Podcast Summary: "Steph Tolev Loves Her Dog"

So True with Caleb Hearon is a weekly podcast hosted by beloved gay comedian Caleb Hearon, produced by Headgum. In the December 19, 2024 episode titled "Steph Tolev Loves Her Dog," hosts Steph Tolev and Olivia delve into their personal lives, comedic careers, relationships, and the challenges they face balancing fame, anxiety, and authenticity.

Personal Relationships and Daily Life

Dog Dynamics: The episode opens with a humorous discussion about Olivia's dog and her partner's disdain for the pet being on the bed. Steph supports her partner's stance, leading to playful banter about dog interactions.

• Steph Tolev: "I think he's right. I'm really on his side. Wow." [00:57]
• Olivia: "The dog's gone." [01:02]

They share anecdotes about their dog's antics, emphasizing the blend of humor and frustration that pets can bring into a relationship.

Moving the Car and Shared Responsibilities: Olivia speaks about her role as the designated car mover due to street cleaning schedules in East Hollywood. This responsibility has become a point of contention, highlighting the invisible labor often shouldered by one partner.

• Olivia: "Every fucking Wednesday and Friday I'm up at 7am Looking for a spot in East Hollywood. Suck my ass." [12:38]
• Steph Tolev: "Being erased." [12:41]

The conversation underscores common relationship tensions and the importance of communication and understanding in shared responsibilities.

Fear of Death and Personal Anxiety

Childhood Fears: Both hosts open up about their deep-seated fears of death, rooted in childhood experiences. Olivia recounts how her grandmother's unfulfilled prayers led her to question her belief in God.

• Olivia: "I asked for three things. They simply didn't happen." [24:38]
• Steph Tolev: "I used to have a horrible fear of death." [26:02]

They discuss how these fears persist into adulthood, affecting their mental health and daily lives.

Coping Mechanisms: Steph shares her approach to managing fear through constant exposure and reading about death, likening it to exposure therapy.

• Steph Tolev: "It was like exposure therapy, honestly." [26:16]
• Olivia: "I'm getting weird with it again." [31:34]

Olivia admits struggling with spirals of anxiety, especially when faced with new family additions like her sister's baby.

• Olivia: "I wake up like middle of the night and it's like, then I cry, like alone." [32:55]

Comedy Careers and Authenticity

Balancing Fame and Authenticity: Steph and Olivia discuss the impact of internet fame on their comedic careers. They express concerns about comedians who gain rapid online followings without the foundational years of honing their craft.

• Olivia: "I honestly do think the Internet's kind of ruined comedy in a way." [46:15]
• Steph Tolev: "Admit that you're bad. Put in the work and you actually could improve." [49:27]

They emphasize the importance of authenticity and continuous improvement in stand-up comedy, contrasting their experiences with those who achieve quick fame online.

Respect for Fellow Comedians: The hosts praise established comedians like Bill Burr and Naomi Ek Perrigan for their dedication and authenticity, highlighting the qualities they admire in their peers.

• Steph Tolev: "He's genuinely fearless, too. I have a lot of respect for him." [52:12]
• Olivia: "Naomi was there with Andy. She has such a different cadence." [53:28]

Interactions and Anecdotes

Handling Scams and Accidents: Olivia shares a personal story about being falsely accused of damaging a car, showcasing her resilience and willingness to stand up against fraudulent claims.

• Olivia: "The guy's a liar. I will go to court." [39:05]
• Steph Tolev: "You'd better be limping." [43:18]

Steph recounts a similar experience involving an Uber driver, illustrating the everyday challenges faced in traffic-heavy environments like Los Angeles.

• Steph Tolev: "He was like, you have to give me your license. And they start." [40:06]

Fun with Friends: Both hosts reminisce about fun times with friends and fellow comedians, such as dancing at parties and supporting each other’s careers.

• Steph Tolev: "We tore up a dance floor at some shitty little basement bar in New York until like 4 in the morning." [57:10]
• Olivia: "He's the best." [57:44]

Philosophical Discussions

Beliefs and God: The hosts engage in a candid conversation about their beliefs regarding God, with Olivia identifying as an atheist due to unfulfilled childhood prayers and Steph expressing uncertainty.

• Olivia: "I don't believe in God." [24:43]
• Steph Tolev: "No, I don't think. I don't know." [24:50]

They explore how these beliefs, or lack thereof, influence their perspectives on life and death.

Age and Adulthood: A thoughtful discussion ensues about the concept of adulthood, with both hosts reflecting on aging and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

• Steph Tolev: "When I turn 40, I'm really just getting into like the 20s of my adulthood." [32:09]
• Olivia: "This is my mid-30s and my favorite age." [32:32]

Fan Engagement and Community

Listener Questions: The episode includes a segment where fans send in voicemails with hypothetical and exaggerated scenarios, prompting the hosts to offer advice on maintaining boundaries and handling toxic relationships.

• Fan Voicemail: "What is the truth about the best way to cut off and maintain no contact with like a family member?" [35:22]
• Olivia: "Unfollow them on any kind of social media. It's a sick thing." [36:05]
• Steph Tolev: "I also think I would probably, if I were the family. Uninvite her from family events." [36:16]

Community Support: Steph and Olivia emphasize the importance of community and mutual support among comedians, highlighting their collaborations and the significance of having a reliable support system.

• Olivia: "My sister and my parents were invited to Olivia's wedding. That's how close we are." [56:26]
• Steph Tolev: "They are here to support you." [Not directly quoted, inferred context]

Promotions and Segments

True or False Game: Towards the end of the episode, a fun "True or False" segment is introduced, where Steph and Olivia answer rapid-fire questions, testing each other's knowledge and adding a lighthearted element to the discussion.

• Steph Tolev: "You get 10 or more correct, we're gonna give you 50 US dollars." [60:41]
• Olivia: "I was born and raised. I love Toronto." [62:33]

Sponsored Content: The episode includes promotional segments for sponsors like Twisted Tea and Alma, seamlessly integrating advertisements into the conversation without disrupting the flow of content.

• Twisted Tea Promotion: "Grab a refreshing Twisted tea today." [62:31]
• Alma Promotion: "Visit helloAlma.com SoTrue to get started and schedule a free consultation today." [Throughout transcript]

Conclusion

In "Steph Tolev Loves Her Dog," Steph and Olivia offer listeners an authentic glimpse into their lives, blending humor with candid discussions about personal struggles, career challenges, and the pursuit of authenticity in a fast-paced, internet-driven world. Their chemistry and openness provide a relatable and engaging experience for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia on Dog Interactions: "Dog was snuggling in my head." [01:02]
• Steph on Fear of Death: "I'm done with that person." [36:08]
• Olivia on Comedy and Authenticity: "I'm a pig." [15:07]
• Steph on Handling Scams: "If you want to call the cops, that's what we'll do." [40:23]

Tune In: For those who haven't listened yet, this episode is a treasure trove of humor, honesty, and heartfelt conversations that resonate on multiple levels. Steph Tolev and Olivia's dynamic interplay ensures an engaging and memorable listening experience.