Episode 9: The Phone is in the Plane

Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Adam Rippon
Podcast: The Podcast by Adam Rippon

1. Journey to Boston and Flight Preparations

Adam Rippon kicks off the episode by sharing his recent travel experience to Boston for the 2025 Figure Skating World Championships, where he's working with NBC on the broadcast. He reflects on his loyalty to Delta Airlines, mentioning his shift from United Airlines without a clear reason:

Adam Rippon [00:30]: "I used to be United loyal, but they kind of fell out of my good graces. And I don't really have a good reason as to why they did, but they... I hope that they remember and addressed it."

Adam discusses his strategy to use the Delta app to potentially upgrade his seating, hoping for a business class seat despite holding a standard ticket. However, he ends up assigned to row 33 near parents traveling with babies, which conflicts with his original preference for a window seat.

2. Reflections on Early Morning Flights

Adam delves into his opinions on early morning flights, expressing skepticism about their necessity and the mindset behind them. He emphasizes his preference for flying late at night unless traveling to a destination, where the excitement outweighs the discomfort:

Adam Rippon [03:15]: "I don’t really believe in leaving early, going back home, even though I know some people have the mentality of, but I’m going to get home sooner. Yeah, but at what cost?"

He contrasts his views with those of his mother, who advocates for red-eye flights, which Adam dismisses unless absolutely necessary:

Adam Rippon [05:00]: "I really can’t get behind that at all. I Cannot be a supporter of the red eye flight."

3. Listener Voicemail: The Phone Incident

At [08:10], Adam plays a voicemail from a listener who recounts one of Adam's infamous stories about losing his phone on a plane, leading to a chaotic search and plane dismantling:

Listener: "One of my favorite stories of yours is the one about how you plugged your phone in on a plane heading into New York and you lost your phone and you had to dismantle the whole plane..."

4. The Story Behind the Phone Loss

Responding at [09:02], Adam provides a comprehensive and humorous recount of the incident. While flying business class to New York, he places his phone on the armrest to charge. During turbulence, the phone slips and disappears into what appears to be a hidden compartment beneath the plane's floor. His attempts to retrieve it involve seeking help from fellow passengers and flight attendants, ultimately leading to an over-the-top search operation with maintenance workers disassembling parts of the plane:

Adam Rippon [09:50]: "So I see two of the flight attendants sort of look at each other and they go, just stay here for one second. And I see them get on the phone and the next thing I see are three guys in like the construction fluorescent vests get on the plane with like tools and drills..."

The phone seemingly travels globally, ending up in various locations like JFK Airport, Bogota, and Chicago O'Hare International before finally dying in transit. This ordeal leads Adam to change his behavior around flights, opting to store his phone securely in his carry-on to prevent future losses.

5. Insights on Cell Phone Providers: The Spectrum Mobile Revelation

Transitioning from his phone mishap, Adam shares his journey through various cell phone providers, ultimately endorsing Spectrum Mobile for its affordability and reliability built on Verizon towers:

Adam Rippon [20:45]: "Spectrum has acquired all of the Verizon towers... Spectrum Mobile works on Verizon Towers."

He contrasts his experiences with Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T, highlighting how Spectrum Mobile offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on service quality:

Adam Rippon [25:30]: "I'm paying $40 a month for unlimited data. Now you can't beat that because I'm also bootlegging off of the Verizon towers..."

Adam candidly discusses the constraints of Spectrum Mobile, such as needing to visit their stores for service changes, but remains committed due to the significant savings.

6. Voicemail Response: Friday Night Drinks

At [30:08], another listener leaves a voicemail about planning drinks for Friday night to ensure a successful Saturday. Adam humorously suggests opting for hydrating beverages:

Adam Rippon [30:31]: "I think water. And if you don’t want water, maybe a vitamin water or a Pedia Light or Pedia Shore... At least that."

He emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated to maintain energy levels for the next day.

7. Voicemail Response: Meal Prepping Tips

A final voicemail at [31:42] asks Adam to share his favorite meal prep recipes. Adam enthusiastically breaks down his straightforward approach to meal prepping, focusing on simplicity and nutritional balance:

Adam Rippon [31:57]: "There is no recipe, right. The only recipe is this. And this is what you need to follow. Pack the whole meal in a 16 oz container. Two cups of food, okay?"

He outlines his method of combining proteins like chicken or beef with a variety of vegetables and grains, emphasizing flexibility and ease:

Adam Rippon [32:45]: "I used to get so hung up on, well, what’s the meal? Until I realized that meals are just sort of like proteins and vegetables."

Adam shares specific examples, such as a hearty chicken and cabbage salad and roasted sweet potatoes with salmon, to illustrate his approach:

Adam Rippon [34:20]: "I put the piece of salmon on it. And that was it. Like a filet. Broke it in half, put it on top, close the lid, throw it in the fridge. It’s that easy."

He encourages listeners to adopt meal prepping without overcomplicating recipes, highlighting the benefits for maintaining a healthy diet:

Adam Rippon [35:50]: "Food prepping has changed the game for me. Absolutely changed the game for me."

Conclusion

Adam wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of practical solutions in daily routines, whether it's managing travel inconveniences, choosing the right cell phone provider, or simplifying meal preparations. He invites listeners to engage by leaving voicemails and reviews, maintaining his signature blend of humor and candidness.

Notable Quotes:

• On Switching from United to Delta:

  "I used to be United loyal, but they kind of fell out of my good graces." [00:30]

• On Early Morning Flights:

  "I really don't know what to tell you. Don't do that, don't do that." [06:15]

• On Losing the Phone:

  "It's in the belly of the beast." [25:00]

• On Meal Prepping Simplicity:

  "There is no recipe, right. The only recipe is this." [31:57]

This episode offers a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and Adam Rippon's trademark humor, making it a relatable and engaging listen for fans and new listeners alike.