This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Nate Halverson, an independent investigative journalist known for his eye-opening documentary 'The Grab,' dives deep into the global scramble for food and water resources. He discusses the alarming trend of nations, especially China, buying U.S. farmland and the geopolitical implications of such acquisitions. Halverson elaborates on the dangerous intersection of food scarcity and political power, exploring real-world impacts seen in countries like Venezuela. He emphasizes the crucial need for ethical water rights and the role of investigative journalism in uncovering these pressing issues.

Luke Combs, an award-winning country musician known for his relatable lyrics, shares stories from his early career, including bug-infested motels and the transition to larger crowds. He discusses the inspiration behind his new album, "Fathers and Sons," highlighting themes of fatherhood. The conversation touches on his unexpected success with a "Fast Car" cover, the humor in road encounters, and the challenges of navigating fame while staying authentic. Combs also shares comedic ideas for a food-centric concert experience, blending music and laughter effortlessly.

Joey Diaz, a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for his vibrant style and his show The Check-In, joins Theo to reminisce about life post-pandemic. They dive into Joey's recent move to New Jersey, reflecting on family and personal growth. With tales from his wild podcasting days, they explore chaotic road trips, memorable encounters, and humorous stories from their careers. Joey also shares thoughts on health concerns in modern society and the complexities of fame, all laced with his signature humor.

Melissa Ansel, a dedicated lunch lady from Cleveland with over 30 years of experience, takes listeners on a delightful journey through her cafeteria life. She shares heartwarming anecdotes about nurturing connections with students and the joy of seeing them grow over the years. The conversation dives into students' quirky food preferences, the chaotic and vibrant atmosphere of lunch service, and her passion for improving school lunch policies. Get ready for laughter, nostalgia, and insights into the unsung heroes of school nutrition!

Sal Vulcano, a stand-up comedian and one of the original Impractical Jokers, shares his rapport with Theo Von and discusses his debut stand-up special, 'Terrified'. They dive into humorous tales about charcuterie-induced gout and memorable mishaps involving non-alcoholic beer. Sal opens up about the impact of fatherhood and the complexities of navigating life in the public eye. The conversation is laced with nostalgia, covering childhood memories and the evolution of happiness, making for an engaging blend of laughter and heartfelt moments.

In this solo chat, Theo shares his journey as the podcast reaches 500 episodes, reminiscing about the wild beginnings in a kitchen. He humorously critiques reality TV while exploring themes of authenticity and personal growth. Listeners get a taste of the hilarious and heartwarming moments from the 'Kyle' convention, spotlighting camaraderie among people with the same name. Theo also dives into mental health support, humorous listener stories, and the funny memories of navigating early relationships. It's a mix of laughter, reflection, and community spirit!

Matt McCusker, a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for "Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast," shares his entertaining journey from a childhood marked by being 'Fat Matt' in Philly to navigating parenthood and personal growth. He humorously discusses his old life of minor crimes, the irony of America's lifeguard shortage, and how fatherhood has transformed him. The conversation dives into nostalgia, societal expectations, and the absurdities of current events, all while keeping the laughs rolling.

Robert Greene, renowned author of bestsellers like 'The 48 Laws of Power,' dives into fascinating topics ranging from the search for personal purpose to the transformative power of laughter. He shares his journey through Hollywood's disillusionment and how it shaped his writings on strategy and seduction. Greene fondly reflects on his psychedelic experiences from the '70s, the complexities of parenting, and the challenges of creativity today, while humorously addressing the irony of banned books, including his own, in prison.

Nikki Glaser, a renowned stand-up comic and podcast host, dives into her chaotic experience at the Roast of Tom Brady, where a near-disaster struck. She humorously explores the unsettling history of lobotomies and the ongoing tensions between different sexual orientations. The conversation also highlights exciting advancements in women's pleasure technology, and Nikki shares her first-ever song, blending laughter with poignant reflections on modern relationships and the complexities of intimacy.

Brandon Coleman and Andrew Bishop of the Red Clay Strays, a rising American soul/rock band from Mobile, Alabama, share their wild journey. They candidly discuss the unexpected joys and challenges of touring, including their van breakdown misadventures and performing in a river rafting shop. They reflect humorously on the worst shows they've played and their excitement about opening for the Rolling Stones. The duo also delves into their band's evolution, the dynamics of live performances, and the creative process behind their new album.