The Toast

Cardboard Coji: Friday, January 23rd, 2026

January 23, 2026

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  • The hosts discussed the high cost of a Chris Appleton haircut ($100,000) and debated the ideal amount of wealth for happiness, settling on $200 million as a potential sweet spot before feeling poor among billionaires. 
  • The hosts expressed frustration with the weekly release schedule for shows like 'Traders' after becoming accustomed to Netflix's binge model, though one host acknowledged the weekly format suits her current life as a working mother. 
  • The conversation around Ryan Reynolds' email to Colleen Hoover revealed a complex public debate where some listeners prioritize the alleged movie-stealing hubris of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds over the sexual harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni, despite the latter being a potential crime. 
  • The hosts expressed strong support for Hayden Panettiere ahead of her memoir release, hoping she discusses personal topics like her daughter and the show *Nashville*. 
  • The hosts are fatigued by 'open letter' culture, viewing them as performative publicity stunts rather than effective advocacy, even when agreeing with the underlying cause like the anti-AI campaign featuring Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. 
  • The hosts awarded their Queenie of the Week to Bridget for finishing cancer treatment and ringing the bell, and their Weenie of the Week to the character Steven from *Tell Me Lies* for his diabolical behavior, while also criticizing Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz for publicly criticizing Victoria Beckham. 

Segments

Hosts’ Haircuts and Chris Appleton Cost
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(00:00:45)
  • Key Takeaway: A Chris Appleton haircut is rumored to cost $100,000 for a private booking, though he provided a complimentary cut as a press stop for ‘The Toast’.
  • Summary: The hosts celebrated their new Chris Appleton haircuts, noting that the stylist’s fee for a private appointment is reportedly $100,000. Claudia Oshry noted that she secured the cut for free by leveraging the podcast’s platform during his book tour. The blowout from the professional cut was so good it lasted without additional heat styling.
Ideal Wealth Level Discussion
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(00:02:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts heard that the ‘sweet spot’ for being wealthy without being out of touch is $200 million, but one host believes she would still worry about money at that level.
  • Summary: The conversation explored the optimal amount of money for happiness, with $200 million cited as the figure that provides wealth without entering the ’toxic and insane’ circles of billionaires. Claudia Oshry expressed doubt that $200 million would eliminate her financial worries. The hosts joked that billionaires are just happier versions of regular people.
TV Binge Watching Habits
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(00:03:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Netflix is blamed for ruining television consumption habits by normalizing binge-watching, making weekly releases feel like ‘withdrawals’ for accustomed viewers.
  • Summary: The hosts noted that ‘Traders’ is moving to a weekly release schedule, which is difficult for consumers conditioned by Netflix’s full-season drops. While bingeing is unhealthy, the weekly format forces listeners to avoid spoilers on social media. However, one host admitted the weekly schedule is better suited for her current life as a working mother.
Authenticity and Week Wrap-up
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(00:05:26)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts intend to use the ‘Queenie and Weenie’ segment to put a button on the week’s developing stories, including the Beckhams, Belldonis, and Blakes, without introducing new major narratives.
  • Summary: The hosts confirmed their commitment to authenticity on the show, stating it would take too much energy to maintain any other persona. They planned to use the segment to conclude ongoing stories from the week, acknowledging the high volume of developing narratives they have been juggling. The goal for the episode was to set down all current ‘balls’ by the end of the day.
Mahjong Game and Playpen Purchase
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(00:06:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Claudia Oshry purchased a collapsible playpen for her son to manage mobility and clutter, leading to a humorous comparison to the ’extreme cheapskate’ who uses only cardboard.
  • Summary: The hosts recounted playing Mahjong with their Omai Mahjong tiles, noting they both failed to win despite being 50% of the table. Claudia bought a collapsible playpen that can be easily packed away when traveling or when not in use, prioritizing clutter management. This purchase prompted Jackie to jokingly compare her to a famous TV cheapskate who only uses cardboard boxes for furniture.
Reuben’s Bar Mitzvah Theme
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(00:11:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Reuben’s Bar Mitzvah is planned as a Studio 54-themed event with the slogan ‘Grooven with Reuven’ (or ‘Greuven with Rayuven’ in Hebrew pronunciation).
  • Summary: Claudia and her husband have been planning Reuben’s Bar Mitzvah theme for months, settling on a disco theme. Reuben’s Hebrew name is Rayuvain, leading to the playful slogan ‘Greuven with Rayuven.’ The hosts reflected that 12-year-olds cannot fully appreciate the party atmosphere of a Bar Mitzvah compared to a Sweet Sixteen.
Harry Styles New Single ‘Aperture’
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(00:18:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Harry Styles released his first single in nearly three years, ‘Aperture,’ which features a long, five-minute, techno/disco sound that requires multiple listens to fully appreciate.
  • Summary: The song ‘Aperture’ is five minutes long, which the hosts felt was excessive for modern music standards, though they acknowledged the need to give new sounds runway. The word ‘aperture’ refers to an opening through which light passes, often associated with photography or a trippy, light-reflection aesthetic. Styles is also opting for a residency tour format that allows him to stay in one location, suggesting a focus on stability with Zoe.
Ryan Reynolds Email Controversy
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(00:27:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Ryan Reynolds sent an effusive, verbose, and ‘cringey’ email to Colleen Hoover congratulating her on the success of ‘It Ends With Us,’ while documents reveal Blake Lively and Reynolds allegedly used their influence to take over the film’s production from director Justin Baldoni.
  • Summary: The hosts analyzed an email where Reynolds expressed extreme excitement over the film’s success, using highly enthusiastic language. The controversy centers on allegations that Blake Lively and Reynolds steamrolled director Justin Baldoni, who bought the rights, due to perceived incompetence and inappropriate behavior on set. The public perception has shifted dramatically, vindicating Baldoni after initial backlash against him.
Hayden Panettiere Memoir Announcement
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(00:45:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Hayden Panettiere is releasing a memoir titled ‘This Is Me: Some Stories Are Only Yours To Tell,’ and the hosts strongly support her due to her difficult public struggles, including postpartum psychosis.
  • Summary: The hosts criticized the memoir title as generic but expressed strong support for Panettiere, believing she deserves more public love and support than she currently receives. They noted her struggles following childbirth, which led to her giving up custody, as significant reasons why her story will be compelling. The hosts plan to read the book, which is due out in the spring.
Hayden Panettiere Memoir Support
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(00:46:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Hayden Panettiere’s upcoming memoir, due this spring and published by Grand Central Publishing/Imprint, is highly anticipated by the hosts.
  • Summary: The hosts expressed sadness over recent events concerning Hayden Panettiere and urged listeners to buy her upcoming book. They specifically hoped she would address her experiences raising her daughter and her time on the TV show Nashville. The book is scheduled for release this spring and is being published by Grand Central Publishing and Imprint.
Anti-AI Campaign Backers
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(00:52:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Over 700 industry figures, including Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, backed an anti-AI campaign protesting the exploitation of copyrighted work without permission.
  • Summary: The campaign argues that using copyrighted material for AI training without consent is theft, not innovation, citing Scarlett Johansson’s recent legal issue involving an AI voice mimicking her likeness. The hosts believe the celebrities are fighting for better licensing and compensation rather than opposing AI technology entirely. They expressed personal fatigue regarding the performative nature of public open letters used to promote such causes.
Kyle Cooke Divorce Financials
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(00:56:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Kyle Cooke addressed speculation about Amanda Batula being saddled with his Loverboy debt, stating he took a small business loan and hopes they can split amicably.
  • Summary: Kyle Cooke spoke publicly for the first time about his divorce, noting that online speculation about financial implications doesn’t understand his business intricacies. He clarified that he took a small business loan, not a personal one, though he previously mentioned a personal loan on the show. The hosts speculated that Amanda Batula might find it easier to walk away now that Loverboy’s market share is saturated.
Queenie and Weenie of the Week
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(00:59:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Bridget, who documented her cancer battle publicly, was named Queenie of the Week for finishing treatment and ringing the bell, while Steven from Tell Me Lies was named Weenie for his psychopathic behavior.
  • Summary: Bridget was honored for maintaining her ‘sparkle’ during chemo and the emotional moment she shared with her husband upon finishing treatment. Chris Appleton was also named a Queenie for his generous and fun appearance on the podcast, cutting hair and engaging enthusiastically. Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz were named Weenies for publicly criticizing Victoria Beckham, with the hosts placing more onus on Brooklyn for allowing it.