

Friends Without Benefits
Uptown Dale & Rachel Sobel
One woman. One man. Thirty plus years of strictly platonic friendship with ZERO romantic history between them.This is Friends Without Benefits.Rachel Sobel is the face behind the popular blog and Instagram account, Whine and Cheez-its. She is the mother of two, a do-over wife, and award-winning writer, author and speaker.Dale McLean is a South Florida entertainment staple affectionately known as Uptown Dale. He is a bachelor, owner of a successful entertainment company, television personality and in-arena host for the Miami Heat.Together they tackle a range of topics around relationships, dating and current events, all with a banter that has been brewed to perfection for decades.Follow Rachel at www.instagram.com/whineandcheezitsFollow Dale at www.instagram.com/uptowndale
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2026 • 37min
S4 Ep. 12 - Reborn Dolls, Rude Servers, and the Weirdest Holiday Conversations
Rachel and Dale kick off the holiday stretch the way they do best, by spiraling through the strange headlines and the everyday moments that somehow say a lot about people. They start with the story of a woman who faked an entire pregnancy with a reborn doll, then bounce through a service that roasts your boss for you, a revenge spray paint moment that is honestly unforgettable, and why people feel extra raw around the holidays. The conversation turns to how brazen shoplifting has gotten and how retail return schemes actually work, plus the sticker shock of Disney tickets versus flying to Tokyo. Dale also shares a restaurant story that grossed him out and left him stuck on one question, what else was in the food. They wrap with a Reddit rabbit hole recommendation, a little pay it forward energy, and the kind of end of year delirium that only hits when you have truly been through it.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Jan 6, 2026 • 36min
S4 Ep. 11 - Whatchu Watchin, Culture Takes, and Unfiltered Opinions
In this episode of Friends Without Benefits, Dale and Rachel lean all the way into their favorite end of year ritual. A full social media purge, strong opinions about lurkers, and a reminder that social media is meant to be social. From their recurring segment What Are You Watching to deep dives into cult documentaries, celebrity reckoning stories, pop culture chaos, and unexpected takes on Wicked, wellness trends, and dating labels, nothing is off limits.The conversation weaves humor with honesty as they unpack documentaries like Orgasm Inc, celebrity scandals, questionable health food claims, and the way narratives shape culture and perception. Along the way, they share real talk about abuse, accountability, media manipulation, and why some stories deserve to be reexamined with clearer eyes.As always, the episode wraps with Say It With Your Whole Chest moments that tackle dress codes, public behavior, and modern etiquette with zero filter and plenty of laughs. This is classic Friends Without Benefits. Opinionated, curious, messy, and exactly the conversation you did not know you needed.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more atcalllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Dec 30, 2025 • 37min
S4 Ep. 10 - Can Men and Women Stay Just Friends A Funny Honest Conversation About Platonic Love
In this episode of Friends Without Benefits, we dig into one big question we get asked all the time. Can men and women really stay just friends? As two longtime friends who have never crossed the platonic line, we share our real life experiences, laugh through listener shoutouts, and talk honestly about friendship, attention, and what it means when people actually miss your podcast during a break.From comedy shows in Miami and supporting friends on tour to awkward small talk with strangers, fast food conspiracy theories, and the mystery of why smoke detectors always beep at the worst possible times, this episode is classic Friends Without Benefits energy. It is unscripted, funny, and full of the everyday observations that turn into big laughs.We also touch on why feeling seen by listeners matters, how humor connects people, and why sometimes the most meaningful relationships are the ones without expectations attached. Pull up a chair and hang out with us as we figure it out in real time.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Dec 23, 2025 • 39min
S4 Ep. 9 - Salmon Sperm Masks, Spirit Airlines, and Platonic Friend Chaos
Dale and Rachel catch up on life, travel, and the strange conversations that only long-term platonic friends can have. They debate manicures, dating standards, and whether asking for a feet picture is ever acceptable. Rachel explains why she wore a salmon sperm face mask on a flight and how she handled the internet backlash that followed.The conversation shifts to Dale’s NBC6 appearance, the brainstorming process behind naming his sports segment Dale’s Download, and the stress of live television. They also share stories from Spirit Airlines, reality show hosting at Camp Challenge, and wrap with their “say it with your chest” segment, touching on airline fees and a serious moment about witnessing immigration enforcement in real time.

Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
S4 Ep. 8 - Daylight Saving Debates, Viral Trends, and Thanksgiving Chaos
In this episode of Friends Without Benefits, Dale and Rachel jump straight into the holiday season with their take on daylight saving time, the chaos of early Christmas displays, and why the whole world is suddenly obsessed with the viral six seven trend. They unpack the slang teens are using now, compare it to the phrases they grew up with, and laugh through the generational gap that gets wider by the minute.From wild stories about word of the year announcements to nostalgic rants about 90s music, they also open up about choices they wish they made in their twenties, the friendships that shaped them, and the strange traditions that show up in every family during Thanksgiving. With conversations about parenting, social media, relationship red flags, school safety, and even cranberry sauce preferences, this episode covers everything from serious moments to complete nonsense in true Friends Without Benefits style.If you love real talk, random tangents, and an honest look at life, family, and the weird things people do, you will feel right at home with this one.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Nov 18, 2025 • 38min
S4 Ep. 7 - From Whatcha Watchin’ to Whatcha Wearing
Dale and Rachel roll out their new segment Whatcha Watchin’ and dive into their latest TV obsessions—from wild true-crime dramas to addictive reality shows. Then they switch gears to fashion, testing each other on how to actually pronounce those luxury brand names we all fake confidence saying (Hermès, Balmain, Givenchy… or is it “Vasace”?). Toss in a few blind-date stories, some puppy yoga confusion, and plenty of laughs, and you’ve got another classic Friends Without Benefits episode full of chemistry, chaos, and charm.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Nov 11, 2025 • 39min
S4 Ep. 6 - Wedding Cancelled, Party Saved, and Bush Underwear Sold Out
In this hilarious and unpredictable episode, Dale and Rachel dive into stories you won’t believe are true. From a bride who turned her canceled wedding into a celebration for the homeless, to Miami luxury apartments across from prisons, to Kim Kardashian’s viral “bush underwear” that somehow sold out—nothing is off limits. The duo also swaps their wildest Google searches, debates germ-infested everyday items, and reveals why self-awareness might be the most underrated life skill. Pour a drink, brace yourself, and get ready to laugh at the absurdity of it all.Contact Our Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida’s trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Nov 4, 2025 • 36min
S4 Ep. 5 - A Belated Halloween Episode: Candy, Camp, and Call Lee
Rachel and Dale are back for a spirited belated Halloween edition of Friends Without Benefits! This episode is packed with hilarious stories, nostalgic moments, and a little bit of heart. The duo celebrates their brand-new sponsor (hello, 1-800-CALL-LEE), shares how their camp roots led to lifelong friendships, and dives into the chaos of trunk-or-treats, favorite candies, and the bizarre etiquette of Halloween stickers. Rachel opens up about her emotional visit back to her sorority house for a breast cancer awareness event, while Dale gets candid about rallying support for his hometown after a hurricane. From MOABS adventures to celebrity Halloween parties (yes, Ken Griffey Jr. makes it on the pod ), this episode proves why their friendship works without benefits—but with plenty of banter.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Oct 14, 2025 • 35min
S4 Ep. 4 - Camp Tales, Plane Snacks, and One Penny Plans
We are back for season four and we are seasoning it right. We swap stories from our camp days, argue about pulp in orange juice, and expose the absolute no foods for airplanes. We test drive Dale’s one penny idea for good and dream up a donation challenge that actually helps the unhoused. There is a goat in Gucci, a python bounty in Florida, and a quick tour of our new studio. Rachel wraps with a gentle PSA to book your mammogram, and Dale reminds us to look for sunlight and choose kindness. If you once had a summer fling with Dale in the 90s, Rachel is collecting messages for his final birthday party. Buckle up and let’s do this.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

Oct 7, 2025 • 37min
S4 Ep. 3 - Pick a Sister, Cardi B in Court, and Hotel Carpets Are Canceled
We play a chaotic round of Pick a Sister and make Dale choose between Kardashians, Jenners, Royals, Simpsons, Beyoncé or Solange, Venus or Serena, the Cavinder twins, and the Nader sisters. We talk why Kourtney wins, Kendall beats Kylie, Jessica over Ashley, Solange surprises, Venus inspires, Hannah edges out Haley, and Brooks steals the show. Then we hit hot topics: an OBGYN office’s gross patient shaming, Cardi B’s courtroom one-liners and a cease and desist delivered by mariachi, a surgeon who chose amputation for a quick payout, and the rise of cereal thieves raiding hotel breakfasts. Rachel says it with her chest about banning hotel room carpet forever, Dale considers taking Brightline, and we peek at the Tea app that spills dating gossip. Come for the game, stay for the laughs, and help us hit 300 on IG by sharing the show and sending your tea.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale


