The Podcast by Adam Rippon Episode 6: A Personal Plea to Jon Chu Release Date: March 6, 2025
In Episode 6 of The Podcast by Adam Rippon, titled "A Personal Plea to Jon Chu," Adam Rippon delves into a variety of personal reflections, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt requests. This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Rippon's thoughts on media consumption habits, personal experiences, and interactions with friends and family.
1. Recording Mishaps and Embracing Humanity
The episode opens with Rippon humorously admitting a recent mishap: spending 50 minutes talking to his microphone without recording a single second.
Adam Rippon [00:00]: "I spoken to this microphone before you for about 50 minutes, and, oh, was I having a good old gay old time."
He uses this anecdote to highlight his humanity, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes and it's okay to embrace them.
Rippon [00:45]: "I feel human, and that's beautiful."
2. The Time Commitment Conundrum: Movies vs. TV Shows
Rippon transitions into a discussion about his viewing habits, sparked by watching the Oscars and reflecting on why he doesn't watch many movies despite their shorter time requirement compared to TV shows.
Rippon [02:10]: "If I had to commit to a movie, I start to get cold feet. But with a TV show like Bridgerton, I can tap out at any time."
He contrasts the commitment required for binge-watching series like Bridgerton or Love Island with the hesitation he feels towards dedicating 90 to 120 minutes to a single film. Rippon muses on overcoming this hesitation to maximize his evening hours.
3. A Personal Plea to Jon Chu: Enhancing Wicked
A significant portion of the episode is Rippon's heartfelt request to director Jon Chu regarding the film Wicked. Rippon explains his struggle with cataracts in his twenties, which now affect his ability to see scenes in low light.
Rippon [15:30]: "I need you to turn the brightness up, Jon. It's not too late."
He shares a personal story about his reluctance to wear glasses to maintain a tan, leading to cataract surgery. This experience has impacted his viewing of Wicked, prompting him to ask for brighter scenes in the sequel.
Rippon [18:45]: "Please, John, please just turn them up a little bit. It's not too late."
Rippon's plea is both humorous and sincere, blending his personal narrative with a creative request to enhance the cinematic experience for viewers like himself.
4. Minnesota Visit: Lessons from a Three-Year-Old
Rippon recounts a visit to one of his best friends in Minnesota, highlighting a meaningful interaction with her three-year-old daughter.
Rippon [22:00]: "When you're three years old, sometimes an adult will say something to you and you will hang on their every word."
He narrates a moment where he teaches the child the importance of waiting a few seconds before eating a frozen treat, showcasing his ability to connect and influence even the youngest listeners.
Rippon [25:20]: "I really can be influential. And I went, this is... That's so much power I felt in that moment."
5. A Night Out: Pinball and Clubbing Reflections
The evening continues with Rippon describing a spontaneous night out, starting with a visit to a pinball bar followed by an attempt to fit into the vibrant club scene of Minnesota.
Rippon [28:30]: "We played pinball for a few hours. The bright lights and shiny silver balls were an unbelievable experience."
He humorously reflects on his adaptability to club environments, contrasting his youthful clubbing days in California with his current experiences in the colder climate of Minnesota.
Rippon [32:15]: "I don't think I ever would have had what it takes to be a young person going to the club in the Midwest in the thick of winter."
Despite his efforts, Rippon acknowledges feeling out of place and eventually decides to leave the club early, sharing a nostalgic yet self-deprecating look back at his younger self who prioritized fitness over social connections on the dance floor.
Rippon [35:50]: "I never met anyone at the club because I was dancing kind of wall to wall, but I was having the time of my life."
6. Listener Voicemails: Organization and Podcast Naming
Towards the end of the episode, Rippon addresses listener voicemails, beginning with a discussion on organizing items in rainbow order inspired by The Home Edit.
Listener [22:56]: "What are your thoughts on organizing things in rainbow order?"
Rippon [23:13]: "I think the real thing about the rainbow organization is just the eye likes to see, like, colors with, like, colors. It's soothing."
He humorously contemplates renaming his podcast based on another listener's suggestion, weighing the pros and cons of a more creative title versus his current straightforward approach.
Listener [26:50]: "Rename the podcast Intrusive Thoughts. That's what I had to say. Thank you. Love you so much."
Rippon [27:08]: "I think that's a great idea, but I'm still on the fence of changing the name. But we'll get there."
Rippon demonstrates openness to feedback while explaining his rationale for keeping the podcast name simple and memorable, ultimately considering a potential name change after reaching a milestone of ten episodes.
Conclusion
In "A Personal Plea to Jon Chu," Adam Rippon masterfully weaves humor, introspection, and personal stories to engage his audience. From reflecting on media consumption habits to sharing vulnerable moments and interacting with listeners, Rippon delivers a multifaceted episode that resonates on both comedic and heartfelt levels. His candidness and willingness to explore diverse topics make this episode a standout installment in his podcast series.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Rippon [00:00]: "I spoken to this microphone before you for about 50 minutes... you would go, you're not well."
- Adam Rippon [15:30]: "Please, John, please just turn them up a little bit. It's not too late."
- Listener [26:50]: "Rename the podcast Intrusive Thoughts. That's what I had to say."
- Adam Rippon [27:08]: "I'm not afraid to be wrong, and more importantly, I'm not afraid to be right."
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 6, providing a detailed overview of the key discussions, insights, and concluding thoughts shared by Adam Rippon. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a blend of humor, personal growth, and sincere reflections that highlight Rippon's multifaceted personality.