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This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

#626 - Baby Me

Published November 26, 2025
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About This Episode

Theo Von records a Thanksgiving-themed solo episode with producer Riley Mao, reflecting on the holiday, American history, the current state of the world, and the importance of focusing on tangible relationships and small joys. He shares a humorous yet sincere list of little life experiences he appreciates, updates listeners on recent charity efforts, and reacts to several heartfelt listener calls about mental health, painful family dynamics, impending parenthood, and spiritual questions. Throughout, he and Riley also discuss Riley's upcoming fatherhood, Theo's evolving sense of purpose, and his desire to deepen his relationship with God and better care for himself.

Topics Covered

Gratitude Mental health Fatherhood Relationships Religion and spirituality Therapy Personal development Family patterns Holidays and family gatherings

Disclaimer: We provide independent summaries of podcasts and are not affiliated with or endorsed in any way by any podcast or creator. All podcast names and content are the property of their respective owners. The views and opinions expressed within the podcasts belong solely to the original hosts and guests and do not reflect the views or positions of Summapod.

Quick Takeaways

  • Theo uses Thanksgiving as a moment to acknowledge both the joy of the holiday and the painful history for Native Americans, while still emphasizing shared gratitude and connection.
  • He shares a list of odd, specific little life experiences that make him feel alive, as a way to re-anchor himself in everyday joys amid a chaotic world.
  • Recent charity jersey auctions raised around $40,000 for a rehabilitation center and supported a veterans-focused foundation, which Theo frames as a shared achievement with listeners.
  • Producer Riley announces he is expecting a baby boy, and Theo responds with a blend of humor, prayer, and reflection on how fatherhood can create a deep sense of purpose.
  • A caller with borderline personality disorder describes how her life improved significantly over a year, and Theo highlights the power of testimony to help others see that things can get better.
  • Another caller shares that she hates her family and dreads the holidays; Theo encourages distinguishing real harm from discomfort, avoiding self-pity loops, and seeking some form of connection.
  • A father expecting twin girls calls for advice, and Theo boils it down to being present and loving, while acknowledging the heavy responsibility ahead.
  • In response to a question about "meeting God halfway," Theo describes maintaining a warm, ongoing relationship with a higher power through prayer, service, and getting outside oneself.
  • Theo reflects on taking a break from touring, realizing how busy he still is, and his desire to balance creativity, social life, therapy, and a deeper sense of purpose now that he's financially secure.

Podcast Notes

Thanksgiving introduction and reflection on Native American history

Acknowledging Thanksgiving and mixed feelings

Theo wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving while immediately acknowledging that some people, especially Native Americans, may not feel great about the holiday.[1:00]
• He says he doesn't want there to be an "elephant in the room" about Native Americans when saying happy Thanksgiving.
He briefly honors indigenous people as the original people of the land and notes that what happened to them was not fair.[1:30]
• He emphasizes he personally did not commit those wrongs but still feels compelled to say "our bad or whatever."
Theo jokes about catching the original perpetrators if there were ever a time machine.[2:21]
• He says that if time travel ever allowed, he would enlist to go back and stop the people coming here who did harm to Native Americans.

History stacked on sin and acceptance of the present

Theo reflects that the history of time and existence is "stacked on sin" and mistakes.[2:44]
• He notes that despite this, "let's eat" is where we are now, implying we must live in the present with that imperfect history.
He frames Thanksgiving as a time to finally sit down with people, eat, and share simple moments like asking someone to pass a dish.[2:59]

Obsessive love of garlic bread and simple pleasures

Garlic bread as a comfort food fantasy

Theo goes on a humorous riff about craving garlic bread, addressing anyone anywhere, including incarcerated people, people working doubles, or in comas.[3:50]
• He insists that regardless of circumstance, people would want garlic bread if they thought about it.
He says he likes garlic bread even when it is made badly and dismisses fancy bread offerings at restaurants in favor of "garlic ass bread."[3:50]
• He describes a hypothetical "trap house cook" using a spoon, butter, garlic, and a lighter to cook a tiny piece of garlic bread and even jokes about smoking it in a crack pipe.
He calls garlic bread "the bacon of breads" and says it is underrated and "fire."[4:39]

Charity jersey auction and shared contribution

Jersey auction for rehabilitation support

Theo thanks everyone who bid in a charity jersey auction involving jerseys given to them in various cities on the last comedy tour.[4:53]
• He reports that the auction raised about $40,000 for a local rehabilitation place called Cumberland Heights.
He explains that the money will go toward helping people get recovery and subsidizing recovery costs.[5:17]
• He says that if someone has listened to the podcast and feels they haven't done anything this year, they were part of this donation.

Donation to veterans-focused foundation

Theo notes that they also made a donation the prior week to the Gary Sinise Foundation.[5:34]
• He frames these contributions as things they are doing together as a community of listeners.

World uncertainty, conspiracies, and refocusing on what is real

Feeling of living in wild, fast-changing times

Theo describes it as a wild time in the world that feels like it has happened fast.[6:08]
He questions who we are, where we are going, and what the future looks like.[6:16]

Danger of getting lost in information and conspiracies

Theo gives examples of how people can become deeply caught up in conspiratorial thinking, imagining someone at Thanksgiving refusing baked beans because of beliefs about events or moon landings.[6:37]
• He jokes about someone insisting they know who killed a public figure or claiming there were multiple shooters and foreign agents behind things, while the other person is just asking if they want baked beans.
He notes that many conspiracies no longer even feel like conspiracies because some have come true, contributing to a sense of awakening.[7:17]

Video game analogy for awakening

Theo references something he mentioned on Joe Rogan's show: a video game character like Mario or Link suddenly turning to look at the player and asking who is controlling them.[7:20]
• He imagines the controllers being startled when the character becomes self-aware, using this as a metaphor for a broader human awakening.

Choosing fear or excitement and locking into tangible connection

Theo says that this awakening can produce fear but also excitement.[8:04]
Regardless of whether someone is feeling fear or excitement, he believes that around the holidays the most important thing is to lock into what is real and tangible.[8:04]
• He specifically names family, friends, familiarity, and connecting with people as the real things to focus on.

List of small things in life Theo enjoys

Intro to the list and invitation for listener participation

Theo says he wrote a little list of small things he enjoys about life and mentions they have some great calls coming in.[8:32]
• He invites listeners to call or text future contributions through his website with brief things they enjoy.

Accidentally touching a stranger's leg

Theo describes liking the weird human moment when you accidentally touch the leg of someone you don't know, such as in a dark movie theater while reaching for something you dropped.[9:01]
• He lists examples of things someone might drop, like lip balm, grams of something, or Funyuns, and the surprise of encountering an unknown leg in the dark.
He notes that although it is weird because neither person knows the other, there is something unique and human about it that he appreciates.[9:45]

Petting a cat that strikes and calling it a name

Theo says he enjoys petting a cat that then strikes at him and calling it a "little bitch."[10:03]
• He recounts a story of a friend whose cat was named Aunt Cheryl and how odd that name felt, making him think he might not remain friends long.
The friend kept encouraging him to pet the cat, giving what Theo calls a "warm shoulder" (contrasted with cold shoulder), until he agreed.[10:38]
• Theo explains his rule of usually not petting a cat more than two times because he expects they may "get activated" if one keeps petting.
On the second pet, Aunt Cheryl struck at him, prompting him to call the cat a "little bitch," which he did not like but respects as a unique moment of life.[11:25]

Showing up for a loved one

He lists "showing up for a loved one" as something he really enjoys and finds important.[11:46]

Making loud noises around a hard-of-hearing grandmother

Theo says he is grateful for being able to make loud noises, including slurs, around a grandmother who is hard of hearing.[11:54]
• He notes that it is rare to be around someone and say very loud, even offensive words without them hearing, and finds this oddly exciting.

Burying something in secret

He enjoys burying something somewhere that no one will ever know about.[12:29]
• Theo suggests getting a shovel or trowel and burying items such as earrings, a sack of underpants, a bag of hair, or any small thing without telling anyone.

Calling the cops on someone

Theo claims there is nothing more fun than calling the cops on someone, even though people tend to dismiss it.[13:26]
• He recalls living under a large, possibly Eastern European man in New Orleans, where he suspected some abuse due to the sounds from upstairs.
He jokes about the man's huge knees and heavy build, describing him as if he had to spray WD-40 on his knees to move.[14:01]
• Theo says he would call the police claiming the upstairs neighbor had a gun, since reporting loud, possibly abusive behavior alone did not get a quick response.
He notes that when he reported a man with a gun, police arrived in about 11 minutes, and he would talk to them shirtless in the yard, saying how one talks to cops in the yard says a lot about them.[14:48]

Riley Mao's gratitude and upcoming fatherhood announcement

Asking Riley about something he is grateful for

Theo asks his producer, "Riley Mao," to share a little thing in the world he is grateful for this year.[15:13]
Riley mentions there is a "new thing" coming at the end of the year that he is grateful for but says it is not here yet.[15:13]
• Theo comments that Riley sounds more comfortable in his skin and asks if he has taken voice lessons; Riley replies he has just been talking more.

Riley reveals he is expecting a baby

Riley shares that he has a baby on the way.[16:10]
• Theo reacts with surprised excitement, recalling when Riley "hadn't even come out of your own nuts" and marveling that Riley is now making a child.
Riley confirms that everyone knows because they made a post about it.[16:49]
• Theo apologizes for being self-focused and not having noticed the announcement earlier.
Riley confirms that the baby is with a woman he is still involved with.[17:02]
• Theo asks whether the baby is male or female, and Riley reveals it is a boy.

Theo leads a prayer for Riley and the unborn child

Theo asks if they can pray about the baby, and Riley agrees.[17:32]
In the prayer, Theo thanks God for reminding people of important things like family and purpose, and specifically thanks God for giving Riley a chance to be a father.[17:58]
• He humorously references meeting Riley before he had ever ejaculated and now having him "serving blast sauce" that is becoming something beautiful.
Theo lifts the unnamed child up in prayer, describing it as currently a batch of semen and egg that God is helping to cultivate.[18:44]
He ends the prayer by thanking God for showing that people can find purpose in family; Riley responds "Amen" and says the pregnancy has given him a sense of purpose.[19:07]

Additional small joys: engagements, painting failures, and purpose

Engagements as meaningful life moments

Theo lists "getting engaged" as another thing he enjoys seeing because it really means something when someone has that moment.[19:45]
He asks Riley if getting engaged has happened as well, and Riley says not yet.[19:46]
• Theo notes that Riley is currently having a child out of wedlock and jokingly calls that "stacking sin."

Realizing you can't paint

Theo says there is something he appreciates about sitting down to paint or draw with a kid, niece, or nephew and realizing he still cannot paint or draw well.[20:11]
• He finds the realization that he "can't paint for shit" oddly nice because it is very real.
He connects these small experiences to feeling alive and purposeful, and notes listeners likely have many similar moments.[20:43]

Riley struggles to add more small joys

Theo invites Riley again to name another small thing he is grateful for, but Riley says he cannot think of anything.[20:56]

Caller Bailey: borderline personality disorder, depression, and hope

Bailey's story of struggle and improvement

Bailey, age 23, calls to tell people that things get better, sharing that last Thanksgiving she was in a psych ward.[30:03]
• She mentions having BPD and dealing with depression, which was tough to come to terms with.
Riley looks up BPD and clarifies on air that it stands for borderline personality disorder.[30:33]
Bailey explains that you do not notice improvement right away but suddenly it kind of lifts, and almost a year later she is about to turn 24 and it "feels cool to live."[30:55]
• She says she enjoys Theo's podcast, that he is a light to her, and that hearing his crazy statements makes her day.
She encourages listeners that even if they cannot see it right now, there is a purpose in life and things will work out the way they need to.[31:23]

Theo's reaction to Bailey and the idea that life can feel cool

Theo calls Bailey's message profound and says he can hear joy in her voice.[31:35]
He says that if he puts her words on like glasses, he can see possibility even if he can't see it through his own eyes in the moment.[31:42]
• He describes testimony like hers as showing there is something different ahead and that encouragement can change how others see their future.
Theo highlights the line where she says it "feels cool to live" as especially moving.[32:41]

Humorous tangent about big-bellied neighbors and food scarcity

Theo adds another "great feeling" as seeing two people with big bellies hugging each other, with their bellies touching first.[32:58]
• He recalls growing up poor in an apartment complex where heavier people signaled that they had enough food, which made him, as an emaciated child, somewhat jealous.
He tells a story of a neighbor who carried bacon bits and would sprinkle them into his hand for a "hit of meat" on his tongue.[34:09]
• Riley briefly confirms he has had bacon bits and thinks they are pretty good.

Purpose, being player one, and revisiting Riley's path to fatherhood

Theo's player-one perspective on life and good versus evil

Theo says he likes thinking of himself as player one in a video game, not in an egotistical way, but as the primary agent of his own life.[35:03]
He finds it helpful to think in terms of a world of good versus evil, noting that everyone has some of both, but we can choose which side we fight for.[35:24]
• He says asking what that fight looks like for him personally gives his life a sense of gravity and purpose.

Riley's sexual inexperience in the past and fast path to fatherhood

Theo recalls when he first met Riley and says Riley had not yet ejaculated then, highlighting how far he has come.[35:46]
They debate when they met, with Theo disputing Riley's recollection of 2020.[37:21]
Theo notes that when they connected, Riley was not sexually active, and now has reached fatherhood relatively quickly.[36:34]
• He asks whether Riley also feels like it happened fast, and Riley indicates that he does.

How Riley learned he would be a father

Riley says he was on tour working audiovisual when his partner found out she was pregnant, but she did not tell him until he returned.[36:54]
Theo asks if there was a special ceremony or creative way of telling him; Riley says no, they were just sitting down when she told him.[37:55]
• Theo humorously describes possible dramatic reveal methods, like spray-painting a message on the house or hiding a baby drawing under a dinner napkin, which did not occur.

Initial fear and reaction to the pregnancy news

Riley admits he was terrified at first.[38:26]
He describes sitting down, looking at her, asking if she was kidding, and then confirming she was not.[38:36]
• Theo asks detailed questions about whether Riley made a sound, stood up, or if they made love again that night; Riley says they did not that night but did soon after.

Conception date and name hints

Riley notes that conception was on April 1, which Theo calls a risky day to ejaculate into someone.[40:14]
Riley confirms they have seen evidence and are sure they are having a child.[40:48]
He says they have narrowed down the name and that it contains the letter "M" but does not confirm Theo's guess of "Mark."[41:21]

Caller Anna: hating family and facing the holidays alone

Anna's pain around family and holidays

Anna from Southern California calls to say that with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, she hates her family.[41:45]
She states they are mean to her, she has no one to celebrate with, and she feels very sad about it.[42:14]
• She asks if Theo has had problems with his family and says the situation "just sucks."

Theo's thoughts on family conflict and self-responsibility

Theo acknowledges there were times he did not like his family but realizes in hindsight that he was sometimes the problem.[42:20]
He distinguishes between genuinely abusive behavior (such as heavy gloves tickling, being called degrading names, or racist vandalism) and ordinary family discomfort.[43:33]
• He notes that if family members are doing truly harmful things, that is "fucked up," but if they are just being family and he simply does not want to be uncomfortable, he must examine his own role.
Theo suggests making things real by choosing to show up and framing it as an act of service.[44:56]
• He says there might be another family member who benefits from seeing him across the table, and that he himself ultimately needs family and connection.

Warning against getting stuck in self-pity and total isolation

Theo plays back Anna's line about having no one to celebrate with and being "just so sad," and warns that staying in that self-pity place can be tricky.[45:32]
He shares that he personally became addicted to self-pity without realizing it.[45:55]
• He emphasizes it is okay to feel some sadness but cautions against always telling yourself and others how sad you are.
Theo clarifies he is not trying to preach at Anna but thinks out loud about how everyone is trying their best.[46:04]
He wishes her happy holidays, says he will pray for her, and encourages her to create some moment of connection, whether with friends, "other family," or even animals and puppies online.[46:34]
• He advises her not to isolate too much if she can help it.

Caller Cage: expecting twin girls and seeking advice

Cage's situation: boy plus twin girls on the way

Cage from Ellenboro, North Carolina, calls saying he and his partner already have a little boy and are now pregnant again.[48:35]
He explains that they learned they are having twins, specifically two little girls.[48:56]
He asks for advice because they do not have girls yet and are about to have two babies at once.[49:06]

Theo's response: love and presence amid skepticism about twins

Theo congratulates him and asks Riley what he would say; Riley also says congratulations and advises to "just get ready."[49:35]
Theo jokes that he does not believe in twins or "wizardry" of darker realms, but acknowledges Cage will be an "owner-operator" of twins and supports that.[50:10]
He suggests the main thing is to be there and love them, saying it sounds like Cage is already ready to do that.[50:55]
• Theo notes Cage sounded excited and acknowledges how tough raising twins will be but affirms Cage's heart seems ready.
He also digresses into comparing the challenge to his stepdad upgrading from a three-bay to a five-bay coin-operated car wash, which "shook" his stepdad due to the increased workload.[51:44]

Caller Danielle: meeting God halfway and spiritual relationship

Danielle's experience of a higher power

Danielle from Southern California references Theo saying he tries to meet God halfway and shares she has been struggling but noticing some higher power helping her in mysterious ways.[55:19]
She asks what it looks like for Theo to meet God halfway and how she might learn to do that.[55:22]

Theo's explanation of meeting God halfway

Theo describes it as a relationship, which can be with God, the universe, or whatever higher power someone needs.[56:15]
He says that if he is regularly praying, thinking of others, checking in on people, and getting outside himself, he is doing things he feels God wants him to do.[55:58]
• These actions keep his relationship with his higher power "warm," meaning it is not a far walk when he needs help or guidance.
He explains that if he has been in consultation with God recently, then when he needs direction or intuition, the path is well-trodden, like a thoroughfare, rather than him just running in at the last minute.[57:23]
Theo believes God is right there; the question is how much we want to connect, and he feels society (and he himself) has gotten away from that connection at times.[57:39]

Caller from med school: appreciation and Theo's self-care and purpose

Caller expresses gratitude and concern for Theo's well-being

A caller (now in medical school) says she has been to two of Theo's shows and appreciates that he is taking a break from touring.[58:13]
She notes Theo gives so much of himself and hopes he is practicing self-care.[58:13]
She recounts listening to him during her first half marathon, in college, and now in med school, saying he has made her see things differently and made a big difference in her life.[58:43]

Theo on balancing touring, creativity, and rest

Theo thanks her and says he is trying to learn how to take time for himself.[59:32]
He notes that although the break from touring has been good, he realized he was still busy with responsibilities like finishing a movie edit and other projects.[59:43]
He observes that the creative part of him does not stop wanting to do things, even when his body and brain are asking for more organization and rest.[1:00:18]

Questioning his responsibility to use his voice

Theo says he feels like it is more important than ever to have a voice and be brave in the current moment.[1:00:56]
He sometimes feels he is faltering in that space and wonders whether it is his responsibility to speak up about things or if that impulse is just his ego.[1:01:13]
He reflects on the timeline of existence, asking what he is supposed to be doing now and what truly means something, especially now that he can probably feed himself for the rest of his life.[1:01:36]

Enjoying football games, social life, and therapy

Theo shares that he got to attend about 10 SEC football games this year, which he had never done before because touring made weekends difficult.[1:01:55]
He says going to those games brought him a ton of joy and he has had more of a social life, both of which have been good.[1:02:23]
He mentions getting back into therapy as another step he is taking.[1:02:32]
• He still seeks more ways to give himself rest and finds it exciting that his focus on self-care is growing.

Gratitude for audience grace and learning on the fly

Theo thanks listeners for letting him be part of their lives and for being part of his.[1:05:25]
He says he never knew what it would be like to have a podcast and has had to learn as he goes, including realizing his own shortcomings as a business developer.[1:06:04]
He appreciates that listeners have given him grace while he figures things out, noting that everyone is just trying their best.[1:06:37]

Closing Thanksgiving thoughts and final check-in with Riley about the baby

Reiterating Thanksgiving wishes and Native American comment

Theo wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving again and sends love to Native Americans.[1:06:46]
He repeats that if he ever got a time machine, he would "pull up" for Native Americans and bring weapons to make it a fair fight.[1:06:58]

Riley shares his wish for his child

Theo asks Riley what he wishes for his baby boy, calling him a little being growing inside his partner.[1:07:09]
Riley says he just wishes that the baby is healthy.[1:07:38]

Riley's age, due date, and pregnancy details

Theo asks Riley's age and is surprised to learn he is 27, having thought he was younger.[1:08:05]
Riley says the baby is due on December 30.[1:08:05]
Theo asks about having sex with a pregnant woman; Riley confirms it is allowed up until she has the baby.[1:08:05]

Final blessings and sign-off

Theo says they look forward to seeing a picture of the baby in the new year and asks Riley to bring one.[1:08:11]
He asks Riley to let his partner know they will be praying for her peace and comfort; Riley says she is excited.[1:08:23]
Theo thanks everyone who supported the auction again and thanks listeners for bearing with him as he navigates what is most important.[1:08:32]
He encourages listeners to be good to themselves, says they deserve it, and notes he may be all over the place but is also right here, just like them.[1:08:37]

Lessons Learned

Actionable insights and wisdom you can apply to your business, career, and personal life.

1

In chaotic and uncertain times, anchoring yourself in tangible relationships and small, concrete joys helps you stay grounded and remember what actually matters.

Reflection Questions:

  • • What are three small, oddly specific moments or experiences in your life that reliably make you feel more alive?
  • • How could you intentionally prioritize time with the people who feel most "real" and grounding to you over the next month?
  • • When you feel overwhelmed by news or abstract worries, what simple, physical activity could you use as a reset ritual?
2

Maintaining an ongoing relationship with a higher power or guiding principle-through regular reflection, prayer, or service-makes it easier to access guidance when you really need it.

Reflection Questions:

  • • In what ways, if any, do you currently keep a "warm" connection with your values, faith, or sense of something bigger than yourself?
  • • How might setting aside even five minutes a day for quiet reflection, prayer, or gratitude change how you handle sudden challenges?
  • • What small act of service or checking in on someone else could you build into your week as part of meeting your higher power or principles halfway?
3

Self-pity can quietly become a habit that keeps you stuck; acknowledging your pain while still taking steps toward connection and responsibility creates room for things to get better.

Reflection Questions:

  • • Where in your life do you notice yourself repeating a story of how everything is unfair without also considering what you can influence?
  • • How could you distinguish between situations where you are genuinely unsafe and those where you are mostly avoiding discomfort or vulnerability?
  • • What is one small, concrete action you could take this week to move from isolation toward connection, even if it feels awkward at first?
4

Major life changes like becoming a parent often arrive before you feel fully ready, but leaning into responsibility with honesty, support, and love can turn fear into purpose.

Reflection Questions:

  • • What big responsibility in your life currently scares you but might also be an opportunity to grow into a more purposeful version of yourself?
  • • How could you more honestly share your fears about this responsibility with someone you trust, the way Riley did about becoming a father?
  • • What practical support systems (people, habits, or structures) could you start strengthening now to carry that new responsibility better?
5

You are the "player one" of your own life; instead of copying others' plans, clarifying your own role in the larger story and choosing what side of good or harm you are fighting for gives your actions weight.

Reflection Questions:

  • • If you imagined your life as a video game with you as player one, what mission would you say you are currently on-and does it feel chosen or accidental?
  • • How might your decisions change if you explicitly asked, before big choices, whether they move you toward the version of "good" you want to support?
  • • What is one area where you have been following someone else's script that you could start rewriting in a way that actually fits who you are?

Episode Summary - Notes by Blake

#626 - Baby Me
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