Intrusive Thoughts by Adam Rippon
Episode: Jet Lag, Drug Tests & Other Intrusive Thoughts
Date: September 4, 2025
Host: Adam Rippon
Episode Overview
In this episode, Adam Rippon returns from a trip to Finland and brings his audience along for his latest round of over-the-top and hilarious intrusive thoughts. He discusses his approach to beating jet lag, the disastrous beauty of his podcast recording background, his dramatic breakup with Equinox gym, and listeners' questions about everything from notebooks and pens to the infamous "nipple to knee" anti-doping story. The episode also features listener calls and texts on topics ranging from Taylor Swift’s engagement to pistachio-opening hacks. Throughout, Adam’s comedic flair and candid tone create a lively atmosphere that blends personal stories with listener-driven advice and tangents.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Beating Jet Lag & Finnish Getaways
[00:10 - 07:00]
- Adam recounts his recent stay at his husband’s cottage in Finland, which had inspired him to (optimistically) plan many podcast recordings—though he ended up succeeding in only one, “in a complete blackout.”
- He shares his jet lag “strategy”: staying up through the entire flight, arriving utterly exhausted but ready to adjust right away.
“I think the best way to overcome jet lag is extreme and almost dangerous exhaustion. ... You don't sleep a wink on the plane.” – Adam [01:15]
- While the jet lag hack worked, Adam admits he got little else done after returning, joking about his “extreme health dangers” and lack of productivity.
2. The Podcast Recording Background Crisis
[07:00 - 12:00]
- Adam candidly describes his makeshift office setup at home, complete with mirrored closets, an ugly ironing board, and his dog “cleaning himself” in the background—lamenting the declining aesthetics of his backdrop.
“It’s the ugliest ironing board and iron money could buy. ... The background of this podcast situation is getting truly uglier and uglier.” – Adam [09:44]
- He considers putting up a backdrop used for unsuccessful auditions but feels it may be “cursed.”
3. The Perks (and Pitfalls) of Finnish Fame
[12:00 - 13:30]
- Adam notes that Finnish media often picks up his offhand Instagram and TikTok comments, leading his in-laws to always know when he’s visiting.
“In Finland, I’m in control of the media, is what I’m trying to say. ... I think that’s funny. Think it’s cute.” – Adam [13:04]
4. Freedom from Equinox & Gym Alternatives
[13:30 - 18:30]
- Adam excitedly reveals he has finally canceled his Equinox gym membership, describing it as “the shackles are off and I’m a free agent.”
“I have canceled that membership and the shackles are off and I’m a free agent. I am free to do whatever I want.” – Adam [14:15]
- He discusses his aversion to HIIT and CrossFit classes and his ongoing hunt for a new structured, enjoyable workout—possibly boxing or Pilates, but not the “treadmill” version:
“There’s a place around me... it’s Pilates with treadmill. And I’m like, why did the treadmill have to get involved?” – Adam [16:49]
5. Listener Text: On Notebook Superiority & Stickers
[18:30 - 22:00]
- A listener reminisces about Adam’s "notebook series," leading Adam to wax poetic about the cultural power of 5-star multi-subject notebooks.
“To be a person that comes top of mind when you see a notebook is… That is true influence.” – Adam [20:00]
- On merch: not in the immediate future, but Adam agrees everyone needs “quoted sweatshirts.” He’s less enthused about stickers unless you “fully commit to the bit.”
- Adam gently mocks the Apple product sticker phenomenon:
“People who put that white apple sticker on something... should be clinically studied. ... That’s a crazy sticker to use.” – Adam [22:23]
6. Listener Voicemail: The Intricacies of Doping Tests (“Nipple to Knee” Story)
[18:41 - 39:29]
- A caller asks why, if retired, Adam didn't just skip a drug test rather than endure the indignity of his infamous “nipple to knee” episode.
- Adam painstakingly explains anti-doping protocols: you only get flagged for a missed test if you’re not present, and refusing a test appears as a serious violation.
“You don’t know you have to poop until you have to poop, right? ... Once I had confirmed with the agent... There’s no missing that test, right? You have to miss the test—you need to not be available for the test.” – Adam [28:10] “What will show up is Adam Rippon refuses to take drug test. ... That would show up on my record... as a violation. ... Why would you refuse a drug test?... it’s ‘cause you’re on drugs, right?” – Adam [32:10]
- He emphasizes the deep seriousness of refusing a test and how that stigma could follow an athlete professionally far beyond their competitive days.
- Colorful, lighthearted retelling of the notorious incident, including industry anecdotes about cheating tricks involving “a hose shaped as a penis.”
7. Advice: Saving Money & Avoiding Dumb Purchases
[39:29 - 40:54]
- Adam responds to a text, admitting questionable expertise but sharing his own system: don’t buy anything new before getting rid of something old, and practice “light bullying” to discourage impulse buys.
“You need to kind of bully yourself a little bit. When you’re looking at that thing you want, you have to be a bully and be like, ‘Ew. You’re getting that?’” – Adam [42:45]
- Final rule: “If you’re on the fence about it, that means it’s a no.” [43:45]
8. Listener Voicemail: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Engagement—Do Opposites Attract?
[39:29 - 50:12]
- A caller asks if couples must be intellectual equals, referencing Taylor Swift (an “artist, lyricist, performer... intelligence beyond what we can comprehend”) and Travis Kelce (a “goofy guy”).
- Adam offers a nuanced response: while on the surface there are differences, the real compatibility comes from shared experiences of fame and understanding, which outweigh superficial intellectual matching.
“Sometimes it can come off as, like, she’s so smart and he’s a meathead. ... But I think that at the end of the day, the connection that they have... is a lot deeper than that because of the experiences they've had in their lives in regards to fame.” – Adam [45:44] “For the two of them, like, they both do what they do at the highest level... I think that’s really attractive to a lot of people.” – Adam [47:18] “Those Travis Kelce tweets from 2011—it was good, like, that’s Obama era tweeting, which is the greatest era of Twitter, I believe.” – Adam [49:58]
9. Pistachio Opening Hack
[50:12 - 50:34]
- Maureen from Massachusetts leaves a voicemail, sharing this time-saving trick: use half a pistachio shell to wedge open another stubborn pistachio.
“That’s sharp shell twist.” – Adam [50:40]
10. Listener Feedback: Podcast Hotline Accessibility
[50:34 - 53:43]
- Listener suggests putting the podcast call/text number in Adam’s Instagram link tree for easier access—Adam is delighted, promises to do so, and celebrates “building a community.”
11. Listener Feedback: Scary Car Sound Effects
[53:43 - 54:47]
- A caller requests the removal of racing/car sound effects from the podcast; Adam promises to take note, jokes about maintaining his “baby fanbase.”
“I want this to be the number one podcast for babies who love me… I don’t want my first hater—no, I’m probably not the first hater—I don’t want my youngest hater to be your daughter.” – Adam [54:55]
12. Notebook & Pen Preferences Revisited
[54:47 - end]
- Adam stands by his 5-star, two-subject notebook of choice and now swears by the Uniball Vision Elite pen.
“Five star notebooks, the greatest notebook of all… Two subject five star notebook is absolutely my favorite notebook of all time.” – Adam [57:04] “This Uniball Vision Elite... it just glides. It’s beautiful. So my taste in pens has evolved. Notebooks has stayed absolutely true.” – Adam [57:44]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On jet lag:
“The best way to overcome jet lag is extreme and almost dangerous exhaustion.” – Adam [01:15] -
On refusing to go to Equinox:
“I canceled that membership and the shackles are off and I’m a free agent.” – Adam [14:15] -
On the notebook legacy:
“To be a person that comes top of mind when you see a notebook is... true influence.” – Adam [20:00] -
On refusing drug tests:
“What will then come out is Adam Rippon refuses to take drug test. ... And that gets out and that turns into a big talking point.” – Adam [32:20] -
On tough love with spending:
“If you’re on the fence about it, that means it’s a no.” – Adam [43:45] -
On the Taylor/Travis dynamic:
“They both do what they do at the highest level… I think that’s really attractive to a lot of people.” – Adam [47:18]
Important Timestamps
- 00:10 – Adam opens the episode, discusses jet lag and Finland trip
- 07:00 – The background “problem” in his home office
- 13:30 – Canceling Equinox, thoughts on group fitness options
- 18:41 – Listener voicemail prompts deep-dive into anti-doping protocols (“nipple to knee” story)
- 39:29 – Relationship dynamics: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce engagement discussion
- 50:12 – Pistachio opening trick
- 53:43 – Feedback on podcast sound effects
- 57:04 – Definitive stance on notebooks and favorite pen
Final Thoughts
Adam closes with appreciation for his listeners, reiterating the importance of their calls and texts, and his unwavering loyalty to the two-subject five-star notebook. True to his brand, he delivers both absurdity (“look for a notebook the size of Adam Rippon’s head”) and heartfelt connection, making intrusive thoughts feel like a shared, and hilariously cathartic, community experience.