This Past Weekend

More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) TPW Lainey Wilson on Her New Album, Whirlwind, & Life on Tour – TPW #606 Memphis Crisp: Solo – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #605 Jim Jefferies on Gun Laws, Australian True Crime & Comedy – TPW #604 Mariana van Zeller: Black Markets, Fentanyl & Cartels – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #603 Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz GUEST: Lainey Wilson Lainey Wilson is a Grammy-winning country music singer-songwriter from Baskin, Louisiana, celebrated for her blend of traditional country and modern storytelling. Born on May 19, 1992, she was inspired by classic country sounds from a young age and moved to Nashville at 19 to pursue her career, facing years of struggle and perseverance as she developed her distinctive, “too country for country” style. Her breakthrough came with the hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know,” which topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2021 and marked the start of a wave of successful releases, including “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like a Truck.” Wilson’s albums Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ and the Grammy-winning Bell Bottom Country cemented her as a rising star and earned her multiple accolades, such as CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and ACM Awards Female Artist of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Wilson is known for her honest lyrics, vibrant performances, and commitment to authentic self-representation, making her a body positivity icon within country music. She has also gained attention for her acting role in the hit TV series Yellowstone and her openness about her journey, inspiring a new generation of fans and artists. Meta Data Title: Lainey Wilson | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #606 Host: Theo Von Guest: Lainey Wilson Episode Number: 606 Air Date: August 28, 2025 Main Topics and Themes Overarching Themes: Childhood memories and Louisiana culture Navigating fame and career burnout The importance of staying true to your roots The contrast between a fast-paced career and a slower, Southern lifestyle Episode Breakdown: (0:00) Introduction & The New Album: Theo introduces Lainey Wilson, and they discuss the deluxe version of her latest album, Whirlwind. (1:02) Louisiana & Childhood Stories: Lainey and Theo connect over their shared Louisiana roots, ghost stories, and growing up with ADHD. (2:48) Show Horses & Family: Lainey talks about her horse, Tex, and her family’s involvement in the rodeo. (6:18) Returning to Louisiana: Lainey discusses how it feels to return to her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana, after being in Nashville. (6:59) The Nephew Story: Lainey tells a funny story about her nephew who doesn’t like country music but says she is his favorite artist. (8:10) Dating & Relationships: They discuss Lainey’s fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, their engagement, and his personality. (9:57) Crawfish & Southern Food: The conversation turns to crawfish boils and funny myths about crawfish. (11:39) Finding Her Calling & Burnout: Lainey opens up about feeling burnt out from her career but finding a healthier balance. (14:31) Songwriting as a Child: Lainey shares a story about writing songs about “tequila and cigarettes” when she was nine years old. (15:58) Rodeo Life & Parades: They discuss their love for the rodeo and the unique parades and festivals they experienced in Louisiana. (21:15) Changes with a Busy Career: Lainey talks about her life changing and how she has had to become a businesswoman. (1:30:16) Wrangler & Golden West Boots: They discuss Lainey’s partnership with Wrangler and her new boot line, Golden West. (1:33:14) Finding Your Path: The episode closes with a conversation about navigating life’s roadblocks to find your true calling. People Theo Von: https://www.google.com/search?q=Theo%20Von Lainey Wilson: https://www.google.com/search?q=Lainey%20Wilson Hardy: https://www.google.com/search?q=Hardy%20singer-songwriter Mr. Hodges (Lainey Wilson’s fiancé): https://www.google.com/search?q=Devlin%20%22Duck%22%20Hodges David Spade: https://www.google.com/search?q=David%20Spade Places Baskin, Louisiana: Lainey Wilson’s hometown. Nashville, Tennessee: Lainey’s current home. The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana): A haunted plantation Lainey mentions. [google_search: The Myrtles Plantation St. Francisville Louisiana] Alabama: The location of the strip club incident with Hardy. Winnipeg, Canada: The location of the most recent show Lainey played with her new band. Covington, Louisiana: Mentioned by Theo as a place he spent time. Brands, Sponsors, and Products Celsius: A sponsor mentioned in the description. Jackpocket: A lottery app sponsor. Helix Sleep: A mattress company sponsor. Acorns: A financial app sponsor. Shopify: An e-commerce platform sponsor. BoomBoom: A nasal inhaler sponsor. Wrangler: Lainey Wilson has a partnership with them. Events and Experiences Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit: Lainey got her own exhibit at the museum in Nashville. The Hardy Story: Hardy took Lainey and her crew to a strip club in Alabama, which was an unexpected and wild experience for them. The Baskin Parade: A small-town parade where the “newly single” float is a big deal. Jokes and Humor Nephew Story (6:59): Lainey’s nephew tells her he doesn’t like country music, but when she asks him who his favorite artist is, he says, “You are.” “Lord FM” (1:34:35): Lainey jokes about wanting to get “tuned in” to “the Lord FM” to find her path and overcome bad habits. Theo replies, “Let me know when that’s a station ’cause I’m gonna tune in too”. Media Mentions America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys: A Netflix docuseries mentioned in the description.  Little House on the Prairie: The show is mentioned, with Theo saying he’s heard there’s a reboot.    Search Triggers & Internet Queries “What is Lainey Wilson’s deluxe album Whirlwind?” “Lainey Wilson horse name” “Who is Lainey Wilson dating?” “Lainey Wilson fiancé Duck Hodges” “Is the Myrtles Plantation haunted?” “Lainey Wilson Wrangler collection” Other 📌 Interesting Facts or Trivia   Lainey’s horse, Tex, is 31 years old. Lainey’s father was the president of the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association for 10 years. Devlin “Duck” Hodges is a former NFL player.   🗣️ Memorable Quotes

TPW Memphis Crisp: Solo – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #605 Jim Jefferies on Gun Laws, Australian True Crime & Comedy – TPW #604 Mariana van Zeller: Black Markets, Fentanyl & Cartels – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #603 Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz Based on the transcript you provided, here is a complete and structured breakdown of the podcast episode for a show notes website. 🎙️ Episode Metadata Title: This Past Weekend with Theo Von EP 605 1   Host: Theo Von 2   Guest(s): None. The episode features listener call-ins. 3   Episode Number: 605 4   Air Date: August 2025 5   🧠 Main Topics and Themes The overarching themes of the episode revolve around vulnerability, personal reflection, and finding connection in unexpected places. The host explores the concept of emotional and physical “bottoms” and the human desire for stability and purpose, contrasting it with a “bottomless” culture. Opening & Personal Reflections (0:01): Theo reflects on the passage of time and feeling burnt out from touring, describing himself as “the Lord’s lava lamp” who still shows up. 6   Observations on Philly & “Bottomless” Culture (2:00): He shares humorous anecdotes about touring in Philly and a girl he dated from there who was obsessed with “bottomless” things, from food to methadone. 7   Appreciation for Mexican People (6:12): Theo gives a “round of applause to all the Mexican people for keeping this country going,” calling them “the wind in the sail.” 8   Hulk Hogan’s Funeral & Childhood Heroes (8:43): He recounts attending Hulk Hogan’s funeral in Florida, reflecting on the profound impact professional wrestlers had on him as a child. 9   Morgan Wallen & The “Real Grammy” Idea (18:49): The host discusses Morgan Wallen’s decision not to submit his music for the Grammys, proposing that a “real Grammy” should be a hug from a grandmother. 10   Missing Texas Woman & “Restaurant Lifestyles” Theory (23:56): Theo analyzes a news story about a missing woman found living with a tribe in Scotland, theorizing that taking a woman to a certain restaurant can make her desire that lifestyle. 11   Sponsor Reads (27:26): Paid advertisements for Morgan & Morgan and Valor Recovery. 12   Radioactive Shrimp & China’s Pregnancy Robot (30:19): He reacts to news stories about radioactive shrimp from Walmart and a new Chinese pregnancy robot. 13   Listener Calls (36:14): Theo takes a series of calls from listeners seeking advice and sharing personal stories. 14   Shaky Jake & Positivity (36:42): A caller shares his struggle with seizures and thanks the podcast for helping him stay positive. 15   Dating & Lack of Kissing (39:01): A female caller asks for advice about a guy she has been dating for two months who hasn’t kissed her. 16   Fatherly Advice for a Horseshoeer (43:48): A man who works with animals seeks fatherly advice as he awaits the birth of his first child. 17   Relationship with Ex’s Parent (47:03): A caller asks if it’s okay to maintain a relationship with her ex-boyfriend’s mother. 18   Anger, Alcoholism & 12-Step Program (50:26): A caller discusses his struggles with anger and alcohol abuse. 19   Joaquin Phoenix Interview (55:27): A caller brings up Theo’s past interview with the actor. 20   Brotherly Love & “Brother’s Day” (59:01): A caller explains how the podcast helped him connect with his older brother. 21   🧍 People Theo Von: Host of the podcast. 22 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Theo+Von) Hulk Hogan: Professional wrestler whose funeral Theo attended. 23 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Hulk+Hogan) Kid Rock: Musician who attended the funeral with Theo. 24 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Kid+Rock) Dennis Rodman: Former basketball player who attended the funeral. 25 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Dennis+Rodman) Morgan Wallen: Country music artist who decided not to submit his music for the Grammys. 26 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Morgan+Wallen) Joaquin Phoenix: Actor Theo previously interviewed. 27 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Joaquin+Phoenix) Dustin Poirier: Mentioned as a retired fighter and inspiration. 28 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Dustin+Poirier) William: Theo’s childhood friend. 29 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=William+childhood+friend) Helina (Big Helina): A girl who beat Theo in a middle school spelling bee. 30 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Helina+Theo+Von+spelling+bee) Nick Hogan: Hulk Hogan’s son. 31 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Nick+Hogan) Linda Sky: Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife. 32 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Linda+Sky) Hacksaw: Wrestler mentioned at the funeral. 33 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Hacksaw+Jim+Duggan) Jimmy Hart: Wrestler mentioned at the funeral. 34 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Jimmy+Hart) Ric Flair: Wrestler mentioned at the funeral. 35 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Ric+Flair) Jim McMahon: Former NFL player mentioned in a joke. 36 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Jim+McMahon) Will Teague: Theo’s childhood friend. 37 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Will+Teague) Eddie Joe: Theo’s childhood friend. 38 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Eddie+Joe) Larry Tisdale: Theo’s childhood friend. 39 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Larry+Tisdale) Robbie Taylor: Theo’s childhood friend. 40 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Robbie+Taylor) Zack: Member of the production team. 41 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Zack+This+Past+Weekend) Shaky Jake: Listener caller who struggles with seizures. 42 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Shaky+Jake+podcast+caller) Jake Smith: Listener caller, a “horseshoeer” from the West Coast. 43 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Jake+Smith+horseshoeer) Emmy: Listener caller who asks about her ex’s mom. 44 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Emmy+listener+podcast+caller) Jake from Illinois: Listener caller who struggles with anger and alcoholism. 45 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Jake+from+Illinois+listener+podcast) Miles: Listener caller who discusses his relationship with his older brother. 46 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Miles+listener+podcast+caller) 📍 Places Philly (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania: A city where Theo recently performed and dated a woman from. 47 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Philadelphia) Rochester, New York: A city where Theo recently performed. 48 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Rochester+New+York) San Diego Oceanside, California: A city where Theo recently performed. 49 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=San+Diego+Oceanside+California) Largo, Florida: The location of Hulk Hogan’s funeral. 50 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Largo+Florida) New York City: The location where Theo’s Netflix special will be taped. 51 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=New+York+City) Fishtown, Pennsylvania: A neighborhood in Philly mentioned for “bottomless cheesecake.” 52 (Search:   https://www.google.com/search?q=Fishtown+Philadelphia) Center City, Pennsylvania: A neighborhood in Philly mentioned for

More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) TPW Jim Jefferies on Gun Laws, Australian True Crime & Comedy – TPW #604 Mariana van Zeller: Black Markets, Fentanyl & Cartels – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #603 Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz GUEST: Jim Jefferies Jim Jefferies (born Geoff James Nugent on February 14, 1977, in Sydney, Australia) is a renowned Australian stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his provocative, unfiltered humor and sharp social commentary. Jefferies initially studied musical theatre and classical music before dropping out of university to pursue comedy full-time. He began performing in Australia and then moved to the UK, eventually gaining international fame with his anecdotal and often controversial comedy style. Jefferies is well known for creating and starring in the FX sitcom Legit (2013–2014), as well as hosting The Jim Jefferies Show on Comedy Central (2017–2019), a late-night program where he shared satirical takes on politics and current events. His stand-up specials, such as I Swear to God (2009), Alcoholocaust (2010), Fully Functional (2012), Bare (2014), Freedumb (2016), This Is Me Now (2018), Intolerant (2020), and High & Dry (2023), have garnered praise for their blunt honesty and dark humor. He has performed at major comedy festivals worldwide and was named Stand-up Comedian of the Year at the 2019 Just for Laughs festival in Montreal. Jefferies continues to tour internationally and recently began hosting the game show The 1% Club in Australia. Known for pushing boundaries and challenging audiences, Jim Jefferies remains one of the most compelling and influential comedians in contemporary comedy.   Meta Data Title: Jim Jefferies | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #604 Host: Theo Von Guest: Jim Jefferies Episode Number: #604 Air Date: August 20, 2025 The episode is also specifically dedicated to Jim Jefferies’ nephew, Lieutenant Max Nent. Main Topics and Themes The podcast episode, This Past Weekend with Theo Von #604, hosted by Theo Von and featuring guest Jim Jefferies, aired on August 20, 2025. The episode is specifically dedicated to Lieutenant Max Nent, Jim Jefferies’s nephew. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, seamlessly transitioning between personal anecdotes, comedic reflections, serious discussions on grief, societal issues, and global politics. Here are the main topics and themes of the episode, segmented with timestamps and summaries: Introduction & Episode Dedication (0-135 seconds) Theo Von introduces Jim Jefferies, highlighting his 10th stand-up comedy special, “Two Limb Policy,” on Netflix. The episode is immediately dedicated to Lieutenant Max Nent, Jim Jefferies’s nephew, with Theo offering thanks for his service. Personal Growth & Sobriety Journey (135-603 seconds) Jim reflects on the stress and busyness of life as he gets older. He reveals that since he last saw Theo, he has had another child (a 4-year-old, in addition to his 12-year-old). More significantly, Jim discusses his nearly five-year sobriety from alcohol, detailing how his drinking escalated during COVID-19 lockdowns when his “work-only” policy broke down. He talks about his past public relapses, including his third special “Fully Functional” which ironically focused on his sobriety before a subsequent relapse. Jim explains his decision to keep his current sobriety private for the first couple of years to avoid disappointing people if he relapsed. He clarifies that he still partakes in weed and has not smoked cigarettes in years. A personal tragedy tested his resolve, but he resisted smoking. He describes blackouts from excessive drinking and the difficulty of dealing with actions he couldn’t remember, especially with fame. His young son also noticed his drinking habits. Jim also discusses his self-diagnosis of being “on the spectrum” (autism) and his positive belief he has dyslexia. He humorously mentions a “Jedi council” with his brother to identify comedic “gifts” in their children. Lieutenant Max Nent: Tragedy & Alleged Cover-up (603-1490 seconds) Jim shares the deeply impactful story of his nephew, Lieutenant Max Nent’s tragic death in a Taipan helicopter crash during military war games near the Great Barrier Reef. His remains were consumed by sharks. Jefferies attributes his nephew’s death to an alleged “cover up by what I believe the Australian government”. He highlights suspicious details: the swift decommissioning and burial of the Taipan helicopters in the desert, rejecting Ukraine’s offer to take them. An inquiry lasted almost two years, where a test pilot testified that the helmets were defective and would lead to “industrial manslaughter”. The inquiry also revealed poor weather and fatigued soldiers, with Max stepping in for another. The inquiry concluded with “pilot error,” and the family was given only five days to file a civil suit before the statute of limitations expired, which Jim believes was purposeful to avoid payouts. The black box recording captured Max Nent’s “final words” of fear. Jim uses his platform to bring awareness to the alleged cover-up, stating it’s “all I can physically do” to ensure his nephew’s death is not forgotten. The tragedy brought his family closer, especially his brothers. He expresses solace that Max died doing the job he loved. Australian Identity, Alliance & Sports (1490-3966 seconds) Jim proudly states Australia and New Zealand are the only countries that have fought alongside the U.S. for over 200 years, even going to Vietnam when Britain did not. He expresses confusion over U.S. tariffs on Australian goods, especially under Donald Trump, viewing it as illogical given Australia’s trade imbalance with the U.S. and its strategic importance. Australia is described as a “very safe place,” but with a “nanny state” approach, exemplified by “machete disposal bins” and strict traffic laws like “double demerits” during long weekends, where “death tolls” are reported on TV. Jim discusses the historical “White Australia Policy” and its abolition in 1958, leading to increased immigration and assimilation of various ethnic groups (Italians, Greeks, Asians, Black Australians). He notes the increasing presence of Australian athletes in American sports, particularly NFL punters whose skills were developed

TPW Mariana van Zeller: Black Markets, Fentanyl & Cartels – This Past Weekend with Theo Von #603 Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz Mariana van Zeller | This Past Weekend with Theo Von This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von EPISODE #603: Mariana van Zeller Show Notes The full episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/6J4U3R5dRik Summary In this captivating episode, Theo Von is joined by Emmy-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller to discuss her groundbreaking work on her National Geographic show, “Trafficked.” Recognized for its deep dives into the world’s most dangerous black markets, the show has earned numerous accolades for its fearless approach to humanizing the individuals within these hidden economies. Mariana explains her methodology for gaining the trust of people who live in the shadows, highlighting the motivations that drive them to speak—whether it’s ego, a sense of impunity in corrupt regions, or simply a deep-seated desire to be understood without judgment. She reveals the shocking reality that these criminals often look like “your neighbor” and that the “war on drugs” has been a “massive failure,” with most narcotics entering the U.S. through official ports of entry, not across open borders. Throughout their conversation, they touch upon a range of Mariana’s investigations, including: **Cartel Operations:** Her extensive reporting from Sinaloa, Mexico, and how American-born and raised individuals are often the masterminds behind logistics within the U.S. **Assassinations:** Terrifying encounters with hitmen in Los Angeles and South Africa, exploring the complex psychology behind their actions. **The Hidden Third:** The staggering scale of the global black and gray markets, which together constitute 38% of the world’s economy. **Human Trafficking:** The heartbreaking reality of bride trafficking in Vietnam, fueled by China’s gender imbalance from the one-child policy. **Rehab Scams:** The exploitation of vulnerable communities, particularly Native Americans, through fraudulent Medicaid billing in states like Arizona and California. **Ghost Guns & Militias:** The rise of untraceable firearms and the unsettling growth of unregulated militias at the U.S. border. Mariana also shares her personal insights on resilience, attributing her ability to handle such intense topics to her curiosity, supportive upbringing, and a knack for compartmentalizing. She concludes by announcing her new podcast, “The Hidden Third,” which will offer an even deeper look into these untold stories. The new season of “Trafficked” airs on National Geographic every Saturday at 9:00 p.m. and is available on Hulu. Mariana van Zeller Briefing Briefing: The Underworld Unveiled Executive Summary: Mariana van Zeller, an Emmy-winning journalist for National Geographic, specializes in investigative reporting on global black markets, including cartels, scammers, extremist groups, and human trafficking. Her work on the show “Trafficked” aims to expose the hidden corners of the world by getting unwilling individuals to speak. Key themes emerging from her experiences include the pervasive and growing nature of the global black market economy, the complex motivations of those involved (often driven by circumstance rather than inherent malice), the broken systems that enable these illicit activities, and the critical role of empathetic journalism in understanding and exposing these issues. Van Zeller emphasizes the importance of human connection, trust-building, and a non-judgmental approach in her dangerous work, highlighting that the “underworld” often operates closer to home than many realize. Key Themes and Most Important Ideas/Facts: The Pervasive and Growing Global Black Market Economy: Scale: Van Zeller highlights the astonishing scale of the black and gray market economy, stating that “38% of our global economy are these gray and black markets. It’s what economists call the hidden third.” Monetary Value: The drug trade alone is estimated at “$600$ to $800$ billion dollars,” surpassing the GDP of many countries combined. Accessibility: These illicit activities are not confined to “dark tunnels” or remote areas; they happen “in broad daylight in like open lit warehouses and you know the neighbor’s house in the backyard.” Growth: The industry of scams is “growing every single year,” with “$12.5$ billion dollars scammed from Americans last year alone.” Motivations and Humanity in the Underworld: Circumstance over Malice: Van Zeller strongly believes that the “vast majority of the people that I spend time with… are people that are born out of the circumstances that they’re born in.” Desire to Be Understood: This is a crucial factor in convincing people to talk. Her approach is “I’m not here to judge you I’m here because I really truly want to understand why you do what you do.” Aspiration and Hope: She shares the story of a 16-year-old cocaine trafficker who was saving money to “one day become a dentist” to “make people smile.” Broken Systems and Government Accountability: The War on Drugs’ Failure: Van Zeller asserts, “The war on drugs has been a massive failure.” Despite billions spent, “1 million people have died from the opiate crisis” since 2000. Exploitation of Loopholes: Many illicit activities, like rehab scams, thrive by “exploiting broken systems.” She criticizes the government for allowing these systems to be exploited. Immigration as a Political Tool: Van Zeller and Theo believe the ongoing immigration crisis is deliberately left “open and broken on purpose” by the government to “create a lot almost cuz then it inspires people who believe in America.” The Ethics and Methodology of Investigative Journalism: Building Trust: The “hardest part” of her job is convincing people to talk, which can take “months sometimes even years.” A key tactic is to show up “never with security,” which she sees as “completely counterproductive.” Human Connection and Empathy: Van Zeller’s primary tool is establishing a “human connection” by emphasizing: “I’m not here to judge you.” Personal Risk: Her work involves significant personal risk, including interviewing dangerous individuals like assassins (one of whom pointed a gun at her and her team). Compartmentalization: Van Zeller describes her ability to “compartmentalize things” as crucial for coping with the traumatic experiences she witnesses. Mariana van

TPW Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz Episode Metadata Title This Past Weekend with Theo Von (Episode 601) Host Theo Von with mentions of collaborators Bobby and Mo Guest Dusty Slay comedian from Opaikica, Alabama Episode # 601 Air Date Aug 7, 2025 Introduction to Dusty Slay and his projects Dusty Slay has a new special out on Netflix called Wet Heat and his own podcast called We Are Having a Good Time 00:37 He has purchased 10 acres of land in McMinnville, Tennessee, where he is trying to build an orchard and has a cabin 04:32 Childhood experiences and neighborhood dynamics The conversation touches on the topic of people with disabilities being more visible in the past, with examples of individuals with crosseyed vision and other conditions being more commonly seen 05:07 The discussion also mentions unusual names, such as Misty, Stormy, and Dusty, which were popular in certain areas or communities 07:37 Dusty Slay shares his experience growing up in a trailer park in Opaikica, Alabama, with a diverse group of people, including Asian kids, and how it felt exotic as he got older 09:25 The neighborhood had a unique dynamic, with a mix of trailer homes and brick houses, and a distinct social hierarchy, where being too smart wasn’t considered cool 11:33 A friend named Squirrel had a notable presence, with an above-ground pool and a stepdad named Sid, and was seen as having a desirable lifestyle 11:49 The community had its own set of values and talents, such as whistling, were highly regarded, and having unique skills or possessions, like laser discs, was a status symbol 17:14 Growing up in a trailer park A person’s buddy’s dad installed a window upside down, and it was compared to a car window, letting it down instead of pushing it up, which was seen as defying gravity 19:17 The discussion involved growing up in a poor neighborhood with trailers, including the use of lattice work around the bottom of trailers, which could attract cats that would get under the trailer and cause problems 22:32 The person reminisced about their childhood, including stealing wood from their dad’s barn to build a clubhouse, not realizing the barn was not abandoned, and living in a trailer park with a sense of community, where everyone knew each other’s business 25:32 Growing up in a trailer park, there was a sense of community, but also a lack of personal space, and incidents like calling the police on a church for playing music too late were not uncommon 29:21 Tornadoes and storms were a big concern in the trailer park, with trees being a major hazard, and experiences like having a tree limb fall through the roof of the trailer were not rare 30:36 Childhood experiences, such as throwing pine cones and riding bikes, were a big part of growing up in the trailer park, and the lack of supervision and lawsuits made for a unique environment 33:39 Various life experiences, jobs, and memories The discussion involves bodily functions, including peeing, and how it can be affected by factors like clothing, with a mention of wearing 100% cotton underwear for comfort 39:44. There’s a conversation about flying and the challenges of finding the right time to board a plane to avoid waiting too long to use the restroom 40:37. The topic shifts to past experiences, including selling pesticides to stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, and living in Charleston, South Carolina, where comedy and waiting tables were part of the experience 42:41. Memories can be changed, lost, or difficult to recall, and the brain is not a flawless archive of everything experienced 49:01 Some people use substances like LSD to try to expand their minds and recall memories, but this can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations 50:02 The conversation also touches on past work experiences, including a job in pesticide sales, where the individual had a wild summer with a coworker and managed to maintain good sales numbers despite their partying lifestyle 56:28 As a kid, time was often spent sitting in a car, trying to find ways to kill time, and enjoying simple things like smoking cigarettes or dipping, with the ability to sit in a car all day with just a radio and nicotine 58:35 The experience of being left in a car as a kid was common, and it was a time for exploration and learning, such as figuring out how to use the cigarette lighter 59:13 Learning to drive a stick shift was also a challenging experience, with the added pressure of being yelled at while trying to master the skill 01:01:13 Working with a parent, in this case, helping with credit card signups at colleges, was a way to learn how to hustle and drive to different locations, including Southeastern Louisiana University 01:03:01 Other jobs included working at a restaurant called Hyman’s in Charleston, a tourist spot with good food, where many employees were hired and it was common to run into former coworkers all over the country 01:04:31 Worked as a pizza delivery guy for Papa John’s, which felt like a blue-collar job, and would often get high while delivering pizzas 01:07:50 Used to pick up friends at a gas station and they would ride along while delivering pizzas, getting high and listening to the radio 01:08:26 Recalls a story about someone defecating in the meat at a newly opened Taco Bell, which led to its shutdown 01:10:46 Discusses people working in restaurants and how some individuals have been known to contaminate food, including a person who made TikTok videos of themselves peeing in people’s food 01:11:21 Career in comedy and related stories Talks about his career in comedy, feeling good about making it this far and enjoying

TPW Dusty Slay & Theo Von Talk Trailer Parks, Netflix Special “Wet Heat,” & Growing Up (Ep. 601) Gaza Doctor Aziz Rahman MD – This Past Weekend with Theo Von 602: A Firsthand Account of the Humanitarian Crisis TPW 569 – Theo Von and Andrew Schulz SUMMARY: In this sobering and urgent episode of This Past Weekend, host Theo Von sits down with Dr. Aziz Rahman, a radiologist who recently returned from a humanitarian mission in Gaza. Dr. Rahman provides a harrowing firsthand account of the crisis, sharing the brutal realities of working in Nasser Hospital amidst constant bombardment and a systemic targeting of specialized physicians. The conversation, which is serious and somber, highlights the emotional toll on medical staff and civilians alike. Dr. Rahman details the dire conditions, the lack of resources, and the profound trauma experienced by a population living under siege. This episode serves as a powerful call for global awareness and action, as Dr. Rahman expresses his hope for international intervention to stop the suffering. GUEST: Dr. Aziz Rahman is a radiologist who volunteered in Gaza through the humanitarian organization Rahma Worldwide. He joined Theo Von on the podcast to share his direct experiences and observations from working in Nasser Hospital. He is not active on social media, but you can learn more about the organization he worked with here: https://www.rahmaww.org/ HOST: Theo Von Main Talking Points Dr. Aziz Rahman’s decision to volunteer in Gaza and his personal motivation to “decompress in a war zone”. The systemic targeting of specialized physicians and the dangers faced by medical staff. The tragic story of an Al Jazeera reporter who was allegedly sniped in the street. A graphic account of a woman with a head injury and the reality of seeing “brains coming out of people’s heads”. Discussion of a news clip about the U.S. vetoing a U.N. resolution. A mention of the UN and a critical statement about a ceasefire resolution. Quotes & Key Takeaways On his motivation: “I’m saying this dichotomy is so hard to like reconcile. And so when I got this invitation it was almost like this opportunity to like decompress if that makes any sense in a war zone. And it’s weird right? It’s like a paradox. Like why the hell would you decompress in a war zone? But I almost needed to do something with my hands.” On the targeting of doctors: “…there is a systemic targeting of specialized physicians in Gaza.” On the US stance on a ceasefire: “It is unacceptable for what it does say. It is unacceptable for what it does not say. And it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced.” On sharing his story: “…it’s not normal to hear that brains are coming out of people’s heads and being shot in the head so routinely but it is what it is we saw it and I would like to share it and I apologize to the audience if this was too gruesome or grotesque but it is what it is.” Resources, Links, and References Rahma Worldwide: The humanitarian organization Dr. Rahman worked with. https://www.rahmaww.org/ U.N. Ceasefire Resolution: Mentioned during the episode. Calls to Action The episode does not contain any direct sponsor plugs, social media pitches, or other commercial CTAs. However, the entire interview serves as a powerful call to action for listeners to become more aware of the situation in Gaza and to encourage world leaders and organizations, particularly the U.S. and U.N., to take action. Possible Searches “Husam Abu Safia pediatrician Gaza”https://www.google.com/search?q=Husam+Abu+Safia+pediatrician+Gaza “John Mearsheimer on Tucker Carlson”https://www.google.com/search?q=John+Mearsheimer+on+Tucker+Carlson “Rahma Worldwide”https://www.google.com/search?q=Rahma+Worldwide “aljazeera reporter sniped”https://www.google.com/search?q=aljazeera+reporter+sniped “U.N. ceasefire resolution Gaza”https://www.google.com/search?q=U.N.+ceasefire+resolution+Gaza What are 5–10 moments [00:02:55]: Dr. Rahman explaining his paradoxical motivation to find decompression in a war zone. [00:08:11]: Dr. Rahman discussing the targeting of specialized physicians. [00:13:02]: The story of the Al Jazeera reporter being sniped. [01:37:03]: Discussion of the U.S. vetoing the U.N. resolution. [01:40:21]: Dr. Rahman’s emotional closing statement about the importance of sharing his gruesome experiences. Transcript Full Transcript  0:00 Today’s guest is a doctor from Wisconsin who recently returned from a two-week medical mission trip in Gaza where he 0:07 provided aid at one of the last functioning hospitals there. We’re going to talk about all of it. The tragedy, 0:13 the ups, the downs, the diabolicalness, uh the hope. I am very grateful for his 0:20 time. Uh this episode can get a bit intense um or a bit graphic at times. So 0:26 if that’s not for you, then this may not be for you. Today’s guest is Dr. Aziz 0:32 Ramen. [Music] 0:42 [Applause] 0:48 [Music] Dr. Ramen, thanks for joining me today, man. Thanks for having me, especially on 0:54 short notice. Yeah, I appreciate it, man. You um we’ll just get right into you did a service in uh you’re a doctor. 1:00 Yes. Okay. And you just got a you just did a service in uh Gaza. And how did they say it there? 1:06 They say Gaza. Um but you can say Gaza. Okay. I I was saying in Gaza when I was there. Yeah. Yeah. It worked out. 1:12 Cool. I came back. Um what hospital were you stationed at over there? So Naser Hospital. Um you know, you 1:17 probably heard on the news that’s a last functioning hospital in Gaza and it truly is. Um there’s other smaller 1:23 hospitals, but they’re really not functioning at at a scale of a hospital. And how do you get chosen to go there? 1:29 You live in Milwaukee and you um you doctor out of Milwaukee currently. That’s right. Yeah. 1:34 So, you go through your own hospital to do it? Uh no, this has nothing to do with my hospital. In fact, I didn’t even tell my hospital I was going. 1:40 You didn’t? Um I just told one of my colleagues. He helped me with my schedule and I reached out to one of these organizations and 1:46 then they reached