The Toast

Positive Affable Swans: Thursday, February 5th, 2026

February 5, 2026

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  • The hosts reminisced about using elaborate fake IDs in college, including one instance where a fake ID led to a TSA scare involving explosive residue testing. 
  • The hosts debated modern dating etiquette, specifically regarding who should pay for the first date, concluding that current norms favor the man paying. 
  • The conversation briefly touched upon the news that E! is no longer part of NBC Universal, which the hosts noted was a significant separation for the network previously associated with Bravo programming. 
  • The hosts enthusiastically promoted Minky Couture blankets using a 50% off discount code 'TOAST' and Gold Bond Healing Lotion for dry winter skin, highlighting their respective brand values and product benefits. 
  • Nick Viall and Natalie Joy Viall announced they are expecting twins, which the hosts celebrated as a wonderful development following the couple's previously shared fertility struggles. 
  • Teddi Mellencamp was unmasked as 'Cala Lily' on *The Masked Singer*, sharing that the experience gave her 'a little bit of life' amidst her cancer battle, prompting a discussion about the difficulty of guessing contestants. 

Segments

Recalling College Fake IDs
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(00:01:12)
  • Key Takeaway: College students often relied on older siblings or friends for high-quality, functional fake IDs to access bars and social events.
  • Summary: The hosts detailed their experiences obtaining and using fake IDs during college, noting that having an older sibling like Olivia provided a reliable source for a convincing license. One host recounted the devastation of losing her confiscated ID, which severely limited her social participation until she received a replacement. They concluded that having access to good fake IDs was crucial for the social life of college students in their era.
First Date Payment Etiquette
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(00:04:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts reflected that while they felt obligated to offer to pay on early dates during the ‘girl boss’ era, they now believe women should not feel the need to reach for the check.
  • Summary: Reflecting on a first date, one host recalled feeling pressure to offer to pay despite having no money, a behavior driven by the ‘girl boss’ mentality of the time. The other host confirmed that in hindsight, women should not feel compelled to offer payment on dates. They agreed that current dating norms have shifted, and women are no longer expected to make that initial gesture of offering to pay.
Colgate College Visit Memories
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(00:06:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts shared nostalgic memories of visiting one host at Colgate University, noting that campus life often dictated social activities outside the immediate college environment.
  • Summary: The conversation shifted to reminiscing about visits to Colgate, which was described as not being a big dating school where campus activities often served as the primary social outlet. One host noted that her partner Ben’s visit during her final year was the best time she ever had, signaling a significant point in their relationship. They recalled specific visits, including one where they were caught in a snowstorm.
Traveling Without Identification
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(00:09:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Traveling as a minor without a valid government ID, even when possessing a high-quality fake ID, can lead to significant security scrutiny and delays.
  • Summary: One host recounted a stressful experience at the airport where, claiming to have no ID, security discovered her very convincing fake Connecticut license. This discovery prompted a thorough search by a female officer and a positive test for explosives residue due to recent manicures. The host was ultimately released after being sufficiently scared, realizing the gravity of traveling with fraudulent documents.
Pop Culture & Music Preferences
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(00:12:30)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts identified Alex Warren as a current favorite artist whose music is moving beyond the ‘supermarket music’ label into generally appreciated good music.
  • Summary: The hosts noted their current hyper-fixation eras, with one host currently obsessed with Alex Warren, whose new music is highly anticipated. They also expressed admiration for the theme song of Friends and Neighbors, suggesting they might license it for their own podcast theme in the future. The discussion also briefly touched upon the importance of enjoying the TV shows they recap to avoid becoming negative critics.
Bravo/E! Network Split
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(00:16:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The E! Network’s separation from NBC Universal is a significant industry move, raising questions about the future synergy of talent like Luann de Lesseps within the Bravo ecosystem.
  • Summary: The hosts reacted to the news that the E! Network is no longer part of NBC Universal, noting this separation impacts the synergy previously enjoyed by shows and talent. They speculated that Bravo declined the OG Housewives spin-off before it moved to E!, which they supported as a positive move for the cast. They expressed confusion over how this affects appearances at events like BravoCon, despite Luann still appearing on Bravo shows like Ultimate Girls Trip.
Savannah Guthrie Mother’s Plea
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(00:24:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video plea to their mother’s purported captor, explicitly requesting signs of life due to health concerns and ransom demands.
  • Summary: The family shared a raw video begging for the safe return of their mother, Nancy, describing her as a kind and loving woman with significant health issues requiring daily medication. The plea was directed at the captors, demanding proof that she is alive before any ransom game is played, referencing the Bitcoin information sent to news stations as evidence of a viable path to resolution. The hosts condemned online commentary speculating negatively about the video’s authenticity.
Tate McRae Olympics Ad Backlash
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(00:27:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Tate McRae faced backlash from both Canadian fans for promoting Team USA and American fans for being Canadian while appearing in a Team USA commercial for the Winter Olympics.
  • Summary: Tate McRae promoted the upcoming Winter Olympics and Team USA events, leading to criticism from her Canadian fanbase for supporting the US team. She attempted to quell the Canadian backlash by posting an old photo affirming her Canadian pride, which then invited criticism from Americans questioning her motives for taking the US promotion money. The hosts felt the situation was overblown, noting that athletes often compete for countries other than their birth nation.
Blair Waldorf Sequel Novel
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(00:37:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Gossip Girl author Cecily von Ziegasar is writing a standalone sequel novel, Blair, focusing on Blair Waldorf’s return to Manhattan in her 40s, which is highly anticipated by the original millennial readership.
  • Summary: The announcement of a Blair Waldorf sequel novel excited fans who grew up reading the original books, as the story will follow the character navigating life two decades later. The hosts noted that Blair remains the most popular character, making her the logical choice for a continuation over Serena or Jenny. They expressed skepticism that Leighton Meester would reprise the role if the book were adapted, emphasizing that Meester’s portrayal is what made the character iconic.
Sponsor Reads: Minky Couture
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(00:43:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Minky Couture’s ‘Hugs Blanket’ is a double-sided, plush blanket invented by the female-founded brand, offering 50% off with code TOAST.
  • Summary: Minky Couture invented the viral Hugs Blanket, described as a stretchy, plush, and double-sided item that hugs the user back. The company is female-founded and has donated over 100,000 mini Minkies to NICUs across the country. Listeners can receive 50% off all full-priced items using the code TOAST at softminkyblankets.com.
Sponsor Read: Gold Bond Lotion
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(00:44:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Gold Bond Healing Hydrating Lotion is clinically shown to visibly heal and moisturize dry skin for up to 72 hours in just one use.
  • Summary: The lotion is formulated with seven nourishing moisturizers, three essential vitamins, and aloe to soothe skin irritated by winter weather. Clinically, 85% of users agreed their skin looked healed and hydrated after one use, with smoothing visible in three days. This product is available for purchase at Walmart.
Nick and Natalie Viall Twins
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(00:45:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Nick Viall and Natalie Joy Viall announced they are expecting twins after previously experiencing three miscarriages.
  • Summary: Natalie Joy Viall described the news as surreal and a dream come true, noting she is excited to be ’this far along’ in the pregnancy. The couple already shares a two-year-old daughter named River Rose. The hosts expressed happiness for them, hoping Natalie avoids online scrutiny during this sensitive time.
Teddi Mellencamp Masked Singer
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(00:48:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Teddi Mellencamp was revealed as ‘Cala Lily’ on The Masked Singer, stating the experience gave her ‘a little bit of life’ amid her cancer battle.
  • Summary: Mellencamp performed ‘Fight Song’ (a battle cry for cancer patients) and ‘Jack and Diane’ by her father, John Mellencamp. Clues referenced her Real Housewives tenure (diamond house key) and her brain surgery, which affected her memory. She admitted singing was challenging but was excited to push her comfort zone.
Post-Show Reflection and Swan Title
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(00:53:53)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts reflected that the daily podcast recording acts as a transformation, turning them from internally ‘ugly ducklings’ into ‘positive, affable swans’ by the end.
  • Summary: One host admitted feeling tense before the show, needing to transition from personal feelings into performance mode, which the show facilitates. The podcast is described as a transformation where they leave feeling like positive, affable swans ready for lunch. The episode title, ‘Positive Affable Swans,’ is acknowledged as a fitting, if not the best, descriptor for their weekly arc.