This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Mariana Van Zeller, an Emmy Award-winning journalist for National Geographic, dives deep into the gritty world of black markets. She shares her chilling experiences inside Central American drug manufacturing sites and encounters with a real assassin in LA. Discussion uncovers disturbing trends like bride trafficking and cartel influence in small-town America. Mariana emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal roots of perceived evil and highlights the resilience and personal stories of those entangled in these underground economies.

Dr. Aziz Rahman, a board-certified radiologist, shares his firsthand experiences from Nasser Hospital in Gaza. He describes the harrowing conditions and moral dilemmas faced by healthcare workers amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Aziz discusses the psychological toll on both patients and medical professionals while highlighting stories of resilience and hope. He also delves into the complexities of providing care in a war zone, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and advocacy for the people of Gaza.

Dusty Slay, a stand-up comedian from Opelika, Alabama, known for his Netflix special "Wet Heat," shares hilarious tales from his childhood in a semi-Laotian trailer park. He reminisces about selling pesticides and the quirks of communal living. Dusty also discusses his preemptive retreat to an orchard before AI takes over, toppling societal norms. The duo highlights absurd daily encounters, nostalgia for Charleston, and the playful evolution of comedy amidst tech troubles, all served with a hefty side of laughter.

The Rizzler is a social media personality, entertainer, and child. He’s known for his viral videos featuring his “Rizz” face, and appearances alongside “the Costco Guys”. The Rizzler joins Theo to talk about what his life is like now after becoming one of the most famous people on earth, how he spends his time with his family in New Jersey, and plans to dip into the world of acting (and wrestling).  The Rizzler: https://www.instagram.com/itztherealrizzler/  ------------------------------------------------ Tour Dates! https://theovon.com/tour New Merch: https://www.theovonstore.com ------------------------------------------------- Sponsored By: Celsius: Go to the Celsius Amazon store to check out all of their flavors. #CELSIUSBrandPartner #CELSIUSLiveFit https://amzn.to/3HbAtPJ King of the Hill: Check out the new season of King of the Hill streaming now on Hulu. https://www.hulu.com/series/king-of-the-hill Ridge Wallet: Get 10% Off your entire order & take advantage of Ridge’s Annual Sweepstakes by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEO #Ridgepod NO PURCH. NEC. Open to legal residents of 50 US/DC, Canada & the UK, age maj.+. Void where prohibited. Begins 8/1/25 and ends 9/15/25. 2 winners selected. Max Prizes total ARV: $380,000 USD / approximately $516,000 CAD / £306,800. Canadian skill-testing question required. Subject to Rules, including free entry method & odds: ridge.com/rules. Sponsor: The Ridge Wallet, LLC.AUCUN ACHAT NÉC. Ouvert aux résidents autorisés des 50 É.-U./D.C., du Canada et du R.-U., âge de maj.+. Nul là où interdit. Débute le 01/08/25, se termine le 15/09/25. Sélection de 2 gagnants. VDA totale max. des prix : 380 000 $ US / ~516 000 $ CA / 306 800 £. Question d’habileté mathématique (Canada) req. Sujet au règlement, incluant méthode de participation gratuite et chances de gagner : http://ridgewallet.ca/rules. Organisateur : The Ridge Wallet, LLC. ------------------------------------------------- Music: “Shine” by Bishop Gunn Bishop Gunn - Shine ------------------------------------------------ Submit your funny videos, TikToks, questions and topics you'd like to hear on the podcast to: tpwproducer@gmail.com Hit the Hotline: 985-664-9503 Video Hotline for Theo Upload here: https://www.theovon.com/fan-upload Send mail to: This Past Weekend 1906 Glen Echo Rd PO Box #159359 Nashville, TN 37215 ------------------------------------------------ Find Theo: Website: https://theovon.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/theovon Facebook: https://facebook.com/theovon Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thispastweekend Twitter: https://twitter.com/theovon YouTube: https://youtube.com/theovon Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheoVonClips Shorts Channel: https://bit.ly/3ClUj8z ------------------------------------------------ Producer: Zach https://www.instagram.com/zachdpowers Producer: Trevyn https://www.instagram.com/trevyn.s/  Producer: Nick https://www.instagram.com/realnickdavis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a leading voice in artificial intelligence, joins to discuss the transformative effects of AI on work and society. He and Theo explore how technology reshapes job landscapes, raises ethical concerns, and influences parenting. The conversation touches on the generational divide in technology perspectives, navigating privacy risks, and the importance of creativity in an AI-driven world. With humor and insight, they delve into the future of human-technology interactions and the legacy we leave behind.

Joaquin Phoenix, acclaimed actor recognized for roles in "Joker" and "Walk the Line," shares insights on his latest film, "Eddington." He discusses how the chaos of 2020 informed his creative process, and the influence of his father's legacy on his performances. The conversation touches on the emotional challenges of embodying characters during tumultuous times, the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and the intersection of personal struggles and artistic expression. Joaquin’s humorous anecdotes reveal the complexities of balancing public life with personal growth.

Lewis Capaldi, a Scottish singer-songwriter famed for hits like 'Someone You Loved,' shares his experiences after a two-year hiatus from music. He discusses his return to touring and updates on his mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional honesty. The humor flows as Lewis humorously tackles UFO sightings in Scotland, nostalgic tales from his youth, and a playful take on family traditions. He also reflects on the complexities of fame and personal growth while celebrating the healing power of music and community.

W. Bryan Hubbard, a veteran attorney and policy advocate for Ibogaine, shares insights on the transformative potential of this plant medicine for addiction and PTSD. He discusses personal experiences with healing, the impact of government corruption on treatment accessibility, and the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches amidst the opioid crisis. The conversation also touches on the historical use of plant medicines and highlights inspiring stories of recovery, encouraging a push for awareness about innovative treatments like Ibogaine.

Dr. David Linden, a neuroscience professor at Johns Hopkins and author of 'Unique,' joins Theo to explore what makes us human. They discuss the motivations behind our behavior and how his terminal cancer diagnosis reshaped his views on mortality. Linden emphasizes the significance of social connections and the complexities of attraction, highlighting genetic and environmental influences. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of humanity and the impact of science on personal identity and relationships.

Glenny Balls is an entertainer and podcaster, co-starring on "Sundae Conversations" and hosting "OnlyStans." He shares wild stories after a weekend at the UFC fights, discusses dreams of becoming America’s next culinary icon, and reflects on Fourth of July memories filled with competitive eating absurdities. They also dive into the strange world of hotel quirks, the chaotic thrill of slap fighting events, and the nostalgic joy of sports traditions, all while weaving humor and personal anecdotes throughout their conversation.