Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode #597 featuring Lewis Capaldi

Release Date: July 15, 2025
Guest: Lewis Capaldi, Scottish Singer-Songwriter

1. Introduction and Welcome

Theo Von kicks off the episode by introducing Lewis Capaldi, highlighting his triumphant return to Glastonbury after a hiatus to focus on personal well-being. He also mentions Capaldi's new single, "Survive," available on all streaming platforms.

2. Cultural Identity and Accents

Timestamp: [01:50] - [03:02]

Theo and Lewis delve into the nuances of Scottish versus Irish accents, discussing the international recognition of the Irish accent compared to the Scottish one.

• Theo Von: "It's hard to understand. I feel like it's hard to understand the Scottish sometimes."
• Lewis Capaldi: "I'd say it's the hardest because we've not got the international identity the Irish people have."

They humorously compare cultural symbols, pondering if Scotland has its own version of the Irish leprechaun.

3. UFO Phenomena in Scotland

Timestamp: [11:34] - [19:20]

The conversation shifts to the intriguing topic of UFO sightings in Scotland, particularly focusing on the Livingston Incident, also known as the Taylor Incident.

• Theo Von: "I think Scotland has some of the most UFO sightings anywhere."
• Lewis Capaldi: "Yeah, but I never knew that."

They discuss local legends and the impact of societal issues like the Glasgow Effect on mental health, inadvertently linking it to the prevalence of UFO sightings.

4. Mental Health and Personal Struggles

Timestamp: [21:05] - [55:10]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Lewis Capaldi's candid discussion about his mental health journey, including his experiences with Tourette's Syndrome and the importance of therapy.

• Lewis Capaldi: "I had a breakdown on stage at Glastonbury in 2023. It was terrible, but it forced me to seek help."
• Theo Von: "Fair play to these braziered men. Are you feeling okay?"

Lewis shares how stepping away from the limelight allowed him to recalibrate, undergo therapy, and manage his condition better.

• Lewis Capaldi: "Therapy every week has been really beneficial for me. It's been the biggest thing that's switched everything around."

He emphasizes the importance of external validation and how fame can exacerbate mental health issues, highlighting the need for genuine self-awareness and support systems.

5. The Impact of Fame

Timestamp: [35:00] - [43:48]

Theo and Lewis explore how fame affects personal identity and mental health. Lewis expresses feelings of embarrassment and the pressure to maintain an image.

• Lewis Capaldi: "Being famous is the most embarrassing thing of all time. I constantly feel like I'm either too famous or not famous enough."
• Theo Von: "It's interesting to imagine that you're important."

They discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the public eye and the psychological toll it can take.

6. Family and Personal Life

Timestamp: [87:21] - [90:19]

Lewis introduces his family members, mentioning his two brothers and sister, and how they have been a source of support.

• Lewis Capaldi: "My brother Warren was a musician and got me into music. Aiden is the closest of us."
• Theo Von: "You have tour relationships. That's amazing."

They share anecdotes about family dynamics and the role of his upbringing in shaping his personality and resilience.

7. Music, Songwriting, and Collaborations

Timestamp: [76:00] - [85:49]

The discussion turns to Lewis's songwriting process, his upcoming EP, and potential collaborations with other artists like Dermot Kennedy and James Blake.

• Lewis Capaldi: "Writing 'How I'm Feeling Now' was a pivotal moment for me. It's about having everything you want but still feeling unsatisfied."
• Theo Von: "If you and Dermot Kennedy did a collaboration, that'd be pretty amazing."

Lewis reflects on the challenges of writing from personal experiences and the therapeutic nature of music.

8. Upcoming Tours and Projects

Timestamp: [93:58] - [94:54]

Lewis shares details about his upcoming tours, including Australia and the UK, and his excitement to get back on stage after his hiatus.

• Lewis Capaldi: "The Australia tour is the exact same tour we canceled, but we're launching a fresh UK tour in September."
• Theo Von: "Glad you're feeling good and excited to hear what you do."

He expresses enthusiasm about reconnecting with fans and continuing his musical journey.

9. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [94:56] - [95:17]

Theo and Lewis wrap up the conversation with heartfelt thanks, mutual appreciation, and final goodbyes.

• Lewis Capaldi: "Thank you for having us on. It's been really helpful to talk about these things."
• Theo Von: "Lewis Capaldi, man. Thank you, brother."

Lewis also extends gratitude to his sponsor, BetterHelp, discussing the importance of accessible mental health support.

Notable Quotes:

• Lewis Capaldi on Therapy:
  "Therapy every week has been really beneficial for me. It's been the biggest thing that's switched everything around."
  [55:10]

• Theo Von on Authenticity:
  "People are craving a bit of authenticity."
  [39:50]

• Lewis Capaldi on Fame and Self-Image:
  "Being famous is the most embarrassing thing of all time. I constantly feel like I'm either too famous or not famous enough."
  [41:37]

Conclusion

In this episode of "This Past Weekend," Theo Von engages in a deep and introspective conversation with Lewis Capaldi, exploring themes of cultural identity, mental health, the pressures of fame, and the healing power of music. Capaldi's openness about his struggles and triumphs offers listeners a genuine and relatable perspective, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to discussing meaningful and real-life topics.

Note: Advertisements, introductory segments, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Theo Von and Lewis Capaldi.