The Toast

Idleness is the Devil’s Workshop: Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

January 13, 2026

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  • The hosts opened the episode of *The Toast* by discussing the cloudy weather in Florida, contrasting it with the appeal of outdoor activities, and sharing personal updates including one host's progress on a weight loss journey using Zepbound. 
  • A significant portion of the conversation revolved around a recent incident where a participant in Jackie's husband's casual basketball league dislocated his knee, leading to a discussion about the high-risk nature of physical activities for middle-aged dads. 
  • The hosts debated the concept of idleness, with one viewing it as 'the devil's workshop' and the other as 'heaven's workshop,' before transitioning into the news segment which included updates on Harry Styles' upcoming Madison Square Garden residency and Brooks Nader dissolving her lip filler. 
  • The hosts strongly prefer Poland Spring water over Zephyr Hills, viewing the latter as having a monopoly in Florida with inferior taste. 
  • Air hand dryers in public restrooms are universally condemned as a failure because they are unhygienic and ineffective at drying hands, advocating for a return to paper towels. 
  • When invited to an activity where payment is typically separate (like a manicure), using a personal gift card for one's own portion is generally acceptable, though treating the friend is often a kind gesture depending on the relationship dynamics and the origin of the gift card. 

Segments

Morning Greetings and Weather
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(00:00:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Cloudy weather in Florida negatively impacts the mood and activity choices of the hosts.
  • Summary: The hosts opened The Toast with greetings, noting the lack of sun in Florida, which one host finds detrimental to her mood. This lack of sun prompts thoughts of indoor activities like making chili, which she prefers to reserve for home. The hosts affirm their mutual affection, choosing love and joy to start the Tuesday episode.
Weight Loss and Munchkin Temptation
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(00:01:27)
  • Key Takeaway: One host has lost eight pounds in one month while on Zepbound, successfully resisting office Dunkin’ Munchkins.
  • Summary: A host reported being one month into her Zepbound journey, having lost eight pounds despite holiday challenges. She successfully resisted the temptation of Dunkin’ Munchkins offered in the office that morning. She noted that she might succumb to such treats later in the day, but not at the 6 a.m. recording time.
Basketball Injury Anecdote
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(00:02:15)
  • Key Takeaway: A dad in a casual basketball league dislocated his knee five minutes into a game, highlighting the physical risks of adult recreational sports.
  • Summary: Jackie’s husband, Zach, plays in a casual pickup basketball league with other dads, which Ben has also recently joined. Last night, one of the dads dislocated his knee early in the game and required hospital surgery. Jackie expressed that while terrible, she would be furious if Zach sustained such an injury, as parenting is a physically demanding role.
High-Risk Activities and Pickleball Injuries
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(00:04:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Pickup basketball is considered a high-risk activity for adults, similar to how professional athletes should avoid weekend skateboarding.
  • Summary: The basketball injury prompted a reflection that dads should avoid high-risk activities once they reach a certain age. The hosts noted that even seemingly low-impact sports like pickleball can cause injuries such as plantar fasciitis and ‘pickleball elbow.’ They agreed that all pickup games carry inherent risks.
TV and Pop Culture Updates
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(00:04:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The first two episodes of the show Tell Me Lies were released, and Grace Van Patten’s appearance was noted as stunning.
  • Summary: The hosts confirmed they have a lot to cover, including ‘Dear Toasters’ and stories, noting that the first two episodes of Tell Me Lies were released the previous night. One host mentioned seeing Grace Van Patten photographed in New York and commented on her exceptional beauty. They briefly mentioned Salt Lake City but noted one host was far behind in catching up.
Co-Sleeping Experiment and Sleep Philosophy
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(00:05:35)
  • Key Takeaway: One host attempted co-sleeping with her baby for comfort but abandoned the idea due to discomfort and the baby’s preference for independent crib sleep.
  • Summary: One host tried to force a co-sleep after her baby cried, successfully getting him to sleep on her chest before moving him to the bed, which woke him up. She found the co-sleeping position uncomfortable and restrictive, reinforcing her preference for independent sleep in the crib at night. They agreed that while contact naps are acceptable, nighttime crib sleep is crucial for parental rest.
Barbie’s Autism Representation
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(00:10:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Mattel released an Autism Barbie doll featuring articulated wrists for hand-flapping and headphones for sensory overload protection.
  • Summary: The hosts discussed the new Autism Barbie, noting its specific features designed for representation. These features include hands that move at the wrist to facilitate hand-flapping (skimming) and headphones for overstimulation. They acknowledged the difficulty in representing the entire autism spectrum with a single doll design.
Commuting Music and Existential Thoughts
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(00:12:04)
  • Key Takeaway: One host is currently experiencing a musical phase dominated by millennial dance hits like David Guetta and Pitbull, reflecting a common phenomenon of aging adults reverting to past music.
  • Summary: Despite the commute being difficult due to missing a feeding, Jackie enjoys driving while listening to ‘millennial hits’ like David Guetta and Pitbull. She referenced a statistic suggesting that after a certain age (33 or 34), people stop discovering new music and listen to past favorites. Claudia shared a similar experience, driving while listening to the Hannah Montana soundtrack and feeling proud of her current success compared to her younger self.
Enjoying the Moment
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(00:14:20)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts emphasized the importance of pausing parenthood’s constant motion to appreciate small, positive moments, like enjoying a favorite song during a drive.
  • Summary: Conversations about current contentment can sometimes precede negative events, prompting a reminder to enjoy the present moment. The hosts agreed that parents often rush from one task to the next without pausing to appreciate what they are currently doing. They concluded this thought by humorously agreeing that smelling roses is important, even if roses smell like ‘poo-boo-boo.’
Harry Styles MSG Residency
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(00:21:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Harry Styles has secured his second Madison Square Garden residency, scheduled for 2026, following rumors of a three-year hiatus.
  • Summary: Page Six exclusively reported that Harry Styles will return to the stage for a second residency at Madison Square Garden in 2026. This news follows rumors that he was preparing a return after a three-year break from touring. The hosts speculated that a residency suggests he is happy in his personal life (with Zoe) but needs to return to work without the instability of a full tour cycle.
Brooks Nader Dissolves Filler
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(00:28:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Brooks Nader dissolved her lip filler, stating she feels like her ‘old self,’ prompting discussion on the normalization of cosmetic procedures and the ‘blonde vs. brunette’ effect on male attention.
  • Summary: Brooks Nader shared photos after dissolving her lip filler, which one host, privy to the news via close friends stories, was excited to discuss publicly. The hosts agreed that while she is beautiful, she may have taken cosmetic enhancement one step too far before normalizing the reversal. They theorized that men are often attracted to blondes because they appear ‘dumb and bright,’ suggesting Brooks might return to her natural brunette hair.
Colleen Hoover Cancer Update
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(00:32:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Author Colleen Hoover announced she is concluding radiation treatment for a surgically removed cancer diagnosis, though the specific type was not revealed.
  • Summary: Colleen Hoover shared on Instagram that she was on her second-to-last day of radiation at Texas Oncology, praising the facility. She had previously revealed on Facebook that she was diagnosed with cancer, which was surgically removed, requiring radiation but no chemotherapy. The hosts sent well wishes, noting the intense public scrutiny and hate she often receives online.
Taylor Swift Song Renaissance
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(00:36:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Taylor Swift’s song ‘Solitaire’ from Midnights is experiencing a renaissance on TikTok due to a viral audio clip of its bridge.
  • Summary: The hosts referenced the viral TikTok audio featuring the bridge of Taylor Swift’s song ‘Solitaire’ from the Midnights album. They quoted key lines from the bridge, such as ‘No one sees when you lose when you’re playing in solitaire.’ One host expressed satisfaction that her favorite song from the album is finally receiving recognition.
Rihanna Considering More Children
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(00:37:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Rihanna commented on a social media trend about getting ‘hot and sexy’ or pregnant in 2026, joking that she is not crazy if she is already considering a fourth child.
  • Summary: Rihanna commented on a trend regarding 2026 goals, suggesting she might already be thinking about a fourth child, despite having her third in September. This comment put one host, who has been pregnant concurrently with Rihanna, ‘on notice’ regarding future family planning. The host noted she needs to focus on getting ‘hot and sexy’ via weight loss before considering another pregnancy.
Nose Picking and Alzheimer’s Link
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(00:40:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Research suggests a potential scary link between frequent nose picking, which introduces bacteria, and the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.
  • Summary: Up to 90% of the population frequently picks their nose, which can introduce bacteria causing nasal infections and tissue damage. Researchers theorize that trauma to the nasal lining might transmit germs to the brain, potentially triggering inflammation and the formation of amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s. The host, admitting to the habit, resolved to be more vigilant about handwashing or using tissues.
Bottled Water Brand Preferences
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(00:44:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Poland Spring is considered the pinnacle of good water, while Zephyr Hills holds a monopoly in Florida despite having ‘yucky’ water.
  • Summary: The hosts list various national and regional bottled water brands like Evian, Aquafina, and Disani. Poland Spring is highly praised, with the speaker wishing they would offer glass options. Zephyr Hills is criticized for its taste and perceived monopolistic control over the Florida market.
Critique of Air Hand Dryers
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(00:45:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Air hand dryers are a failed experiment because they are disgusting, fail to dry hands properly, and wet hands contract more germs.
  • Summary: The speakers call for the end of air hand dryers, arguing they leave hands wet and dirty, which is worse than using nothing. Dyson models are deemed slightly better but still not sanitary. Kimberly-Clark is suggested as a company to blame for pushing these ineffective devices.
Thrive Market Endorsement
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(00:47:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Thrive Market offers clean ingredients, over 90 shopping filters, and removes 600 sketchy ingredients, simplifying grocery shopping for health-conscious consumers.
  • Summary: The segment promotes Thrive Market for providing household essentials with clean ingredients and a stamp of approval suitable for ‘crunchy mamas.’ The service allows shopping without endless label reading using filters like high protein or gluten-free. Listeners can receive 30% off their first order plus a free $60 gift using the provided link.
Mementus Supplement Trustworthiness
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(00:48:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Mementus establishes high trust in the lightly regulated supplement industry through rigorous independent testing (NSF for sport/informed sport) and sourcing high-quality ingredients.
  • Summary: Mementus is presented as a high-trust brand in a low-trust category by adhering to its own standard, which includes sourcing high-quality ingredients like grass-fed European dairy protein. Every product is independently certified for contaminants and label accuracy, ensuring consumers know exactly what they are consuming. Listeners can get up to 35% off their first order using the promo code ’toast'.
Advice: Gift Card Etiquette
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(00:50:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Whether using a gift card solely for oneself when inviting a friend depends heavily on the activity type and the established financial dynamic of the friendship.
  • Summary: For services like manicures where payment is inherently separate, using a personal gift card is fine, unlike a shared meal where treating the friend might be expected. The origin of the gift card (e.g., a personal gift versus a raffle prize) also influences the perceived obligation. Ultimately, there is no universally offensive rule, but generosity is appreciated.
Advice: Following Up on Party Invite
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(00:53:26)
  • Key Takeaway: A parent should follow up about an unreceived party invitation for their four-year-old, as the risk of appearing ‘desperate’ is low compared to missing a chance to build mom friendships.
  • Summary: The host advises against waiting, suggesting the oversight was likely due to the other mother being busy or having written the number down incorrectly. Following up is encouraged because it benefits both the parent seeking connection and the child who wants to attend. A stealth approach via the children at school is suggested as an alternative follow-up method.
Advice: Reality Show vs. Medical School
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(00:56:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Choosing medical school over a reality competition show is the safer decision because the potential negative impact on a long-term career outweighs the low probability of sustained fame from a reality TV appearance.
  • Summary: The odds of achieving lasting success or fame from a reality show are low, even for major programs like The Bachelor. The stability and career path of becoming a doctor are highly valuable and unlikely to be regretted. The host strongly advises prioritizing the medical school admission over the temporary opportunity of reality television.
Personal Updates and TikTok Shop
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(01:01:36)
  • Key Takeaway: The host admits to being easily influenced by TikTok Shop’s efficiency, leading to the acquisition of several highly supportive bras, despite being generally jaded about online ads.
  • Summary: The segment concludes with personal updates, including the host’s new yellow manicure color, Strawberry Macaron. The host acknowledges that TikTok Shop’s quick shipping and low prices make it dangerously easy to purchase items like bras. The conversation ends with a brief mention of post-pregnancy hair changes and a plea for new hand soap in the studio bathroom.