Podcast Summary: "AYA CASH Took Trips to Monasteries"
Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, hosts Josh Gad and Ben Schwartz sit down with actress Aya Cash to delve into her unique upbringing, family vacations, and personal experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. The conversation weaves through Aya's childhood memories, her parents' unconventional lifestyles, and her adventures that include trips to monasteries.
Lin Manuel Miranda's Shout-Out and Show Dynamics (00:00 - 07:16)
The episode kicks off with a humorous exchange between Josh Gad and Ben Schwartz as they discuss a recent shout-out from Lin Manuel Miranda on Late Night. Lin Manuel mentions how his son enjoys listening to the podcast "Family Trips" at bedtime, albeit slowed down to 0.75x speed. This leads to playful banter about sounding like "a couple of drunks" when not sped up.
Josh Gad (00:08): "Lin Manuel Miranda says his son likes listening to family trips at night right before bed..."
Ben adds his personal touch by mentioning how he listens at double speed to take notes for songwriting, joking about their conversational style.
Ben Schwartz (01:01): "I listen to our show at double speed because I take notes to write the songs."
They also touch upon their upcoming Halloween plans, with their children choosing creative costumes like Zeus and Cookie Monster, showcasing their familial camaraderie.
Introducing Aya Cash and Initial Banter (07:36 - 08:03)
Aya Cash joins the conversation with a warm greeting, immediately noting how Josh and Ben resemble twins. This light-hearted moment sets a friendly tone for the interview.
Aya Cash (08:03): "Hello. Hey."
Aya Cash’s Family Background and Childhood Memories (08:05 - 16:37)
Aya delves into her personal history, recounting her childhood experiences in San Francisco. She shares a poignant memory of her mother getting divorced during a family vacation to Taos, New Mexico.
Aya Cash (09:09): "the first thing that comes to mind is my mother getting divorced on our vacation."
She describes her parents' brief marriage of about a year and the impact it had on her upbringing. Aya highlights her father's multifaceted life as a Buddhist teacher and former musician who once dealt drugs, painting a picture of her unconventional family dynamics.
Aya Cash (11:55): "my dad is now a Buddhist teacher and lay priest, but he was a musician... he dealt drugs."
The conversation touches on the liberal bubble of San Francisco and Aya's interactions with differing political views during her college years.
Parenting Styles and Personal Growth (16:37 - 31:01)
Aya discusses her parents' separation and eventual reconciliation, emphasizing a significant bonding moment when her father had a severe accident before her wedding. This event brought her parents closer, fostering a harmonious family environment despite past conflicts.
Aya Cash (17:44): "my parents didn't get along for most of my childhood... they all just meet downstairs... ready to face the day."
She shares insights into her father's unique Buddhist-inspired parenting methods, where he would encourage her to see him as an individual rather than strictly as a father, fostering a sense of independence and self-awareness in Aya.
Aya Cash (14:12): "he would make me look at him... see me as not your father."
Aya reflects on the challenges of co-parenting and the memories of family trips, such as the long drive to Taos and friendships formed during these excursions.
Silent Meditation Retreats and Personal Development (31:01 - 35:17)
The discussion shifts to Aya's personal experiences with silent meditation retreats. She recounts her first solo retreat, highlighting the initial struggle to maintain silence and the profound sense of accomplishment she felt upon completing it.
Aya Cash (29:05): "I felt so good. I felt so, like, open."
However, Aya candidly shares how the effects of the retreat were short-lived once she returned to her regular life, grappling with the challenge of integrating newfound mindfulness into everyday interactions.
Aya Cash (30:10): "I've destroyed myself. Everything that I learned, it's all gone."
Josh relates by sharing his own experience with meditation, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining the serenity achieved during retreats in the chaos of daily life.
Aya Cash’s Insights on Spirituality and Relationships (35:17 - 41:07)
Aya elaborates on her balanced perspective towards spirituality, emphasizing skepticism rooted in her observations of ego and cult-like behaviors. She values the essence of Buddhism as a personal journey rather than a prescriptive path for others.
Aya Cash (32:01): "I have a lot of nice people around me who knew what it was like... but you also."
The conversation touches on Aya's complex relationship with her grandmother, Pauline Betts Addie, a former tennis champion with a colorful past. Aya describes Addie as both a champion and a challenging figure, providing a nuanced view of her familial relationships.
Investment Anecdotes and Family Dynamics (41:07 - 54:01)
Aya recounts an amusing yet frustrating story about her Uncle Gary, a tennis teacher who became a multimillionaire by investing in a video game company. Despite their skepticism, Uncle Gary's gamble paid off, illustrating the unpredictability of investments and familial trust.
Aya Cash (53:35): "Gary hit the big time. And now he's doing well. But it still gets very good deals on hotels."
This segment highlights the blend of humor and life lessons derived from family interactions and unexpected financial successes.
Trips to Monasteries and Personal Relationships (54:01 - 57:36)
Aya shares stories from her childhood vacations to monasteries, where her father met her stepmother. These trips were a blend of spiritual training and unexpected romantic developments, adding layers to Aya's family narrative.
Aya Cash (55:15): "my dad would take me on vacation. And he was talking to this woman... made her his wife."
They discuss the challenges of maintaining relationships within spiritual communities and the impact of these experiences on Aya's perception of love and commitment.
Final Fun Questions and Closing Thoughts (57:36 - 63:05)
The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round of personal questions. Aya reveals her ideal vacation as adventurous and her preferred mode of transportation as the train, highlighting her love for civilized and scenic travel.
Aya Cash (57:45): "Adventurous."
She expresses a desire to vacation with Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights, emphasizing her appreciation for nurturing and supportive relationships.
Aya Cash (58:10): "Probably Coach Taylor and his wife from Friday Night Lights."
In a humorous exchange, Aya jokes about potentially starring in her own sitcom, blending her personal life with her professional aspirations.
Notable Quotes
- Josh Gad (01:09): "Who have no respect for your time."
- Aya Cash (14:12): "Let me look at someone outside of the construct of the job, the situation, whatever it is."
- Aya Cash (17:44): "I'm gonna keep my cash. But sure enough, Gary hit the big time."
- Aya Cash (32:01): "I'm very skeptical of a lot of spirituality, even though I grew up in it."
- Aya Cash (58:10): "Probably Coach Taylor and his wife from Friday Night Lights."
Conclusion
This episode provides a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Aya Cash's life, shedding light on her family's unconventional dynamics, personal growth through spiritual practices, and memorable trips that have left lasting impressions. The candid conversations offer listeners a glimpse into the complexities of balancing family relationships, personal beliefs, and professional endeavors.
Listen to the full episode here to hear more about Aya Cash's fascinating journey and the delightful banter between the hosts.