Podcast Summary: Intrusive Thoughts by Adam Rippon Episode 11: An Emmy, a Martini, and a Mild Identity Crisis Release Date: June 5, 2025

In Episode 11 of Intrusive Thoughts titled "An Emmy, a Martini, and a Mild Identity Crisis," host Adam Rippon delves into his unexpected journey to winning a Sports Emmy, shares his passion for crafting the perfect martini, and offers thoughtful advice to listeners grappling with personal dilemmas. The episode seamlessly blends humor, personal anecdotes, and sincere reflections, providing an engaging experience for both regular listeners and newcomers.

1. Celebrating an Unexpected Emmy Win (00:28 - 39:24)

Adam Rippon opens the episode with exuberance, announcing his recent achievement: winning a Sports Emmy in the category of "Outstanding Live Special Championship Event" for his work covering the Paris Olympics while stationed in Stamford, Connecticut.

Key Points:

• Unanticipated Recognition: Adam humorously expresses surprise at being listed among approximately 4,000 Emmy recipients, emphasizing that he was unaware of his nomination.

  "I couldn't do it without my team. I really couldn't do without my whole entire team now." [05:15]

• Team Effort: He acknowledges the collective effort required to secure the award, highlighting colleagues like Mike Tirico, Maria Taylor, Peyton Manning, and even Snoop Dogg as co-winners.

  "Just like Snoop Dogg is an Emmy winner now." [12:45]

• Discovery of the Win: Adam recounts how his friend Sarah Hughes initially informed him of her Emmy wins, only for him to later realize he was also recognized.

  "Little did I know my work would end me with an Emmy." [16:30]

• Practical Challenges: He humorously discusses the logistical aspects of obtaining his Emmy trophy, including ordering multiple copies and the intricacies of the Academy's procedures.

  "If you want to be an Emmy owner, that is a different story." [22:10]

• Emotional Reflections: Adam shares his feelings about the win, balancing pride with self-deprecating humor about becoming "absolutely intolerable."

  "But I know you're scratching your head. You're like, I didn't watch the Emmys last night... But I am." [09:00]

Notable Quote:

"It takes a village." [10:50]

Adam emphasizes the collaborative nature of his success, underscoring the importance of teamwork in achieving significant milestones.

2. Crafting the Perfect Martini (39:24 - 66:22)

Transitioning from his Emmy celebration, Adam immerses himself in the art of mixology, sharing an elaborate recipe for what he claims is "the greatest martini you've ever had." This segment blends his personal experiences with a step-by-step guide to creating a standout cocktail.

Key Points:

• Inspiration Behind the Recipe: Adam explains his motivation to create a martini that caters to diverse tastes while ensuring a memorable kick for guests.

  "I want to provide to my guests something that has a little kick, because then that’s going to just kind of last throughout the evening." [42:10]

• Detailed Recipe Instructions: He meticulously outlines the ingredients and measurements needed, advocating for quality components like Gray Goose vodka infused with pear and elderflower liqueur.

  "You need elderflower liqueur, okay? You need Gray Goose vodka infused with pear." [43:30]

• Personal Anecdotes: Adam shares stories about his first experience with the pear martini, including the playful consequences of overindulgence and the subsequent learning curve.

  "I had maybe five, eight of them. Guzzle, guzzle. Drink, drink, clink. Say cheers." [50:15]

• Safety and Moderation: Emphasizing responsible drinking, he advises setting limits to ensure enjoyment without overconsumption.

  "You are not allowed to have more than two of these martinis." [55:40]

Notable Quote:

"Hell yeah. Hell yeah." [65:50]

This recurring phrase encapsulates Adam's enthusiastic endorsement of his martini recipe, blending humor with endorsement.

3. Listener Voicemails and Thoughtful Advice

Adam dedicates a significant portion of the episode to addressing listener voicemails, offering personalized advice with his characteristic blend of humor and sincerity.

a. Should I Invite a Friend's Ex to a Party? (39:24 - 45:45)

Voicemail Summary: A listener seeks Adam's opinion on whether to invite a friend's ex to a party, expressing nervousness about the potential awkwardness.

Adam's Response:

• Assessing the Reason for Nervousness: Adam suggests reflecting on why the listener feels uneasy, hinting at underlying concerns.

  "Think about why you’re nervous. Maybe that's a sign that you're doing something you shouldn't do." [40:10]

• Prioritizing Friendships: He emphasizes the importance of considering the friend's comfort, advocating for prioritizing their feelings over maintaining connections with the ex.

  "The friend is your friend. I think you're even giving yourself subliminal clues." [41:25]

• Contextual Considerations: Adam highlights the necessity of understanding the dynamics between the listener, the friend, and the ex to make an informed decision.

  "I need more context because that will help me determine what's the right thing to do." [43:50]

Notable Quote:

"Everyone is allowed two." [45:00]

This underscores his stance on setting boundaries to maintain harmony.

b. Navigating a Name Mispronunciation Crisis (45:45 - 66:22)

Voicemail Summary: Helia reaches out about the frustration of her name being mispronounced as "hell yeah," seeking advice on handling the frequent taunts and misunderstandings.

Adam's Response:

• Empathy and Personal Connection: Adam draws parallels with his husband's experiences with his Finnish name, fostering a sense of understanding.

  "My husband is sort of in an interesting position because his Finnish name is UC Pekka." [46:50]

• Practical Solutions: He offers actionable suggestions, such as changing the spelling of her name or embracing it through merchandise to defuse the teasing.

  "Change the Y to an I. You're gonna save yourself a lot of grief." [53:30]

• Embracing Individuality: Adam encourages Helia to capitalize on her unique name, even proposing the idea of creating a merch line to turn the teasing into empowerment.

  "Capitalizing on that's your mother fucking name, all right. You are Hell yeah." [58:10]

• Support and Solidarity: Throughout his response, Adam reassures Helia of his support, emphasizing resilience and self-acceptance.

  "I am on your side." [60:45]

Notable Quote:

"Hell yeah. Hell yeah." [65:50]

Adam humorously repeats this phrase, turning a source of frustration into a mantra of empowerment.

4. Concluding Reflections and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Adam reflects on his day-to-day experiences, intertwining personal achievements with ongoing conversations about self-identity and social interactions. He reiterates his gratitude towards his team and listeners, maintaining a tone of humility despite his humorous take on his success.

Key Points:

• Acknowledging the Team: Adam reiterates the collective effort behind his Emmy win, emphasizing gratitude towards his colleagues and friends.

  "Thank you to Casey, our producer, who was here the entire time and listened to every single word." [64:00]

• Encouraging Listener Engagement: He invites listeners to leave voicemails and engage with the podcast community, fostering a sense of connection.

  "If you'd like to leave a voicemail to the podcast, which I know you do, don't be shy." [65:10]

• Humorous Self-Deprecation: Adam maintains his light-hearted approach, poking fun at himself for monopolizing the episode with personal stories.

  "I really chit and chatted this whole entire episode. Kind of proud of myself." [63:20]

Notable Quote:

"This is what happens when I see Helia in front of me." [65:40]

This line encapsulates his ability to seamlessly integrate listener concerns with his personal narrative, maintaining an engaging and relatable dialogue.

5. Post-Episode Advertisement Reminder (66:22 - End)

The episode concludes with a brief reminder about the dangers of flavored tobacco for teens, urging listeners to support legislative efforts to ban such products.

"Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it." [66:22]

"Urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 702A. Learn more at flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund." [66:26]

Conclusion:

Episode 11 of Intrusive Thoughts showcases Adam Rippon's multifaceted personality—balancing professional achievements with personal passions and offering heartfelt advice to his audience. Through candid storytelling and authentic interactions, Adam creates a space where listeners can both be entertained and find relatable insights. Whether celebrating an unexpected Emmy win, perfecting a martini, or navigating the complexities of social etiquette, Adam's engaging narrative ensures that this episode resonates deeply with a diverse audience.