Podcast but expressing skepticism about winning against established names like Amy Poehler's 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler' and feeling snubbed in the Best Ad Read category. 
  • The conversation heavily featured personal anecdotes about pets, specifically comparing the intense devotion given to the late dog Theo versus the current dog Bruno, and critiquing Martha Stewart's monotone delivery style after watching her cooking content. 
  • The hosts strongly criticize professionals, particularly psychologists, who use their credentials to spread unverified, defamatory claims about celebrities on social media, supporting Hailey Bieber's cease and desist action. 
  • Kiefer Sutherland's arrest for allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver serves as a cautionary tale against misbehavior while using transportation services, despite the hosts' previous advice to use them. 
  • The hosts express a general distrust of professionals (like doctors and therapists) who prioritize creating viral, buzzy content on TikTok over maintaining professional decorum and client focus. 

Segments

Driving Anxiety and Pole Collision
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(00:00:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The host experienced a minor car accident involving a stationary pole, leading to a discussion about driver self-doubt and the reliance on other drivers to avoid destruction.
  • Summary: One host accidentally hit a pole while pulling out, admitting they have not yet checked the damage. This prompted a reflection on driving imposter syndrome shared by both hosts. They expressed faith that other drivers will always move out of the way to avoid their own destruction.
Dog Love and Brand Deals
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(00:07:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The host’s dog, Bruno, secured a brand deal, sparking a reflection on the financial evolution of pet ownership from being a pure expense (like with Theo) to generating income.
  • Summary: Bruno is set to start bringing in money through a brand deal, contrasting with the significant expense Theo represented. The host recalled struggling to cancel a Barkbox subscription despite receiving free boxes from a brand deal. The conversation evolved into praising Bruno for stepping up as the ’number one boy’ after Theo passed away.
Dog Sleeping Arrangements and Crates
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(00:12:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The structural integrity of a built-in dog crate under the stairs is questioned, contrasting it with the aesthetic ugliness of standard wire crates.
  • Summary: Bruno sleeps in a custom-built ‘cottage’ under the stairs, which is considered aesthetically superior to standard wire crates. The host consciously avoided letting Romeo sleep in the bed to prepare for having a baby. The host noted that Romeo is still being trained and does not sleep with them.
iHeartRadio Podcast Award Nominees
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(00:19:17)
  • Key Takeaway: The Toast received a fan-voted nomination for Best Comedy Podcast at the 2026 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards, but the hosts feel snubbed for not being nominated in the Best Ad Read category.
  • Summary: The hosts were nominated for Best Comedy Podcast alongside ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler’ and others, but were categorized as comedy rather than pop culture. They expressed a strong desire to win the award, encouraging listeners to vote. They criticized the awards for having a Best Ad Read category but excluding their own highly-rated branded content.
Critique of Mel Robbins’ Presence
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(00:25:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts expressed confusion over Mel Robbins’ pervasive presence across the podcast landscape, suggesting her high visibility does not align with a perceived lack of ’essential’ artistic impact.
  • Summary: The hosts noted Mel Robbins’ podcast was nominated for Podcast of the Year, but admitted they have never met a genuine super-fan of her work. They found her constant appearance on other podcasts to promote her own show confusing, suggesting she relies heavily on PR rather than artistic necessity.
Pete Davidson’s Netflix Podcast
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(00:30:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Pete Davidson is launching a weekly video podcast on Netflix, filmed in his garage, which is generating controversy as a potential non-union alternative to traditional late-night television.
  • Summary: The show is framed as a podcast but streamed on Netflix, leading to speculation that it bypasses union requirements (like SAG-AFTRA) associated with traditional TV production. Chat GPT analysis suggested Pete Davidson’s fame-to-output ratio is skewed by high-profile relationships rather than artistic accomplishment. The hosts believe the success hinges on his ability to secure high-profile guests.
Nene Leakes’ Bravo Return
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(00:38:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Nene Leakes is returning to Bravo for the ‘Real Housewives Ultimate Road Trip’ spin-off, surprising the hosts given her previous lawsuit against the network involving racism allegations.
  • Summary: The spin-off celebrates 20 years of the franchise by having beloved housewives travel to memorable locations. The hosts were shocked by Nene’s return, believing she and others involved in lawsuits were persona non grata. They predict the show will appeal mainly to hardcore fans, as it sounds like a nostalgic anniversary special rather than a source of new drama.
Booking.com Road Trip Needs
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(00:44:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Travel needs become more specific with age, necessitating accommodations like houses with fridges for necessities like breast milk.
  • Summary: The speaker is planning a road trip and relies on Booking.com for accommodations that meet specific needs, such as having a fridge for breast milk. Older travelers often require more specific housing arrangements than simple hotel stays. Booking.com is highlighted for flawlessly finding houses that accommodate large family needs, including outdoor space and multiple bedrooms.
Hailey Bieber Cease and Desist
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(00:46:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Justin and Hailey Bieber issued a cease and desist to a TikTok psychologist spreading false, defamatory claims about their marriage.
  • Summary: A lawyer for the Biebers sent a cease and desist letter to a social media user, identified as a psychologist, for fabricating stories about an abusive marriage fueled by alleged drug addiction. The letter demanded the immediate removal of videos containing ‘outrageous, false, fabricated, and defamatory statements.’ The hosts support the action, emphasizing that professionals cannot use their credentials to spread damaging, unverified narratives online.
Kiefer Sutherland Arrest Details
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(00:50:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Kiefer Sutherland was arrested for physically assaulting and making criminal threats toward a ride-share driver.
  • Summary: Officers responded to an assault call near Sunset Boulevard where Kiefer Sutherland was identified as the suspect who physically assaulted and threatened a ride-share driver. The hosts express shock that Sutherland, who took a ride-share, engaged in physical assault against the driver. They conclude by advising listeners to exercise restraint and avoid conflict, even when frustrated with service providers.