This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Gary Sinise, renowned actor and musician best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, shares heartfelt insights from his decades of supporting veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation. He discusses the hopeful message behind Lieutenant Dan's character, the challenges veterans face reintegrating into civilian life, and the importance of keeping service work separate from politics. Sinise also honors his late son Mac, whose music contributes to the foundation, leaving a powerful legacy of hope and resilience.

Miles Teller, celebrated for his roles in 'Whiplash' and 'Top Gun: Maverick', joins to discuss his upcoming film 'Eternity'. He shares amusing childhood tales from Florida, including local festival antics. The conversation dives into emotional themes like loss, the afterlife, and the film's heartfelt exploration of love and choices. Miles reflects on working with veterans, the importance of mental health, and his collaborative approach on set. He also recounts his experiences filming on an aircraft carrier and the unique challenges of working in Hollywood.

Andrew Santino, a stand-up comedian and actor known for his shows like Whiskey Ginger, joins to share behind-the-scenes insights about his Hulu special, White Noise. He discusses the pressures of live versus taped performances and the challenges of handling online criticism. They dive into redhead stereotypes, the quirks of modern dating, and the unanticipated weirdness of bathroom tech. Reflecting on changing friendships and the importance of community, Andrew highlights the value of focusing on positivity in a chaotic digital world.

Keith Peterson, known as 'No Nonsense,' is a professional MMA referee, diesel mechanic, and hardcore band vocalist. He shares insights on the mental challenges of refereeing, emphasizing fighter safety and his straightforward approach. Keith reminisces about his early days in amateur fighting and the thrill of witnessing fighters rise to the UFC. He also sheds light on his passion for coaching girls' wrestling alongside his daughter, his musical journey, and the tight-knit UFC community, all while navigating life as a family man.

Stan the Chauffeur, originally from the Bronx, shares his colorful journey to becoming a professional driver in South Carolina. They dive into chauffeur etiquette, including managing drunk passengers and maintaining professionalism amidst wild antics. Stan highlights the importance of boundaries, recounting experiences from intimate encounters in the backseat to turning down unwanted advances. He also offers profound insights on relationships, emphasizing trust and the lessons he's learned from his passengers. Plus, he showcases his poetic talents!

Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, the dynamic duo behind the paranormal content creation, dive deep into the world of hauntings. They share their thrilling journey from youthful stunts to spine-chilling investigations, including capturing ghostly messages in Paris's catacombs. Learn about their adventures at Pendle Hill and the significance of belief in paranormal experiences. With insights on equipment and techniques, they discuss the emotional weight of their discoveries and the energy of haunted locations. Don't miss their tales as they gear up for their annual Hell Month!

Aziz Ansari, a talented stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker, joins Theo to dish about his film, Good Fortune. He shares insights on the challenges of writing and directing, including an unexpected power outage during a live performance. Aziz reflects on his close-knit Southern community growing up, family hardships, and how those experiences shaped his views on America. They also chat about the differences between stand-up and filmmaking, his wife's quirky background, and the joy of returning to the comedy stage. Don't miss his uplifting storytelling!

Kara Connolly, a retired Boston detective with over 31 years in law enforcement, shares her gripping experiences from undercover work in the Human Trafficking Unit. She discusses the stark contrasts between traditional policing and today's modern methods, alongside her notorious john stings targeting buyers. Listeners will hear tales of a shocking infant rescue and a major multi-state trafficking investigation that earned her Detective of the Year. Kara offers insights into the pressures of policing, societal perceptions, and the emotional toll on officers and their families.

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker and historian, discusses his new film on the American Revolution. He believes this pivotal event reshaped political life and created modern citizenship. Burns explores George Washington's leadership, the complexities of loyalists and Native nations, and the role of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' in fueling the independence movement. He also addresses myths surrounding the Revolution and emphasizes the need for civic responsibility in today's media landscape.

Theo shares his quirky experience of getting new glasses and how they changed his perspective. He reflects on childhood circus memories and their transformation over time. A candid recounting of his recent New York tapings reveals the highs and lows of live performance, including a controversial joke about suicide. Listeners also connect through heartfelt calls, discussing the power of laughter in healing. With a nod to mental health struggles, Theo emphasizes the importance of care and his return to medication.