#660 - Nate Bargatze

#666 - Sen. John Kennedy

Jul 1, 20262h 8mSummary

In episode 666 of This Past Weekend, Theo Von sits down with U.S. Senator John Kennedy, a fellow Louisianan known for his sharp wit and direct demeanor. The conversation highlights the Senator’s humble upbringing in Zachary, Louisiana, and his path into politics, which included long tenures as a reformist state official before his time in the Senate. They trade stories about life in the South, reflecting on the rapid growth of once-small towns like Mandeville and Covington, and share humorous anecdotes about regional wildlife and college experiences. Beyond the personal stories, the discussion touches on the realities of working in Washington, D.C. Senator Kennedy offers insights into the appropriations process and his perspective on the challenges of achieving political consensus in an increasingly polarized environment. He emphasizes the importance of remaining authentic despite the pressures of public office. The pair also discusses global affairs, including the complexities of international relations and the necessity of national strength in a shifting geopolitical landscape. The episode provides a conversational, candid look at a veteran politician who balances his high-level responsibilities with a down-to-earth perspective rooted in his home state.

#665 - Jeff Bridges

Jun 26, 20261h 48mSummary

In this episode, Theo Von sits down with legendary actor Jeff Bridges for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the nuances of long-term relationships, the creative process, and the value of personal growth. Bridges shares the origin story of his marriage, describing the serendipitous meeting of his wife, Sue, on a movie set in Montana. He speaks candidly about his initial fear of losing his autonomy and how he eventually navigated the complexities of commitment, noting that marriage serves as a vital playing field for exploring intimacy and vulnerability. The two discuss the importance of "doing the work" in relationships, with Bridges sharing a practical exercise of active listening where partners express feelings without expectation of rebuttal. Beyond his acting career, Bridges discusses his diverse creative outlets, including sculpting and music, emphasizing how these hobbies feed into his professional work. He also reflects on his friendship with the late Zen master Bernie Glassman and their collaboration on a book connecting Buddhist concepts to the script of The Big Lebowski. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a thoughtful meditation on remaining open to life's challenges and the necessity of nurturing one’s curiosity outside of work.

#664 - Crooners Welcome

Jun 21, 20261h 4mSummary

In this solo episode of This Past Weekend, Theo Von reflects on the nature of life, comparing its ups and downs to the consistency and quality of food. He recounts recent travels, including an appearance at Stagecoach where he embraced a new identity as a crooner, noting his role as the performer who adds the finishing touch to a song. Theo also touches on the humor and danger of the rodeo world, sharing stories about the resilience of riders and the intense, often comical atmosphere behind the scenes of professional bull riding. The conversation shifts toward deeper personal reflections as Theo addresses listener questions. When asked about overcoming jealousy regarding a partner’s past, he speaks candidly about his own history with insecurity, urging listeners to focus on the present and choose to be the supportive partner that their significant other needs, rather than letting past experiences act as recurring hurdles. Finally, Theo offers heartfelt advice to a father raising three sons without his own paternal role model, emphasizing the importance of providing direction and replacing judgment with unconditional support.

#663 - Porn Recovery Coach Steven Wolt

Jun 19, 20262h 22mSummary

In this episode, Theo Von sits down with his longtime friend and mentor Steven Wolt, the founder of Valor Recovery, to have a candid conversation about pornography addiction, intimacy disorders, and the challenging path toward healing. Drawing from his own experience in recovery, Wolt explains how he used pornography as a way to numb deep-seated loneliness and anxiety. He describes how the addiction progressed from a casual habit into a destructive cycle that damaged his professional life and relationships, eventually leading to a complete emotional and spiritual collapse. The discussion moves beyond the surface level of the addiction, emphasizing that recovery is not merely about abstinence. Wolt argues that pornography often serves as a maladaptive tool for emotional regulation and a way to avoid the vulnerability required for real human connection. Together, the two discuss the importance of building a life centered on integrity, healthy masculinity, and genuine intimacy. Wolt stresses that lasting change requires retraining the nervous system, addressing underlying root causes, and learning to sit with discomfort rather than seeking an instant escape. It is a deeply personal look at the struggle for self-worth and the transformative power of choosing a life one does not need to flee from.

#662 - Matt Rife

Jun 10, 20261h 54mSummary

In this episode, Theo Von welcomes stand-up comedian and actor Matt Rife for a wide-ranging and humorous conversation. The two discuss the shifting landscape of comedy, reflecting on how the profession has evolved and the public’s perception of comedians who break traditional molds. Their banter touches on lighthearted topics such as the origins of common stage phrases, the humor found in everyday tasks, and the oddities of learning new skills like magic or musical instruments. The conversation naturally transitions into deeper philosophical territory, as the hosts explore the challenges of navigating the modern world. They exchange thoughts on the weight of constant information consumption and the potential benefits of maintaining a focus on one's immediate, personal life rather than getting lost in global stress. By balancing candid personal anecdotes with reflections on the value of staying informed versus preserving one’s mental peace, the episode offers an engaging look at how both men process fame, personal growth, and the complexities of human connection. It is an insightful and candid exchange between two peers navigating their unique paths in the entertainment industry.

#661 - John Kiriakou

Jun 5, 20262h 21mSummary

In this episode, Theo Von sits down with John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer and whistleblower, to discuss his unconventional career, the inner workings of intelligence agencies, and his observations on American politics. Kiriakou reflects on his early days at the CIA, describing the sense of purpose and pride he felt while walking through the agency's headquarters. He shares a fascinating story about his early training, which involved a psychological profiling exercise that eventually led to his recruitment. The conversation shifts toward the history of American political systems, specifically the emergence of super delegates within the Democratic Party. Kiriakou provides an insider’s perspective on how party structures have historically navigated populist movements, citing the examples of George McGovern and Jesse Jackson. He expresses concern over the lack of transparency in modern political processes and the erosion of public trust. Throughout the discussion, Kiriakou also addresses common conspiracy theories regarding historical events, offering his expert opinion on what constitutes genuine strategic maneuvering versus misinformation. The episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of personal experience, intelligence history, and the state of contemporary American governance.

#659 - Ari Matti

May 22, 20261h 54mSummary

In this episode of This Past Weekend, Theo Von hosts Estonian comedian Ari Matti for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. The two discuss the physical toll of aging, sharing humorous anecdotes about how simple movements—like getting out of bed or jumping—can lead to unexpected injuries in their thirties. Matti and Von also delve into their shared fascination with bizarre modern health trends, specifically critiquing viral "cranial release" videos and the odd nature of alternative medical procedures. The conversation takes a provocative turn as they reflect on the evolution of societal views on sexuality. Matti shares a wild, surreal story from his time living in Vancouver, where a quiet hike in Stanley Park turned into a bizarre encounter with local cruising culture. This leads to a thoughtful, albeit raunchy, comparison between the ease of navigating identity in modern Western settings versus the high-stakes, secretive reality of being gay in the 1980s Soviet Union. The hosts discuss the bravery required to live authentically in oppressive environments, contrasting those experiences with contemporary celebrity transitions. The episode blends crude humor with genuine cultural commentary.

#658 - Mike Tyson (Live at the Wiltern)

May 15, 20261h 37mSummary

In this live episode of This Past Weekend, Theo Von hosts legendary heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson at the Wiltern. The conversation offers a raw, unfiltered look at Tyson’s life, transitioning from his formative years in a house of crime to his meteoric rise in the ring. Tyson reflects on the vital role of his mentor, Cus D'Amato, describing him as a father figure who provided the discipline and structure necessary for his survival. Tyson openly discusses his past struggles with addiction and the comfort he finds in embracing discomfort, suggesting that his difficult upbringing was essential to becoming the fighter he was. Throughout the episode, Tyson and Von swap stories about their childhoods, navigating themes of poverty, memory, and the eccentricities of fame. They also touch upon Tyson’s encounters with other icons like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, offering personal anecdotes that cut through the celebrity mythos. Tyson’s candid reflections reveal a man who has lived through extreme highs and lows, balancing his reputation as a ferocious competitor with a introspective, evolving perspective on his complex legacy.

#634 - Fiona Cauley

#633 - Trevor Wallace