Podcast Summary: Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: Live On The Sunset Strip with Asher Angel
Date: August 26, 2025
Guest: Asher Angel
Location: Saddle Ranch, Sunset Strip, Los Angeles

Overview

This vibrant episode of Detox Retox finds Tom Schwartz and his co-host taking their signature blend of “mindfulness and mischief” to the iconic Sunset Strip, where they meet up with multi-talented performer Asher Angel. The conversation navigates a wide range of topics, from the evolution and existential challenges of Hollywood’s most storied boulevard, to Asher’s journey as a young artist, his collaborations (including with Nelly), and reflections on fame, balance, and creativity. Along the way, they reminisce, joke, and dig into what keeps the “dream” of Hollywood alive, even as the city around them rapidly changes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Changing Sunset Strip & Hollywood (01:28–13:09)

• Tom expresses anxiety and nostalgia about the rapid gentrification and loss of “mom and pop” spots on the Strip.
  • Quote: “Every time I go up there, there’s a new high-rise and one less former haunt dive. I’m worried...it just feels kind of like a ghost of its former self.” (03:25)
• They lament closures of institutions like The Standard Hotel, Greenblatt’s, and The Den, discussing rising rents, post-COVID struggles, and shifts in nightlife and Hollywood production.
• Despite the changes, Tom remains hopeful that “the dream is still alive,” but calls for a “eulogy for the places that have closed.”
• Discussion about the resilience of old-school venues like Saddle Ranch, where they record the episode.
• Reference documentaries and books that capture the old magic (“Sunset Strip,” “Castle on Sunset” by Shawn Levy).

2. Meeting Asher Angel: Humble Beginnings & Career Milestones (13:09–19:12)

• Asher Angel joins at Saddle Ranch; Tom runs down his multi-hyphenate status (actor, singer, writer, producer, musician) at only 22 years old.
• Asher expresses his excitement to be on the show and his fandom for Tom’s Vanderpump Rules days.
  • Quote: “This is an honor and a privilege...those were some of the podcasts that I wanted to go on.” (14:32)
• They share memories of Sunset Boulevard and Asher recalls performing at The Roxy (his first LA venue).

3. The Enduring Coolness and Lore of the Strip (15:02–18:25)

• Tom and Asher discuss whether Sunset Boulevard is “still cool” for younger generations.
  • Asher: “Yeah, I think everyone comes here...there’s something in the air over here, and it’s special.” (17:51)
• Tom’s nostalgia for music history: The Comedy Store, Chateau Marmont, the Rainbow Room, and memorable celebrity encounters and performances.

4. Music Talk: Collabs, Inspirations, and Instruments (18:25–23:43)

• Asher details his partnership with Nelly for their new song “Rodeo,” revealing how the collaboration came about.
  • Quote (on Nelly): “He heard the song...immediately loved the record and wanted to hop on it. As soon as I heard that, I was like, ‘Nelly? Are you kidding me? Nelly’s going to be on my song?’” (19:28)
• Tom nerds out on “Country Grammar,” presenting Asher with a vinyl copy and connecting it as a blueprint for cross-genre hits.
  • Quote: “For me? That album...may as well have been a national anthem when it came out. You couldn’t escape it...this shit’s ingrained in my DNA.” (21:21)
• They reminisce on Nelly/Tim McGraw’s “Over and Over,” Run DMC & Aerosmith “Walk This Way,” and the cultural evolution of genre-mashing music (Lil Nas X, Jelly Roll).

5. Karaoke & Early Musical Experiences (24:30–26:10)

• Asher’s go-to karaoke song: “Hallelujah” (Jeff Buckley version), the first song he ever sang and learned on guitar, inspired by his dad.
• Music is deeply rooted in his family; his uncle was in a band called Surgical Steel.

6. Acting Roots and Hollywood Hustle (26:10–31:07)

• Tom and Asher swap stories about early commercial work and first film roles; Asher’s first set was “Jolene” (screenplay by his uncle).
• Asher shares the experience of growing up in the industry, embracing performance, and gratitude for opportunities.
  • Quote: “I struggled with being present for a long time... now I’m just so present. Sometimes you forget, like, you’re on set all the time...but I get to make movies for a living. How fucking cool is that?” (29:23)

7. Disney Channel and “Andi Mack” (30:10–31:22)

• Asher recalls “Andi Mack” as a career-launching, formative experience, tight-knit cast, and their groundbreaking storylines.
  • Quote: “There was no show like Andi Mack...it really tackled so many significant, important moments.” (31:22)
• Recent charity reunion for California wildfires.

8. TMZ Crashers & Fame Reflections (31:22–34:43)

• Unexpected cameo: TMZ tour bus pulls up; fun meta-commentary on being recognized and “celebrities being fans of celebrities.”
• Asher reflects on the strangeness of fame and how surreal it still feels.

9. Musical Theater Roots & Aspirations (34:45–39:15)

• Tom gifts Asher a “Pippin” vinyl (from Amoeba Records), Asher’s dream Broadway role—sparked by a family trip to NYC and seeing the show with his mom.
• Community theater stories, moving from ensemble to lead in “Oliver!” with a live orchestra, feeling validated and “on his path.”

10. Upbringing, Balance, and Staying Grounded (39:15–41:11)

• Asher discusses how growing up in Arizona (not LA) helped keep him grounded and avoid industry pitfalls.
  • He’s focused on “setting up [his] future” and not getting swept up in Hollywood party culture.

11. Resilience, Rejection, and Passion (41:26–47:10)

• The importance of staying present, facing “a thousand no’s,” and not letting rejection become your identity.
  • Quote: “People don’t really know...the inside of the business and the rejection. That part of it is hard. Some people...just can’t even move past the rejection...It’s hard, really hard.” (39:37)
• Asher shares how he stays resilient, keeps his circle small, and focuses on creative passion—even when faced with burnout.

12. Inside the Actors Studio: Detox Retox Questionnaire (42:24–53:11)

A playful homage to James Lipton’s famous questionnaire:

• Detox: Asher’s favorite way to unwind: “Spending time at home. My family, my friends. Phoenix in the summer—just being with my loved ones helps me decompress, relax, detox.” (43:06)
• Retox/Vice: Food is his vice (“Foodie. Food for me, too. All day.” 43:33)
• Worst Job: Indie sets with difficult directors/producers, but always shows up prepared and treats every role as “something special. It’s art.” (45:18)
• Creative Turn-on: Shared moments, settlement, time with “my brother, my buddy,” and his passion for his craft. (45:55)
• Turn-offs: Negative energy and people (“I keep them as far away from me as possible.” 47:21)
• Favorite curse word: “Probably…shit. I say shit a lot.” (48:31)
• Sound he loves: High-frequency relaxing sounds sent by his partner Kylie to help him sleep (49:13)
• Sound he hates: “People sneeze and don’t cover their mouth…that’s foul.” (50:12)
• Alternate Career: Sports—”Probably basketball…maybe golf…in another life, maybe real estate like my dad.” (51:11)
• Career he’d never try: “Being a comedian. So challenging. So hard… you might hear some crickets.” (51:38)
• If heaven exists, first meal & drink at the gates: “An In N Out cheeseburger…It’s a triple triple…animal fries, duh.” (52:20)

13. Final Reflections: Is the Dream Still Alive? (53:30–end)

• Tom, Asher, and the co-host affirm the evolving but enduring magic of the Sunset Strip and Hollywood:
  • Quote: “I think the dream is still alive. It’s just different now. Asher, you’ve given me hope again.” (55:00)
• Shout-outs to the Rainbow Room, Beverly Hills Hotel, and the lasting “Tinseltown magic” that persists even amid change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nostalgia and Change:
  “It’s not necessarily dying…it’s just changing. Evolving. Guess it’s all reshaping its character and it’s this transition...it’s been gradual but feels very abrupt.” —Tom Schwartz (06:11)

• On Resilience:
  “People don’t really know…the inside of the business and the rejection…Some people lose themselves. I think I did for some time. Now, I’m so present.” —Asher Angel (39:37/29:23)

• On Performing:
  “I was like the kid who always wanted to perform for everyone…just make people happy…through the art.” —Asher Angel (26:49)

• On Collabs:
  “Nelly’s going to be on my song? Are you kidding me?” —Asher Angel (19:28)

• On “Old Hollywood” Lore:
  “I swear, I remember seeing Paris Hilton smoking a ciggy out front…the first time I went there, and I was like, I’ve arrived.” —Tom Schwartz (08:50)

• On Role Models:
  “If I was to go on Broadway, [Pippin] is the show I want to do.” —Asher Angel (35:30)

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:28 | Tom’s reflection on the Sunset Strip’s changing landscape | | 13:09 | Asher Angel joins at Saddle Ranch | | 17:51 | Asher’s take: is the Strip still cool? “There’s something in the air...” | | 19:28 | How the Nelly collaboration for “Rodeo” happened | | 21:21 | “Country Grammar” as blueprint for cross-genre hits | | 24:35 | Karaoke & early musical experiences | | 26:10 | Acting career beginnings, “Jolene” story | | 29:23 | Asher on growing up in the industry and staying present | | 31:22 | “Andi Mack” impact and representation | | 34:45 | Asher’s musical theater roots and Broadway dreams | | 39:37 | The reality and resilience required in show business | | 42:24–53:11 | Detox Retox “Inside the Actors Studio” lighthearted questionnaire | | 53:30 | Final reflections on Sunset, Hollywood, and keeping the dream alive |

Tone and Style

The episode is lively, heartfelt, irreverent, and deeply nostalgic. Tom brings vulnerability, affection for old-school LA, and self-deprecating humor. Asher matches with grounded optimism, openness about industry pressures, and passion for music and acting. The show is a blend of “real talk,” playful banter, and genuine reflection, all set against the storied backdrop of Sunset Boulevard.

Conclusion

This episode of Detox Retox captures the bittersweet evolution of Hollywood’s heart, the Sunset Strip, through the eyes of both its longtime denizens and rising stars like Asher Angel. Asher’s sincerity, combined with Tom’s nostalgia, makes for an engaging exploration of ambition, creativity, and perseverance. The episode ultimately reaffirms that, though Los Angeles and the business may change, the dream—and a little magic—still endures.

“I think the dream is still alive. It’s just different now. Asher, you’ve given me hope again.”
—Tom Schwartz (55:00)